Journeymen who turned into elite fighters?

enough is enough

 

Ruddock

 

This is what Sergio says in an interview regarding the margarito "oportunity"

"Salió una noticia en Estados Unidos de que necesitaban un boxeador más o menos de nivel que se pudiera mostrar en el exterior, joven, sin muchos combates y que en lo posible estuviera invicto. El perfil encajaba conmigo”
“Él era todo un profesional y yo era un improvisado. Pasó lo que tenía que pasar, habría sido injusto que yo ganara. Esa pelea hice agua por todos lados: no tenía equipo, no tenía plan A, ni B… ni Z”

I translate

"We got news from USA saying that they needed a boxer with more or less decent level who could be shown abroad, young, without many fights and, if possible, undefeated. I fitted."
"He was a full professional fighter, and I was just a makeshift. It happened what it had to happen, it would have been unfair that I won. In this fight I failed: I had no team, I had no plan A, no plan B.... nor Z"


That's the "oportunity".

He fought margarito as he would have fought anyone, without a ****ing clue about who's he fighting. Maravilla was a jouneyman before and after margarito. He needed more time to succeed.

 

Glen johnson comes to mind. Lots of close losses on his record and then he wins fighter of the year from Ring Magazine after beating Clinton Woods, Roy Jones and Tarver.

 

Freddie Pendleton was at one point a top lightweight with many losses

 

Freddie Pendleton started his career 12-12-1 and ended up winning a world title. He beat Livingston Bramble, Roger Mayweather and Jorge Paez along the way. While he did lose to Pernell Whitaker andf Tito Trinidad in title fights but, just getting to those fights was impressive considering how his career started ... or what Pepsi Dioxide said.

 

Johnny nelson springs to mind...lost 4 of his first 7 or something like that. 5 of his first ten. Started rebuilding...went on a decent run...then lost 3 back to back. Started rebuilding again...eventually winning a world title and going ten years undefeated. Not sure if we can say elite...but one of the best examples of going from a journeyman to a good solid world title holder.

 

jason gavern

 

Actually good post.

 

Johnny Nelson was never set up to be a journeyman. He was terrible at the start and improved.

 

Steve Robinson is the first that springs to mind and the best example of a journeyman becoming a world champion.

 

Ugas deserves a mention!

 

going to the US had everything to do with changing that, and being in felix sturm's stable prior to that would be the death knell of any fighter with an ounce of ambition.

 

Freddy Pendalton
Mike Weaver
Frank Randall (sort of)

 

Fair enough I suppose he could be considered a journeyman for a while.