Why being hated is good business for Anthony Mundine

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After following the recent news regarding Mundine’s fight leading up to and after his defeat I’ve realized that Anthony Mundine is either very smart or very, very dumb. Let me explain.

Even the most casual boxing fans will know that there is another boxer with a big mouth that says things that tends to get on people’s skins and piss people off. This boxer is hated by a large part of the country with his controversial opinions… and he is the same race as a disadvantaged minority. The boxer that I’m referring to is Floyd Mayweather. One other thing that Floyd Mayweather is known for, besides his big mouth is the fact that he was the highest paid sports person of 2012 (and yes, that includes Tiger Woods).

Mundine showing what it’s all about

Athletes like Floyd Mayweather and Anthony Mundine choose to hold (and express) opinions that simply piss people off and make them unpopular which means that they forego the big bucks that come from sponsorship deals. Nike, for example, would never sponsor Anthony Mundine or Floyd Mayweather because it stands for something, such as sportsmanship. And blowing bubble gum in people’s face during weigh-ins I’m guessing is not an example of the sportsmanship that Nike stands for.

Floyd has a bit more money then Mundine though

However while Anthony Mundine and Floyd Mayweather lack income coming from sponsorship deals, they make it up in the PPV (pay per view) numbers from people who pay to see them get knocked out.

So is this an effective strategy?

Well let’s look at the facts, in the year 2012 Floyd Mayweather only had 2 fights – one against Victor Ortiz and one against Miguel Cotto in order to make up his $85 million income. That’s it. So not counting training we’re talking about less than 1 hour in the ring. Which at $85 million divided by 60 minutes comes at a total of over $1.4 million a minute.

He earns more than I do.

The second highest paid boxer earned $36 million and had 3 fights. Even with all his endorsements he is not earning even half of what Mayweather is pulling in.

[Manny Pacquuiao has a clean image and major endorsement deals backing up his 2012 $36 million income

Anthony Mundine is basically the Australian version of Floyd Mayweather.

People that are on Anthony Mundine’s Facebook page hating on him and really anyone that expresses a negative opinion are just doing what he wants. Let’s be honest, how many people would care about a Geale fight if it wasn’t for Mundine and their need to see him knocked out?

how not to make friends and influence people

So now that we know that being hated is good for business when it comes to boxing, are you really surprised that Mundine made the statement about Advance Australia Fair leading up to the fight? Do you really think Mundine cared that his opponent is not a full Aboriginal and that he’s dating a white woman? Is it a coincidence Mundine is running his mouth leading up to the fight? Mundine is a great marketer, and he knows exactly what to say to pick the sensitive bone of Australians and get them riled up. As this post that has over 100 comments on news.com.au can attest.

Or maybe he’s just dumb.

Online Shoppers Kill the Christmas Spirit

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HARVEY Norman isn’t expecting a wonderful Christmas after consumer electronics sales copped a hiding in 2011 with the retail giant taking a swipe at tech-savvy consumers.

Chief executive Gerry Harvey warned the upcoming festive season would be “okay” but it would not be the best Christmas ever.

“This year I can’t say that,” he said.

“There’s no sign out there in the community that we’re going to have this wonderful Christmas. I don’t see it.”

Curiously, Mr Harvey took a swipe at technology-obsessed consumers who spend great chunks of their days looking at computer, tablet and mobile phone screens.

“They live on the bloody things. It’s so invasive into your lifestyle.”

He said people could live to regret the advent of the internet over the next 10 to 15 years.

“You can’t live without them.”

Mr Harvey says stores are selling large numbers of televisions and audio equipment, but prices continue to fall.

“I don’t ever remember selling as much product as we’re selling now while having so little turnover,” Mr Harvey told the company’s annual general meeting (AGM) in Sydney.

“It’s extremely difficult.”

Retailers around the world were having difficulties in the current environment.

“If you’re in the audio/visual, computer segment in retailing, you’re getting a hiding and there is no end in sight for that hiding.”

Harvey Norman, which began selling televisions in 1961, now sells huge volumes of computers, televisions and tablets.

Mr Harvey said online retail sales had increased every year, but businesses had to be realistic about the effectiveness of selling on the web, particularly as accurate sales and profits figures were difficult to come by.

Harvey Norman’s board believes its new online business will grow to one per cent of total sales this year, and by one per cent per year for the next three years.

However, Mr Harvey said there were a lot of “bull s****ers” spruiking the benefits of online retailing.

Businesses with a large exposure to electronics categories, such as Dick Smith, JB Hi-Fi and department stores, had a huge problem because they didn’t sell whitegoods, furniture or homeware.

“They’re in a very precarious position and somewhere along the line some decision has to be made about Dick Smith and JB Hi-Fi is in a similar situation.,” he added.

Harvey Norman has reduced the amount of space dedicated to audio/visual and computers and is now concentrating on other categories.