The term "Great White Hope" meant something here in America at one point, but the problem with it all is this: it means nothing if the hope isnt competing at HW, and also if the hope isnt an American. And that is the truth.
The term refers to white american fighters, because white americans have always seperated themselves from europeans. I agree that there are alot of european champs not counting Abraham and some russians whitch cant be considered white (anglo).
I agree that "color blind" is probably too strong of a term. Most people who claim that they are completely immune to all prejudice are kidding themselves. However, I do believe there is a fair amount of mutual respect between athletes of different races. The world has come far enough for me to believe it's not all just stagecraft. Hopkins (and especially his "quote") is an extreme example to bring up as a generality. For one, his adult worldview was shaped by one of the most overtly racialized institutions in America, the prison system. Secondly, what he said has to be considered in context. Not only was he hyping a fight, he was using psychology to motivate himself, an aging fighter, in what he knew deep down would be a difficult fight. He pulled the same thing with Trinidad. I don't believe Hopkins hates all white people anymore than I think there were deep political convictions behind the flag incident. Don't get me wrong, a certain part of who Hopkins is is almost certainly "racist" by most standards. It obviously was ignorant, in any context, to air the Calzaghe statement publicly. I just wouldn't use that incident as a barometer for what most athletes are "really" thinking. It's 2009. The sports world has seen enough exceptions by now to know that the "rules" don't always hold true.
Lol... have you ever thought that it's because we live in the U.S? What you're saying is very racist; When you think about it, just like how we say "Blacks are the best at basketball." That's until Venezuela came along and kicked our asses.
The term Great White Hope has more to do with White American fighters. It's typically the European Whites that have had more success in boxing than their mixed nationality white American counterparts. It's not to say that a white American can't be as good as a European, Black, Hispanic, or Asian at boxing, it's just that they probably aren't in terms of statistics.
I thought the term originated when the American media was looking for a white fighter to dethrone Jack Johnson and was found with Jess Willard. Today boxing is more of a global sport and the fighters from the ex-Soviet Union are dominating. David Haye from England is the "New Great Hope" to dethrone Wlad Klitschko. American fighters of any color ain't even in the picture right now. Yes the term is outdated
The term is outdated, offensive, and stupid! Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, and Lennox Lewis were physically talented but DNA does not replace training, discipline, and will. I love boxing because most fighters, trainers, and fight fans are color blind. Its bad enough PPV hurt boxing...I love this sport