Americans hate british fighters. Why?

From the impression I get from this forum, and plenty of american boxers, a lot of yanks just don't like british boxers. I hate to generalise but all I ever hear is hate towards Hatton, Calzaghe, Lewis, Eubank, Benn, Bruno and pretty much every british fighter to cross the shores or have any sort of exposure. I can't explain it, so I was hoping someone would enlighten me, because it seems none of you have a problem with Irish Fighters, and all you yanks with a drop of Irish blood in you all of a sudden feel the need to wear tartan! I'm half Irish myself and I don't feel any different from the the next guy. I'm confused ???

Not serious boxing fans.

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Originally Posted by yoitsdan

From the impression I get from this forum, and plenty of american boxers, a lot of yanks just don't like british boxers. I hate to generalise but all I ever hear is hate towards Hatton, Calzaghe, Lewis, Eubank, Benn, Bruno and pretty much every british fighter to cross the shores or have any sort of exposure. I can't explain it, so I was hoping someone would enlighten me, because it seems none of you have a problem with Irish Fighters, and all you yanks with a drop of Irish blood in you all of a sudden feel the need to wear tartan! I'm half Irish myself and I don't feel any different from the the next guy. I'm confused ???

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Don't know about that, at least not in terms of plenty Americans hating all British boxers.. Just the odd stupid poster on here who go by nationality and race a little too often, Id say. For instance, I love Calzaghe Eubank Benn and Bruno, I hate Hatton and Lewis.. Just always have, never liked watching them fight, I think Lewis is boring, Hatton is overrated and a dirty fighter. That's just my opinion, and the fact that their British doesn't have anything to do with it.. I think it works both ways, in that plenty of British people take negative comments about a particular British fighter as some nationalistic or racist comment, when everyone simply has their own taste. Im not saying there isn't the odd tool who does generally rag on British boxers, Im just saying that imo you probably base alot of this on recent criticism of Hatton and Calzaghe, which isn't based on where they are from. If anything, if people hated Hatton and Calzaghe so much they wouldn't have any reason to bitch about them not seeking out super fights... THe fact is people want to see them fight the best because they know that their great fighters. Sorry if I missed the ball on that one, maybe I havent seen the worst of it.

im american, and i think that calzaghe is one of the best fighters out there.
off the top of my head, i cant think of a fighter who can beat him around his weight (including jermain, my #2 fighter :o)

as for hatton, im gonna be honest and say that i knew nothing about him going into the ring with tszyu (who i thought was damn near indestructable, at the time) and watched him decimate one of this generations better fighters (imho) but after seeing him with collazo i cooled off on ricky a little bit. now im not sure if hatton caught kosta on a real bad night, or if hatton is spectacular and almost unbeatable at 140 only. ill let you know after the castillo fight ;)


but i do hate lennox lewis

I became an instant Hatton fight after he beat Tszyu, I've made comments about him as far as not stepping up and taking about 2 yrs. in between each fight. Which I would dog on any fighter for doing that.

Calzaghe same thing give him mad props. for shutting US (including me) up by handing Lacy his ass. But same as in the case of Hatton, boxing continues after a BIG win and even BIGGER things are expected I just don't think either has done that and as I have repeated they both said they were gonna come and conquer America. Well? :(

Bruno I just never got into him nore do I pay much attention to but not cause hes British but because in his career theres nothing that draws me to him.
Benn & Eubank much respect to both I've never uttered a single word against them they both had solid careers epic fights Watson, Collins, McClellan. All in all they were solid fighters.

Lewis, I think was a good champ but I don't think he was the next best thing. I do give him the edge on fighting better opposition them Tyson. But thats not Tysons fault. Anyway he was Heavy. Champ and beat whom ever they put in his way, I do hack at him for not fighting McCall & Rahman a 3rd time.

I the end I don't hate British fighters, I don't hate Asian fighters, I don't hate fighters due to their race/ethnicity but more of due to their boxing career and things they've done/do or said/say.

