Glen Johnson arguably. It really depends on where you place the boundary between contender and gate keeper. For years Johnson lost virtually all of his big fights, because always fought well and managed to weed out the posers. That's kind of the definition of a gate-keeper. On the otherhand, he fought for multiple titles during that stretch, which isn't something you associate with gate-keepers. Obviously he had his unbelievable year in 2005, but after his Super Six win over Allen Green, he pretty much became a gate-keeper again. Nate Campbell's credentials are similar to Johnson's. Throw Monte Barrett in that mix as well 'Sucra' Ray Oliveira Jesse Ferguson Carlos Bojorquez (win over Sweet Pea Whitaker, losses to Quartey, Ouma, & others) Michael Sprott Al 'Ice' Cole (at hw) Gerald Hayes Ralph 'Tiger' Jones Jose Luis Zertuche Marcos Licona Post-Barrera Rocky Juarez Ezra Sellers
Ross Purity. He fought a ton of guys. Tough journeyman who can hit and take a punch are pretty rare. They make their living the hard way.
I thought Tiger Jones, Scrapiron Johnson, Angel Robinson Garcia and Jesse Ferguson were all terrific mentions, guys. All guys brought in to give the headliner a win. But sometimes he really had to fight for it and sometimes that journeyman would pull the upset. I would also add Teddy 'Red Top' Davis to the list. Finished his career with a 71-75-6 record. Sounds very underwhelming. But go beyond the numbers and Red Top pulled upsets over Paddy DeMarco, Georgie Araujo, Percy Bassett, Charley Riley and Tommy Collins to name a few. Also put together enough of a win streak to fight Sandy Saddler for the featherweight title. Going the distance with him to boot.