HBO has done an incredible job with GGG

[PurePugilist216]

But what they are doing right now??? Nothing. GGG is sustaining his hype by fighting often and delivering entertaining performances. Rigo couldn't capitalize on the hype he earned with the Donaire win, which wasn't completely his fault. The Super Six was 4 years ago, and Ward hasn't done much since then.

Couldnt capitalize on the hype? HBO and Top Rank turned on him for beating Donaire. It just shows how unfair and wrong HBO is for promoting someone like GGG who hasn't done anything in this sport, yet turn their backs on someone like Rigo after his biggest win. I'd actual love if Rigo signed with Haymon and became a household name.

[Southpawology]

I can't think of many other fighters that have become so popular so quick without having any notable wins.

They tell the public he's great, and they eat it up. Jim Lampley looking at Roy at the end of the fight telling him "it's working" is all the proof I need.

Also have to love the hypocrisy of tonight's interview, he declares he's a fighter now, he wants Canelo and Cotto now (naturally smaller fighters), Ward gets mentioned and his whole triumphant epic speech comes to a halt, all of a sudden doesn't want to fight everyone and anyone right now, just smaller less mobile fighters.

Ward would kill this guy, and I'm so happy that interview happened so everyone saying that Ward was ducking GGG can see the truth.

Cotto holds a title at 160LBS. Golovkin fights at 160LBS. So whats the problem again? If cottos too scared to defend his 160 belt then forfeit it and move down in weight. SIMPLE!

[cupocity303]

Cotto holds a title at 160LBS. Golovkin fights at 160LBS. So whats the problem again? If cottos too scared to defend his 160 belt then forfeit it and move down in weight. SIMPLE!

I really wish the WBC would enforce their new rules and strip him of the WBC title, and make GGG the full champion. That would be the first time in history that a champion of another sanctioning body gets to become the FULL champion of another, because the title holder got stripped.

Then we can effectively eliminate Cotto as a possible GGG opponent and he can fight whoever he wants under Jay-Z's promotional banner.

[kiaba360]

Couldnt capitalize on the hype? HBO and Top Rank turned on him for beating Donaire. It just shows how unfair and wrong HBO is for promoting someone like GGG who hasn't done anything in this sport, yet turn their backs on someone like Rigo after his biggest win. I'd actual love if Rigo signed with Haymon and became a household name.

Going 12 with Agbeko was the nail in the coffin for him. There seems to be too many factors against him: He lacks a big fanbase, his style is pretty defensive, he fights at 122 and he beat what could've been TR's next cash-cow. What's really hurting Rigo the most is his inactivity, his promoter and manager are dropping the ball. Rigo should be fighting at least every 4 months to keep his name buzzing. The opponent doesn't have to be great, just someone who's ranked in any of the top 10 sanctioning bodies.

[Barcham]

I love threads like this because it allows me to add a entire bunch of idiots to my ignore list in one shot.

[gamefrk]

Couldnt capitalize on the hype? HBO and Top Rank turned on him for beating Donaire. It just shows how unfair and wrong HBO is for promoting someone like GGG who hasn't done anything in this sport, yet turn their backs on someone like Rigo after his biggest win. I'd actual love if Rigo signed with Haymon and became a household name.

There's nothing unfair about HBO/Top Rank passing on Rigo. It was just a business decision since Rigo isn't marketable, at all. Here's why:

Rigo can't speak a sentence of English to save his life.
Doesn't connect at all with mainstream American fans due to language barrier.
Can't be marketed at all.

Skill wise Rigo is one of the best though, but skills aren't all that matter. People should wanna watch the guy & tune in to watch him.

And look at Rigo since Top Rank let him go, no one picked him up...not Golden Boy, not Al Haymon...they know he isn't good business. Too bad Rigo is a free agent willing to face all comers, but none want to face him.

[BattleAxePurist]

Yeah but tbh K2 has alot to do with it as well they're just fortunate to have HBO as their platform along w/GGG's style it kind of just all meshed together.

The scary thing is what if they had brought him to the US sooner or he had signed w/TR or GB straight out of the ams imagine were he'd be now ,in a sense he's really a pioneer in the wave of non-American/non-Latino fighters to gain prominence in the states.

Tszyu came before him but he was based in Australia and wasn't really on the same level in terms of popularity or marketed like GGG.

[deanrw]

HBO and K2 have done an admirable job showcasing GGG to the masses. They though do not make the star. It is the fighter themselves that creates appeal and sells tickets.

It is called Star quality. Fighters that appeal to the masses sell tickets. When George Foreman made his comeback, he went from one of the most hated, into one of the most beloved fighters. Why? Because he became, the old fella in his 40's, fighting for the average Joe with the pizza and beer gut, bragged about eating 12 porkchops in 1 sitting. He became one of us. That is how people see GGG. They see him as an average goofy guy, all smiles and having fun while in a brutal occupation.

[Guest]

HBO and K2 have done an admirable job showcasing GGG to the masses. They though do not make the star. It is the fighter themselves that creates appeal and sells tickets.

It is called Star quality. Fighters that appeal to the masses sell tickets. When George Foreman made his comeback, he went from one of the most hated, into one of the most beloved fighters. Why? Because he became, the old fella in his 40's, fighting for the average Joe with the pizza and beer gut, bragged about eating 12 porkchops in 1 sitting. He became one of us. That is how people see GGG. They see him as an average goofy guy, all smiles and having fun while in a brutal occupation.

Well put my friend.

He definitely has that appeal. He seems to instinctively know what people wanna hear.

[Barcham]

I don't think there is any act to GGG at all. What you see is what he really is. He's a big overgrown kid having the time of his life earning a living at what he loves to do. He loves the sport of boxing and loves to put on a show for the fans. It is a shame that he lost so much time over in Germany with a promoter who was absolute garbage. But hey, he's making up for lost time now and having the time of his life doing it.