Although they lost their world title match, are challengers such as Gerry Cooney, Calvin Brock & Andrew Golota still immortalized in history books because they challenged for what was once the most glorious title in sports?
Interesting.... what do you feel about headlining a main event pay-per-view @ Madison Square Garden & losing the heavyweight title fight in a game, high-quality effort VS. winning bronze at Olympics. Which is the bigger feat in your eyes?
Frank Bruno is the mere definition of this thread title. But he had to ruin it by winning the WBC belt from McCall. Damnit Frank, you lovable *******!! In reality, David Tua comes to mind.
I believe Golota went 0-4 in title matches. Or 0-3-1 with the draw to Byrd and losses to Lennox, John Ruiz and Lamon Brewster. And then of course losing every other major fight he was in: 0-2 against Bowe and KO'd against Michael Grant and Mike Tyson. Did Golota even win a meaningful fight?
Yeah Golota was 0-3-1. The Tyson bout is officially a No Contest. Andrew's biggest victories are Danell Nicholson and Tim Witherspoon. Against Byrd and Ruiz Andy put on sensational, high-quality performances in his second career in bouts many observers thought he won. On paper no other challenger was closer to the heavyweight crown than Andy because the Byrd match ended in a draw. For me, Golota trumps Tua in this regard.