Not me! look at my hat I even wear it in support for our UK Fighters! ;)

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Originally Posted by yoitsdan

From the impression I get from this forum, and plenty of american boxers, a lot of yanks just don't like british boxers. I hate to generalise but all I ever hear is hate towards Hatton, Calzaghe, Lewis, Eubank, Benn, Bruno and pretty much every british fighter to cross the shores or have any sort of exposure. I can't explain it, so I was hoping someone would enlighten me, because it seems none of you have a problem with Irish Fighters, and all you yanks with a drop of Irish blood in you all of a sudden feel the need to wear tartan! I'm half Irish myself and I don't feel any different from the the next guy. I'm confused ???

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I do believe that maybe Hatton and some of the other r fighters you mentioned don't get the vredit they deserve at times,but then again,like you get the odd hater,you get the odd blind nuthugger who says they are the best etc(although they usually get banned quickly!)

I think the recent criticism of Hatton is justified,he was fighters of the year lat year but this year,he has only fought once,they hype is dying down and the questions are appearing again but 2007 looks like a strong year with JLC/Urango/???.

I think Calzaghe gets the most haters,because he ahs not fought AAA fighters,but I don't believe that is his fault,he has beaten everyone put in front of him,crushed Lacy who 90%of peeps here(including myself I think)thought would beat him,now that victory is demeaned and squashed by critics. Fact is,you look at him box,he is AWESOME,seems to have it all and is under rated in my opinion and I'm not even a big fan!

I actually don't think it's where they are from though,not in most cases,only the odd idiot here and there.

well since u brought it up el gamo my brother im a lil unclear on your exact situation??? so your like from the states but your currently in the UK for school? are you in the military? or like a military brat? and whats your ethnicity if u dont mind me asking? you still my boy no matter what, but i always wonder exactly what the deal was with you my brother hollaaaaaaaa back bro!

I don't hate fighters from the UK.

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Originally Posted by Starr

I don't hate fighters from the UK.

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No you hate them all equally ;)

In response, I've noticed that the response is from all the posters I like on this forum, thats how I thought it would be from you guys, but its not like you haven't noticed that its going on. :) :coolclick: 's for the feedback

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Originally Posted by yoitsdan

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Originally Posted by Starr

I don't hate fighters from the UK.

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No you hate them all equally ;)

In response, I've noticed that the response is from all the posters I like on this forum, thats how I thought it would be from you guys, but its not like you haven't noticed that its going on. :) :coolclick: 's for the feedback

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Actually I like Witter and Hatton and Haskins, it's Khan who the jury is out on.

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Originally Posted by yoitsdan

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Originally Posted by Starr

I don't hate fighters from the UK.

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No you hate them all equally ;)

In response, I've noticed that the response is from all the posters I like on this forum, thats how I thought it would be from you guys, but its not like you haven't noticed that its going on. :) :coolclick: 's for the feedback

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Ive just not really felt able to contribute to this thread, what with being British and not really being able to speak on behalf of our friends from across the big pond. All I know is that I like a fighter and thats it. The nationality or race or ahem gender of the fighter I like is a secondary factor. An example I can give is as a Brit I thoroughly hated it when Danny Williams knocked out Mike Tyson. It could have been any Englishman in there and no way would I support him knocking out Tyson.

I think Calzaghe is an excellent fighter, possibly underrated by the Americans. Im sure many out there really think Jones Jr can still beat Calzaghe. They are dreaming. 4 years ago Jones was too much, not now. But Calzaghe has been unlucky with injuries and not been able to follow up the Lacy win. As for Hatton, well he has been inactive and he looked mediocre in his 1 fight this year. He deserves some stick. Maybe next year will be big for both fighters...

I'm british but i hate lewis and am not fussed on joe.c but all the rest are great especially benn. They all have a lot of heart.

There is some hating, but then again, we are all guilty of being to Patriotic at times. That said there a few idiots that really beleive that if you aren't from the USA you can't possibly be anything special

I said a few ;)

As for my opinions, my 2 fave fighters are JC and RH, but even I am losing pateince with the pair of them , they need more than 1 big fight each to make a legacy and truly be seen as the best!

