Addendum- This fight also exemplifies some things that may be at odds with what you may have noticed. It did not happen at Heavy (obviously) and it involves fighters from mixed nations. I am of the opinion that upsets at heavy happen more often because of the 'puncher's chance' element and that because strength is often relied so heavily upon in the heavies that when a fighter commits to a well rounded game early on (when others are just putting asses on mats) they have the recipe for a potential upset. Also, in the last 5 years in particular, many big fights either saw you going to another country's backyard or importing talent. We don't see as many upsets in the smaller weight classes also because it is rare that huge mismatches as far as experience is concerned, occur. An example of this would be a fighter losing the belt, then picking a tune-up and losing then as well for the upset. In the heavies, a fighter can find himself in the runnign against grade-a competition after only a few fights.
At some level, it's about styles. Khan has tremendous handspeed which is particularly effective against more reluctant, counterpunching boxers that don't want to risk committing to hard shots. Unfortunately, strong counter punchers that can stay in the pocket and tend to do their best against oncoming opponents, are not the best styles to match up against guys with a volume punching style, who are outside of their optimal weightclass, and reliant on speed and combinations. This is especially true when your opponent is accurate and can punch. It was not a favorable styles matchup for Khan in his last fight, so he was especially courageous in taking it, even though his trainer never should have allowed it. I respect Khan. He certainly doesn't lack courage.
I thought I made this post in response to another post deriding Khan, but apparently I clicked on the wrong thread. Thank you for your compliment.
Don't forget just like Lamont Peterson, Danny Garcia was a Huge Underdog to beat Khan.. I'm sure he was like 7/1 or something... Garcia was cherrypicked for Khan..he looked like a poor fighter he even struggled badly with Ashley Theophane. Khans autobiography should be called 'Cherry Picking Gone Wrong'
I remember having a bet on this, and Donaire was clear favourite. Google Donaire vs Rigondeaux odds if you wish.
For consecutive shocks you have to go with wilders last 4 opponents.everytime wilder annonces an opponent you feel like hes on a suicide mission but time and again he overcomes.