Which boxer(s) progressed the fastest

james toney

edit: i forgot we are in classic so you have to actually explain you decision hmph it's a tough life.

goes pro at 20, world champion in 3 years, by the end of the year he is in the p4p rankings.

 

Jung Koo Chang. Started training at like, 16. Turned pro' at 17. Best in his division by 19 and a complete fighter with a style all of his own equipped to beat men of all shapes, sizes and styles.

 

Michael Grant turned pro almost a complete novice. Although he failed at the very top, he became a contender within three years of turning pro.

But I suspect this thread should start with Wilfred Benitez, as the measuring stick.

 

TB beat me to it. I came in to mention Benitez.

Rate of progression varies. Look at how many fights guys used to have a year, compared to now where if a guy fights 4 times he's considered an active fighter.

4 times a year, years ago would see many lable you semi-retired.

 

Joe Louis.
He made his amateur debut in 1932.
In 1934 he turned professional.
By the end of 1935 he was rated as the best heavyweight in the world and was considered 'the greatest fighting machine that ever lived' by many seasoned observers.

 

Julio Cesar Chavez started boxing at 16, and turned pro at 18.

 

Cuevas was another guy that got to the top quick, but Joe Louis still has to be the best answer.

 

I was wrong about Chang. Apparently got into boxing about 12.

 

Jim Jeffries had very little amateur experience and was fighting the likes of Ruhlin, Choynski and Goddard within three years of going pro.

 

Dino Dennis

 

Jeffries was undoubtedly very precocious, but let's not forget Ruhlin was a novice too,[ 6-2-0 ,] and that Goddard was 40 years old , without a win in the previous 2 years.

Billy Conn was moved pretty well he turned pro in 37, with no amateur experience.
Within three years he was fighting contenders and men who held titles such as
Krieger
Yarosz
Risko
Zivic
Rankins
Corbett111
Dundee

 

Has anyone mentioned Dwight Braxton? No amateur experience turns pro, win his title with less than 20 fights in a few years.

 

Hasim Rahman only had 7 or 8 amatuer fights.

 

Joltin' Jeff Chandler
Dwight Braxton