^ He was admired as a Rugby League player for his skill, but has always been hated for his mouth and the way he plays the race game. Always the whiteman showing him no "respect", massive chip on his shoulder.
When he moved to boxing he was greeted cautiously, mostly due to his father who was a boxer of some renown. Then he converted to Islam and lost just about all support except from the muzzies and 2nd Gen Lebos when he said the US deserved 9/11..
Add to that he has carefully staged his fights to avoid losing, the only time he has fought someone at their peak he had his ass handed to him. Now he is just all mouth.I doubt he will get a payday, the last fight was cancelled because ticket sales and pay per view were in the tank only days out from the fight.
Aussies generally dislike sportsmen who are cocky and open their mouth too much, even if they are good.
Kostya Zhu, Danny Green? Admired. Jeff Fenech? Even people who don't like Abos supported him. Mundine? Detested.
Same as Pat Rafter, everyone's favourite Aussie, Llayton Hewitt, Pat Cash, Phillipousis? Hated.