Is it best for a world champion to defend his title all over the world?

It is best for the world champion to defend his title in the places, and against the opposition, that will pay him the most money.

 

I like to see a champion travel Richard. Obviously at the moment it's not happening but lookin at the heavyweight title history it's only really being Ali that's done that.
Wasn't it Tommy Burns that became the first *genuine world champion *? Traveling to London, Ireland, Paris and of course, Australia.

 

It depends entirely upon the era.

 

It's admirable. Miguel Canto won most of his title fights by decision and a lot of those were in his opponent's country - that's phenomenal.

 

Didnt brian mitchell have to defend exclusively on the road because of what was happening at the time with apartheid and South Africa?

 

Depends. Best for international fans? Absolutely. Best of their reputation? Probably. Best for their bank account? Nah, probably not.

 

Yes, the WBA finally accepted that a boycott of South Africa could help rid the country of apartheid. As easy as it was to rid the ratings of South African fighters, Mitchell was a champ.


So they told him he could not fight in his homeland and hoped he would lose crown quickly.


Of course we all know now, Brian was rather good and would hold the title for five years and not lose it in the ring.

 

A champ who defends or unifies on the road gets a lot of extra credit for me...

Come to think of it, Usyk beating Huck in DE, Briedis in Latvia, and Gassiev in Russia is an insanely elite accomplishment, especially for this century... Has anyone else done something like that?

 

It's always great to see a champion travel but invariably, popular fighters or PPV Stars tend to have contractual obligations with networks, venues or promoters who may wish to stick to a certain location making traveling a difficult proposition.

 

There was a time...

 

A champion should defend his title against his top contenders, regardless of where they are.

 

As long as the three judges are from someplace else

 

Why did Mayweather & now Canelo fight almost exclusively in Vegas??
Obvious !! they knew they wouldnt be allowed to lose there. Which has been proven time & time again

 

Ideally, yes, but there's always the even greater chance of getting screwed out of a decision in another country. Judging is screwy enough in Vegas, much less in some other continent 10,000 miles from home.

I always thought Pedroza was crazy going to some of those places, but maybe he had a really good relationship with the WBA, where he knew they'd leverage things so no local promoters would try anything funny.

Mamby too, especially considering his past losses due to questionable decisions in other countries. I think he didn't go to Jakarta and Lagos until after he was with Don King (well, technically Don's son, but that's effectively Don)...which would be less risky with local promoters not wanting to burn their bridges with Don King and the WBC.