:-(Being nine years old at the time and already in bed when my dad woke me up (he and Uncle Ray had went downtown to watch Patterson-Liston closed circuit) and told me my hero (dad had always told me how good Floyd was and a gentleman to boot) had been smooshed in the 1st round. I cried myself to sleep that night.
Ken Norton vs. Scott LeDoux. Kenny had endured a lot of bad luck, then was thrown in with a desperate Shavers who demolished him. I really thought Norton would dominate LeDoux and get back on track. And for about 8 rounds he did. I was outraged when Ken didn't get the decision, 'cause I only gave Scott two rounds, but watching the fight now I have to feel for LeDoux. Ken could barely stand up....I think Scott LeDoux probably should have been awarded a TKO. To see my hero Norton struggle to the death with a tough but talent-less journeyman ruined one of the days of my summer, 1979.
Most of my first thoughts came to guys who sabotaged their own careers and the lives of their family members. There's been no in-ring disappointment that's ever compared to seeing a guy have the world in his hands and then throwing it away for me. The most recent example is Pavlik but, sadly, it's a recurring theme in boxing (and athletics at large, if not with the same regularity). It was also extremely disappointing seeing my favorite fighters of the 90's get popped for steroids or other PED's one after the other, but then again, I was a young and naive fan at the time who didn't realize just how widespread their use was.
Meldrick Taylor...not that I was ever disappointed in his effort against Chavez and Norris...Just disappointed in him losing...Was a big Taylor fan back in the day.
Leonard/Duran III left me empty....(denial again) No Mass put into a self preservation state of denial.... Hearns/Duran left me traumatized & rendered me into a vegetative state.... Duran/Joppy, which I attended reduced me to choking tears....
As a BOXING FAN all of my life there have been so many, Duran No Mas, Liston quitting and diving vs Ali, The 80's fat and lazy and drugged up heavyweights, built up fighters who fizzled
Spinks vs Cooney 1987--- I was shocked how far gone Cooney had become. I was so sure it wouuld be a easy KO. I was gutted, learned a hard lesson, the Boxer which is quicker and can get off his punches 1st will most likely win the fight.
I think Riddick Bowe was a huge disappointment. He was big, strong, and could fight well on the inside for a big guy, and he had the greatest coach in corner and with all the he was only good for just a little while.
