What is statistically the worst defeat a top fighter suffered?

Any top fighter getting taken out in the first round, statistically speaking, is a nightmare listing on his record, especially so if never avenged. That happened to Floyd Patterson twice, and by the same man. I would think that, statistically, that has to be the worst ever.

 

Getting to within two fights of getting that elusive Heavyweight 50-0-0 record and seeing it snatched away must burn pretty strong eh

 

I bet he is still crabby about it to this day. That was no doubt a hard pill to swallow. The Light Heavyweight Champion, no less.

 

Matthew Saad Muhammad, just a few fights from having been LHW champ, losing to Eric Winbush, who was 11-6.

Perico Fernandez losing the JWW title to 2-0 Saensak Muangsurin, although Muangsurin was a pretty good fighter and more experienced (as a kickboxer) than his 2-0 boxing record indicates.

 

Jack Dempsey knocked out by a firefighter

 

Holyfield/ Tyson : Holy was a huge underdog, seen as cannon fodder for the rampaging Tyson.
Zivic/Armstrong : Henry was on a 18 title defence winning streak, Zivic was wholly inconsistent , Zivic wasn't supposed to win.
Turpin/Robinson : The best fighter in the world upset by a strong but somewhat awkward brit, No Way...
stay safe guys.

 

Danny Bang Bang Womber?
Yeah that is a good example.
In 1953 if you made such a ranking Gavilan had a case for being p4p no 1.
He was also on a LONG unbeaten run at that point and had the welter belt around his waist.

 

I don’t think Laing ever followed any script during his career not even his own scripts written by his various managers throughout his own career

 

James Toney losing to Charles Ellis