Favourite Title Holders That Weren't ATG s?

Jim Watt- good southpaw, decent boxer and better than average power. Solid pro who seemed to peak as British champion but suddenly won the EBU title (does anyone have any of his European title fights on video against Antonio Guinaldo or Jeronimo Lucas please contact me)
and got a shot at a vacant crown after Duran moved up.

Took the opportunity with both fists and went on to make 4 defences (record at the time I think) including a terrific performance in outpointing undefeated Howard Davis. Arguello proved too much but showed grit to last till the end.

Charlie Magri- considering his style he was never going to hold the World title for long. An exciting fighter who made for some great fights and dominated the British and European scene.

 

Ola Afolabi. Ever since I saw him upset Maccarinelli. Considering what they did in their careers, it’s laughable to think Maccarinelli was a 1/20 favourite

I always felt aggrieved he didn’t get his hand raised in at least 1 of the 3 fights he had with Marco Huck that went to decision. Sadly Huck had more left in his career when they met for a 4th time and Afolabi was on his way out.

 

I was a fan as well.
Huck quadrilogy - or at least first 3 fights - was excellent. I believe the second one was the best one, proper slugfest. Afolabi trained with Fritz Zdunek at the time and finally got himself into proper shape. That was one fight out of the 4 I thought He edged out.

 

Great point, D!!!

 

I’ve said this as well - fight for fight, I think he was the most exciting fighter of the 1980s.

 

Kevin Kelley. He falls short from world class but most of his fights were highly entertaining. I think he may be one of the most exciting fighters of the 90s if we're counting the amounts of FOTY candidates he's been in.

 

Leon Spinks, for one night only, a real Rocky Balboa moment, for 7 months Leon was the man who beat the man, and early 1978 was a good time in my life, so rose coloured spectacles shading my opinion i guess.

But hey let a old boy have his reminiscence

 

Three action packed fights. On each occasion the underdog won.

 

Kuniaki Shibata.
Well remember gazing at the front page of Boxing News to see a picture Saldivar bruised and blooded sagging against the ropes before being stopped by Shibata, a huge upset at the time, the well muscled Japanese warrior had took all the great Mexican had to offer, then dealt him a bad beating, amongst others this fierce little fighter bested were : Antonio Amaya, Raul Cruz, Ernesto Marcel, Andries Steyn, Ben Villaflor, Victor Echegaray, not one of the greats but a good little fighter, Japan had a few good fighters in the lighter ranks in the early 70s , Yoshiaki Numata, Hiroshi Kobayashi to name a few.
stay safe guys.

 

Mancini, Gatti, Saad, Vito, Little Red

 

John John Molina
Tony Lopez
John Mugabi
Miguel Lora
Bazooka Limon
Maurice Hope

And the two above mentioned.

Oh and Rolando Navarrrete.

 

Rocky Graziano should be there some where.

 

Andries and Harding had a hell of a trilogy!

Jorge Paez comes to mind for some reason.
Troy Dorsey
Mike McCallum
Iran Barkley

Probably a whole bunch. Good thread.