Before I start let me say that im picking Ward to win the whole tourney ..Just my gut feeling but if Kessler manages to KO Andre Ward in his own back yard what does it do to his popularity here in the states ??? Discuss ?
It will depend how well Ward fights. If he gets destroyed in a few rounds people tend not to give credit for that, they'd lean more towards criticizing Ward than giving credit. That's the way it is.
I doubt it will make any impact on mainstream America. Fitzgerald might think Ward is a star but I've not see much evidence of it. It might make Kessler a star in Oakland ! He might just earn a bit of respect in America's boxing community though, I think his respect has dwindled since his inactivity.
If wins the whole thing I say yes but I have a feeling if he does blow out Ward we have a new star on the rise ..Well he's already a star but someone who casual and hard core fans could gravitate to..Of course he must be more active ..
This is sort of a "tallest midget" situation. Calzaghe was never really that well known; after 1 fight with Ward, neither will Kessler (no one other than boxing fans will remember Kessler fought Calzaghe). Boxing isn't big news. Anyone that's 3-0 or wins a couple in spectacular fashion will make a ripple or two, but until then, it's just a couple of guys from that tournament hitting each other.
All depends how much coverage and interest the fight gets. He could fight like Terminator and be super PR-friendly but if nobody sees it then he won't become a star.
Thats the beauty of this tourney it gives any of the fighters who are in this a chance to become household names ..My hope for this tounrey is that the super middles become as popular as the welters are right now ..
Definitely people will remember him here in the states. Ward is an undefeated U.S. fighter so it could be big for Kesller as far as popularity.
Thats what im saying and like Boom brought up Ward is a fomrer Gold Medalist ..Allot of credientals for this fight ..The winner should become an instant star ..