It's all about publicity and hype. It sells product. You don't think the organizers knew what he looked like?
It's the old Rocky formula. Promote the mysterious underdog (Drago) from another country. It peaks peoples curiousity. I'm sure everyone on this board was curious. I know I was. I think the sport needed it somewhat.
The Cutler/Coleman theme is a bit old. Trust me, the organizers knew the outcome long before Fedorov stepped foot on the plane to Vegas.
If you ever watch an interview with George Butler who directed Pumping Iron, he did the same thing with Ferigno. Arnold was in sunny California and Lou was in a basement gym in Brooklyn. Would the unknown beat the champ? |