Who was more popular in their prime: Crawford or Cotto?

Against other fighters who brought along their fans

And are you including the Netflix fight?
Where practically everyone has a subscription and can watch without paying extra

 

Being on podcasts doesn't automatically equal popularity
I mean Andre Ward is proof of that

 

Cotto.

 

I dont fully agree irt the times. If Bud had been PBC, he wouldve been pushed into our face beyond belief. But because he was Top Rank they literally ignored him and actively tried to suffocate him.

 

It's obviously cotto

 

Cotto was more recognized among casuals and long time fans. The PBC fanboys dumped all over Crawford because he was signed with Top Tank. He didn’t really get any mainstream attention until the Spence fight. Most casuals didn’t give him the credit he deserved. Cotto also fought better opposition during his career.

 

Social media wasn't exactly big back then but I bet he had more ppv buys than Crawford

 

Boxing as a whole was at a better place. More people watched boxing and watched because of the best fighting the best (except for Floyd). The depth of the Welter weight was also very good. Cotto was not as good as a fighter as Crawford but he brought drama (mostly because of his power, style and vulnerability in the ring) and had a personality in the ring.