Has a European Champion Ever Transcended to Stardom in the United States?

[generalbulldog]

GGG just needs to be promoted correctly and he can become a major star. Foreign fighters can become major stars if they are promoted correctly and matched right. Take Roberto Duran for example, and most recently Manny Pacquiao. Say what you want about guys like Don King and Bob Arum, but they really know how to promote fights and their fighters.

Naseem Hamed was also pretty big when he came to America. I remember him appearing on Jay Leno a few times, especially after his fight with Kevin Kelly at MSG.

Of course, it would be much easier for a boxer to transcend to stardom in the US if most of the compelling boxing matches were on free network tv and not on premium cable channels like Showtime and HBO, which imo has terribly hurt the sport in the US, but that's another whole topic altogether.

[powerpuncher]

To stardom? Depends what your definition of that is. I can't think of any that have become superstars at the level of mayweather, Pac, de la hoya, rjj etc. There have definitely been Europeans that have reached pretty high levels of stardom here in the US but not superstardom that I can think of. Maybe I'm wrong though.

[ross]

To stardom? Depends what your definition of that is. I can't think of any that have become superstars at the level of mayweather, Pac, de la hoya, rjj etc. There have definitely been Europeans that have reached pretty high levels of stardom here in the US but not superstardom that I can think of. Maybe I'm wrong though.

What (other) Americans do you have that have reached the level of "superstardom" of Mayweather and De La Hoya?



Jones was never that big. In fact Mayweather wasn't always that big either. His first Pay per view wasn't until Gatti and they needed Gattis name to sell that!

[Dia bando]

To be honest does it really mater, Calzaghe was a great fighter, you fight were you want
if you don't like to travel outside your Country so what.!!!
Remember the Klits make big money in Europe, they don't need America,! to be honest in
America it's like a circus, you have to sell and hype yourself up.
In Europe fighters are making good money, Hopkins would not dream of fighting in Europe,
I mean he may not get one of his loved up referee, to help him out.

Remember your a star in your own Country, to most that's all that counts, remember home
town decisions happen here and in America.
America at one time ruled pro boxing, but not so much now, things change the out look
change, Look at Froch V Groves fight, how many people attended that fight, would you get
that in the states theses days.!!

[ryanman]

Lennox Lewis. As Ross said.

[ross]

What Americans can draw as big a crowd as Calzaghe, Hatton and Froch?

[Andre]

The one who eventually became the most loved and accepted as a star everywhere, was probably Kostya and thats amazing when you think of the Russian US rivalry and how hard headed some old people were over it as he headed into the pro circuit ,that proved boxing stood alone on such things.

[Beanflicker]

What Americans can draw as big a crowd as Calzaghe, Hatton and Froch?

Even a log of shit will draw flies.

[beenKOed]

What Americans can draw as big a crowd as Calzaghe, Hatton and Froch?

I could give you a list as long as my arm, but that's not what this thread is supposed to be about, right?

[Beanflicker]

Most European fighters are the shits, the best come from North America. That's what's up.

[beenKOed]

Most European fighters are the shits, the best come from North America. That's what's up.

Feeling a little constipated, aren't you!

[Beanflicker]

Most European fighters are the shits, the best come from North America. That's what's up.

Feeling a little constipated, aren't you!

Unlike Europe, which has been churning out tons of shit forever.

[powerpuncher]

To stardom? Depends what your definition of that is. I can't think of any that have become superstars at the level of mayweather, Pac, de la hoya, rjj etc. There have definitely been Europeans that have reached pretty high levels of stardom here in the US but not superstardom that I can think of. Maybe I'm wrong though.

What (other) Americans do you have that have reached the level of "superstardom" of Mayweather and De La Hoya?



Jones was never that big. In fact Mayweather wasn't always that big either. His first Pay per view wasn't until Gatti and they needed Gattis name to sell that!

I agree which is kind of my point. No European has gotten to that level but most fighters haven't either.