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How many mid-to-high level boxers, specifically from a first world country like England or USA, would continuously travel to enemy territory to make a fight happen? There would be no real economic need to do so which is why, as you can see below, most boxers just aren't willing to take the risk.
But when you realize that such a boxer actually does exist, how high a pedestal should we place him on? Should he be revered among boxing fans and should we tell wondrous tales to future generations about one of the bravest warriors to ever emerge?
We know Ward has vehemently refused to travel to enemy territory.
Same of course with Mayweather.
Bradley, he travelled to the UK.... once!
Pacquiao? Travels often but he's not from a first-world country - Philippines would never be able to generate even a fraction of the income Pac got by going to the USA.
Golovkin - he travels too but the same as above applies.
Marquez: well-travelled but same again.
Froch - retired, but the best spell of fighting in enemy territory he had was a 7 fight streak, which included countries inside Europe, as well as the USA. Has to get respect for that.
Brook? Fought outside the UK merely two times in 35 fights!
Sturm: Firmly glued to Germany.
Wladimir Klitschko? Only 3 of his last 11 were outside of his home base Germany.
Khan...
You got it. This unfathomably brave fighter has fought on enemy territory in 9 of his last 11 fights over the last 5 years, even though he could have still earned as much money (or probably even much more) if he had opted not to travel..
Now can there seriously be any doubt whatsoever that Khan is the bravest boxer of the modern era?
But when you realize that such a boxer actually does exist, how high a pedestal should we place him on? Should he be revered among boxing fans and should we tell wondrous tales to future generations about one of the bravest warriors to ever emerge?
We know Ward has vehemently refused to travel to enemy territory.
Same of course with Mayweather.
Bradley, he travelled to the UK.... once!
Pacquiao? Travels often but he's not from a first-world country - Philippines would never be able to generate even a fraction of the income Pac got by going to the USA.
Golovkin - he travels too but the same as above applies.
Marquez: well-travelled but same again.
Froch - retired, but the best spell of fighting in enemy territory he had was a 7 fight streak, which included countries inside Europe, as well as the USA. Has to get respect for that.
Brook? Fought outside the UK merely two times in 35 fights!
Sturm: Firmly glued to Germany.
Wladimir Klitschko? Only 3 of his last 11 were outside of his home base Germany.
Khan...
You got it. This unfathomably brave fighter has fought on enemy territory in 9 of his last 11 fights over the last 5 years, even though he could have still earned as much money (or probably even much more) if he had opted not to travel..
Now can there seriously be any doubt whatsoever that Khan is the bravest boxer of the modern era?
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