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OKay. So, you tend to here a lot of "When Mayweather and Pacquaio step away, there's no one to take their spots" type of talk. I simply don't agree. The reason they get noticed is because they are two of the best at what they do. You take them out of the equation and guys that are just below them in terms of recognition and talent step in.
It's happened time and time again. Sometimes, it's Mexican fighters that will step in. At times, it's been European fighters. Americans, a mixture, what have you.
Fans will begin to gravitate towards the next best thing and they will likely be promoted properly and built up. It's happened every time someone huge gets knocked down or retires.
Joe Louis is gone and Rocky Marciano comes along. Once Marciano wraps it up, a few years go by and Muhammed Ali captures people's attention. Ali inevitably fades away and Leonard is ready to take the reigns after about 5 to 7 years. Leonard begins to fizzle away and Tyson begins to dominate. Tyson goes crazy and Oscar de la Hoya seems primed and ready. As Oscar begins to hang 'em up, we have Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.
I think you see my point.
Sure, in some of these instances, it's taken a few years. But, in between these huge stars, the sport lived on, had some big fights, made some money and was fine. It'll continue to be that way. As a matter of fact, recently, the stars have been replaced at a quicker pace. Just saying.
So, with that in mind, I decided I should make a list of guys that have the potential to be the next guy at the top of the mountain, so to speak. None of these guys are locks. Some face each other and that will likely make it harder for some of them to become... THIS guy. Some of these guys have big fights coming up that are sure-wins. But, it's still possible.
So, in order of importance, so to speak, here are the Top 10 Potential Superstars in boxing. (1 having the best chance and 10 having the worst chance.)
10. TIMOTHY BRADLEY.
He's a quality boxer and he seems like a decent human being. However, he isn't the biggest draw in the world as it currently stands. Still, he has a chance. If he continues to stay undefeated, then it'll be hard to deny him. In fact, I consider him the odds on favorite to beat Amir Khan. Still, Khan has the better star power at this point due to his loyal nation and his own abilities. Still, with a win over Khan and perhaps a showdown with the winner of Ortiz-Mayweather even, he does have a chance. For a guy that isn't ultra flashy or powerful, however, it'll be a tough hill to climb.
9. DAVID HAYE. He's exciting. He's charismatic and a good looking guy. He's a good puncher in the Heavyweight division and he's young enough to capitalize on all of that? The problems? He's in a poor division as a whole, he's not American, he apparently plans on retiring later this year and he can be hurt in fights more than you'd like for your superstar. This is avoiding the fact that in order to even be seriously in this equation, he probably has to beat BOTH Klitschko brothers. Both brothers have a lot of common opponents. None of them have been able to accomplish that. Tough row to ho.
8. AMIR KHAN. Yes. Even though I pick Bradley to probably beat Khan, I'd still say Khan has the bigger chance of becoming the face of boxing. It'll still be tough for him for a number of reasons, but he does have a solid fan base as it is. He's not American. That stands in the way. And, he's a ******. That also stands in the way. It shouldn't. But, it does. Still, with a win over Judah and Bradley, he'll grow as a star in the U.K. and America will at least have gotten to see the star rise.
7. LUCIAN BUTE. He's a huge star in Canada. So, in some ways, he has a heads star on the guys that have been mentioned on the list. He's also a fun fighter to watch with quality power and some good speed for north of 160 pounds. While the Librado Andrade fight will perhaps haunt him, he does have a chance. He avenged that loss in emphatic fashion and wins over Ward, Kessler and Froch would completely erase it. The problem? I would probably pick at least two of the aforementioned boxers to beat him.
