What are some examples of fighters who should have been more active who would have a better career if they were more active? Cooney is a good example. After losing to Holmes, he could have still been a quality fighter between 83-86. He would not beat Tyson but he would beat a lot of other guys, and if he rematched Holmes circs 84-85, he might have actually had a chance.
Ray Mercer after the Holyfield fight. Even though he lost, he regained a lot of respect. So then he doesn't fight for a year. Then he loses a very close one against Lewis. Fights again six months later, winning a close one against Witherspoon. Ray has some wind at his sails. So what's he do? Stays inactive for over a year.
Easy. Leon Spinks Definitely Michael Spinks Howard Davis Jr. Mitch Green Pinklon Thomas Davey Moore Mike Weaver.
Didnt Mercer have health problems which sidelinef him? Hepatitis? At one point after the Witherspoon fight im pretty sure he was scheduled to take on Golota
Agreed. Ike was a hall of fame talent that had long layoffs and was on the short end of bad decisions.
Speaking of quartey, how about his former opponent Jose Luis Lopez? Just as he was coming into his prime years he basically quit boxing for years. Definitely didnt hit his potential ceiling
Andre Ward. Would like to have seen Andre Ward more active. Great boxer, but not an ATG fighter. Funny thing is.... *After the first Kovalev fight, I thought he was well overrated. His past inactivity also really bothered and irritated me. *Then, after second Kovalev fight, thought he was actually underrated and I regretted his inactivity more from a fan's perspective.
David Haye after brutal KO win over Chisora completely wasted his prime years, then came back only to get stopped by Bellew twice.
Looking at Mercer's wiki "In the frame for a bout with Andrew Golota in 1997, Mercer suffered a neck injury and was out of action for 14 months. He returned February 1998 with a 2-round KO of Leo Loiacono, but contracted Hepatitis B and was again inactive, this time for 20 months."