Fighters who made it the hard way

[vargasfan1985]

Originally Posted by Emeritus

Winky Wright.

How did I forget one of my all-time favs. Winky is a G in EVERY sense of the word. He was his own worst enemy though and left a lot of money fights on the table. Hope he made enough to retire and live well.

[assasin]

Originally Posted by Collie

Martinez is a good call, Hagler too.

Wouldn't agree with Broner, who got exposure on big undercards in his first few fights. A lot has been expected from him since he turned professional and he has got plenty of chances.


I'm looking for fighters who nothing much was expected of them when they turned professional, and who got titles/recognition without the help of big promotion, much amateur success/experience etc.

some good names have already been mentioned... so i'll throw this into the hat...

Ricky burns.

the guy caused a huge upset against martinez, becoming the no.1 at super feather. he then moved up to lightweight and became the no.1 there as well.

this all happened out of nowhere. he seems to be getting the credit for it now, though.

[assasin]

Originally Posted by TED 822

I thought Crusher gave a good example of what you were looking for in Carl Thompson.Not much amateur,came from kickboxing I think.Fought some really hard men,won some lost some.Came up against a top champion in Johnny Nelson.Appreciated his fans,decent man.Did win a title,I think,against Rothmann,another tough,tough man.
Liked Red Cobras choice,Giardello.Think he was one of many around that time,like Henry Hank,Holly Mims etc.Excellent skills.

Thompson was the WBO champ. Nelson beat him to take the title.