Why does Floyd Mayweather have very little star power?

He is pound for pound number 1 on the majority of the list across the boxing world yet he does not get the respect he deserves. Looking upon past generations that featured some of the boxing greats such as Leonard, Tyson (For the wrong reasons), RJJ, Trinidad, Mosley, and Oscar who has had more star power than any boxer in history with the exception of Ali all had tremendous star power and attracted many fans to the sport who where not that interested in boxing. Yet it seems that PBF does not get his just due. Is it his level of competition which has not been great lately but has many big wins under his built in the past, is it his attitude, is it his looks or is it a combination of numerous things. Can anybody turn this guy into the next Oscar who makes 10 million a fight or will he continue to have a thug reputation and be teased by boxing fans around the world. I think he deserves the respect of the past greats that had star power but he must start taking the big fights, his promotion has gotten better because he is willing to meet with the media at all times but what will take him to the next level. Somebody has to upgrade his image.

That's a million dollar question - or more! There's no doubt he's one of the most skilled boxers of this generation, and he's had good opposition in the past. I personally would like to see him step again against anyone who poses a danger to him...not that that's a long list! If the ODLH fight happens, it will go a long way toward making him more recognizable.

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Originally Posted by gbrandon

He is pound for pound number 1 on the majority of the list across the boxing world yet he does not get the respect he deserves. Looking upon past generations that featured some of the boxing greats such as Leonard, Tyson (For the wrong reasons), RJJ, Trinidad, Mosley, and Oscar who has had more star power than any boxer in history with the exception of Ali all had tremendous star power and attracted many fans to the sport who where not that interested in boxing. Yet it seems that PBF does not get his just due. Is it his level of competition which has not been great lately but has many big wins under his built in the past, is it his attitude, is it his looks or is it a combination of numerous things. Can anybody turn this guy into the next Oscar who makes 10 million a fight or will he continue to have a thug reputation and be teased by boxing fans around the world. I think he deserves the respect of the past greats that had star power but he must start taking the big fights, his promotion has gotten better because he is willing to meet with the media at all times but what will take him to the next level. Somebody has to upgrade his image.

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I think that boxing on a whole is on a decline in popularity, there is a lot of media competition with MMA events now.
As far as Floyd personally goes, I haven't heard anything from him since the ODLH opportunity went away. Since he doesn't have any fights lined up he should do some ringside announcements, interviews and the like. All the boxers you mentioned were proactive in bringing attention to themselves, I really haven't seen PBF do all that much of that.

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Originally Posted by killersheep

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Originally Posted by gbrandon

He is pound for pound number 1 on the majority of the list across the boxing world yet he does not get the respect he deserves. Looking upon past generations that featured some of the boxing greats such as Leonard, Tyson (For the wrong reasons), RJJ, Trinidad, Mosley, and Oscar who has had more star power than any boxer in history with the exception of Ali all had tremendous star power and attracted many fans to the sport who where not that interested in boxing. Yet it seems that PBF does not get his just due. Is it his level of competition which has not been great lately but has many big wins under his built in the past, is it his attitude, is it his looks or is it a combination of numerous things. Can anybody turn this guy into the next Oscar who makes 10 million a fight or will he continue to have a thug reputation and be teased by boxing fans around the world. I think he deserves the respect of the past greats that had star power but he must start taking the big fights, his promotion has gotten better because he is willing to meet with the media at all times but what will take him to the next level. Somebody has to upgrade his image.

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I think that boxing on a whole is on a decline in popularity, there is a lot of media competition with MMA events now.
As far as Floyd personally goes, I haven't heard anything from him since the ODLH opportunity went away. Since he doesn't have any fights lined up he should do some ringside announcements, interviews and the like. All the boxers you mentioned were proactive in bringing attention to themselves, I really haven't seen PBF do all that much of that.

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True statement, all of those boxers promoted themselves well and appealed to the public, some ring side commentary would help him along with maybe taking endorsements if offered, he needs to sell himself, nobody did that better than Oscar in this generation with Leonard being a close second in the last generation, Ali is the all time king because of his political beliefs.

