Big fights. We know that. Pacquiao vs Mayweather, if and when it happens, might be the biggest purse ever in a boxing match. Big fights and big names bring boxing to the mainstream crowd. True, the mainstream crowd won?t get it on Network channels, it?ll have to be HBO, but the money?s there. The PPV isn?t the problem.
But big fights like this potential welterweight clash between the most popular boxer in the world, despite, or maybe because he?s not American and the undefeated Mayweather are short term fixes (a dangerous word when it involves boxing). There aren?t that many opportunities like and names out there to keep a consistent interest in the sport.
The legendary fighters, the names everyone remembers, especially non-boxing fans, are of great heavyweights. Dempsey, Joe Louis, Ali, Frazier, Foreman, Tyson. Big men, plus talent, plus incredible power, with great stories and intruiging personalities = Big stars. We?d settle for a big mouth instead of the robotic Klitschko brothers. Well, David Haye, at least he has a big mouth. Not enough talent to back it up, though. A great new heavyweight fighter, preferably American, a real character, will generate huge interest in the sport.
