Which boxer made boxing a mainstream sport again?

[champion4ever]

Oh, Let me guess. That's right. It's Anthony Joshua.

[Guest]

Oh, Let me guess. That's right. It's Anthony Joshua.

I think the idea was to get 140 responses that said this. Anybody that strays is subject to a fierce debate.

[champion4ever]

I think the idea was to get 140 responses that said this. Anybody that strays is subject to a fierce debate.

Yeah, I know. Every topic he brings up now always center around U.K. Boxing and its fighters.

However, what he doesn't seem to understand is that Joshua's popularity outside of Great Britain hasn't so much as dented a foothole stateside.

Boxing hasn't been mainsteam here since the 1990s.

[rolshans]

AJ. But the supporting cast of Ruiz, Wilder and Fury have also played big roles.

[WOKnWOH]

IMO, I'd have to say Anthony Joshua by a landslide over whoever is next. To put it in context, my answer is based off of my perception of the boxing scene in mass global media over the past 5 yrs.
Its true boxing is a niche sport, and its for that fact that Joshua is the obvious answer for me because although Canelo may be the "money man" of our sport, IMO his reach is still mostly confined to our "niche media environment".
We've had tons of fighters make waves now and again within the boxing community and boxing media outlets, but its clear that Joshua reaches much further into the "mainstream".

Its hard to deny when we consistently see his name in headlines from media sources generally not closely associated with the sport. From youtube to major news, and outlets for media personalities, his potential to generate viewers and attention overshadows Canelo.

Consider the following few examples.

Johuas defeat by Ruiz Jr created the "biggest upset" buzz which is comparable and has been compared to Tyson vs Douglas.

Before his huge victory, If asked who the name Andy Ruiz Jr. brings to mind, more than likely to most casuals and the general public, he may be a guy that works in the same building as they do.

Media in general from Talkshow interviewers to youtube content creators, all consistently jump on the chance to link his name to their header titles. One fine example I recall was one interview of a comedian headlined with Johsuas name when in reality he filled approx 10secs of a 15min conversation regarding the comedians career.

The guy hit MSG for his 1st USA appearance and sold more tickets to that fight than Deontay Wilder(our reigning American HW champ of past 5yrs but has yet to fight at MSG) did at Barclays a few weeks before.

IMHO, you know someone hit the mainstream when they have global activist organizations get on their case about something they said, something they did, or something they intend to do or haven't done.

[Beercules]

So true. Two or three Cubs/Yankees/Dodgerss home games equal the money espn plus dazn make for a full year. And probably one american football or european soccer match.

Sucks to admit it.


Obviously all of us here are boxing fans, but boxing is not a mainstream sport. It's too ****ed up

[Bmore18]

I think the idea was to get 140 responses that said this. Anybody that strays is subject to a fierce debate.

Green K for pointing out the obvious and updating your location lmao

[Floyd is TBE]

Rocky Balboa made boxing relevant

[sicko]

Currently AJ! Social Media Following and the Views he gets on youtube on his own personal youtube channel as well as when he does interviews with others on youtube he moves the needle so yes in this ERA it is AJ for sure

You really don't have to be a fan to admit that the numbers speak for itself

[*Makaveli*]

Rocky Balboa made boxing relevant

Nail on head. Close thread