It was always interesting to me that from the time Leonard turned pro to the time he held the Welterweight title for the last time, only 4 years had elapsed. Of course he would come back and fight Marvin Hagler, but really from the Hagler fight to the Norris and then Camacho fight he was really the final chapter of his career. In his 36 wins, his quality is of opposition is among the best. But my question is, has any boxer in history had so may meaningful fights from the time he debuted to four years later?
In 7 years, Sanchez became an ATG. I know that doesn't answer or attempt to answer your question...I can't really think of any others.
Holyfield turned pro in '84, won the cruiserweight title in '86, unified in '87, became undisputed champ in '88, then won the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world in '90. In 6 years, he had gone from 0-0 to having been the undisputed champ in two different weight class, thereby having held 6 major world titles. Pretty special, no?
Think de la hoya had his first 12 fights in 11 months always fought the best but a few times came up a little short. But he didnt reach the heights of resume superstardom that leonard did in such a little space of time. love them both. Good thread
