Who would have drawn more than Floyd in this era?

[IamInuit]

This is the highlight reel era where boxing plays second fiddle to knockouts. Where announcers call pugilists boring and guys like Rigo have to fight in China. The irony is if Floyd Mayweather was just starting today he'd most likely be ignored. That's why its so puzzling as to why he draws the way he does. He does the same thing Rigo does or Locche or Pep and those two most likely would not make it to the big time in today's market either.

Floyd has successfully built his "brand" better than anyone else in boxing history. He doesn't make his money by being exciting. Controversy Creates Cash, Floyd rarely provides excitement but he never fails to produce controversy.

I think people are also just attracted to greatness. People who don't follow boxing know about Mayweather and know he's the top boxer in the world, and are naturally intrigued by his status and by the high stakes his fights provide (protecting the 18 year undefeated streak, the coveted 0). He's become a crossover star and the face of boxing, like a Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, ect.

Yup he is unique to draw the way he does in this fast food era. Another thing to consider is that although tough to calculate, there is most likely a significant amount of buyers that do so with the hope of seeing the man lose. The "I was at x" syndrome when Mr. Unbeatable got beat plays a role along with the world connectivity. I watch a fair amount of Al Jazeera and even they have him prominent on their sports banner background.