The problem is, guys need to fight other name fighters to get strength off their name. Crawford is Nebraska famous, but he needs to fight someone like Pac, and win spectacularly to transcend. Passing of the torch is a real thing in boxing, when it comes to being a household name. Shieeet, our Crawford stopped Manny in the near future, it's almost a given that Mayweather will be targeted, retirement be damned. It's the name recognition that's needed most.
Not that I see Floyd ever coming out of retirement, but things like that are what it takes in boxing sometimes to reach mega star status.
Cotto was on the verge, but lost to Margarito. Had Cotto won that fight, Oscar was next waiting up pass the torch.