I agree to a point.
It's hard to calculate the best, or winner, when the criteria becomes more and more abstract.
However, boxing... is judged on ring generalship as in taking the fight to the other boxer, and effective punching is not as objective as one would think. The crowd/city/popular fighter also can affect judging outcomes.
That said, Figure, fitness comps,bodybuilding is a sport, the athletes are training for an outcome, and it is their discipline, and intellect as in what supps/gear/diet that are put on the line.
These competitors/athletes are training for a competitive outcome. However, it's more of an exhibition sport, and not quite the same thing. I still call these people athletes, due to the training involved.