Re: If the Klitschkos were American, would they get more praise/respect?
I think they might have more popularity. Anything can be popular hear if its promoted the right way. Most of TV now is filled with untalented people making fools of themselves nightly. Even the losers of Idol and similar shows have websites and fan clubs run by fanboys and teeny boppers. Theres definitely a portion of fans here waiting for the next "great white hope".
Would they get more respect? Hard to say. I would wager to say they might even get less from the traditional and hardcore boxing fans because their style is not enough blood and guts, not flashy and doesn't really fall in line with classic American form. All a matter of perception of course, but it seems like the fans of most sports over here are tapering off of their once beloved sports and only tune in for the really particularly amazing athletes or feats. Koby vs Labron, The superbowl, Boston, Yanks or Both in the world Series. The Klits would have to run through guys at a rapid pace and obliterate all comers to truley get the that kind of praise/respect here. With boxing not as popular as it was, there would have be something truley special to get peoples attention and after hurdling that, they'd be measured against the greats.
Sports used to be so absolute here. One player transcended the sport because they were so good or passionate. Now.. Players transcend the level of play of the pack and the media puts them above the sport. There is no longer one or two Titans who have decimated all. There are a few really good guys and the fans argue over who the best is. It once was.. the best was the best and you loved them or hated them .. or "liked this guy better" but there was rarely a dispute to who was the best. The passion in sports has been replaced by greed and money. There no hand shake deals or guys taking fights as a matter of personal pride/dislike/grudges/etc. or even charity or exhibition matches. Everyone today fights or plays for the money and it shows. Thats why throwbacks almost gain instant credibility with the fans.
They want your @$$ beat because upsets make news. News brings about excitement, excitement brings about ratings. The objective is to bring you up to the tower and tear your @$$ down. And if you don't believe that, you're crazy.
Roy Jones, Jr. "What I've Learned," Esquire 2003
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