I think fighters have to wanna take the physical abuse, not because of the "fans"

"Fans" pay the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ million revenue for fights.

So of course we need to be schmoozed and have token "I fight for the fans" mentions so we keep the revenue going.

Its all about US, think about it. The sponsors pay big bucks, why? because us fans buy the product. We buy what everyone is selling in a boxing promotion. We buy the good guy and wanna see him win. We buy the bad guy so we wanna see him get sparked. We buy the goods and services, we read the articles, we post on the forums etc..

So inside I feel any athlete could care less about the fan, but realize the millions of people that they dont know are essential to their wallet and way of life