Why is Pavlik a more popular fighter in the U.S, then say....Chad Dawson?

That is highly debateable. In 2007 alone, Pavlik provided 3 highlight reel KO's on his way to and including the MW Champion JT.

With boxing being so "what ya' done lately" Pav's losing steam, but he'll get it back.

As for Dawson, I agree with your assessment of him, and don't have an answer ready for why he doesn't have a huge following yet.

As far as Pavlik, he gets great REGIONAL support. He didn't do so good in Vegas, did he? But put him up in the area of his hometown, that has no sports franchise of it's own (other than Pavlik), and it lifts people and gives them a "hero" if you will.

PS- the devil dude is rockin'.

 

Pavlik worked his way up and was not expected to win. You point out his shortcomings, but they don't seem to matter to him. He still wins. Throws lots of punches, comes to fight. People like to see a good fight more than a good boxing match. :deal

 

I think Dawson is a better fighter.

 

Pavliks 2 wins over Taylor is better than any of Dawsons wins. A lot better infact.

 

Good post. Few boxers generate popularity without starting from a particular constituency. Pavlik has successfully done that with his status as a Youngstown representative. In the UK, Ricky Hatton has tapped into the Man City fanbase. Carl Froch has begun to do that with the Nottingham Forest fanbase and will continue that, if he's smart. Calzaghe tapped into the generic Welsh sporting psyche. In the US, Latino fighters arguably have an advantage from their background giving them a natural constituency. Dawson has no constituency, he represents no-one.

 

Shot to bits Tarver

Controversial win over Johnson

Adamek at LH

After that its weak as ****. Dawsons resume is not very deep either. Pavliks wins over Taylor make his stronger IMO.

 

I know. But at this point those 2 wins exceed anything Dawson has done. For me that makes a stronger resume.. just.

Both have more to prove.

 

Exactly. Thanks for the supporting examples. Dawson is from the New England area, I think Connecticut. I have no idea why folks from his OWN area aren't behind him. No question as to how skilled and fun to watch he is, he's respectful in interviews, ...to be frank..It beats the **** out of me, but it's not Pavlik's fault. lol.

You can believe that HBO, amongst others, took note of how many of Pavlik's fans traveled to AC for his fights there. That equals $$, and that equals "the powers that be" put you out there.

 

There are multiple reasons I think. One being that he beat Jermaine Taylor twice obviously. An argument can be made that coming off beating (sort of) Hopkins twice Taylor was a much more high profile opponent than anyone (including Tarver at the time) Dawson has beaten. Secondly the regional thing plays huge here in the east. He fought on a couple undercards on HBO and gained popularity with his KO style of fighting. Also I don't think anyone else has brought it up (and i really really hate to but even in this day and age I think it plays a part) Pavlik is white.