European Titlist become World Champions

Name some European champions that have went on to become the True, Legitimate, Universally Recognised number 1 in their division.

Calzaghe was never European champion.

 

Most people couldnt care less about the European title.

I think Lewis won one though, early in his career.

 

It's just like US champions (NABF/USBA).

It's a step up and there's a lot of class differences between the titleholders. Some are amazing, others suck carrots and only took the belt because their opponent sucked even more or they got lucky.

 

You are right. Lewis won one :thumbsup

 

Some of the people who have won Euro titles have been TRUELY awful though

 

There should only be one america belt! There's only one recognised British title and one European title!

I can't think of when nabf or nabo or usba had a fight where the title holder had to fight a mandatory challenger!

 

Remember Frazier held the America belt?! It was more prestigious back then!

 

Lennox

 

I'm curious - was vitali ever number 1 at heavyweight?

 

Think Wlad held it once too. Back in the day.

 

Ingemar Johansson

 

Yes, after the Sanders fight.

 

N Hamed in a different division to where he was champ
P Ingle
D Haye
Wlad Klitschko

Are names I can think of in an instant.
I often find that many fighters have too many tough fights at European level and are worn out by the time they get to world level due to so many tough fights at the Euro level.
An example of this would be D Chisora/D Wilder. Chisora is fighting at European level and has fought D Williams, S ***ton (undefeated), T Fury (undefeated), R Helenius (undefeated), V Klitschko, D Haye and had even signed to fight Wlad Klitschko. That was all in under 20 fights and has since fought undefeated M Scott, E Gerber and K Johnson.
Now look at how Wilder is called top 10 and in 31 fights his biggest win is possibly a Chisora KO victim.

Look at the levels they fought in and when and you can see European level can be very tough and take it out of a fighter before they look to move on