Who had a successful reign despite being undeserving of a title shot?

Was thinking of this today. I can think of a couple. Pipino Cuevas was 15-6 and had just lost to Andy 'The Hawk' Price. Angel Espada was at ringside and must've thought he'd be a good 'marking time' fight and gets blown away by the 18 year old in 2 rounds. Cuevas goes on to log 12 title defenses. Who'd have thunk? Also, Jorge Lujan had lost 2 out of his last 3. Did not deserve the shot at Zamora yet, proved a worthy titleholder. I could also say the same about Hugo Corro. Man, even though he had a winning streak, I think I recognise only one name on his log before the Valdez title shot. I won't say he had a real long reign but he made 3 defenses that I wouldn't think he would have made. I could also bring up Eusebio Pedroza. The WBA was being very kind to Panamanians at this time like Lujan. OK, Pedroza may have got a shot and no one would be bothered too much, but the WBA had him as their #1 contender. It was only the previous year he was KO'd by Zamora and Oscar Arnal back to back. His 3 subsequent wins could not have given him the top rung, I recognise Hidalgo and Francis on his record, but no way could that give him mandatory status. But Pedroza had quite the reign. Any one else?

Scartissue