I've got it Flea, not that good a story teller Johnny to be honest, though the story itself is interesting. I'm off anyway mate, speak later.
Rafael Marquez had three early career losses, but bounced back to establish himself as Bantamweight king and a major Super-Bantamweight player.
Was going to say Johnny, he always wanted that big fight but couldnt land it. Wasnt his family kidnapped at some stage near the end of his career
Fritzie Zivic at one point dropped 7 in a row, with about 45 bouts to his credit, so he wasn't a novice. Within 5 years he beat Armstrong for the title. Scartissue
I was in England some years ago and met Johnny Nelson at a black-tie boxing show in Hull. It was the only pro boxing show scheduled for the entire 10 days I was in G.B., so I hopped a train and went. Nelson was on his way up at the time and was a thoroughly likeable chap -- I don't think he fought that night. Also ran into Paul Hodkinson, who was making an appearance shortly after winning the WBC feather title at a clothier in Liverpool. Had just finished lunch and turned the corner and he was standing there with his belt. Had my photo taken with him. All of this is completely off topic, but Mike Weaver was the first to come to mind for me.
Henry Armstrong lost his 1st, 3rd, and 4th fights. Might discourage most fighters. Of course, the game was a bit different back then.
Kid Gavilan lost a string of fights (mostly on split/controversial decisions) after losing his first title shot at Ray Robinson, then came back to win the world title a year later. Joey Giardello also lost a string of fights after losing his title shot at Fullmer, then came back a couple years later to pull off a big upset over Dick Tiger to win the title for himself. Speaking of Fullmer, he lost fights to Gil Turner, Bobby Boyd, and Eduardo Lausse in quick succession, then came back to win the title only a year or so later.
Jack Sharkey lost to Dempsey, drew with Tom Heeney, and then lost to Johnny Risko in consecutive fights, then scored a shocking 1st round KO of Jack Delaney to restore his standing in the division.