Bruno was a gr8 attacking fighter, but had no defence or powers of recuperation

Lewis is, imo, 'slightly' overrated in terms of all time greats - still one of my fave fighters of all time though - just wish he, Tyson & Holyfield were all prime at the same time, coz despite being similar ages their primes were far apart

I am a casual boxing fan. I watch it when its on and rarely buy a PPV fight. It is not that we hate UK fighters, it is that we dont respect them as much. We feel it is our sport, much like basketball. We love the story of the kid coming from the ghetto becoming the champ. The movie "Rocky" portrayed this story perfectly. And whether you want to beleive it or not this was the only boxing many people probably have ever seen. Just some thoughts, I don't know if any of it is actually the case.

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Originally Posted by Gatesnapper

I am a casual boxing fan. I watch it when its on and rarely buy a PPV fight. It is not that we hate UK fighters, it is that we dont respect them as much. We feel it is our sport, much like basketball. We love the story of the kid coming from the ghetto becoming the champ. The movie "Rocky" portrayed this story perfectly. And whether you want to beleive it or not this was the only boxing many people probably have ever seen. Just some thoughts, I don't know if any of it is actually the case.

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We have Ghettos ;)

We don't all live in Castles ;D

....... I mean, I do - but not everybody does ;D


Saddo lives in a mudhut



True

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Originally Posted by miles

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Originally Posted by yoitsdan

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Originally Posted by Starr

I don't hate fighters from the UK.

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No you hate them all equally ;)

In response, I've noticed that the response is from all the posters I like on this forum, thats how I thought it would be from you guys, but its not like you haven't noticed that its going on. :) :coolclick: 's for the feedback

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Ive just not really felt able to contribute to this thread, what with being British and not really being able to speak on behalf of our friends from across the big pond. All I know is that I like a fighter and thats it. The nationality or race or ahem gender of the fighter I like is a secondary factor. An example I can give is as a Brit I thoroughly hated it when Danny Williams knocked out Mike Tyson. It could have been any Englishman in there and no way would I support him knocking out Tyson.

I think Calzaghe is an excellent fighter, possibly underrated by the Americans. Im sure many out there really think Jones Jr can still beat Calzaghe. They are dreaming. 4 years ago Jones was too much, not now. But Calzaghe has been unlucky with injuries and not been able to follow up the Lacy win. As for Hatton, well he has been inactive and he looked mediocre in his 1 fight this year. He deserves some stick. Maybe next year will be big for both fighters...

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I agree with Miles...I am Boxing fan and have my favorites and not so favorites of course...My like or dislike is not born out of were they reside, color of their skin, ethnicity etc...I love good boxing PERIOD!!!! So if a Blue man from Wales is going to dazzle in the ring I could really give a shit as long as he's good!!!

As far as Hatton goes I am not convinced that he is the great that everyone claims...I will reserve judgement after his next showing against mediocre Urango and then Castillo next year if that fights comes off

Calzaghe is great but needs to do something its hard to follow up a huge win with Lacy to a guy like Bika... I mean why Bika????

So there is no hate toward my British brothers its just my personal opinions based upon what I wrote above...

As a side point I like Cory Spinks and other people don't because they think he is a wailing retard!!!!!! ;D LOL!

I had this discussion with superheavyrhun yesterday and I think it's because you guys use extra "u"'s (i.e. colour, armour) and spell defense wrong. Just food for thought.

Seriously I have no problems with brits, I think they are just as capable of having a great boxer as any other country.

The thing that I don't like is when a fighter only fights in his home town, and fights mediocre competition. In this day and age with all the talent in pro boxing, fighters need to prove themselves (to me) in different environments. And unfortunately for you, the money fights are in America for the most part.

Finally, honestly if Americans hated british fighters, they wouldn't spend any time on this particular board.

