Basically which fighters do you believe had they won/lost a specific fight their careers down the line might've been different in a good way or bad way? Would be interesting to hear people's thoughts.
It’s an intriguing question but I’d like for you to give some examples to set the tone and direction. But I’ll say Archie Moore is probably in the discussion for P4P all-time if he knocks out Marciano instead of just knocking him down. I suspect he loses to Floyd Patterson (as happened) after a few defenses but he would be revered if was able to hang the only L on the Rock after being one of the top light heavyweights of all time too.
Jersey Joe Walcott not getting knocked out against Marciano. Rocks record at 48 - 1,it puts Walcott a lot higher up and knocks Marciano down a few. And if Dempsey had kod Tunney in the long count. Wonder how that plays out for both guys.
I did a thread that’s not exactly the same but hits in a somewhat similar theme on true crossroads fights: https://www.boxingforum24.com/threads/true-crossroads-fights.649861/
Kovalev. In my opinion he was robbed in Ward 1. Most agree although it’s not unanimous. I do believe had he won that fight- his career would of continued to flourish for another two years. He lost focus. wayne McCullough vs Daniel Zaragoza. McCullough was a decorated amateur and I believe Zaragoza was intended to be a name stepping stone for Wayne. Was an hbo televised bout intended to be a changing of the guard. However the Eddie Futch trained McCullough was beaten by the hof veteran and his career never really got on track.