Which fighter improved most through hard work?

Shake · 10-22-2012, 01:45 AM

We see so many who start with an innate advantage -- even at the start of their career, it is clear they are special. Fighting sense, an undentable chin or an athletic advantage.

Who started out bad but improved gradually through hard work?

Aaron Contreras · 10-22-2012, 01:49 AM

Rocky Marciano, maybe?

Couldn't make it in baseball, turned to boxing. Undersized as well as left so much to be desired on defense, yet, made up for it all with hard work -- and a God-given Suzie-Q of a right hand.

ETM · 10-22-2012, 01:53 AM

Marciano is the first name that comes to mind. His work ethic and determination were uncommon.

Marvin Hagler is another. He had talent for sure but wasnt the most talented he developed his skillset through hard work and dedication.

McGrain · 10-22-2012, 02:25 AM

Ricky Burns.

bodhi · 10-22-2012, 02:31 AM

I´d say Hopkins as well. Pacquiao has talent but he improved a lot since hi flyweight days.

YUZO WANTANABE · 10-22-2012, 02:32 AM

without a doubt, bernard hopkins

Cinderella Man · 10-22-2012, 02:46 AM

Many ATGs' greatness are largely due to their very hard training and discipline, starting to learn how to box and train seriously at a very young age, having a long amateur career, etc.

If Frazier didn't train so hard, he might've gassed out and been knocked out by Ali once or twice, and Hagler might've broken down first against Hearns if he wasn't trained like a fucking machine. Oscar might've achieved much less if he started to box at Sergio Martinez's age. Same could be said for Floyd or JCCSR.

Most of these guys had great talent, but talent without hard work only takes you so far.

EDIT: Except TKO6.

babaluma · 10-22-2012, 08:04 AM

Jersey Joe Walcott is my number one for grit and hard work.

Also in a different way, Nigel Benn, he definitely gave himself a longer career after reinventing himself post Eubank I, he worked on both stamina and boxing skills. The Benn of Eubank I or Michael Watson would have been KO's in one by McClellan.

Johnstown · 10-22-2012, 09:35 AM

Riddick Bowe

bladerunner · 10-22-2012, 11:47 AM

A few recent ones:

Pacquiao
Martinez
Wright
Hopkins

MagnaNasakki · 10-22-2012, 12:40 PM

Juan Diaz, man.

This is a kid who came out of nowhere.

Nobody in the know thought much of him. He went pro too early, he didn't have any strength, he slapped, and he was hittable.

I had heard that he was an animal in the gym, but didn't think anything of it.

Kid exploded in like two years. Watched him against Lavka Sim and couldn't believe what I was seeing.

jdempsey85 · 10-22-2012, 12:46 PM

jim braddock

Bokaj · 10-22-2012, 01:15 PM

I'll add a surpise one here: Jack Johnson.

He took on Choynski, fully knowing he'd be KO'd, just to be able to pick up knowledge from him. Now that's learning the hard way.

Armstrong should also be mentioned.

Theron · 10-22-2012, 04:42 PM

Marciano. If he didn't work as hard as he did he wouldn't have become champ

10-22-2012, 01:45 AM	#1
Shake Belt holder ESB Addict Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 2,335 vCash: 75	Which fighter improved most through hard work? We see so many who start with an innate advantage -- even at the start of their career, it is clear they are special. Fighting sense, an undentable chin or an athletic advantage. Who started out bad but improved gradually through hard work?
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10-22-2012, 01:49 AM	#2
Aaron Contreras Journeyman ESB Jr Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 250 vCash: 500	Re: Which fighter improved most through hard work? Rocky Marciano, maybe? Couldn't make it in baseball, turned to boxing. Undersized as well as left so much to be desired on defense, yet, made up for it all with hard work -- and a God-given Suzie-Q of a right hand.
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10-22-2012, 01:53 AM	#3
ETM Contender ESB Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 1,040 vCash: 500	Re: Which fighter improved most through hard work? Marciano is the first name that comes to mind. His work ethic and determination were uncommon. Marvin Hagler is another. He had talent for sure but wasnt the most talented he developed his skillset through hard work and dedication.
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10-22-2012, 02:25 AM	#4
McGrain Diamond Dog East Side VIP Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 63,255 vCash: 1000	Re: Which fighter improved most through hard work? Ricky Burns.
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10-22-2012, 02:31 AM	#5
bodhi So I can die easy ... East Side VIP Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 21,759 vCash: 1337	Re: Which fighter improved most through hard work? I´d say Hopkins as well. Pacquiao has talent but he improved a lot since hi flyweight days.
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10-22-2012, 02:32 AM	#6
YUZO WANTANABE Journeyman Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 91 vCash: 500	Re: Which fighter improved most through hard work? without a doubt, bernard hopkins
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10-22-2012, 02:46 AM	#7
Cinderella Man Gatekeeper ESB Full Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 469 vCash: 500	Re: Which fighter improved most through hard work? Many ATGs' greatness are largely due to their very hard training and discipline, starting to learn how to box and train seriously at a very young age, having a long amateur career, etc. If Frazier didn't train so hard, he might've gassed out and been knocked out by Ali once or twice, and Hagler might've broken down first against Hearns if he wasn't trained like a fucking machine. Oscar might've achieved much less if he started to box at Sergio Martinez's age. Same could be said for Floyd or JCCSR. Most of these guys had great talent, but talent without hard work only takes you so far. EDIT: Except TKO6.
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10-22-2012, 08:04 AM	#8
babaluma Journeyman ESB Jr Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 142 vCash: 500	Re: Which fighter improved most through hard work? Jersey Joe Walcott is my number one for grit and hard work. Also in a different way, Nigel Benn, he definitely gave himself a longer career after reinventing himself post Eubank I, he worked on both stamina and boxing skills. The Benn of Eubank I or Michael Watson would have been KO's in one by McClellan.
Top

10-22-2012, 09:35 AM	#9
Johnstown No Longer Nefarious East Side VIP Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Johnstown PA Posts: 11,823 vCash: 500	Re: Which fighter improved most through hard work? Riddick Bowe
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10-22-2012, 11:47 AM	#10
bladerunner El Intocable East Side VIP Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 20,365 vCash: 0	Re: Which fighter improved most through hard work? A few recent ones: Pacquiao Martinez Wright Hopkins
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10-22-2012, 12:40 PM	#11
MagnaNasakki Belt holder ESB Addict Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,820 vCash: 1000	Re: Which fighter improved most through hard work? Juan Diaz, man. This is a kid who came out of nowhere. Nobody in the know thought much of him. He went pro too early, he didn't have any strength, he slapped, and he was hittable. I had heard that he was an animal in the gym, but didn't think anything of it. Kid exploded in like two years. Watched him against Lavka Sim and couldn't believe what I was seeing.
Top

10-22-2012, 12:46 PM	#12
jdempsey85 Contender ESB Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: EAST L.A Posts: 1,054 vCash: 1032	Re: Which fighter improved most through hard work? jim braddock
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10-22-2012, 01:15 PM	#13
Bokaj Undisputed Champion East Side VIP Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 12,314 vCash: 1000	Re: Which fighter improved most through hard work? I'll add a surpise one here: Jack Johnson. He took on Choynski, fully knowing he'd be KO'd, just to be able to pick up knowledge from him. Now that's learning the hard way. Armstrong should also be mentioned.
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10-22-2012, 04:42 PM	#14
Theron Steele the Tacoma Assasin ESB Addict Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 3,454 vCash: 773	Re: Which fighter improved most through hard work? Marciano. If he didn't work as hard as he did he wouldn't have become champ
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