Promising fighters whose careers were cut short

The two that come to mind for me are Ike Ibeabuchi and Baby Joe Mesi.
Ike unfortunately due to serious legal problems and incarceration.
Baby Joe was hugely popular in the Buffalo, NY area, packing arenas when he fought there. Listed as Buffalo's third franchise after the Bills and Sabres. Had some good wins on his record and a fan friendly fighter, and well spoken and personable. Unfortunately after dominating Vassily Jirov for 8 rounds was knocked down 3 times in the final 2 rounds and escaped with a decision. Unfortunately was injured, and was in line for a title shot, but couldn't get licensed. Had several fights against journeymen, ultimately retring with a 36-0 record. Ike retired at 20-0, undefeated as well. Two of the biggest What If's in boxing.

 

Masao Oba was only 23 but he already made 5 defenses of his world title and had beaten two legends before his tragic death.

 

Tyrone Everett

 

HOFer Les Darcy comes to mind. Only 21 when he died from pneumonia!

 

Lamar Kidfire Parks

Got the HIV

 

Sal Sanchez is the first name that comes up.

 

David Reid and Davey Moore both could have had longer and better careers.

 

Edwin Valero I guess??

 

Dan Schommer is one.

 

Pancho Villa had already assembled a pretty awesome record before dying at the age of 24 but surely would’ve achieved more.

 

Salvador Sanchez, Michael Watson, Spencer Oliver, I hate putting this one in Edwin Valero, Dmitry Pirog, Tony Jeffries and Darren Sutherland.

 

Alfredo Cabral (road accident)
Bernard 'Superbad' Mays (Malt liquor)
Wesley Mouzon (eye injury)

 

Gerald McClellan. More than promising.

 

Paul Williams.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Williams_(boxer)

 

AllTime Great.