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Originally Posted by gbrandon

He is pound for pound number 1 on the majority of the list across the boxing world yet he does not get the respect he deserves. Looking upon past generations that featured some of the boxing greats such as Leonard, Tyson (For the wrong reasons), RJJ, Trinidad, Mosley, and Oscar who has had more star power than any boxer in history with the exception of Ali all had tremendous star power and attracted many fans to the sport who where not that interested in boxing. Yet it seems that PBF does not get his just due. Is it his level of competition which has not been great lately but has many big wins under his built in the past, is it his attitude, is it his looks or is it a combination of numerous things. Can anybody turn this guy into the next Oscar who makes 10 million a fight or will he continue to have a thug reputation and be teased by boxing fans around the world. I think he deserves the respect of the past greats that had star power but he must start taking the big fights, his promotion has gotten better because he is willing to meet with the media at all times but what will take him to the next level. Somebody has to upgrade his image.

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Mosley never had more starpower than Floyd. That was one of the problems he and his father tried to figure out by going to different sports agents to try to find out how to broaden his appeal. I think in Floyd's case, it's two reasons. One, he has no visible endorsements, (he has a few I know, but nothing that puts him on commercials, which is how you break into the mainstream). And two, he's at the top in a time when boxing is at an all time low in terms of popularity.

You have to remember that after Shane beat Oscar that his star power soared and he became a overnight sensation, his next three fights after that people started to label him as undefeatable, he also recieved a huge contract from HBO, Floyd never had that kind of star power, sadly it all came tumbling down after the Forrest debacle, but his image was intact in his prime, maybe not an Oscar but he had a solid reputation.

Antonio Tarver was on Jay Leno after KOing Roy. Buster Douglas also got a huge deal ($30 million in his next fight) after KOing Tyson. That's not the same thing as having star power.

P.S.--Mosley's starpower never soared. That's why he turned down an immediate rematch with Oscar. And Vernon Forrest got the same HBO contract after beating Mosley. Star power? I don't think so.

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Originally Posted by killersheep

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Originally Posted by gbrandon

He is pound for pound number 1 on the majority of the list across the boxing world yet he does not get the respect he deserves. Looking upon past generations that featured some of the boxing greats such as Leonard, Tyson (For the wrong reasons), RJJ, Trinidad, Mosley, and Oscar who has had more star power than any boxer in history with the exception of Ali all had tremendous star power and attracted many fans to the sport who where not that interested in boxing. Yet it seems that PBF does not get his just due. Is it his level of competition which has not been great lately but has many big wins under his built in the past, is it his attitude, is it his looks or is it a combination of numerous things. Can anybody turn this guy into the next Oscar who makes 10 million a fight or will he continue to have a thug reputation and be teased by boxing fans around the world. I think he deserves the respect of the past greats that had star power but he must start taking the big fights, his promotion has gotten better because he is willing to meet with the media at all times but what will take him to the next level. Somebody has to upgrade his image.

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I think that boxing on a whole is on a decline in popularity, there is a lot of media competition with MMA events now.
As far as Floyd personally goes, I haven't heard anything from him since the ODLH opportunity went away. Since he doesn't have any fights lined up he should do some ringside announcements, interviews and the like. All the boxers you mentioned were proactive in bringing attention to themselves, I really haven't seen PBF do all that much of that.

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Bang on mate.

It is very hard now, to make your mark as truly global superstar in Boxing and indeed sport as a whole...

David Beckham and Tiger Woods are as close as you get now a days, and even they have their weaknesses in popularity (Beckham, USA; Woods, anywhere where golf is not popular).

Boxing like almost all mainstram sports of the 80s and 90s is on the decline...

But it could be worse, we could be into Cycling! ;)

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Originally Posted by BK

It is very hard now, to make your mark as truly global superstar in Boxing and indeed sport as a whole...

David Beckham and Tiger Woods are as close as you get now a days, and even they have their weaknesses in popularity (Beckham, USA; Woods, anywhere where golf is not popular).

Boxing like almost all mainstram sports of the 80s and 90s is on the decline...

