Boxers who were widely known, celebrated and beloved figures of their countries, region or the even the world. For example think of the Alis, Pacquiaos and Durans of the world. Even the Monzons may make the cut if some are willing to overlook their wrongdoings in favour of his accomplishments and (in)famousness.
Actually did you catch Benn’s support during the fight with Gerald? They, Bruno in particular was going nuts - the Bowe - Golota riot should tell you a little of the love Andy gets in Poland lol.
Alexis Arguello! there is also Lionel Rose for AUS and Fighting Harada for JPN, Khaosai Galaxy is still remembered in Thailand.
They keep coming to me… Barney Ross as a beloved war hero and excellent fighter, Carpentier I’m remembering was France’s darling? He was a war hero? Cerdan the country mourned - was any fighter as beloved as John L Sullivan?
Ellyas Pical (3-time super flyweight champion) and Chris John (WBA featherweight champion) were often celebrated in Indonesia as their boxing hero,same goes to Daud Yordan(who'll also fight Kambosos at 22 march) It's unfortunate though many Indonesians forgot the other two more obscure champs, Nico Thomas(IBF strawweight champ)and Muhammad Rachman(two time strawweight champion,at one point became the oldest strawweight champ at 39),maybe because they lacked footage.
Rocky Balboa. In all seriousness - Muhammad Ali stands out for sure as the best ever people's champion. Public opinion has shifted a fair bit since, but when Fury drew against Wilder and especially in the UK the result got a lot of controversy - lots of people regarded him as the 'people's champion', and it was an amazing comeback to be fair to him, with his physical and mental health issues and then going toe to toe with a world champion.
Yessir! Like Sullivan before him and Ali after he was THE sportsman of his era, not just boxing, sport itself.