seems like in the US, if it aint ppv worthy fight, it aint a big fight...
It has always been the case, you just notice it now because Kovalev, GGG and Provodnikov are fighting in America now instead of Europe. Dariusz Michalczewski and Henry Maske back in the 90s were victims of the same situation. If GGG or Kovalev fought out of Russia or Germany we would call them bums in the US now. Typical ignorant behaviour.
Unfortunately that attitude is all too common these days. Even guys that are supposedly being ducked have passed on fights in order to face softer touches. For instance, Provodnikov has accused Mayweather, Pacquiao and Bradley of ducking him at welterweight, but then passed on a fight against Rios (and likely a career high payday) to face Demarco instead. And when Lara called out GGG, his manager responded by saying Lara didn't have a large enough fanbase and criticized his 2 draws. Now, I can understand that fight not happening due to promotional conflicts, but why bring up those bs excuses? Bottom line, most fighters are looking for the biggest possibly paydays and prefer avoiding high risk/ low reward opponents.
Ruslan is starting to get big fights, he should fight Khan. GGG, and Kovalev need to do multiple weights, if they want big fights. GGG goes down to 154, would have way more oppurtuinties. Kovalev's 175 class is shallow, after he beats Stevenson, only a 50 year old Hopkins is left, he needs to try cruiser weight out, or 168, and fight Ward, or JCC. Ruslan got beat by Bradley. Kovalev, and GGG never fought anybody, they can't just expect big names to come to them, they need to go to them. Classes right near theirs have a lot of depth, and tough fighters always looking for fights.
I think it was always like this but with all the ABC belts and weight classes it is easier and less apparent to dodge opponents.
Floyd Pattersons handlers didn't want him to fight Liston but when Liston became the mandatory; Patterson could either vacate the belt or take the fight. Vacating the belt back when there was only 1 recognized belt was oblivious.
Other current fighters who are having a tough time finding a fight are; Erislandy Lara [Canelo wants nothing to do with him] & Guillermo Rigo.[Santa Cruz is dodging him like the plague].
Eastern block fighters dont pull in crowds.
Simple as that.
Partly this is because they are all rigid and robotic in style which isn't exciting to watch.
Partly it is that they lack a personality.
Partly it is just that US audiences want to see their own fighters (or Latinos as they are a big part of US audience).
Provodnikov had a chance though and failed to take full advantage. The other 2 really haven't fought top names yet.
Boxing has become an even bigger business less sport type of thing which sucks. @ Roger: We are similar in ways of thinking. Both of us attack floyd, think similar in terms of boxing future, and so on. You are one great dude imo.
On the way up dangerous fighters that have potential to be great such as Kovalev, GGG and Provodnikov, have a very tough time getting fights. In any other sports this is the exact opposite. Very frustrating
It's almost as if boxing does not want to grow and become more popular than it is. I suppose this is because if boxing were to gain popularity there would be an increase in the level of scrutiny on the health dangers. What do you guys think?
