World-class within a few years of picking up the sport?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by mrkoolkevin, Dec 11, 2017.

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  1. mrkoolkevin

    mrkoolkevin Never wrestle with pigs or argue with fools Full Member

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    What fighters became world-class professional fighters (champions or contenders) within a few years of picking up the sport?
     
    mrkoolkevin, Dec 11, 2017
    #1
  2. Bukkake

    Bukkake Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Michael Moorer became WBO champ in his rookie year.
     
    Bukkake, Dec 11, 2017
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  3. mrkoolkevin

    mrkoolkevin Never wrestle with pigs or argue with fools Full Member

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    Yeah, but he had been boxing since he was 11 years old.
     
    mrkoolkevin, Dec 11, 2017
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  4. Bukkake

    Bukkake Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Right... I wasn't really thinking about the last part of your question!
     
    Bukkake, Dec 11, 2017
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  5. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

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    A lot of the ex-kickboxers who transitioned over would qualify, if you don't count their previous careers. Saensak Muangsurin, Samart Payakaroom...
     
    Russell, Dec 11, 2017
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  6. Drew101

    Drew101 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Dwight Qawi
     
    Drew101, Dec 11, 2017
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  7. BEATDOWNZ

    BEATDOWNZ Boxing Addict banned Full Member

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    Gassiev, Usyk, Martinez.
     
    BEATDOWNZ, Dec 11, 2017
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  8. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member

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    Billy Conn.
     
    mcvey, Dec 11, 2017
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  9. Eddie Ezzard

    Eddie Ezzard Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Foreman had his first amateur bout in 67 while he was with the Job Corps and was Olympic champ in 68.
     
    Eddie Ezzard, Dec 11, 2017
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  10. Reason123

    Reason123 Not here for the science fiction. Full Member

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    Jim Jeffries.
     
    Reason123, Dec 12, 2017
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  11. 5016

    5016 Member Full Member

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    Jameel McCline didn't start until his mid 20s
     
    5016, Dec 12, 2017
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  12. mrkoolkevin

    mrkoolkevin Never wrestle with pigs or argue with fools Full Member

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    Sergio actually didn't hit the Ring rankings until 11 or 12 years after he first picked up the sport. Not sure about the cruiserweights.
     
    mrkoolkevin, Dec 12, 2017
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  13. mrkoolkevin

    mrkoolkevin Never wrestle with pigs or argue with fools Full Member

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    What about Lou Nova? Picked up the sport around 1935 and was Ring ranked by 1937. Max Baer?
     
    mrkoolkevin, Dec 12, 2017
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  14. JWSoats

    JWSoats Active Member Full Member

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    Joe Louis - after a brief amateur career, turned pro in 1934 and within 15 months had stopped former champions Carnera and Baer.
     
    JWSoats, Dec 12, 2017
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  15. just another guy

    just another guy New Member Full Member

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    James Toney.
     
    just another guy, Dec 13, 2017
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