I'd say Laing as well. Also even though he was a champ John Conteh threw his career away through booze and partying, he wasn't even 30 was he when he packed it in?
Happy New Year to you sir! I think you see my point though - I cannot stand people treading water or pretending. Sorry to break it to you, but that is what is happening ATM (treading water). As I have said before though.... If you get him a title fight, I would be willing to sit and ringside, and should he win (or lose valiantly) admit that I got it wrong. I agree with you about Eastman, not quite sure what went wrong.
atsch Are you nuts Richard Williams was a world class fighter from 2000-2003 never forget that my friend.
What about Darren Dyer the Welterweight gold medalist from the 86 Commonwealth games he could punch and box and had great skills,But just didn't do much as a prh i forgot he did hit Lloyd Honeyghan with a hammer in the head in 93 down the Old Kent road.That being the highlight of his pro career LOL.
I think the Eastman thing was all about know how. It was not a lack of skills but what I would refer to as boxing IQ. I don't believe guys like Arthur Abraham, William Joppy etc were technically better than him. Put it this way Lloyd Honeyghan was probably not outstanding at an individual aspect of the game but was very good at everything but importantly he had the fighting intelligence/IQ to do it at the highest level.
Adrian Dodson was a cracking amateur but didn't quite have it as a pro. It looked at one point as though he and Robin Reid would start a good rivalry
audley for me whats happened there had it all lined up worst heavyweight division in years a whole nation behind him and still couldnt be arsed to get himself in shape mentally or physically one massive waste of talent i thought he was nailed on for big things
Interesting observation and I would qualify by calling it fighting attitude. Maybe the difference between being and crossing the line to becoming a champion.
Probably a compliment to Howard when you think about it! He would have to be my pick as I can't shake the feeling that he had the beating of all those guys he lost too... Joppy, Abraham, Miranda, Duddy, and even Hopkins. Just like there was a tooth missing off the fifth gear, ya get me? Damn shame how he ruined his record in those last few fights. Still lov ethe guy though. Big up Eastman!
i dont think naz can be said to have underachieved. he was a showman a artist and a great fighter and he lost to a great in barerra cant hold that one against him. he came unstuck
Herrol Graham, great talent but just couldnt get his act together to win something big. Eastman, too feckin lazy. Kevin Anderson brilliant to start with, really poor at the end, could have went further. And of course Tyson, feckin brilliant until he led the mad life
Jeff, have you ever had any contact with Pat Barrett ? What were your thoughts on him as a boxer? I've met him in not so great circumstances but he seemed one hard ******* .