Throughout the years there has been a grudging respect between UK-US fight fans. For the most part, Calzaghe and Hatton have earned respect state-side and before them Lewis' achievements can't really be knocked. In general how are the likes of Benn, Eubank, Laing (beat Roberto Duran), Hamed etc. viewed in the US boxing world? What would a top 5 British boxer list look like from an American perspective?
Lewis obviously has respect from everyone now Benn also Calzaghe gets alot more respect than it seems, and will get even more if he fights Pavlik
It's basically the boxers who have fought in the US and won. Calzaghe would get heaps more if he beat Lacy and Kessler there. Hatton has quite a few W's there. Hamed was well watched stateside, had lots of bouts there and was exciting. I get the impression the likes of Eubank are fairly anonymous in the US and are mostly seen as less ambitious types who should have fought RJJ, Toney, Nunn when they were all rival champs.
Lewis, Benn and Hamed are well respected in their day. Hamed more so than anyone else, I know a lot of the 'casual' boxing fans who still ask if he fights and either loved or hated his entrances and flair. Lewis is always considered the last of the dying breed of the 90s HW and with wins over Tyson, Holyfield and his battle with V Klitschko he's well respected. Hatton is more liked than respected I think. People like the guy for what they deem a hooligan-esque lifestyle and the whole 'average guy' deal...but I think after eating a turnbuckle shot, he's not AS respected. Calzaghe...I dunno. The hardcore fans respect him but I don't think the casual boxing fan even knows who he is to be honest. Sad but true.
Lewis most definitely, I am still on the fence about Calzaghe I believe he has misshapen my opinion about British fighters
I don't want to sound all PC, but I respect fighters from wherever they are from if the resume is right? Coincidently, throughout history it has seemed that the fighters who have came to America and beat "our" better fighters have earned that respect. I think Lewis tops the list. I think Ricky Hatton might have been an exception to the rule, as he had the respect of many Yanks after his Tszyu win. I would think he's still overall respected even after losing to pfp king, Mayweather Jr. Named, of course, is high up the list.
Well there are quite a few people who will look at a fighter from another country with a..say 33-0 record and automatically assume that their record is padded with local bums or taxi drivers as Greg Haugen put. It's a problem of course but one that doesn't seem to be going away any time soon.
I'm a fan of good boxers, regardless of their nationality. That said, Calzaghe and Hatton are ****ing garbage. Hamed, Benn, Eubank, Lewis - They all have my respect, and I enjoy watching their fights.
