A tribute to transitional champions

Margarito would be the athlete

 

Juan Diaz at a stretch, the man wasn't a natural athlete. Very well conditioned though.

It's difficult to come up with names, to be honest any Boxer who achieves Title success is a supreme athlete. You see it when you train along side guys who are different steps up the ladder. Speed, co-ordination and rhythm all on a different scale to moderately athletic guys like myself.

 

Khan does have poor punch resistance though, I think it's his long neck and fine bones but he does get buzzed pretty easily. It's also partly due to his defense and silly mistakes, like hooking with hookers and lead hooks square on at that.

I like Khan's new style with Virgil Hunter though, focusing on defense while boxing and moving is a great way to make the most of his talents.

Khan has allot of talent despite his weaknesses, the likes of Roy Jones saw Khan as Mayweather's biggest threat 147 and below and stylistically I think I may agree, the jab, range/height, speed, movement and workrate.

 

I'd say I agree with this bit. I had actually forgotten Briggs had/has asthma til' I read through this thread. Doesn't Jermain Taylor as well? I remember hearing that about him, too. Pretty damn impressive to pick up legit titles with it. I had it big time when I was a younger lad. Man, that **** sucks donkey balls.

 

I always liked Taylor. Seemed like a genuinely good guy. Not a particularly exciting fighter to watch (though he had his share of good ones), but he did have real talent. Wouldn't say he had the potential to be an ATG or anything, but like you say, good speed, top job, a big guy at middle, etc.

I agree with you on his regressing through Kronk, and it's possible that the guy was just destined to burn out quick. He also fought some serious, high level competition with only a few 'breaks' in there. And yeah, he looked wonderful against Froch - probably the best he ever looked - until the final rounds fade. He's suffered some real bad knockout losses though - Pavlik I, Froch, Abraham. I worry about him a bit in his comeback.

 

Yeah, hopefully.


Oddly enough, Pavlik probably fits the thread more than Taylor. He was a good puncher, but nothing special in that regard. I don't think of him as particularly talented, compared to those of the world champion variety. Hard work, consistency, and getting the most out of the talent he did have for that bit of time he was at the top was what defined him. Got himself mentioned in top P4P lists though, so a bit of stretch.

I was actually pretty impressed that he recently called it quits. After the Hopkins schooling and the personal issues, he just fell on this downward spiral. Good for him that he could recognize that it just wasn't there anymore - that his interest and commitment to the sport had waned - and was able to walk away. His problems are personal ones though, so they may be a bit more difficult to shake off.

 

James Page

Leonard Dorin

Manuel Medina (too accomplished maybe?)

Frankie Liles

 

Lakva Sim.

The first Mongolian to win a world title was slower than erosion, but teak tough and could freaking CRACK.

Juan LaPorte. Long time contender who managed to stay in the ratings in various divisions until deep in the 90's, even though his transitional reign was in the very early 80's.

 

First and foremost, the one fight he's had with Hunter he didn't look any 'safer' than he did against Kotelnik. Also, he was fighting a short lightweight with no punching power, credible opposition nor impressive results.

Khan is not a smart fighter. People keep thinking he's going to improve once he figures it out but simply isn't good enough, smart enough nor talented enough to show he's going to go any further or get much better than he already has.

He's never been a pure boxer, and wasn't even in the Olympics. The attributes he does have are incredibly fast hands (which he can't throw in combination as he gets ragged with every single punch after the first two, or even first one) and MASSIVE BALLS.

HUMONGOUS. He can't take a shot well but he isn't afraid of taking one and will try so ****ing hard to get himself into a state where he can carry on.

The kid is a natural fighter through and through, without the all round punch resistance to take it. They've tried to make him stronger but as much as amateur fights don't tell us anything he is still the same lad who was made to look like Bambi on ice by Craig Watson.

I love Khan just how he is. He's made his money. Don't tell him change. Let him be a balls-to-the-wall speed freak with a short career. He loves a scrap.

Some fighters are not destined for greatness because they'e got quick hands and a phenomenal amateur achievement. Khan is bloody good, not brilliant, and there is nothing wrong with that.

No harm in going with Hunter but he ain't gonna' absorb much IMO. I'm happy to be proven wrong, but I have never been blown away by him.