Stand-in opponents that were better than original

What late stand in opponents over the years have proved to better than the originally pencilled in fighter and thus made for better fights?

The best one I can think of is when Vitali Klitschko filled in for Kirk Johnson. That was a gigantic blessing in disguise.

Surely there must be some others over the years?

 

Ricardo Torres vs Cotto

 

Good one,gave Cotto all he could handle.

 

Good one.

Just proves pull outs are sometimes a good thing

 

Byrd over Ruddock vs. Vitali Klitschko.
Pacquiao as a late sub vs. Ledwaba

 

Seth Petruzzi filling in for Ken Shamrock against Kimbo Slice.

 

manny pacman was a stand-in opponent for Lehlohonolo Ledwaba. BIG MISTAKE, he totally demolished Ledwaba and got his fame after that i think

 

Took the words right outta my mouth. :good

 

was carlos baldomir a stan-in opponent for zab judah?

 

Yep I think your right there. F*ck. Stand ins are a career killer.

 

i think Pacman was a late stand in against Barrera but i could be wrong.

 

Tocker Pudwill

 

Felix Sturm was a late sub for Bert Schenk against Hector Velazco for the WBO title. Sturm was the career killer for both Velazco and Schenk. Sturm defineatly had big balls some years ago.

 

Steve Robinson against John Davison,

I seem to remember Robinson getting the call a couple of days prior to the fight after the champion was diagnosed with HIV

 

Joe Calzaghe v Eubank instead of Steve Collins