if nate started boxing earlier what would his legacy/resume/status be like?

The super-feather division was pretty strong back in the mid-90's. You had guys like Nelson, who held the WBC belt long term for about 5 years or something till 94, and then had another stint for about 18 months or something. In between his 2 reigns you had the tough Jesse James Leija, who was only a short term holder, and Gabriel Ruelas.

The WBA title was held by mainly 2 guys, who were Genaro Hernandez, who also held the WBC belt after Ruelas before Mayweather came along in the late 90's. And after Hernandez was Yong Soo Choi, who was reluctant to leave Korea or Japan.

The IBF title was held mainly by John John Molina and Arturo Gatti, in between. The WBO was held by Bredahl and Dutchman Regilio Tuur, sandwiching De La Hoya's short stint. It was vacant for a while after that though.

I think it's possible that Nate could of done very, very well in he started earlier. I mean he didn't go to the gym till he was 24 and well an amateur then he apparently when every state tournament he fought in, including the Golden Gloves, before turning pro because he needed the money.

I think if he had started from an earlier age, and spent more time in the amateurs and fought at a higher level, like World Championships and possibly Olympic Games/Trials, he would of been much more successful.

 

Jeff Fenech, Gabriel Ruelas, Azumah Nelson, Jesse James Leija, Genaro Hernandez . . . there was a lot of talent around superfeatherweight at that time. Tough fights for the Galaxxy Warrior.

Just saw Tommy's post. Good points there.

 

They jumped around in weight divisions around that time, but both had fights in super featherweight in the early to mid 90s.