Quote Originally Posted by eagle

There are a few things i disagree with in that post. Sturm was robbed, but u cannot be serious if u think there are as many robberies in the US as there is in Germany.
I don't. I was just saying that it happens. Tsypko against Lacy is another example imo. But I agree that this anecdotal evidence; I don't think badly of American judges, my point was merely that any German-based fighter fighting an American in America takes on extra risk. Especially if you compare it to the home advantage that - admittedly - have benefited some German-based fighters when it comes to a decision in Germany. Risk-reward...

(Also, since you mentioned Abraham against - of all people - Jermain Taylor, I think it is a relevant point )

Quote Originally Posted by eagle
Another point is that someone like Abrahm may not be a big name in the US now, but he only needs to win one fight, and all of a sudden he is a big name. He could challenge Jermain Taylor, or even Kelly Pavlik to a unification bout, and if he beat one of these guys he'd be able to make many lucrative fights. Erdei could fight Glen Johnson, or Jeff Lacy?
Dzinzruk could fight Ouma, or Spinks.


Ricky Hatton is doing that right now. He could have stayed at home and fought euro fighters and made millions, but he is taking a risk in fighting in the US to buikd himself a legacy, and potentially more money. So why not some of these top German based fighters.
For every Ricky Hatton there is a Joe Calzaghe. Sorry, just couldnt help thinking that.

I agree with your statements, and I would like them to do cross the pond and meet the best myself. It would be amazing if boxers thought more of legacy and less of money. But the rational answer to your original question remains: Why take on bigger risks for lesser money? And you point to Hatton to prove that if might not make lesser money. Well, kudos to Hatton for having confidence (and a fan-friendly style), but Dzindiruk aint gonna break the bank by beating Ouma, and he sure as hell wont do it by losing to Ouma. So it is a risky business, compared to staying in Germany. And perhaps it just requires more confidence and bigger talents than most boxers - German, UK, Thai, etc - have.

And I really hate to repeat myself, but Sturm tried the trick. It hardly worked. You mentioned Lacy, well then you've got Tsypko. In all honesty there are probably more of those examples than of the Ricky Hattons's.