I suppose I’m part of the problem and not part of the solution.
But, in defense of myself and anyone else who focuses on Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, who do you suggest we write about?
Would the masses read it if there more articles and columns about lesser known fighters? Is this the old which came first, the chicken or the egg, conundrum?
Boxing would be a disaster area if either Mayweather or Pacman quit now. If both of them packed it, immediate resuscitation would be required.
The sport-business would be left with ZERO superstars and don’t mention the Klitschko Brothers, who although they rule the heavyweight division absolutely are burdened by unattractive, nonthreatening oppponents.
Klitschko business is big business in Germany but neither Wladimir nor Vitali means much on Main Street, America, as evidenced by HBO’s distinct lack of interest in them.
Pongsaklek Wonjongkam, who has a 76-3-1 with 40 KOs pro record, is worthy of more media attention, is he not? But he is just as old as Floyd Mayweather. (Thaisportsblogs.com)
Too bad America doesn’t have a fresh faced, loquacious David Haye type but heavyweight interest in the US is the lowest I have ever seen it. I’m talking from the Floyd Patterson era when I say how low can we go?
Let’s leave the toxic sludge of the heavyweights aside.
Boxing, especially in my country, needs new superstars.
So that’s why I’m rooting for sparkling super middleweight Andre Ward. And it’s why I hope Devon Alexander can keep rolling on to what could be a scorcher of a showdown against Timothy Bradley.
I really shouldn’t pick just on the USA.
Aside from the intriguing but unproven Haye, what’s England got to brag about? Carl Froch can’t fight like he talks which is a crying shame.
Devon “The Great” Alexander is getting superstar treatment by promoter Don King and HBO (Don King Productions)
Mexico is without a prime time superstar as Saul ?Canela? Alvarez is bubbling up. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. may get wrecked and ruined by Miguel Cotto soon.
Quick, name one fighter of any note from France where the Acaries Brothers used to run regular Canal Plus shows.
Canada is dry except for hot spot Montreal led by super middleweight Lucian Bute and maybe he and Ward will someday collide like Bradley and Alexander must.
Akihiko Honda has had many ring stars in Japan but he’s got no international standouts now.
Boxing, except for the above mentioned exceptions, is in a worldwide recession.
I’m not skipping over young Americans Andre Berto and Paul Williams but can anyone say they are bonafide superstars who can move either tickets or PPV numbers? Maybe someday but not yet.
Chad Dawson is a real talent but he also suffers from a lack of enthralling foes. He may have to skip a few meals and go after Ward and/or Bute to make things exciting.
The Old Guard’s days are numbered.
Boxing needs new, young stars like a vampire needs fresh blood.
If we don’t get some and soon, the boxing recession may turn into a depression.
But, as I said, I’m part of the problem.
I guess I should be chronicling Pongsaklek Wonjongkam, the Thai flyweight, in this space.
I wonder if he is any relation tomy favorite Thai flyweight champ ever, Pone Kingpetch.
When we only had eight world champions and as many divisions, he was the bottom listed champ while Charles “Sonny” Liston was the fearsome heavyweight ruler.
Win, lose or Thai, he’s not exactly chopped mee krob, you know, having won 76 out of 80 pro bouts.
Pacman is not the only sizzling southpaw doing Asia proud.
If you remember Kingpetch like I do, you may be listening to your arteries harden even as you, I hope, read this.
Yeah, Wonjongkam, he’ll boost those page views…at least in Bangkok and Chiang Mai and maybe Pattaya Beach.
Oh, the bad news on Pongsaklek? He turns age 33 next week so he’s no youthful sprite, either.
