Fighters That Kept Proving Them Wrong.

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Fergy, Apr 24, 2026.


  1. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Which fighters came into fights as underdog's, but beat the odds, sometimes several times?
    At heavyweight I'd say Holyfield maybe is the king, With Ali in the mix easily.
     
  2. slash

    slash Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Holyfield didn't box well as a favorite. So, yeah, he would have to be up there on that list.
     
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  3. DS Phil Hunter

    DS Phil Hunter Active Member Full Member

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    Michael Watson against Nigel Benn back in 1989. Benn was expected to knock out Watson as if it was a formality.
     
  4. Thread Stealer

    Thread Stealer Loyal Member Full Member

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    Well obviously Ali was the winner in two big upsets, against Liston & Foreman
     
  5. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Watched that fight mate.
    Didn't know a lot about Watson at the time and expected Benn to clobber him.
    But I think Benn needed that Spanking to grow as a fighter.
     
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  6. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Steve Robinson comes to mind.
    Beat Colin McMillan as the underdog.
    Also again against Duke McKenzie.
    Pretty sure the guy he beat for the WBO was also the favourite.
     
  7. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

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    Danny Garcia
    Glen Johnson
     
  8. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member

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    It has to be Marciano.

    I can think of at least three fights where I would have bet on the other guy to win and would have lost my pants. Maybe four if we include LaStarza who was a fine boxer too.
     
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  9. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Joe Calzaghe was supposed to be fodder for Jeff Lacy and I think close to even money against Hopkins.
     
  10. Oddone

    Oddone Bermane Stiverne's life coach. Full Member

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    Everyone kept telling Hopkins he was too old and should retire. The man was a legit world champion when he lost to Kovalev at 49 years, 297 days old.
     
    Last edited: Apr 24, 2026
  11. KO_King

    KO_King Horizontal Heavyweight Full Member

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    Hopkins in his later career.
     
  12. DS Phil Hunter

    DS Phil Hunter Active Member Full Member

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    One of my favourite fights Fergy he certainly showed he was 'The Force' and left a lot of the boxing public incredulous.
     
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  13. DS Phil Hunter

    DS Phil Hunter Active Member Full Member

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    Steve Robinson got the call at late notice whole eating fish and chips if I remember rightly? when he got asked to step up for the WBO Featherweight Title.
     
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  14. greynotsoold

    greynotsoold Boxing Addict

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    For me, Azumah Nelson.
    When I met him, just before his fight with Gabe Ruelas, I told him that i always picked him to lose but he always proved me wrong, and that I had a lot of respect for his ability. He thanked me and said that he hoped some day to make me a fan. We shook hands and i was struck by how small his hands were.
    Here's a tip for you. Most fighters don't like to shake hands. The last thing they need is for some guy with a macho grip to squeeze their hand and roll the knuckles. A very light hand shake or, even better, a fist bump.
     
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  15. Thread Stealer

    Thread Stealer Loyal Member Full Member

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    Bernard Hopkins was a 2 to 1 underdog when he beat Felix Trinidad, then a 3 to 1 underdog when he beat Antonio Tarver.

    He was around a 3 to 1 underdog again when he beat Kelly Pavlik.