Money vs. Legacy

[verbz]

Well I think some fighters care more than others about proving themselves as the best and beating better opponents, but money's always going to be a factor in choice of opposition. Even when Shane Mosley fought Winky Wright, it wasn't like "oh I'm going to give this guy a big fight out of the kindness of my heart and to prove to everyone I can beat a very good difficult opponent". Mosley's pride and ego wouldn't allow him to accept less than 50% of the purse for a 3rd De La Hoya fight, and then he was supposed to fight Mayorga. But Mayorga lost to Spinks, and Winky was the 3rd option.

In regards to fighters not caring less, it's tough to compare their mindsets. Maybe some fighters today learned from the likes of Robinson and Louis who ended up broke and decided to steer their careers more carefully. Perhaps there is a decrease in pride nowadays. Or maybe it's just the circumstances of the times. I have little doubt that Robinson, who was a nightmare to negotiate with, and freely admitted he didn't enjoy the sport and saw it as a business, would be enjoying a nice HBO contract right now, fighting about twice a year, making the best business decisions.

thats a great point. it makes me laugh how so many ppl who clearly have no historical knowledge say things like SRR SRL fought for pride and legacy. robinson openly said he doesnt enjoy boxing, he doesnt like the sport its just his job he only cares about the money. ppl r forgettin SRL only even turned pro because of money issues and his whole career was based on seeking the biggest FINANCIAL fights.
ppl wont admit or kno it now but they will praise floyd when he retires

[potatoes]

If you fight like mike tyson or jack dempsey you're going to get paid and you're going to be famous.

You must also be managed and promoted like Tyson or Dempsey.

[potatoes]

thats a great point. it makes me laugh how so many ppl who clearly have no historical knowledge say things like SRR SRL fought for pride and legacy. robinson openly said he doesnt enjoy boxing, he doesnt like the sport its just his job he only cares about the money. ppl r forgettin SRL only even turned pro because of money issues and his whole career was based on seeking the biggest FINANCIAL fights.
ppl wont admit or kno it now but they will praise floyd when he retires

It is very sad, but you are absolutely correct. Only the chosen few will make the big dollars, the rest will make nothing more than a Chinaman's wages.

[MANGLER]

Fight for your legacy and $ will inevitably be there.

[potatoes]

Fight for your legacy and $ will inevitably be there.

Talk out your ass and eventually you will make sense.

[Texas Trill]

I look at the issue as money in boxing is the result of customer demand for fights. A fight that produces large $$$ is one that is in high demand.

Therefore in my opinion, it's infinitely harder to go wrong when fighting for money than it is fighting for legacy.

[VERSION1 (V1)]

Fight for your legacy and $ will inevitably be there.

Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez three fights was legacy fights and those fight was as big as it could have been.