Fighters Who Came Out Of Nowhere?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Russell, Apr 13, 2009.


  1. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

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    As in fighters who made a splash out of nowhere. No Ray Leonard/ODLH expectations from day one. The exact opposite, basically.

    Martin Rogan slaughtering the UK's best comes to mind recently. Goes from fighting a 3-1 guy, then takes 8 months off and takes apart Harrison and Skelton within two months. :yikes
     
  2. Addie

    Addie Myung Woo Yuh! Full Member

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    Christian Mijares was supposed to get knocked out by Arce. He came out of nowhere, and then dropped out of nowhere. I still have faith, though.

    Manny Pacquiao was expected to get knocked out against Marco, and we all know how that one turned out.

    Steve Robinson, a journeyman, won the title and then made successful title defences before meeting Hamed.
     
  3. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    Max Schmeling

    Gene Tunney had just vacated the title.

    Schmelings first fight on American soil was against Johny Risko who was the betting favourite to win Gene Tunneys vacated crown.

    He was an unknown Euro fighter, and the decision to give him a position in the tournament to find the next champion had been heavily criticised.

    He battered Risko into oblivion and two fights later he was the heavyweight champion.
     
  4. GPater11093

    GPater11093 Barry Full Member

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    well rogan won prisefighter before beating harrion and skelton so he was known bur prisefighter made him

    Baldomir a journyman from Argentina comes from nowhere to beat Zab Judah and Arturo Gatti setting himself up for paydays aginst Mayweather and Forrest that was crazy

    Hagler when he turned Pro people didnt have high hopes for him then he becomes arguably the greatest MW ever

    arturo Gatti was an exciting fighter but noone thoguh he was as good as his brother but he went on to win world titles and become a cult hero

    what about Breidas Presscott came from living in a gym to destroying Amir Khan and now being touted as a hot prospect

    also Roman Martinez came from nowhere and KOd Nicky Cook taking his title
     
  5. doug.ie

    doug.ie 'Classic Boxing Society' Full Member

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    i was going to say stevie robinson too :)
     
  6. CottoDaBodykill

    CottoDaBodykill Boxing Addict Full Member

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    two words..

    ricardo mayorga!
     
  7. SuzieQ49

    SuzieQ49 The Manager Full Member

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    Jersey Joe Walcott returned to boxing after 4 year retirement in 1945 at age of 30. Upon his return, the papers considered him a poor over the hill ex journeyman who had the talent but never had much luck with his health in the 30s. Well Walcott from 1945 -1947 defeated 8 Ring Magazine top 10 contenders including the # 1, # 2, and # 3 ranking challengers..... to earn a shot against Louis at age 33.
     
  8. GPater11093

    GPater11093 Barry Full Member

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    great shout

    also James J Braddock
     
  9. CottoDaBodykill

    CottoDaBodykill Boxing Addict Full Member

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  10. djanders

    djanders Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I agree with GPater11093. Jimmy Braddock.
     
  11. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    In the bareknuckle era in Britain most of the top fighters came from nowhere.

    The fighters and promotors would not know about any fight that was not reported in the national press, which meant that you had no record on boxrec untill you started meeting well known fighters.

    To add to this promotors would try not to expose a young prospect to the media early in his career. This meant that they could get long odds betting on him when he stepped up in class and that the top fighters would take him lightly.

    The first time that Jem Mace knew that Tom King existed (as far as I can tell) was when King ran up to him and threw a boxing glove at his feet saying "I am Tom King and I wish to challenge you for the title". Mace then apointed an oponent for King to prove that he was not wasting his time and when king won impresivley the title fight was agreed.

    This would be like if Riddick Bowe had turned up and thrown a glove at the feet of Evander Holyfield to challenge him for the title with his previous record unknown. Holyfield then says "fight Carl Williams to prove that I am not wasting my time". Bowe then puts a beating on Williams and Holyfield gives him the title shot.
     
  12. TBooze

    TBooze Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    The (formerly KO and now Ring) annual highly unofficial, official award for this, is named in honour of Azumah Nelson (after the Sanchez fight).
     
  13. GPater11093

    GPater11093 Barry Full Member

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    yeh good shout
     
  14. lefthook31

    lefthook31 Obsessed with Boxing banned

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    Paul Vaden. He shook up the world with his stoppage of Vincent Pettway in the 12th to win the title. :D
     
  15. booradley

    booradley Mean People Kick Ass! Full Member

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