That’s a great question. I’ve never even thought about it before. We all know the top skilled guns of the pre-Ali decades but not necessarily the top popularity guys. From what I remember reading long ago, Jack Dempsey was stunningly popular. So my guess is that from 1880 to 1965. He may have been the biggest of the superstars.
Rocky Marciano, before that it was Joe Louis, before that Jack Dempsey. All larger than life figures in their heyday.
I’m sure Floyd was popular but not in a superstar way. And as his career progressed I’m the insiders were knowledgeable enough to know he wasn’t exactly defending against the top fighters. As said already it’s guys like Sullivan, the Dempsey, Marciano and Robinson.
