Boxers who came back stronger after a war that could ruin a career Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera came back stronger after there All out war in 2000. Morales well took the worse of it but came back stronger than ever Marco had a few wars before that (mckinney and Jones) Joe Frazier was in a few epics before the FOTC. Evander Holyfield had a few life and deathers but kept coming back stronger (cruiserweight and Heavyweight) Arturo Gatti got better later on in his career after some of the most gruelling battles ever
I'm thinking of fighters that lost a gruelling battle(s) which could have given them an excuse to fade into the night, but who by dint of character and dedication forged forward and got better despite the setback. I'm guessing there's plenty before the 1970s, but some more recent ones include: Azumah Nelson (post Sanchez) Ray Leonard (post Duran I) Buddy McGirt (post War.ren I and post Taylor) Howard Winstone (post Saldivar I) Simon Brown (post Starling) Ernesto Marcel (post Duran) Some arguables: Tommy Hearns (post Leonard) - I am in the slight minority in thinking Hearns actually peaked in the first Ray fight and although he enjoyed much success after that fight, was never quite as good. Marlon Starling (post Curry II) - Not sure on this one, even though his career prospered post Curry... Kostya Tszyu (post Phillips) - Same... Mario Martinez (post Chavez) - had some success post Chavez and continued to acquit himself honourably, but not sure that he actually improved
