Norton has not been mentioned, and he very definitely belongs in this discussion. Look at the final round of his second two matches with Ali, then the final round when Leon Spinks successfully challenged Ali. Norton and Shavers both had shots at a post Inoki Ali. Leon had that "go for broke" something extra neither Ken or Earnie possessed when everything was on the line, thus Leon became the last undisputed heavyweight champion until Tyson. (Take away the parasites and leeches, and maybe Leon wins the rematch as well.)
:roll: -Tua got a chance at the real Heavyweight Title of the World against Lennox Lewis in 2000. -He lost to Chris Byrd an IBF eliminator -He drew with Rahman an another IBF eliminator -John Ruiz had to settle for shot at Lewis' vacated WBA title in 2000, he lost by controversial decision and won the rematch. -John Ruiz beat Rahman for Jones Jr. vacated WBA title. -Now the WBA did use John Ruiz as a gate keeper for Valuev and Haye, but that's it. There is no consipracy, Tua has own lack of dedication to blame; and he still got a crack at the real title and other opportunities without ever beating top 5 fighter. Ruiz beat 4 top 5 fighters without ever getting a chance at the number one heavy in the world.
Razor Ruddock COULD NOT FIGHT. He was always over-rated. A guy that just made a career living off his left hook. He could not throw a jab or a right hand. He was made famous for losing twice to Tyson. It was only because he took all of Tyson't punishment that people appreciated his toughness. OVERRATED!
Andrew Golota by all reports was beast in the gym...destroyed heavybags...fast and strong....dominated top level guys in sparring..but when the real fights started..he fail apart...
I don't agree with either Crawley or Ruddock choices. Both had a certain quality about them, but their failures were stylistic (Ruddock) or punch and durability shortcomings (Crawley). There are about a billion fighters that fit those descriptions. The heart of the matter is, who had the most yet did the least? Breland is a tremendous choice, as is Cooney. Cooney, had Holmes not been there, could have been a real force in the division for some time, though he most likely wouldn't have fought much.
Yeah, he'd never been knocked out before, went 15 rounds with Salvador Sanchez, then gets taken out with one punch in the first round. It was a wicked left uppercut from Nelson though, a great counter that just put Cowdell to sleep.
Bronco McKart and Murray Sutherland come to my mind. Two of my favorites. Both were quite good in their respective prime years, but both consistently lost whenever they stepped up to elite level.
Recently, my biggest flop goes to Francisco Bojado. He had the skills but not the desire. Hector Camacho Jr same thing. No desire, but good skills. Alot of fighters from the 80s. The drug influence ruined a lot of them Vernon Forrest injuries David Reid bad eye Ray Mercer stupid too many to list