6. CARL FROCH. While it hasn't happened as soon as it should have, this guy is finally getting the attention he deserves. Unfortunate as it is, it's right before a fight that could very well end up in favor of the other guy. Still, he's got a solid punch and a fan-friendly style. Both of which can help him. He has the ability to stop quality fighters if given the chance and he has solid boxing skills. Win or lose, his style will keep most interested in his fights as he's willing to take on the best. Fans, casual and hardcore, almost always end up rooting for these guys. If he beats Ward, then potentially Bute and/or Kessler, he could become the U.K.'s biggest boxing superstar.
5. ANDRE WARD. While some might say he's not as exciting as he needs to be, he's a winner. That ranks above excitement at the top of the sport. Mayweather is widely considered the most exciting fighter, but he can do well with PPV numbers, ticket sales for the most part and overall fanbase. Ward is a personable individual and he's also a gold medalist. In the long run, that can really be a help as his accomplishments continue to pile on. Think about it. "ESPN welcomes Olympic gold medalist, Super 6 champion and Undisputed Super Middleweight champion of the world to ESPN's First Take." True, he's not undisputed just yet, but he may have the best chance at attaining such a goal. I'd also probably pick him over Froch and Bute.
4. BRANDON RIOS. He's controversial. He's a brawler at his core. He's exciting. He's ready to fight the best. He's American with Mexican heritage. That's not a bad combination. While you might not all like him, he certainly brings a level of excitement to his fights. He recently said he would never quit in the ring. He's one guy that you might actually believe when he says that. Now, he's not the best fighter in the world and may never be, but with careful handling and taking out all the top names, he could definitely be the at least ONE of the faces of boxing.
3. VICTOR ORTIZ. He doesn't have the best chin in the world. His heart has been questioned. He has a few losses on his record. What does he have going for him? A good win, a good name and promotional company behind him, a good story and an exciting style. In the long run, that might be all that he needs. He's also this high on the list due to opportunity. If he somehow manages to beat Floyd Mayweather, the sky is the limit. Potentially, a career-defining rematch with Marcos Maidana and facing the Jr. Welterweights that will inevitably move up. Potentially, a fight with Manny Pacquiao as well. That alone gives him a good chance. However, it can all be washed away if the expected happens with he faces Floyd.
2. SERGIO MARTINEZ. Well, it's taken a while, but he's got here. He's at the top of his game, near the top of the pound for pound lists and ready to face the big names. However, he still will be faced with struggles. Not only is he not American, but he hardly speaks the language at this point. He's also getting up there in age. The biggest names around him are smaller or bigger than he is, to a certain extent. Still, with his abilities and his style, he can definitely get some attention. Long shot, to a certain extent. However, a good win against a relatively famous fighter in Chavez and a couple more defenses of his Middleweight crown COULD change all that. He's very talented and his counterparts have names. It helps his case.
1. SAUL ALVAREZ. No, I'm not a prisoner of the moment. Sure, the kid had a decent win over a top 10 Jr. Middleweight. However, that has very little to do with this decision. The fact is that he's already a star. You could argue about virtually any of the names I mentioned on this list. However, as it currently stands, that's all speculation. What is fact is quite simple. This... guy... sells. In Mexico, he sells. In America, he sells. His numbers continue to break records, his ratings in both countries are great and he's still young enough to get better and have more people see him do it. Also, the Mexican ladies love him. Shouldn't really matter, but ladies have money and TV sets. That's only more attention and reward. He's young, with talent that seems to be improving and a title to keep his stock high. This kid could have a bright future. If matched properly and if he takes advantages of his chances, the sky's the limit.
I'm sure I will get some disagreements. Good. State your cases. Also, feel free to comment on anything else and perhaps even make your own lists.
However, keep some things in mind. This list isn't about who's popular now. It's about who could become the superstar that boxing will inevitably have after Floyd and Manny are done. Also, realize that some fighters might be the top dog ALONGSIDE other fighters. Or with one guy that gets just as much attention or close to it.
Also, keep in mind that my list was constructed going off some assumptions. Some reasonable, some relatively far-fetched. But the chances are technically there. It wasn't my favorite fighter list. It shouldn't be yours. In order to have a chance at making a list like this, the guy has to be VERY talented, exciting enough at least and have the chance.