But it could be worse, we could be into Cycling! ;)

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there is actually a post in the lets get it on section about cycling!!! :o

I believe it is do with a lot of things,(excellent thread by the way!).Firstly,to us boxing fans,to watch Floyd is to watch a great great fighter,by far the most talented of this current generation but maybe to an average fan,they would find it boring,I mean when I watch fights with my friends who don't really like boxing,they prefer the wars etc rather than an artist like Floyd.
Secondly,from a fan's perspective,yes,it is the fights.I don't want to get into a big debate about it here but the fact is,who has he fought in the last 3-4 years that we would think would be a tough fight? I want to see him in with dangermen,with threats,to establish how good he truly is.
Finally,it is also his personality,or sorry,how he comes across.He speaks about it making $$$,making sense,the thruth etc etc and then fights Mitchell etc etc,turns down $8mill etc etc. He doesn't have the charisma or the charm of an Oscar in my opinion.

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Originally Posted by The Game

I believe it is do with a lot of things,(excellent thread by the way!).Firstly,to us boxing fans,to watch Floyd is to watch a great great fighter,by far the most talented of this current generation but maybe to an average fan,they would find it boring,I mean when I watch fights with my friends who don't really like boxing,they prefer the wars etc rather than an artist like Floyd.
Secondly,from a fan's perspective,yes,it is the fights.I don't want to get into a big debate about it here but the fact is,who has he fought in the last 3-4 years that we would think would be a tough fight? I want to see him in with dangermen,with threats,to establish how good he truly is.
Finally,it is also his personality,or sorry,how he comes across.He speaks about it making $$$,making sense,the thruth etc etc and then fights Mitchell etc etc,turns down $8mill etc etc. He doesn't have the charisma or the charm of an Oscar in my opinion.

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You're right, and the more he tries to be charismatic like Oscar the more he'll get rejected, some people are not talkers and make an ass out of themselves in the process of trying to be. I don't know if Floyd was wanting to play the bad guy role in the Gatti fight, or just had no clue that he was talking alot of shit about someone who the fans really love to watch. With that performance he could of won over alot of fans had he not been such a loud mouth.

Having an ironic name doesn't help either, he's the ugliest pretty boy I ever seen :lickish:

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Originally Posted by The Game

I believe it is do with a lot of things,(excellent thread by the way!).Firstly,to us boxing fans,to watch Floyd is to watch a great great fighter,by far the most talented of this current generation but maybe to an average fan,they would find it boring,I mean when I watch fights with my friends who don't really like boxing,they prefer the wars etc rather than an artist like Floyd.
Secondly,from a fan's perspective,yes,it is the fights.I don't want to get into a big debate about it here but the fact is,who has he fought in the last 3-4 years that we would think would be a tough fight? I want to see him in with dangermen,with threats,to establish how good he truly is.
Finally,it is also his personality,or sorry,how he comes across.He speaks about it making $$$,making sense,the thruth etc etc and then fights Mitchell etc etc,turns down $8mill etc etc. He doesn't have the charisma or the charm of an Oscar in my opinion.

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Very well put, I think one of the biggest things Oscar did that Floyd does not is he always promoted boxing as a whole
whereas all I've heard floyd take about makes me think he's reciting lyrics from a hip hop song.

He's not very likeable. Most of the people I know can't stand him. He seems to come across as arrogant and spoiled. As a villan.... he's not really mean enough. If he had one punch knockout power that would make a huge difference... but he doesn't. There's just nothing all that attractive about him.

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Originally Posted by Entragian

He's not very likeable. Most of the people I know can't stand him. He seems to come across as arrogant and spoiled. As a villan.... he's not really mean enough. If he had one punch knockout power that would make a huge difference... but he doesn't. There's just nothing all that attractive about him.

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I would say his boxing skills are attractive

That's the thing,he is not charismatic or intelligent enough to even fake the whole good guy image,he comes across as idiotic instead,he;s not good as a bad guy becuase he does not have that meaness about him and he just does not cut it as a businessman at all! Why not just shut the fuck up,fight the best,beat them and let your actions do the talking. Simple really....don't try to be something you are not.

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Originally Posted by The Game

That's the thing,he is not charismatic or intelligent enough to even fake the whole good guy image,he comes across as idiotic instead,he;s not good as a bad guy becuase he does not have that meaness about him and he just does not cut it as a businessman at all! Why not just shut the fuck up,fight the best,beat them and let your actions do the talking. Simple really....don't try to be something you are not.

