You're right, Spicoli... personality sells as much as ability. Boxing is not wrestling, but unfortunately the same principle applies. Maybe "Money" Mayweather is not such a bad guy deep inside, and he's just using his bad boy personna to sell tickets. He's got the ability to go along with the personality, so good for him. But like IamInuit said and I agree... there's been a slow, steady shift throughout the years where now we expect our heroes to be controversial bad boys. In and out of jail.... etc, etc. To be sure, there's been tremendous fighters (i.e. - stars) that haven't needed any of this B.S. to be universally liked and successful. You mentioned Mosley. There's a good example. Save for his issues with PED use, which a lot of fans won't forgive him for...... Shane always came across as a "good guy." When did you ever see Shane embroiled in a weigh-in push and shove contest?

I keep mentioning Sugar Ray Leonard. Maybe it's because back then... you didn't NEED any of these shenanigans to be popular with the masses. You just had to be good and exciting to watch.

You mentioned Ward. He's a wonderfully gifted fighter, with some impressive wins on this record. Why isn't he a household name, like Floyd? I dunno.... maybe it's the weight division he resides in.... maybe it's the lack of big names around him.... maybe it's his bland personality. Who knows?

Unlike some people here, I don't measure boxers solely on their PPV numbers. It's a matter of personal choice. I'll respect those who choose to use that as a measuring stick.... but I'll stick to my own criteria.