Comments Thread For: Frank Warren: Spence is a Long Way From Being Star Like Floyd

[A-Wolf]

Spence won't become a superstar because Americans don't support their own. Americans would much rather root for a foreigner who resembles their complexion than an exciting fighter like Spence who is a once in a generation type of talent.

You trying to say that White Americans identify more with White Europeans than they do African Americans, Asian Americans or Mexican Americans?

[Verus]

I was referring to the modern era of boxing. Spence would probably be a star in the 80's

I agree. Spence would have been in the mix in the 80's. I do get your point that there are a lot of bigots. There has always been a sort of tribalism in boxing and other sports -- ***s cheering for ***ish boxers, Italians for Italians, Puerto Ricans for Puerto Ricans and so on, but the superstars seem to transcend all that.

[Sheldon312]

I agree. Spence would have been in the mix in the 80's. I do get your point that there are a lot of bigots. There has always been a sort of tribalism in boxing and other sports -- ***s cheering for ***ish boxers, Italians for Italians, Puerto Ricans for Puerto Ricans and so on, but the superstars seem to transcend all that.

I think "tribalism" is a cop-out or should be strictly used when talking about American fighters(particularly African Americans). Look at the UK, Joshua receives a lot of praise from white Britians. I think it is more of the culture of racism that exists in certain fabrics of America.

[Verus]

I think "tribalism" is a cop-out or should be strictly used when talking about American fighters(particularly African Americans). Look at the UK, Joshua receives a lot of praise from white Britians. I think it is more of the culture of racism that exists in certain fabrics of America.

It is hard to parse out all the competing loyalties and prejudices, but racism is at the top of the list as a factor in America. Skinheads and bigots will always cheer for a white foreigner over a Black American.

[Rubber Ducky]

Floyd was in an era where he fought and beat two very popular boxers to get his shine which helped him a lot. DLH and Hatton were very popular. Spence is in the wrong era for that. Crawford and Thurman aren't exactly household names.
I feel like nobody is very big right now.

Yep this. You need the opposition to raise yourself to the level Mayweather achieved. While Spence has plenty of very good opposition at welter like Mayweather did none of them are big stars/draws.

Mayweather had De La Hoya to make him a star in the US. He had Hatton to make him a star in the UK the next big boxing market. Then of course he had a global star in Pac who he himself made his name beating Mexican legends, Oscar and Hatton.

I think Spence knows this hence why he called out Canelo he may go onto to unify welterweight but that alone won't make him a star, he needs to go for the big names, the big draws.