Was Corrie Sanders (South African) well known in the 90's?

Came on to write exactly this. To the point that articles in mags had to differentiate between them.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_WBU_world_champions

In the late 90s the WBU might have been the 4th strongest title(above MW). But did the fame of Foreman and Toney and established names translate to notoriety for Sanders and the others? Its hard to compare this with today because the IBO usually backs someone elses champion.

Looking at Ring rankings Sanders does not make the top 10 until 2003 when hes the WBO champion. Looking at Ring rankings while Montell Griffin, Thomas Tate and Rahman got ranked before winning a major title they all had either won the NABF or USBA.

The only HW contender Sanders fought in the 90s was Bert Cooper in 1993. In the 20th century if a fighter doesn't fight guys you've heard of, doesn't appear in rankings and isn't on a long undefeated run how do you find out about them? Lots of guys had careers like Sanders without the title shot at the end part.

 

The WBU belt has NEVER carried any credibility or historical significance. The epitome of an unnecessary, garbage belt.

 

I remember hearing about him in the 90's but thought he would just fade away after Rahman. I remember going into the fight with Vlad thinking he was going to get knocked out early only to see him destroy Klitschko.