For the casual US fan, it's probably a matter of ignorance. I fall somewhere between casual boxing fan and rabid fanatic ( you know who you are ), and I learned a lot about the British fight scene from reading posts here. That sense of patriotism probably plays a big part also, as it's very un-American to root for someone who isn't American (at least nowadays). I personally don't care where a boxer is from - if they've got skills, they've got my attention.

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Originally Posted by killersheep

I had this discussion with superheavyrhun yesterday and I think it's because you guys use extra "u"'s (i.e. colour, armour) and spell defense wrong. Just food for thought.

Seriously I have no problems with brits, I think they are just as capable of having a great boxer as any other country.

The thing that I don't like is when a fighter only fights in his home town, and fights mediocre competition. In this day and age with all the talent in pro boxing, fighters need to prove themselves (to me) in different environments. And unfortunately for you, the money fights are in America for the most part.

Finally, honestly if Americans hated british fighters, they wouldn't spend any time on this particular board.

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You say the big money fights are in the USA?? But thats one of the main reasons the likes of Calzaghe and others dont leave the British Shores, becasue they get paid far more than they would over in the Usa, they would basically have to start over well pre Lacey anyway, but you could say the same about the American fighters why dont they travel? Hopkins was offered a career high wage when offered Calzaghe in 02, but declined if Calzaghe was offered the amount of money Bernard was ehd swim over to the USA. Kosta Tzysu only came to the Uk because again it was a career high in terms of him making money around $5 million.

I think the main reason theres alot of hate from paticular posters is becasue we do hype are boxers but when you have one/two world class boxers, what do you expect you guys have like world class boxers coming out of your arses!!!! personally i am a boxing fan not a nationalist.

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Originally Posted by Starr

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Originally Posted by yoitsdan

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Originally Posted by Starr

I don't hate fighters from the UK.

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No you hate them all equally ;)

In response, I've noticed that the response is from all the posters I like on this forum, thats how I thought it would be from you guys, but its not like you haven't noticed that its going on. :) :coolclick: 's for the feedback

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Actually I like Witter and Hatton and Haskins, it's Khan who the jury is out on.

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Emma is now going to destroy you :)

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Originally Posted by bcollins

For the casual US fan, it's probably a matter of ignorance. I fall somewhere between casual boxing fan and rabid fanatic ( you know who you are ), and I learned a lot about the British fight scene from reading posts here. That sense of patriotism probably plays a big part also, as it's very un-American to root for someone who isn't American (at least nowadays). I personally don't care where a boxer is from - if they've got skills, they've got my attention.

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Thank you sir, it's the one sport where nationality and patriotism should be thrown out the fuckin window (forget that ignorant primitive mindset)

I'm American and there's not a human being out there that would put a 'L' on Calzaghe's record - nuff said ;D

I love British women and that's all that counts.

i think British fighters just have really poor promoters i.e. Warren and co. They just dont seem capable of making the biggest fights. They also seem to protect their fighters too much. They talk about Hatton and Calzaghe being greats but dont seem to want them to fight the best. What i mean is RH and JC are both unbeaten, and their promoters are scared of having those L's on their records. Even the greatest boxers of all time where defeated, what made them great was their abillity to come back better than before. Thats why until Hatton and Calzaghe fight the very best out there they cant be considered greats. Thats why i dont think Americans respect them very much.

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Originally Posted by ricky_hitman

i think British fighters just have really poor promoters i.e. Warren and co. They just dont seem capable of making the biggest fights. They also seem to protect their fighters too much. They talk about Hatton and Calzaghe being greats but dont seem to want them to fight the best. What i mean is RH and JC are both unbeaten, and their promoters are scared of having those L's on their records. Even the greatest boxers of all time where defeated, what made them great was their abillity to come back better than before. Thats why until Hatton and Calzaghe fight the very best out there they cant be considered greats. Thats why i dont think Americans respect them very much.

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I agree, although I certainly wouldn't discount Calzaghe's skills, I think he could be an international success, however I fear his days are numbered because of his hand injuries.

