Worthy of the Praise?

We can all think of fighters whose popularity has suffered as a result of beating a well-liked champion. Just look back at the heavyweights. The likes of Corbett, Tunney, Charles, Holmes and (let’s not forget) Bugner all faced this problem. But what about the flipside of this: whose stock improved simply because they beat an unpopular champion? Were they worthy of this newly found admiration, and were they able to maintain the support of the public throughout their career?

Tyson over Holmes to some degree was the first one that popped into my head.

willard after johnson win

manos de piedra wrote:Tyson over Holmes to some degree was the first one that popped into my head.

Same - Second is Prescott after decking Khan and another is Kosta by Ko'ing Judah.

ShahenshahG wrote:

manos de piedra wrote:Tyson over Holmes to some degree was the first one that popped into my head.

Same - Second is Prescott after decking Khan and another is Kosta by Ko'ing Judah.

Strange knockout that Kosta one, isn't it ShahenshahG?

Think Judah's victim complex made it strnge - Kosta landed bang on and IF Judah had focused on himself rather than gesticulating at the referee - he may have gotten his bearing enough not to humiliate himself. Disgusting what followed though

Wladamir Klitschko seems to have gained more support from the British public after his one sided win over Haye

I'd have to agree with you DaveVDK. The Klitschko bros are often described as being boring, but what the Haye fight proved, once again, is how effective the brothers are with their style of fighting. I'm sure Haye's faux offensiveness is all about selling tickets, but it's done him no favours in the long run. I definitely won't be buying the tee shirt.

Think Wladimir was just as popular with the brits before - His classy conduct outside of the ring endeared him to the public. Haye made the money but I think it was more his failure to back up his words then compounded the problem with his haste in providing an excuse - legitimate or not.