Fighters who should have been GREAT but fell short

****in' Gamboa man :-(

 

He is a great, beyond dispute but imagine if Toney had Nard's level of dedication. Not even that level, just a solid work ethic.

 

A few excellent\borderline great sorts...


Hilario Zapata and Miguel Lora had the ability to be seen in a higher light than they often are now.Zapata often lacked the right mentality though and Lora made a fatal decision to stay at Bantam despite not being able to fight comfortably at the weight any longer.

Yoko Gushiken could have sealed things with a good run at Flyweight(especially if he beat Laciar) had he not lost interest in the sport.

Masao Oba had he not died in a car crash.

 

Razor Ruddock and Riddick Bowe.

 

Fair enough. He did reach greatness but it was fleeting because he threw it away so quickly. He did achieve a good bit at 140.

 

Great is such a vague term. For instance anyone who made the hall, I would feel uneasy saying they missed out on greatness. Then there's those who achieved great things within a division.

I suppose really I'd focus on those who should have achieved high rankings throughout history but failed. Like Witherspoon. Had the world at his feet and had all the tools to be the dominant champ but he never got his rematch and promotional issues ****ed him.

Young is another. He could have held a stranglehold on that belt by spoiling his way to greatness but the decision narrowly went the the other way.

 

Alex Lafferty
Len Harvey
Jock McAvoy
Eric Boon
Bert Gilroy
Ernie Roderick
Jim Brady
Arthur Danahar
Bruce Woodcock

all of these fighters were great but fell short for various reasons, Woodcock was the least great on the list, though better managed and not rushed, he might have succeeded and had "a Punchers Chance" at the very least.

 

Pinklon Thomas. He had a great jab and knock out power.

 

Ibeabuchi, bowe and golota are some heavys who had the physical abilities to be great,but lacked the mentallity

 

This is true in most sports except boxing. The standards seem to be a little looser in the boxing HOF. For example Ken Buchanon made it. I don't think anyone ranks him as a great fighter.

I agree with your point that the word "great" is open to interpretation.

 

Tyrell Biggs, Carl "The Truth" Williams, Micheal Olajidae, Tommy Ayrers, Stevie Cruz, Freddie Pendleton. A few that knowone brought up

 

I think Curry's body burned out, having over 300 amateur had a lot to do with it.

 

:good

 

Bowe is a good call. Had everything. Did quite a bit, but retired at what, 28?

 

I'm not saying I consider him great but I don't think it's fair to label him someone who fell short of greatness.