Derrell Coley - "Too Sweet"

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Flo_Raiden, Sep 18, 2025 at 8:11 AM.

  1. Flo_Raiden

    Flo_Raiden Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Anyone remember Derrell "Too Sweet" Coley? A forgotten WW from the 90s mostly known for losing to Oscar de la Hoya but he was really a very good boxer. As his nickname suggests he had a style that was sweet as sugar with his technical prowess to go along with power, speed and footwork that made him the ideal boxer-puncher. Besides his boxing skills he was also someone that wasn't afraid to go to fight toe to toe as well. Fought Oba Carr in a very close fight and fell short. Also was originally stopped by Pat Coleman but was later ruled a NC after Coleman tested positive for marijuan. Following that he would later have an incredible fight with Kip Diggs where both fighters were knocked down multiple times.

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    Last edited: Sep 18, 2025 at 8:17 AM
  2. Vic-JofreBRASIL

    Vic-JofreBRASIL Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I like these type of threads. I don´t have much to say, but it gives me a new guy to watch... I don´t really remember him.
     
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  3. HistoryZero26

    HistoryZero26 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Coley is in the discussion for greatest fighters to never fight for a major world title in the 3/4 belt era. Virtually everyone of his caliber fights for a title multiple times under this setup.

    De La Hoya v Coley should have been for a major title but he just so happened to fight De La Hoya right before Trinidad made the jump to 154.
     
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  4. scartissue

    scartissue Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Flo, I haven't seen his bout with Pat Coleman, so I need to remedy that. I have seen the rest, which I loved. Coley is that kind of an exciting fighter. I have also seen his fight with Rocky Balboa which was a good scrap but a crazy decision (in my view) if you wish to see one more of Coley's bouts.
     
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  5. Roughhouse

    Roughhouse Active Member Full Member

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    What's sad is that Coley was a notch below World Title level and was a true warrior and probably made scant money in his career (excepting DeLaHoya hopefully).
     
  6. ipswich express

    ipswich express Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    His purse for DLH was $1M. Good money.
     
  7. Saad54

    Saad54 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    i saw him fight live at the old DC Convention Center against Jaime "Rocky" Balboa.

    He was a decent contender but never really elite.