We all know that De la Hoya has been a consistent PPV attraction. But there leaves the question, will guys like Dawson and others be able to reach respectable PPV numbers? If fans buy based on the fighter, I would say no because nobody got exposure like de la hoya. But if the fans pay attention to boxing, then they would buy fights they would think are big/good. I think its because people familiarize De La Hoya and good fights, that explains why Hopkins/Pavlik got bad numbers, nobody expected a good fight.
You have to have charisma to be a big-earner, I think.
I'm not saying Dawson doesn't, just I've never heard him talk. I'd say that assertion is more prevalent in the US too since it's a massive country with countless sports personalities.
Although in this country, if a guy is a unlikeable, nobody will follow him based on his skill alone; certainly not casual fans.
Ricky Hatton said most of his fans probably feel like they know him, and that is why he is so popular. I think he is right and I think it's better watching guys who you know about outside the ring.
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your ppv buys depend greatly on the casuals. How well you're known to casuals affects your ppv. Dawson is not know by many casuals therefore he will never be a hot ppv. You have to get introduced somehow to the casuals or be a great fighter with a nice fan base.