Hatton on the other hand is a different story altogether, his hitting and holding technique will not be allowed on the international circuit, and while I appreciate Ricky's heart and training regimen, I think that he will be blown out soon. If he proves me wrong, then more power to him. Ricky still has to prove himself to me (Yes, even with his win over Tszyu)

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Originally Posted by killersheep

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Originally Posted by ricky_hitman

i think British fighters just have really poor promoters i.e. Warren and co. They just dont seem capable of making the biggest fights. They also seem to protect their fighters too much. They talk about Hatton and Calzaghe being greats but dont seem to want them to fight the best. What i mean is RH and JC are both unbeaten, and their promoters are scared of having those L's on their records. Even the greatest boxers of all time where defeated, what made them great was their abillity to come back better than before. Thats why until Hatton and Calzaghe fight the very best out there they cant be considered greats. Thats why i dont think Americans respect them very much.

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I agree, although I certainly wouldn't discount Calzaghe's skills, I think he could be an international success, however I fear his days are numbered because of his hand injuries.

Hatton on the other hand is a different story altogether, his hitting and holding technique will not be allowed on the international circuit, and while I appreciate Ricky's heart and training regimen, I think that he will be blown out soon. If he proves me wrong, then more power to him. Ricky still has to prove himself to me (Yes, even with his win over Tszyu)

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True statements CC. But Lennox Lewis was alway's fighting over here, he was about getting that money, the rest of those guy's should be like that and fighting in Vegas. Hatton should be here to stay, so should JC, and Khan should be ready to make the move also, those are great boxers but they don't promote themselves like Lewis did.

Cool thread.

I looked in expecting everyone to be bang at it, but there you go again, showing why this place trounces other boards 8)

Personally, I think it's a mixture of lack of stateside exposure, hearsay and a healthy dose of scepticism.

You guys over in the US have had your fair share of hyped Brits and Europeans come over as the 'next big thing' only to see them melt under the glare of the Las Vegas sun. So I can genuinely understand where the apathy comes from. Unfortunately, once in a while, we have some genuine kick ass fighters but a lot of US based guys won't give 'em the time of day till they've proved it in the US.

...and that's what gets me, I've never quite understood the importance of the geography. I mean, would MAB be any less of a fighter if he'd of had exactly the same career but he'd fought exclusively in London? Course he wouldn't. Would he get the same props from the US based fans...honestly...I don't think so.

((Oh, and I'm generalising for the ease of making the point...if you've taken offence, stop being so effing sensitive - box on ;)))

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Originally Posted by Steelie

Cool thread.

I looked in expecting everyone to be bang at it, but there you go again, showing why this place trounces other boards 8)

Personally, I think it's a mixture of lack of stateside exposure, hearsay and a healthy dose of scepticism.

You guys over in the US have had your fair share of hyped Brits and Europeans come over as the 'next big thing' only to see them melt under the glare of the Las Vegas sun. So I can genuinely understand where the apathy comes from. Unfortunately, once in a while, we have some genuine kick ass fighters but a lot of US based guys won't give 'em the time of day till they've proved it in the US.

...and that's what gets me, I've never quite understood the importance of the geography. I mean, would MAB be any less of a fighter if he'd of had exactly the same career but he'd fought exclusively in London? Course he wouldn't. Would he get the same props from the US based fans...honestly...I don't think so.

((Oh, and I'm generalising for the ease of making the point...if you've taken offence, stop being so effing sensitive - box on ;)))

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Point well-taken, however I don't believe that MAB would have had the opportunities if he would only fight in London, nor if he was to stay in Mexico City, he got the big name fights by leaving his country and workin his way up in Vegas. The thing about Vegas is that is where the largest international viewership fights come from and the biggest opportunities.

