Joe Louis reached an even broader audience. His 25 consecutive heavyweight title defenses remain a division record, but his importance extended beyond the ring. Louis conducted exhibitions during World War II and served in the Army, becoming a national figure at a time when Black athletes faced severe racial barriers.
Sugar Ray Robinson followed as one of boxing’s most admired performers. His speed, combination punching and long career helped establish the standard by which later pound-for-pound greats were judged. Henry Armstrong defeated 16 world champions and once held the featherweight, lightweight and welterweight titles at the same time. His nonstop attacking style made him a fan favorite.
Rocky Marciano finished his career at 49-0 with 43 stoppages. His knockout victory over an aging Joe Louis was one of the best-known wins on his record.. Manny Pacquiao later became an international attraction, winning titles across eight divisions and carrying the expectations of the Philippines whenever he fought.
Not every major attraction was universally liked. Jack Johnson became heavyweight champion during an era of open racial hostility. Much of the opposition to him came from white Americans who resented seeing a Black champion defeat white challengers. The search for a “Great White Hope” revealed more about the country than it did about Johnson’s popularity. He was a hero to many Black fans while being vilified elsewhere.
Pernell Whitaker never generated the same commercial following as several less-accomplished fighters. His defensive style required viewers to appreciate positioning, timing, and subtle movement rather than constant exchanges. When I once asked him to name his toughest opponent, he replied, “All of them!”
Larry Holmes also struggled to receive the appreciation his ability deserved. He followed Muhammad Ali, defeated an aging version of him, and later angered Marciano supporters by saying, “Rocky couldn’t carry my jockstrap” after losing to Michael Spinks. That bitterness overshadowed a heavyweight reign that included 20 successful title defenses.
Ali demonstrated how hostility itself could be turned into business. His boasting encouraged some spectators to adore him and others to pay in hopes of watching him lose. I met him at his Cherry Hill, New Jersey, home in 1973 and again at his Deer Lake, Pennsylvania, training camp in 1977. Away from the cameras, he was far different from the confrontational character used to sell fights.
Ricky Hatton, Mike Tyson, Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard, Willie Pep and Alexis Arguello also built devoted followings through different combinations of personality, nationality and fighting style. I met all except Hatton and found each of them to be a gentleman.
The history shows why ranking boxers only as “popular” or “unpopular” is too simple. Some were loved, some were resented, and a select few became enormous attractions by giving audiences reasons to feel both.
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