who do you think is the greatest might have been in boxing? someone who showed all the potential but never got the chance to show how good they really are whether it be because of injury, jail, death, boxing politics or any other reason? A few examples I can think of being Ike Ibeabuchi, Edwin Valero, Dmitry Pirog if anyone can think of some more. Can even include how much more Soggy Andre Ward and Mikey Garcia could have done if they didn't spend so much time inactive due to boxing politics
Boxing is littered with could of been's just like every other sport, so many talented youths never fulfill their potential for numerous reasons. Ibeabuchi was the first name that came to me. He would of at the very least won a world title had he not gone bonkers and ended up in prison. Kirland Liang also is a fighter that could of achieved so much more. He beat Duran for Christ sake but loved to drink, partake in drugs and party way too much. Tony Ayala Jr was seen as a boxing prodigy but used heroin and was convicted of ****, he had all the talent but not he self discipline to be a fighter. On a lower level I think Dean Francis could of been a world champion had he not injured his shoulder leaving him a one handed fighter. He looked to be maturing in to a world class super middle before the injury. It's a shame he never fulfilled his potential.
I don’t know about ‘greatest’ but I will mention some guys who seemingly had massive potential.... I think most people will agree that Joan Guzman is up there.
Panchito Bojado was an amazing prospect. From his pro debut you could tell he fought with an extremely disciplined ferocity. He was hard hitting, had speed, threw combinations, had very good footwork, was patient, and all the fundamentals.
Hamed really could have made something out of himself if he had just learned to box. But seriously, I think his name was Manfreddy, went to jail for shooting his girlfriend in the stomach iirc. Maybe Diego Coralles, but he may have peaked by the time he left the scene... Paul Williams? Although Sergio ****ed him up bad and even Cintron was having some success before he bizarrely jumped out of the ring. To be honest Ike is the first dude that jumps to mind.
Salvadore Sanchez. That guy couldve been an all time great. Problably surpassed chavez as greatest Mexican fighter ever.
the most obvious choice. his performances against the caliber of fighters he beat made him a legend by the time of his death at 23.
Corrie Sanders could have accomplished more if he were more dedicated to the sport. He had extremely quick hands for a heavyweight, and could crack. I don’t see him getting stream rolled by any of the heavyweights from the 90s and 00s.