With that said; go for it.
It's happened time and time again. Sometimes, it's Mexican fighters that will step in. At times, it's been European fighters. Americans, a mixture, what have you.
Fans will begin to gravitate towards the next best thing and they will likely be promoted properly and built up. It's happened every time someone huge gets knocked down or retires.
Joe Louis is gone and Rocky Marciano comes along. Once Marciano wraps it up, a few years go by and Muhammed Ali captures people's attention. Ali inevitably fades away and Leonard is ready to take the reigns after about 5 to 7 years. Leonard begins to fizzle away and Tyson begins to dominate. Tyson goes crazy and Oscar de la Hoya seems primed and ready. As Oscar begins to hang 'em up, we have Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.
I think you see my point.
Sure, in some of these instances, it's taken a few years. But, in between these huge stars, the sport lived on, had some big fights, made some money and was fine. It'll continue to be that way. As a matter of fact, recently, the stars have been replaced at a quicker pace. Just saying.
So, with that in mind, I decided I should make a list of guys that have the potential to be the next guy at the top of the mountain, so to speak. None of these guys are locks. Some face each other and that will likely make it harder for some of them to become... THIS guy. Some of these guys have big fights coming up that are sure-wins. But, it's still possible.
So, in order of importance, so to speak, here are the Top 10 Potential Superstars in boxing. (1 having the best chance and 10 having the worst chance.)
10. TIMOTHY BRADLEY.
He's a quality boxer and he seems like a decent human being. However, he isn't the biggest draw in the world as it currently stands. Still, he has a chance. If he continues to stay undefeated, then it'll be hard to deny him. In fact, I consider him the odds on favorite to beat Amir Khan. Still, Khan has the better star power at this point due to his loyal nation and his own abilities. Still, with a win over Khan and perhaps a showdown with the winner of Ortiz-Mayweather even, he does have a chance. For a guy that isn't ultra flashy or powerful, however, it'll be a tough hill to climb.
9. DAVID HAYE. He's exciting. He's charismatic and a good looking guy. He's a good puncher in the Heavyweight division and he's young enough to capitalize on all of that? The problems? He's in a poor division as a whole, he's not American, he apparently plans on retiring later this year and he can be hurt in fights more than you'd like for your superstar. This is avoiding the fact that in order to even be seriously in this equation, he probably has to beat BOTH Klitschko brothers. Both brothers have a lot of common opponents. None of them have been able to accomplish that. Tough row to ho.
8. AMIR KHAN. Yes. Even though I pick Bradley to probably beat Khan, I'd still say Khan has the bigger chance of becoming the face of boxing. It'll still be tough for him for a number of reasons, but he does have a solid fan base as it is. He's not American. That stands in the way. And, he's a ******. That also stands in the way. It shouldn't. But, it does. Still, with a win over Judah and Bradley, he'll grow as a star in the U.K. and America will at least have gotten to see the star rise.
7. LUCIAN BUTE. He's a huge star in Canada. So, in some ways, he has a heads star on the guys that have been mentioned on the list. He's also a fun fighter to watch with quality power and some good speed for north of 160 pounds. While the Librado Andrade fight will perhaps haunt him, he does have a chance. He avenged that loss in emphatic fashion and wins over Ward, Kessler and Froch would completely erase it. The problem? I would probably pick at least two of the aforementioned boxers to beat him.
6. CARL FROCH. While it hasn't happened as soon as it should have, this guy is finally getting the attention he deserves. Unfortunate as it is, it's right before a fight that could very well end up in favor of the other guy. Still, he's got a solid punch and a fan-friendly style. Both of which can help him. He has the ability to stop quality fighters if given the chance and he has solid boxing skills. Win or lose, his style will keep most interested in his fights as he's willing to take on the best. Fans, casual and hardcore, almost always end up rooting for these guys. If he beats Ward, then potentially Bute and/or Kessler, he could become the U.K.'s biggest boxing superstar.
