Final answer:
Mr. Epstein was prevented from being a champion boxer due to the lack of global appeal and racial rivalries in the generation of heavyweight boxers at the time. The focus of major boxing events shifted to places like Las Vegas, where gambling and television revenues became more important than ticket sales. This change limited the opportunities for boxers like Mr. Epstein to become champions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mr. Epstein was prevented from being a champion boxer due to various factors. One of the main reasons was the lack of global appeal and racial rivalries in the generation of heavyweight boxers following Frazier, Foreman, and Ali at the turn of the 1980s. Mega-matches were no longer a big investment for tourist dollars or diplomatic prestige, which affected opportunities for boxers like Mr. Epstein. Additionally, the focus of major boxing events shifted to places like Las Vegas, where hosting heavyweight title bouts brought in significant revenue from gambling and television revenues. This change in dynamics made ticket sales nearly irrelevant to fighters and promoters, further limiting the opportunities for Mr. Epstein to become a champion.