How popular was Roy Jones jr back then?

He was VERY popular/well known in certain areas and groups. Superman. He was considered the GOAT in many circles and not many people would argue with it. When Tarver knocked him out it was such a shock it stopped basketball games. He wasn't as big as Oscar because certain other ingredients were not there. Oscar had the backstory, Latino and Women following and stint on network TV. Tyson is also in a different league. But Roy was still a big deal.

 

Yes, he was.

No.

Not many were that famous throughout the history of the sport.

Talent has little to do with popularity.

One of the reasons - he was always too independent - never worked with a big promoter for a long time.

 

What, were you born in 2000 or something? You don't remember back to the 90's?

 

In his prime he was called superman. Literally looked undefeatable. One man had the nerve to win some rounds, give him issues and frustrate him, he sparked him in 1 round a few month later.

Being his own promotional boss didn't help matters but he still compiled a resume and legacy worthy of his talents.

Noone has been as popular as Oscar outside of the HW division. The guy is a ppv freak. Guess he had the right mix of medals and fishnets to catch the public eye.

 

Jones deserved the popularity that Oscar enjoyed. He was better than Mr. Fishnets.

 

Not that it would have made much difference, but Roy's comparatively shitty opposition didn't help him.

 

No real rivalries. Nobody cared who he was fighting. He was very popular but never a big ppv attraction. Casual fans knew all about him.

 

This is true.

 

This is true, but also when ever he was faced with what was thought to be a challenge he would just dominate his opponent to the degree that the outcome was never in doubt.. So he was almost to good for his own good, at one point the guy seemed simply untouchable.. In turn which led to his own boredom with the sport which prompted him to do things like play a hoops game on the day of his fight...