This stems from another thread about Enzo Mac's next opponent. Apparently Frank Warren tried to sign Povetkin when he turned pro after winning a gold at the Olympics. Warren has also recently signed up unbeaten Russian CW Denis Lebedev. Would the British public support a fighter who's not British but fought out of this country? We see that a lot in Germany as many Eastern Euros have big fan bases over there but would it happen in Britain? Would the foreign fighter be able to sell out arenas in Britain? Would TV/media get behind him and push him as one of our own?
Like I said in the previous thread, if he has the charisma and ability to speak English, combined with an exciting style, then yes to all of the above questions.
Consider this in favourable conditions, not just the average foreigner. A guy with big amateur pedigree, maybe an Olympic medal. A guy with a fan friendly style. A guy with a basic and improving grasp of the English language. Perhaps rename him as the Germans did Abraham and Sturm lol: Is this possible? It might start off slow, but could they progress and win over the TV and audiences as Ishy asks?
Lot of 'ifs' though. If someone like that came along then yes perhaps he could. But realistically it ain't happening.
It is amazing what the Germans have done. How they can air fights prime time on terrestrial TV. A foreign paper champion that has built up his career in Germany against a complete bum. Sells the arena out and millions watch on TV. Staggering. They really do adopt these guys.
Come to think of it, Wlad Klitschko fits the profile (apart from the renaming bit). He had an entertaining style early in his career (pre Manny Steward) and an Olympic Gold. Would Waldo sell in the UK like he does in Germany? I don't think he would as we had Lennox at the time.
Regarding the UK , **** yeah, there was/is one on the tip of my tongue ? Cant think who it is, was a heavyweight, gone of radar.
Herbie Hide? Was he not born in Nigeria? Lennox doesn't count as he was Brit born and raised before emigrating to Canada.
Didnt they even do it with a german ? :nut Good words, they can do it with "others" too. Frank Warren pppppppffffffff !!! ( joking, relax )
Nah wasnt as big name as them ish, he was fighting out of england, maybe was supposed to fight Mcdermott ( spell check )
:good No idea then mate. The Canadians also adopt these foreigners. Bute and Diaconu are Romanian but have big fanbases in Canada, especially Bute.