Name some fighters that overachieved in their careers...

Peter Manfredo, 2 world title challenges, I mean come on, the lads dog ****

 

Peter Manfredo, 2 world title challenges, I mean come on, the lads dog ****

 

Challenging for a 'World title' nowadays, and winning the Euro (in some cases) really doesn't hold the same prestige it used to.

 

True.......

bit of a shame though

 

For a fighter like Woods its very unfair to say that he overachieved, its actually impossible to perform at a higher level than you are physically capable -- he simply maximised his potential. He wasn't ever handed anything on a plate and what he achieved he did through hard work, grit and determination.

 

Valuev desreves a shout. Carnera for that matter too.

 

Icey, you've just said he overachieved but in different words, lol. I don't see why it's 'unfair' tbh. It's a compliment to say he did great for what he had or 'maximised his potential' as you put it.

 

Great shout.

 

Sven Ottke. Long reigning champion at super middle but was given some gifts. Very ordinary

Evander Holyfield and Man Pacquia: Gifted fighters but no one expected them to achieve as much as they did at the higher weight(s)

I dont agree with Ricky Hatton Being an Overachiever. I think he could of been better if it wasnt for his super weight gaining in between fights

 

Ricky Burns. Love the guy but I never thought he'd end up a world champion, didn't even have him down as fringe world class to be honest.

 

I'd agree with that. Might not be one that comes to people's mind straight away, but what Holyfield was able to achieve at heavyweight bearing in mind what he was giving away was truly remarkable. Brings a tear to my eye just thinking about some of Evander's efforts.

 

Did anyone pick him to beat Qawi the first time?

Holyfield's a great shout. So is Woods - considering when he started, why he got into it, the lack of a single outstanding advantage over his opponents, and the fact he was relatively basic, he did brilliantly. A credit to someone pushing beyond their abilities to achieve something notable.

Glen Johnson is another one, since we're looking at Woods.

 

Cornelius "K9" Bundrage

 

My British pick would be Ricky Hatton and International Maidana. Both rely on waring opponents down with very little boxing skill.

 

Holyfield was a pretty big underdog i think. People tend to overlook Qawi now, but he was serious then. Always came to fight and Holyfield didn't really have the experience. His win over Qawi in that first fight is so underrated IMO.

Evander was green and fighting a monster, it was one of the greatest things i've ever seen a young fighter do. Holyfield just had something inside of him that was incredible and he had that ability to always behave like a fighter and put himself in a different place mentally. Do you know he turned down an opponent on his debut and told Duva to get him someone who would at least challenge him. That's why his first opponent is 10-1.

IMHO he has a reasonable chance of beating any heavyweight ever. On his best night, when he came out singing to that goovy music, started bouncing and gritting his gumshield you had to kill him to beat him. What a warrior.