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honestly though, i am really curious as to how he would do ringside.

I COMPLETELY agree that his boxing skills are a marvel to watch... but we're huge boxing fans anyway, man. Why else would we even take the time to post here. The big winners are the people that transend hardcore boxing fans. Tyson was a big name because he attracted everyone.. hardcore fans, casual fans and even people like my mom who knows absolutely nothing about boxing. Naseem Hamed, Hearns, Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Ocsar De la Hoya, and on and on. Is Naseem Hamed anywhere near the same league as an Ali in boxing ability? Of course not, but they both had star power. Mayweather does not. So you and I will keep watching him, but I don't ever see him catching fire as a superstar. Just like B Hop, who I have so much respect for. He'll go down in our books as a great fighter, but he'll never take off. No tiger woods, michael jordan, wayne gretzky, barry bonds action here. Is he good enough to be in the same league as atheletes like that? It sure as hell looks like he's on his way there. Unfortunately, he's just not that interesting.... or likeable.

Anyone here think a fight with him and ODLH or Sugar Shane will ever happen?

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Originally Posted by Entragian

Anyone here think a fight with him and ODLH or Sugar Shane will ever happen?

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I think the fight with ODLH will go down next year. Maybe Sugar Shane after that.

Floyd just doesnt have that "star power" about him. I think it is his inablity to come across as something other than a thug. I think that is what seperated the Oscar's, RJJ's, SRL, and the like. They didnt have the thug vibe to them. They were able to come across in the media as almost likeable people outside of the ring. Tyson was a thug who was able to cross over, but he was the exception.

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Originally Posted by Entragian

He's not very likeable. Most of the people I know can't stand him. He seems to come across as arrogant and spoiled. As a villan.... he's not really mean enough. If he had one punch knockout power that would make a huge difference... but he doesn't. There's just nothing all that attractive about him.

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Cool click for you sir for speaking the truth.
Nobody can question PBF's talent, he is hugely talented and has silky skills.
He is however a twat.
All that trash talk before a fight is old hat nowadays.
He doesn't have a big punch at Welter and many folk like a fighter to be able to end a contest with one lusty blow. It's a bloodsport after all.
He also seems to, not duck, but rather avoid the dangerous fighters and goes for the softer targets in the division.
I enjoy watching his talent but the man himself is quite unlikeable.

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Originally Posted by TyBuff

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Originally Posted by Entragian

Anyone here think a fight with him and ODLH or Sugar Shane will ever happen?

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I think the fight with ODLH will go down next year. Maybe Sugar Shane after that.

Floyd just doesnt have that "star power" about him. I think it is his inablity to come across as something other than a thug. I think that is what seperated the Oscar's, RJJ's, SRL, and the like. They didnt have the thug vibe to them. They were able to come across in the media as almost likeable people outside of the ring. Tyson was a thug who was able to cross over, but he was the exception.

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True statement. I hate to say it but boxing needs somebody with star power, and now I understand that boxing needs Oscar (I am not a fan) because nobody around can carry the sport of boxing (In star power terms) like him.

PBF is like the Barry Bonds of boxing. Not a very likeable person.

I remember thinking a year or so ago that PBF was going to be a HUGE name... I thought he might be somewhat of a RJJ type to rise above cause of his greatness in the ring.

Then there was that lackluster Judah fight..and he's been sitting with his d*ck in his hands ever since!

Also, it would help if he didnt relate everything back to money. He's obviously a great boxer and has loads of skill and I'm sure he has a desire to be the best, maybe even of his generation but talking like "it's all about the money" kind of turns ppl off. He needs to get more of a warrior mentality like "I'll fight anyone who comes to the table to show my greatness". But he is too controlling and wants to hand pick opponents. He wants DLH cause he thinks a victory is going to cement him as a great, which it probably will, but he's gotta take more fights he shouldnt be planning out as long term as he is I think it's a turn off to a lot of boxing fans cause I know i dont like it.

Turning down 8 mil to fight Margarito was a stupid stupid move. I dont care if Margarito is deserving of the fight or not...it was an 8 million offer and not every fight is going to be a huge blockbuster. Hes more concerned with trying to make a name for himself and that's got to come naturally; it's dumb how he's trying to plan it out.