5. ANDRE WARD. While some might say he's not as exciting as he needs to be, he's a winner. That ranks above excitement at the top of the sport. Mayweather is widely considered the most exciting fighter, but he can do well with PPV numbers, ticket sales for the most part and overall fanbase. Ward is a personable individual and he's also a gold medalist. In the long run, that can really be a help as his accomplishments continue to pile on. Think about it. "ESPN welcomes Olympic gold medalist, Super 6 champion and Undisputed Super Middleweight champion of the world to ESPN's First Take." True, he's not undisputed just yet, but he may have the best chance at attaining such a goal. I'd also probably pick him over Froch and Bute.
4. BRANDON RIOS. He's controversial. He's a brawler at his core. He's exciting. He's ready to fight the best. He's American with Mexican heritage. That's not a bad combination. While you might not all like him, he certainly brings a level of excitement to his fights. He recently said he would never quit in the ring. He's one guy that you might actually believe when he says that. Now, he's not the best fighter in the world and may never be, but with careful handling and taking out all the top names, he could definitely be the at least ONE of the faces of boxing.
3. VICTOR ORTIZ. He doesn't have the best chin in the world. His heart has been questioned. He has a few losses on his record. What does he have going for him? A good win, a good name and promotional company behind him, a good story and an exciting style. In the long run, that might be all that he needs. He's also this high on the list due to opportunity. If he somehow manages to beat Floyd Mayweather, the sky is the limit. Potentially, a career-defining rematch with Marcos Maidana and facing the Jr. Welterweights that will inevitably move up. Potentially, a fight with Manny Pacquiao as well. That alone gives him a good chance. However, it can all be washed away if the expected happens with he faces Floyd.
2. SERGIO MARTINEZ. Well, it's taken a while, but he's got here. He's at the top of his game, near the top of the pound for pound lists and ready to face the big names. However, he still will be faced with struggles. Not only is he not American, but he hardly speaks the language at this point. He's also getting up there in age. The biggest names around him are smaller or bigger than he is, to a certain extent. Still, with his abilities and his style, he can definitely get some attention. Long shot, to a certain extent. However, a good win against a relatively famous fighter in Chavez and a couple more defenses of his Middleweight crown COULD change all that. He's very talented and his counterparts have names. It helps his case.
1. SAUL ALVAREZ. No, I'm not a prisoner of the moment. Sure, the kid had a decent win over a top 10 Jr. Middleweight. However, that has very little to do with this decision. The fact is that he's already a star. You could argue about virtually any of the names I mentioned on this list. However, as it currently stands, that's all speculation. What is fact is quite simple. This... guy... sells. In Mexico, he sells. In America, he sells. His numbers continue to break records, his ratings in both countries are great and he's still young enough to get better and have more people see him do it. Also, the Mexican ladies love him. Shouldn't really matter, but ladies have money and TV sets. That's only more attention and reward. He's young, with talent that seems to be improving and a title to keep his stock high. This kid could have a bright future. If matched properly and if he takes advantages of his chances, the sky's the limit.
I'm sure I will get some disagreements. Good. State your cases. Also, feel free to comment on anything else and perhaps even make your own lists.
However, keep some things in mind. This list isn't about who's popular now. It's about who could become the superstar that boxing will inevitably have after Floyd and Manny are done. Also, realize that some fighters might be the top dog ALONGSIDE other fighters. Or with one guy that gets just as much attention or close to it.
Also, keep in mind that my list was constructed going off some assumptions. Some reasonable, some relatively far-fetched. But the chances are technically there. It wasn't my favorite fighter list. It shouldn't be yours. In order to have a chance at making a list like this, the guy has to be VERY talented, exciting enough at least and have the chance.
With that said; go for it.
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