Thread: Untapped potential

Who here has a list of fighters you think would have went farther if given the right circumstances or characteristical attributes.

ill start for an example

Zab Judah- If he was more disciplined outside of the ring and worked harder i think he would've been one of the greatest of our generation

same goes for Mike Tyson-been a top 5 p4p legend if he just didn't slip up.

Amir Khan-I think if he had a coach that can teach him to slip punches at close and far range(kinda like taylor in his prime, and as floyd does, that mm slip of straighs) And box on the outside using his jab and speed to counter shots he would've been a champ for much longer and imo wouldve cleaned out 140.

James Toney if he could lay off the cheese burgers

Jose luis lopez

Michael Grant if he had a chin

Fernando Vargas was the most talented up and coming fighter I have ever seen and was probably pushed too far and too fast too early.

Originally Posted by Master

Fernando Vargas was the most talented up and coming fighter I have ever seen and was probably pushed too far and too fast too early.

reminds me a little of what just happened to canelo

Originally Posted by Boxer4life

Originally Posted by Master

Fernando Vargas was the most talented up and coming fighter I have ever seen and was probably pushed too far and too fast too early.

reminds me a little of what just happened to canelo

Fernado also fell in love with his power and stopped boxing as much.

Vernon Forest, he got 2 signature wins over Shane Mosley but once the shoulder injury took his power he was done for. Paul Williams, sadly due to his motorcycle accident he didn't achieve his entire potential which could have been great (though due to the Martinez KO I think he was getting close to his plateau).

You could make this JUST about heavyweights and have a never ending list be it from their injuries, early losses, prison, inactivity, poor match making, psychological instability, drug use: Ike Ibeabuchi, Michael Grant, Andrew Golota, Joe Mesi, Sam Peter, Cris Arreola, Lamon Brewster.....


How good would Lamon Brewster have been had he never injured his knee? He was a hell of a fighter! He probably could have had a better trainer but he really was a solid fighter.

Recently in the heavyweight division, I would argue Odlanier Solis. He was a terrific amateur, and hasn't achieved much as a professional.

Have these fighters really underachieved? A guy like Zab Judah is super talented but is mentally weak. However, when comparing him with the millions that have attempted boxing is he really mentally weak?

What makes speed, power, timing more an asset than heart, brains, granite ears?

If Khan had a granite chin/ear we wouldn't currently see him as the fighter he is.

(fuck sake i'm boring myself )

Add Francisco Bojado to the list... Juan Diaz came back so maybe we will see if there's more in the future for him. I was never big on ricardo Williams jr. but he might technically fit.

I can see Fenster's Point though. For many of these shooting stars that burned out too fast... they fell by the wayside not because they didn't have what they needed. They had it and took it for granted. Zab Judah could have stuck with lou duva and Ronnie shields in stead of bring his big mouth father in to keep the money in the family. Khan could have listened to instructions instead of trying to slug it out with people. Tua and Mosely could have left their wives at home. The truth is there a lot of guys that start off well because they have the right people around them. Then they p*$$ all that way for stardom and trying to cut corners with cheaper managers, more laid back trainers and the next thing you know the gym is full of hype men and hangers on.

p.s. also put Edwin Valero on that list.

Audley Harrison

Originally Posted by Master

Fernando Vargas was the most talented up and coming fighter I have ever seen and was probably pushed too far and too fast too early.

Never brought into him personally. Hyped too much even before the disappointing Olympics...

Originally Posted by J_Undisputed

Add Francisco Bojado to the list...

LOL, I remember being high on Muhammad Abdullaev too. I think the words 'new Duran' may of come from my keyboard...

Originally Posted by Fettled_Man

Audley Harrison

Saw through him from the start.

I remember doing a post on here in 2002/03 'recapping the future' of Audley's career. I had him retiring after winning his world (WBF) crown by decisioning Matt Ellis...

Francisco Bojado if he'd have not been soooo rushed... it totally spoilt his potential