i haven't posted on here in years, but the question occurred to me - which fighter was matched toughest in their career? I'm talking guys who fought monsters early and often (for better or worse)? I was looking back at the career of Prince Aaron, a domestic level fighter who showed some promise a while back. Fought a 12-0 Anthony Small as a five fight novice, later fed to John Duddy. I'm sure there are much better examples of people who were matched hard, but nobody did this guy any favours. Suggestions?
UK wise I agree about Andrew Selby, Carl Froch was fighting really good opponents at British/Commonwealth level, guys who were fringe world class. The biggest one that comes to mind is Scott Harrison, turned pro young, just turned 19 and fought and won IBO title in 10th fight, beat a good Patrick Mullings in his 11th fight for commonwealth title before beating world class Tracy Pattison in his 12th fight in Madison Square Gardens. Then in 13th fight beat Tom Boom Boom Johnson in a defence of IBO title and then fought a few good opponents defending CW, people like Wenton, Thornhill and Steve Robinson. Not many Brits turnover that young and beat 2 former world champions in first 13 fights.
Chisora? 5th fight was Sexton, fought Williams and Fury 13th and 15th fights and then Helenius/Haye/Vitali within 19 fights
I was at that fight and he took some punishment but kept coming forward. His team did well to pull out when they did.
Dave Allen obviously. Joe Joyce has the hardest debut perhaps of all time for a British prospect against Ian Lewison. Based on the fact that he'll be expected to keep the standard high afterwards, if Joyce was to win his first five or so fights he would probably have the most impressive matchmaking for a British fighter ever.
Josh Taylor has been matched well early IMO. Dave Ryan was a decent test for his 7th pro fight. The Davies fight some saw as 50/50, and the upcoming Vazquez fight should also give him a good test.
Nigel Benn fought very useful Americans like Reggie Miller and Tim Williams in his first year or so as a pro, they were ranked prospects themselves still and experienced.
Benn nearly punched them out of the ring as a raw novice. Unreal when you look back at young Benn. Logan hit him with a 22-shot combo and he knocks him out while out on his feet with one shot from his ankle, the start Benn made in that fight swinging right hooks from the first bell was insane.
Haha yea Benn was a nutter. Miss those shoot out type guys . It's great having all the fancy skills but when a brute like Benn comes out trying to take your head off. Can't be beaten
Luke Blackledge served a tough apprenticeship... before ten fights he'd fought Phil Fury 10-1-0 Matthew Barney 26-9-1 - ex Area,British & Commonwealth champion Mads Larsen 51-3-0 - ex EBU champion. Luke in the away corner for all of the above. Larsen in Denmark... came through them all with wins. Retiring all 3.