Which Fighter had the best start in terms of comp?

Another guy who fought really tough (too tough) comp really early was Oleg Maskaev. His first fight was against a guy who was 21-0, and they had him in with Oliver McCall by his 7th fight. Classic case of management rushing a fighter too much.

 

Holyfield's start only looks like he was brought along at a 'good pace' because he won all of his fights, but the truth is they took a huge risk in putting him in with Qawi so so early. It is testimony to Holyfield's amazing ability at cruiser that he pulled it off, but it could easily have gone wrong with a fledgling pro. Holyfield took on Qawi in his 12th or 13th fight, Moorer's first 10 or so fights were against guys with losing records or about 5 fights. Holyfield's start was not at a good pace like the other 3 u mentioned, he was thrown to the wolves very very early, there was not the same risk-reward balance carried out by his management.

 

De La Hoya.

He faced a lot of solid fighters with names, a good deal of whom were smaller than DLH, DLH won belts and a lot of money and added solid names on his ledger, and earned a solid wealth of experience as well.

 

They weren't viewed as low risk, high reward at the time. Hernandez was the top fighter at 130 and undefeated at that weight division.

There were rumors around Top Rank that Arum wasn't happy about putting a green Mayweather in there so soon with Hernandez, but PBF insisted on it. Manfredy was a highly regarded contender and a much better challenge for a first title defense than most champs have in their 1st defenses.

 

In the modern era, Maskaev fought the most elite competition the fastest.

 

Leon Spinks.

Ali in your 8th fight anyone?