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Originally Posted by dasamm

I remember thinking a year or so ago that PBF was going to be a HUGE name... I thought he might be somewhat of a RJJ type to rise above cause of his greatness in the ring.

Then there was that lackluster Judah fight..and he's been sitting with his d*ck in his hands ever since!

Also, it would help if he didnt relate everything back to money. He's obviously a great boxer and has loads of skill and I'm sure he has a desire to be the best, maybe even of his generation but talking like "it's all about the money" kind of turns ppl off. He needs to get more of a warrior mentality like "I'll fight anyone who comes to the table to show my greatness". But he is too controlling and wants to hand pick opponents. He wants DLH cause he thinks a victory is going to cement him as a great, which it probably will, but he's gotta take more fights he shouldnt be planning out as long term as he is I think it's a turn off to a lot of boxing fans cause I know i dont like it.

Turning down 8 mil to fight Margarito was a stupid stupid move. I dont care if Margarito is deserving of the fight or not...it was an 8 million offer and not every fight is going to be a huge blockbuster. Hes more concerned with trying to make a name for himself and that's got to come naturally; it's dumb how he's trying to plan it out.

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Mayweather will become a big star it will just probably not happen until the tailend of his career.

You mention not liking his 'all about the money' talk, but Chris Eubank was exactly the same. I remember when he was fighting that everybody hated him, saying he was lazy, got gift decisions and was frustrating to watch.

Now 10 years on he's remembered as one of the real characters of British boxing, a loveable eccentric and a genuine one-off.

Not many boxers are appreciated whilst on their climb to the top. They have to be in the twighlight of their career before people get all nostalgic and remember them with affection.

Mayweather will be looked back upon as one of the greatest fighters of his generation, and his fights against the potential Hattons and Cotto's in addition to his earlier beatdowns of Gatti and Corrales will be looked on as some of the greatest performances of the new millenuim.

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Originally Posted by bilbo

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Originally Posted by dasamm

I remember thinking a year or so ago that PBF was going to be a HUGE name... I thought he might be somewhat of a RJJ type to rise above cause of his greatness in the ring.

Then there was that lackluster Judah fight..and he's been sitting with his d*ck in his hands ever since!

Also, it would help if he didnt relate everything back to money. He's obviously a great boxer and has loads of skill and I'm sure he has a desire to be the best, maybe even of his generation but talking like "it's all about the money" kind of turns ppl off. He needs to get more of a warrior mentality like "I'll fight anyone who comes to the table to show my greatness". But he is too controlling and wants to hand pick opponents. He wants DLH cause he thinks a victory is going to cement him as a great, which it probably will, but he's gotta take more fights he shouldnt be planning out as long term as he is I think it's a turn off to a lot of boxing fans cause I know i dont like it.

Turning down 8 mil to fight Margarito was a stupid stupid move. I dont care if Margarito is deserving of the fight or not...it was an 8 million offer and not every fight is going to be a huge blockbuster. Hes more concerned with trying to make a name for himself and that's got to come naturally; it's dumb how he's trying to plan it out.

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Mayweather will become a big star it will just probably not happen until the tailend of his career.

You mention not liking his 'all about the money' talk, but Chris Eubank was exactly the same. I remember when he was fighting that everybody hated him, saying he was lazy, got gift decisions and was frustrating to watch.

Now 10 years on he's remembered as one of the real characters of British boxing, a loveable eccentric and a genuine one-off.

Not many boxers are appreciated whilst on their climb to the top. They have to be in the twighlight of their career before people get all nostalgic and remember them with affection.

Mayweather will be looked back upon as one of the greatest fighters of his generation, and his fights against the potential Hattons and Cotto's in addition to his earlier beatdowns of Gatti and Corrales will be looked on as some of the greatest performances of the new millenuim.

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No, I agree I have no doubt that PBF is going to be looked at as one of the greatest fighters of his generation. I was just trying to explain/understand the lack of star power he has. I would guess within 2-3 more fights its going to explode; but you'd think with what he has done already he'd have more. That why I was talking about all his money talk and his seemingly stubborn attitude to fight anyone who isn't in his "plan"

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Originally Posted by dasamm

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Originally Posted by bilbo

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Originally Posted by dasamm

I remember thinking a year or so ago that PBF was going to be a HUGE name... I thought he might be somewhat of a RJJ type to rise above cause of his greatness in the ring.