No one has brought up prince naseem, now I could see why you would hate him ;D ;D ;D ;D

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Originally Posted by ricky_hitman

i think British fighters just have really poor promoters i.e. Warren and co. They just dont seem capable of making the biggest fights. They also seem to protect their fighters too much. They talk about Hatton and Calzaghe being greats but dont seem to want them to fight the best. What i mean is RH and JC are both unbeaten, and their promoters are scared of having those L's on their records. Even the greatest boxers of all time where defeated, what made them great was their abillity to come back better than before. Thats why until Hatton and Calzaghe fight the very best out there they cant be considered greats. Thats why i dont think Americans respect them very much.

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Great post buddy, have a :coolclick: and welcome ish to the board.

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Point well-taken, however I don't believe that MAB would have had the opportunities if he would only fight in London, nor if he was to stay in Mexico City, he got the big name fights by leaving his country and workin his way up in Vegas. The thing about Vegas is that is where the largest international viewership fights come from and the biggest opportunities.

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Yep, I conceed all that. I'm just trying to illustrate that in the hypothetical world where 's he's been allowed the same opportunities, fought the same fights etc, that if he'd have fought them outside of the US they wouldn't of made him less of a fighter. It would, however, have made him less respected by US based fight fans.




Interestingly, no one ever disses the US based fighters for not leaving the US...even us Brits...

Yep, and also why do irish fighters get worshipped so much? In the words of the late great Bill Hicks, 'I missed that fucking meeting'.

i don't dislike any fighter due to their race or wherever they come from, i dislike them either if they do something that i don't agree with in or out of the ring, like Lewis i don't like this man at all, i think that he was just as average as the rest of the HW's that are around now, and he would make himself out to be the king of HW's of all time, that he was greater than both Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali, same thing goes for Hamed, i like Hatton, i just don't like the fact that his people keep him from fighting the best out there (rematch with Collazo, Cotto, Mayweather, Margarito, hell even Gatti or Harris), i like Calzaghe also but the same thing as Hatton, his people aside from Lacey make him go for bigger and better fights in either 175 or 160, he could make both weights easy and effectively (if he would we would be able to see fights against, Wright, Taylor, Tarver, Hopkins, Johnson, Jones Jr, Abraham, or even at 168 against Kessler, Green, or Beyer)

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Originally Posted by Steelie

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Point well-taken, however I don't believe that MAB would have had the opportunities if he would only fight in London, nor if he was to stay in Mexico City, he got the big name fights by leaving his country and workin his way up in Vegas. The thing about Vegas is that is where the largest international viewership fights come from and the biggest opportunities.

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Yep, I conceed all that. I'm just trying to illustrate that in the hypothetical world where 's he's been allowed the same opportunities, fought the same fights etc, that if he'd have fought them outside of the US they wouldn't of made him less of a fighter. It would, however, have made him less respected by US based fight fans.




Interestingly, no one ever disses the US based fighters for not leaving the US...even us Brits...

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That's because the biggest fights internationally happen in Vegas, love it or hate it that's how it is.
It is doubtful that PBF, Mosley, Tarver or others could make the kind of money they do fighting anywhere but Vegas.
Winky has fought in London and South Africa. For what it's worth I have great respect for all the UK Islanders on
this board.

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Originally Posted by yoitsdan

Yep, and also why do irish fighters get worshipped so much? In the words of the late great Bill Hicks, 'I missed that fucking meeting'.

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Which Irish fighters are you talkin about?

"If all the British heavyweights were laid out end to end, I wouldn't be at all surprised"

;D

On another point, I have to say that lots of people on this site - and everywhere else - always mix up Nationality and Race. There is a big difference between the two and people alway say 'that's racist' when someone slags off someone British or American or something. I would have thought that there are lots of black and lots of white British people, so disliking them because they are Brits is NATIONALISTIC, whereas disliking them for being white or black is RACIST.

I'm not pointing the finger at anyone in particular (that might be fingerist), but don't you thhink we are in danger of mixing the two up to help an even bigger culture of victimhood amongst some people?

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Originally Posted by killersheep

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Originally Posted by Steelie

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Point well-taken, however I don't believe that MAB would have had the opportunities if he would only fight in London, nor if he was to stay in Mexico City, he got the big name fights by leaving his country and workin his way up in Vegas. The thing about Vegas is that is where the largest international viewership fights come from and the biggest opportunities.

