I never bother with the whole popularity thing, but reading this made me think - I can't think of anyone right now (besides the Klitschkos in Europe) who could draw as much money from a worldwide audience in a US-based fight, individually, as Mayweather and Pacquiao.
There are heaps of talented stars in the making and stars we currently have, but none are megastars in the sport. In the '80s and '90s we had Tyson; in the '90s and '00s we had De La Hoya; in the '00s we have Mayweather and Pacquiao. But when it comes to the '10s, I really can't think of anyone right now who can replace them as the PPV kings - the household names - of boxing.
Can you?
TS has a point, good boxers don't always make good stars, or cash cows, bc of personality, their promotion, and ability to cross-over in the media. Personally, I honestly hope nobody fills that gap, I would like to see boxing take a huge nosedive in popularity and success in order to FORCE some changes in boxing for the better. Boxing promoters are the BIG BANKS in America; they get rich off of customers who get sold shit products and they would love to continue this process as the status quo. It wasn't until a financial MELTDOWN that people started getting laws to promote fairness and transparency. If everybody was struggling, they would make fights happen no matter what, they'd take blood tests on the moon if they had to. There's way too much greed, politics, and complacence today
Alvarez will have the mexican fan base. But since Alvarez is a ginger, I wonder if Alvarez can bring in the white fan base in the U.S. even though he's from Mexico?
Assuming Pacquaio and FMM retire in 1 - 2 fights time. Then perhaps David Haye for a brief stint if he can beat a Klistchko. If Amir Khan had a chin then possibly him. Both are loud and outspoken.
Whoever wins the super six and faces off with Bute may propel them into superstardom, which I think will be Ward or Dirrell, unless Abraham spoils the party. There would probably also be a fight with Pavlik at that weight, maybe a catchweight fight with Hopkins.
Andre Berto is a decent shout.
Again Alvarez/Ortiz
Manny and Mayweather didn't become cash cows until they fought Oscar. The next cash cow might be a young talented fighter that might eventually Pac or Floyd in the future. Or the next cash cow will be whoever the next #1 P4P. Andre Dirrell or Andre Ward, depending on who wins the super 6.
Ortiz, maybe. He crossed my mind, and I think there's potential in many ways. I can't explain it right now, but I think he has something De La Hoya-like which may emerge one day.
Alexander... nah. Personality-wise, he's much too boring. Unless him and Bradley suddenly develop Mayweather's mouth overnight, they won't be household names.
Nobody except Malignaggi has a mouth these days. :laff2:
Saul Alvarez is the most obvious candidate. Although i think Ortiz has a chance if he can continue to work on his skills and toughness. Obviously both have a way to go though and its not a sure thing...
it will be one of the 140 lbs guys, my pick is Devon Alexander obviously lol I think he is going to be a Superstar either him or Bradley
I would agree Vic Ortiz (because of the huge Mexican following) same for Saul Alvarez as well, it seems MUCH easier to turn a Latino Fighter in general into a cash cow just because of the following they bring automatically
Amir Khan could be big if he beats everyone in that 140 lbs. division
bottom line I think who ever emerges as King of that 140 lbs division after they all fight (if they all fight each other), then that is who will be the Next Cash Cow, but you cannot make someone a Cash Cow, they have to earn it in the ring
Victor Ortiz still has massive cash cow potential to accompany his great talent.
And his frame looks like it could hold another 15-20 pounds, meaning for more potential matchup's against higher weight opposition.
Paul Williams!
I can't envision a lanky guy who constantly repeats "Naw'm sayin'?" (or whatever other indecipherable stuff he says) as being a household name in 2017. :laff2:
We were asking the same thing once DLH started getting older and he took that two year semi retirement before the Mayorga fight.
Everyone was wondering who'd be the next star.
Too be honest, if Mayweather or Pacquiao stick around long enough to lose, then the guy who beats them will be the next cash cow