Then there was that lackluster Judah fight..and he's been sitting with his d*ck in his hands ever since!

Also, it would help if he didnt relate everything back to money. He's obviously a great boxer and has loads of skill and I'm sure he has a desire to be the best, maybe even of his generation but talking like "it's all about the money" kind of turns ppl off. He needs to get more of a warrior mentality like "I'll fight anyone who comes to the table to show my greatness". But he is too controlling and wants to hand pick opponents. He wants DLH cause he thinks a victory is going to cement him as a great, which it probably will, but he's gotta take more fights he shouldnt be planning out as long term as he is I think it's a turn off to a lot of boxing fans cause I know i dont like it.

Turning down 8 mil to fight Margarito was a stupid stupid move. I dont care if Margarito is deserving of the fight or not...it was an 8 million offer and not every fight is going to be a huge blockbuster. Hes more concerned with trying to make a name for himself and that's got to come naturally; it's dumb how he's trying to plan it out.

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Mayweather will become a big star it will just probably not happen until the tailend of his career.

You mention not liking his 'all about the money' talk, but Chris Eubank was exactly the same. I remember when he was fighting that everybody hated him, saying he was lazy, got gift decisions and was frustrating to watch.

Now 10 years on he's remembered as one of the real characters of British boxing, a loveable eccentric and a genuine one-off.

Not many boxers are appreciated whilst on their climb to the top. They have to be in the twighlight of their career before people get all nostalgic and remember them with affection.

Mayweather will be looked back upon as one of the greatest fighters of his generation, and his fights against the potential Hattons and Cotto's in addition to his earlier beatdowns of Gatti and Corrales will be looked on as some of the greatest performances of the new millenuim.

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No, I agree I have no doubt that PBF is going to be looked at as one of the greatest fighters of his generation. I was just trying to explain/understand the lack of star power he has. I would guess within 2-3 more fights its going to explode; but you'd think with what he has done already he'd have more. That why I was talking about all his money talk and his seemingly stubborn attitude to fight anyone who isn't in his "plan"

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Well looking back at past fighters and what made them huge box office draws it comes down to 3 qualities.

Monster punching power, Tyson, Foreman, Hearns, more recent Lacy, Sam Peter etc.

Oodles of Charisma and/or film star looks, Ali, De La Hoya etc

A monstrous evil /smack talk persona. Mayorga, Tyson, Liston, Toney, Tarver etc.

for me pbf can make the jump up to "celebrity" pugilist but he has to fight his two big name rivals before they fight each other.allthough there is big risk if pbf could take out or at least take on cotto then hatton consecutively his profile amongst the"big fight only" fans would be raised and would intrest the advertisement people considerably more.imo the worst thing he could do would be to let cotto and hatton fight then meet the winner, if he fought cotto then hatton the audience potential is so huge......us+latin america+britain technically it doesnt matter about the results of the fights. allthough, if i was a fighter i really wouldnt care what the big fight only fans thought, as long as i knew the hardcore knowledgable fight fans recognised my talent i'd be happy

You cant warm to a individual with a MASSIVE ego.

After the debacle when Ricky Hatton bumped into him at the B-hop fight and offered him a handshake and Floyd starting dissin' him and telling him to get the hell out of his way - the little bit of me that was interested in him soured.

As Hatton said at the time 'Wow, it's not just for the camera's - this guy really is solid gold DICKHEAD'

Whether you admire Hatton as a fighter or not, his opinion is an honest one - and it'll do for me.

W*NKER ! >:mad

...i notice he didn't pull that sh*t when Margarito collared him did he? oh no - nice as pie.

Chicken http://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/serenity/turkey.gif


Here's the moment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyIQIvv24rs

Floyd just acts like a spoiled brat... he is a great fighter but his cross over appeal suffers because of his attitude. He needs to just say "Anyone out there, just bring it, but you ain't gonna beat me!!!" & then go out their & beat everyone.