See?????

[GEOFFHAYES]

Yeah, Eubank was a household name all over the world apart from the States (highest global viewing figures of any fighter in the early 90's, although most only tuned in to see him vault over the ropes ). It's like David Beckham, a few years ago some Brit news reporters were in the States and asked random people if they knew who David Beckham was and it was hilarious to hear them not actually know who he was.. just really strange, when everywhere else everyone knows him.

[ICEMAN JOHN SCULLY]

I...STILL... wouldnt know Beckham if he walked up to me on the street

[GEOFFHAYES]

I personally don't believe you could ask almost anybody in the States who Holyfield is and they'd know him right off, not like Bruno and Eubank over here anyway. Ali and Tyson most certainly, and anywhere in the world (Tyson more so than Ali if we're honest).

[j]

How could I not agree. Good luck to your first official bout bro and keep on training. Hey do I recognize you or what?

i don't think you would know of me if that's what you mean.

myself, i don't practice boxing, but a martial that has much in common with boxing. so, while i could enter into amateur boxing, i would better exercise my skills in events like san shou, kickboxing, or formats like those.

[GEOFFHAYES]

I...STILL... wouldnt know Beckham if he walked up to me on the street

It is kind of hard to imagine that, lol.

[j]

I...STILL... wouldnt know Beckham if he walked up to me on the street

same here. i only have a vague idea what he looks like. i only know that he's married to an ex ****e girl, plays soccer, and there's a movie called "bend it like beckham."

[GEOFFHAYES]

I was quite suprised when I saw the footage of Eubank arriving in South Africa and EVERYBODY stopping, staring, shocked, gathering, clamouring for autographs etc. I didn't know he was That big outside of Britain until then.

Same with Beckham when he did a tour of Japan.

[Mr. Ryan]

Oba Carr was the last of the true contenders. Nowadays with 4 major belts and everyone is a champ after 20 fights, Carr was the last of the contenders who fought eliminators often, in whoevers backyard, came to fight, but just couldn't get over the hump. He conducted himself as a contender is supposed to, always professional while putting in a reliable nights work every time through the ropes.

When he faced Yori Campas in 1998, he had already failed in his title fights against Trinidad and Quartey. Now Campas was a tough and rugged warrior who was thought of as a poor mans Julio Cesar Chavez. Many thought that Campas would win the fight because of his bigger power and what some considered a soft chin on Carr. Carr went into the ring knowing he'd better fight his ass off to stay in the rankings at 147.

That night, Carr turned in perhaps his best performance. He left Campas a mess, forcing the corner to stop the bout after the eighth round. He would fall short against De La Hoya after a spirited challenge, then fade progressively, before retiring in 2002.

Alex Stewart was another fighter who dutifully served his role as a contender. Contenders serve the purpose in boxing of contrasting off the next level of competitor, allowing the champions to shine brightly and complete the boxing cycle that is the proving of mettle. Stewart fought bravely in two fights with Holyfield and a memorable affair with Michael Moorer. But, his efforts would prove statistical, because he cuts and he bleeds.

[GEOFFHAYES]

Scully, a book you need to read is 'Dark Trade: Lost in Boxing'.

The author actually strikes personal friendships with Tyson, Eubank, Toney, Jones Jr, Hamed, De La Hoya and spends five years gathering all his info and writing the book ('91 to '96), it was released in '96.

By far the best boxing book I've ever read. He's particularly personal with Toney and Jones Jr, Toney more so than anybody else.. you'll like it.

[ICEMAN JOHN SCULLY]

More know Evander than Ali??? What..... ahh...forget it LOL