2009 = no big names in boxing

[DiegoFuego]

Wow, this is a major blow to boxing. Even if you don't like Floyd, you have to admit he is the only known fighter in the world right now to casual fans. Pacquiao, Calzaghe, and Cotto simply don't draw people in despite having more aggressive styles than Mayweather. I think boxing is in trouble if Floyd really stays away because we know Oscar is gone at the end of the year. In the past year we've lost Morales, Barrera, Hopkins (probably), De La Hoya (in December), and now Mayweather.

Trinidad and Wright may as well be gone, both of whom are known by many outside boxing (I know, it's shocking, but I've seen Winky on BET tons of times). Mosley is probably gone by the end of the year as well.

Is Roy Jones the last famous guy in the sport?

[Flawless]

Wow, this is a major blow to boxing. Even if you don't like Floyd, you have to admit he is the only known fighter in the world right now to casual fans. Pacquiao, Calzaghe, and Cotto simply don't draw people in despite having more aggressive styles than Mayweather. I think boxing is in trouble if Floyd really stays away because we know Oscar is gone at the end of the year. In the past year we've lost Morales, Barrera, Hopkins (probably), De La Hoya (in December), and now Mayweather.

Trinidad and Wright may as well be gone, both of whom are known by many outside boxing (I know, it's shocking, but I've seen Winky on BET tons of times). Mosley is probably gone by the end of the year as well.

Is Roy Jones the last famous guy in the sport?

Pacquiao who even knows that guy. Calzaghe on the top p4p list the decline of boxing.

[Boricua6]

Good riddance - now the boxing public will see real hand to hand combat

[Domain]

Wow, this is a major blow to boxing. Even if you don't like Floyd, you have to admit he is the only known fighter in the world right now to casual fans. Pacquiao, Calzaghe, and Cotto simply don't draw people in despite having more aggressive styles than Mayweather. I think boxing is in trouble if Floyd really stays away because we know Oscar is gone at the end of the year. In the past year we've lost Morales, Barrera, Hopkins (probably), De La Hoya (in December), and now Mayweather.

Trinidad and Wright may as well be gone, both of whom are known by many outside boxing (I know, it's shocking, but I've seen Winky on BET tons of times). Mosley is probably gone by the end of the year as well.

Is Roy Jones the last famous guy in the sport?

And without a heavyweight Divison boxing is looking even worse...MMA is already getting network tv deals and its growing big time in popularity.

its a shame whats going on.

[-Hyperion-]

who cares...keeps ****** people from learning about our beautiful sport....

[Mike06j770]

De La Hoya should sign Tyson and bring himback for a 3 fight deal...haha

[ElGranLuchador]

oscar is a bigger name than floyd and he is still fighting
also dont forget calzaghe

[-Antonio-]

Mayweather retiring cant even make front page news on ESPN over Doug Collins not becoming coach of the Bulls.

It's obviously not that big of a blow to the casual fans if ESPN doesnt even care that much.

[Dorian]

And without a heavyweight Divison boxing is looking even worse...MMA is already getting network tv deals and its growing big time in popularity.

its a shame whats going on.

Yeah i agree

[-Antonio-]

And another thing. Before the Oscar fight, was Floyd really that popular? I mean as a boxer he was, but as an athlete? Sure he made the transition over the last 16 months or so, but boxing managed before it'll manage now.

Pavlik has plenty of crossover appeal anyway I'd say.