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Yep, I conceed all that. I'm just trying to illustrate that in the hypothetical world where 's he's been allowed the same opportunities, fought the same fights etc, that if he'd have fought them outside of the US they wouldn't of made him less of a fighter. It would, however, have made him less respected by US based fight fans.




Interestingly, no one ever disses the US based fighters for not leaving the US...even us Brits...

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That's because the biggest fights internationally happen in Vegas, love it or hate it that's how it is.
It is doubtful that PBF, Mosley, Tarver or others could make the kind of money they do fighting anywhere but Vegas.
Winky has fought in London and South Africa. For what it's worth I have great respect for all the UK Islanders on
this board.

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Again, I agree Vegas is Boxings Mecca. I'd want to fight there too. However, the Manchester crowds have proved that the Brits will turn out at 2am to accomodate the US TV networks so the US based guys could actually make more money over here. They generally get 'compensated' for making the trip, they wouldn't have to sacrifice the all important TV revenue and they'd be fighting in front of a bigger crowd.

Winky had to fight outside of the US, he really is the exception to the rule. He's one for the purists and has always struggled to draw a crowd of his own. He basically fought wherever he was getting paid.

Actually, lets flip it on it's head...does Winky fighting outside the US make any difference to your opinion of him??

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Originally Posted by X

"If all the British heavyweights were laid out end to end, I wouldn't be at all surprised"

;D

On another point, I have to say that lots of people on this site - and everywhere else - always mix up Nationality and Race. There is a big difference between the two and people alway say 'that's racist' when someone slags off someone British or American or something. I would have thought that there are lots of black and lots of white British people, so disliking them because they are Brits is NATIONALISTIC, whereas disliking them for being white or black is RACIST.

I'm not pointing the finger at anyone in particular (that might be fingerist), but don't you thhink we are in danger of mixing the two up to help an even bigger culture of victimhood amongst some people?

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And then there is.....X.... The voice of reason..LOL!!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by Steelie

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Originally Posted by killersheep

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Originally Posted by Steelie

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Point well-taken, however I don't believe that MAB would have had the opportunities if he would only fight in London, nor if he was to stay in Mexico City, he got the big name fights by leaving his country and workin his way up in Vegas. The thing about Vegas is that is where the largest international viewership fights come from and the biggest opportunities.

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Yep, I conceed all that. I'm just trying to illustrate that in the hypothetical world where 's he's been allowed the same opportunities, fought the same fights etc, that if he'd have fought them outside of the US they wouldn't of made him less of a fighter. It would, however, have made him less respected by US based fight fans.




Interestingly, no one ever disses the US based fighters for not leaving the US...even us Brits...

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That's because the biggest fights internationally happen in Vegas, love it or hate it that's how it is.
It is doubtful that PBF, Mosley, Tarver or others could make the kind of money they do fighting anywhere but Vegas.
Winky has fought in London and South Africa. For what it's worth I have great respect for all the UK Islanders on
this board.

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Again, I agree Vegas is Boxings Mecca. I'd want to fight there too. However, the Manchester crowds have proved that the Brits will turn out at 2am to accomodate the US TV networks so the US based guys could actually make more money over here. They generally get 'compensated' for making the trip, they wouldn't have to sacrifice the all important TV revenue and they'd be fighting in front of a bigger crowd.

Winky had to fight outside of the US, he really is the exception to the rule. He's one for the purists and has always struggled to draw a crowd of his own. He basically fought wherever he was getting paid.

Actually, lets flip it on it's head...does Winky fighting outside the US make any difference to your opinion of him??

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Yes I respect any fighter that will travel more, and can prove themselves in different circumstances, Think of how fights are reffed and judged differently in England, Thailand, Germany, Japan and the US. That is one of the main reasons that Glenn Johnson is one of my favorite fighters,
because he HAS travelled the world. CC I am enjoying this debate. And to flip one more time, does a fighter only fighting in England change your opinion of them?