Heavyweight Underachievers?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Fergy, Mar 23, 2026.

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  1. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Which heavyweights scream out underachiever ?
     
    Fergy, Mar 23, 2026
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  2. MaccaveliMacc

    MaccaveliMacc Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Tim Witherspoon, Pinklon Thomas, Tony Tucker, Buster Douglas.
     
    MaccaveliMacc, Mar 23, 2026
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  3. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Busters a funny one.
    Yes he could probably have done much more before 1990 , but beating Tyson at THAT moment in time probably makes up for it.
    I'd also add Tony Tubbs to that list.
     
    Fergy, Mar 23, 2026
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  4. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Joe Goddard, Peter Jackson, John L Sullivan
     
    Seamus, Mar 23, 2026
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  5. Mike Cannon

    Mike Cannon Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Max Bear.
    With a bit more dedication whos knows ?
     
    Mike Cannon, Mar 23, 2026
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  6. Jackomano

    Jackomano Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    This. It’s hard to call any heavyweight that managed to become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion an underachiever.
     
    Jackomano, Mar 23, 2026
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  7. Jakub79

    Jakub79 Active Member Full Member

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    Andrew Gołota. Boring loser
     
    Jakub79, Mar 23, 2026
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  8. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

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    George Foreman. Only 5-2 in title fights including a robbery plus the glaring losses to Morrison and Young. Spent the first half of the eighties eating cheeseburgers and the second half fighting bums.
     
    NoNeck, Mar 23, 2026
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  9. nyterpfan

    nyterpfan Active Member Full Member

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    Buster Douglas for sure.

    He had a lot of talent and I honestly believe he could have held the HW title for a few years if he was consistently motivated--certainly longer than 8 months!!
     
    nyterpfan, Mar 23, 2026
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  10. MaccaveliMacc

    MaccaveliMacc Boxing Addict Full Member

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    So basically, the lost generation of the 80's heavyweights.
     
    MaccaveliMacc, Mar 23, 2026
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  11. HistoryZero26

    HistoryZero26 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Jack Root. Root lost a close fight to Hart beat a superheavy and then promptly retired after 2 HW fights.
     
    HistoryZero26, Mar 23, 2026
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  12. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Curious as to how Eddie Machen might have panned out if he wasn't so unwell.
     
    McGrain, Mar 23, 2026
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  13. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Yep
    They had the potential but for various reasons screwrd up
     
    Fergy, Mar 23, 2026
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  14. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Yes Mike,id say so.
     
    Fergy, Mar 23, 2026
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  15. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Was it mental health issues he suffered with.
    Think he had managerial troubles as well, sounds a bit like an 80 s heavyweight.
     
    Fergy, Mar 23, 2026
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