Fighters who were a joy/bigger joy to watch as up-and-comers
Chris Byrd. Late 90s, Tuesday Night Fights. Awkward style, fast hands, elusive as hell. I used to so look forward to watch his matches. Enjoyed him a lot more back in those days.
Floyd Mayweather. Big fan of his, but it was fun watching him rise up the ranks and beating the likes of Manfredy, Genaro Hernandez, etc.
Muhammad Ali. Brought a brand new dimension to the HW division with his fast hands, and footwork. He, like Floyd, beat a lot of established fighters at a very young age. He would have beaten Liston even if the fight was 2 years prior (1962).
Re: Fighters who were a joy/bigger joy to watch as up-and-comers
In England we had Errol Christie he was an amateur star but after lots of wins his chin was exposed as glass , was fun to watch , we also had Darren Dyer another big puncher who was exposed as he stepped up.
Re: Fighters who were a joy/bigger joy to watch as up-and-comers
Nigel benn would finish most fighters in round 2 when he was up and coming. Very exciting.
Moored at light heavy was exciting too.
Re: Fighters who were a joy/bigger joy to watch as up-and-comers
Well I think pretty much every major fighter was more fun to watch as up-and-comers because they were fighting inferior, carefully picked opposition that were there to make them look good. I mean, who didn't enjoy watching guys like Tyson, De La Hoya, ect just destroy guys.
I think the two who pop to mind though are Floyd Mayweather and Roy Jones.
People talk about how boring Mayweather is now, which is true, but from 130-140 when he was younger he was electrifying. He had blisteringly fast hands, he let them go more often in combinations, and he fought as a boxer-puncher who was usually looking for the knockout. Young Floyd was a treat to watch.
Roy Jones was the same, from 160-168 he has incredible speed and BRUTAL, legit 1-punch KO power in each hand. At 175 he still had finishing power, but he seemed more content to carry his opponents and cruise to wide UDs without taking too much risk.
But early Jones and Mayweather, that's what makes boxing great: insanely gifted athletes with virtuoso talent, who had mean intentions and looked for the KO. Doesn't get better than that.
Re: Fighters who were a joy/bigger joy to watch as up-and-comers
Hatton. He was like a f**kin Roman candle. Early nights and fireworks all the way.The guy may not have been the most naturally blessed boxer, but he worked really hard with what he had and never left the ring without giving his opponent the full works and the fans a great night. Boxing is about entertainment and heart, not just skill, and Ricky more times than not, put on a show.
