Which Champion was the least gifted ?

How about Steve Robinson? Amazingly well trained, sure, but he had little power, little speed, slow reflexes by the standard of the weight, had to pace himself, and was at least vulnerable to the chin. He didn't cut often, but I think that was more to do with his defense, which was dependant purely on skill rather than natural gifts. And yet he was a hugely accomplished boxer.

 

right now i think carlos baldamir, john ruiz and javier jarugui all won world titles and where never primarily effective at a world class level because of their veternship and heart over any natural ability.


raul marquez, paulie ayala and philip holiday may not have had anything extremely gifted but they had extensive amature experience that carried them into winning world titles.

 

Probably a good pick. James Braddock probably made the best of an opportunity more so than any other underdog. Of course, one might make the same argument for James Douglas, but I think Buster had a fair amount of natural talent as well as a higher standing in the division when he fought Tyson. Braddock made the best of what he had, while Douglas basically squandered, what might have been a good career.

 

Tommy Burns

 

Leon Spinks (as a pro, anyway.)

Maybe even so far as to say Roy Jones. Incredible athlete, but not the soundest of fundamentals.

 

Not having sound fundamentals doesnt mean that you are not gifted......


Roy Jones was definately gifted, so was Muhammad Ali for that matter.

 

True, true.

I guess I was thinking more "textbook" boxing.

 

If we are talking textbook then I have no qualms with you; infactI agree Roy Jones didnt have proper fundamentals but in terms of being gifted; there is no doubt that he was.

 

I get your point but i don't think gifted has anything to do with fundamentals. His combination of speed, power and reflex competes for first place historically, unbelievable gifts.

 

Greg Haugen.

He was so fast. Wait, he wasn't so fast.

Man he had power. Wait, no he didn't.

He did have a decent chin.

 

Bernard Hopkins isn't, and wasn't horribly gifted... pretty balanced out physical ability, just so crafty and good at the basics..

 

Let me take another crack at this:

Primo Carnera?