Small starts that ended up BIG!

[ykdadamaja]

Now, we have the other thread talking about fighters that we felt had good promise but ended up bummy in the end. Now who had small starts that ended up BETTER than expected?

The obvious one was Bernard Hopkins. Noooooooooo one knew that even after his first loss would he be in the ring putting up a show against RJJ, coming back to reign as the longest middleweight our generation!

Chad Dawson. Say what you want, but hardly anyone saw the champ in Dawson. Some felt he would be just another name on the marque, but Dawson did more than just get to the top. He became must-see-TV for a short while.

Marvelous Marvin Hagler. What a story. He was expected to LOSE against Atuofermo and beat him soundly BOTH times, second time with a KO. No one expected him to remain committed to the game the way he did and be the legendary fighter we know him as.

Who else shocked you to become better than expected?

[palmerq]

How about Juan Manuel Marquez, lost his first fight and then lost his first world title attempt, he did go on to be a bit of legend.

[Primo Carnera]

I think Johnny Nelson lost his first 4 pro fights and then became a World Champ.
Not exactly a World Beater, but better than expected.
I also heard him admit one day That he couldn't get fights in the UK, because he stank the place out and used to have to earn money sparring and fighting in Germany.

[ykdadamaja]

I think Johnny Nelson lost his first 4 pro fights and then became a World Champ.
Not exactly a World Beater, but better than expected.
I also heard him admit one day That he couldn't get fights in the UK, because he stank the place out and used to have to earn money sparring and fighting in Germany.

Nelson?! lololol... ok, I'd give you that. I would also give you Tyson Fury. I thought he was a bit of a gimmick at first. Seriously.

[erics44]

Jamie MacDonnell is looking really good, at one time he looked like he was domestic at best

[IamInuit]

I bet when Armstrong was ko'd in his debut and then lost 2 of his next three nobody thought he'd amount to much.

[Master]

Hopkins lost his first fight and first world title challenge but became a legend.

[p4pking]

Think there are lots, Arguello is another guy who lost some early bouts, a couple by stoppage I think. Jose Luis Castillo as well had some, and Pacquiao of course. Not really that much to take from it when you consider the way those guys come up. Turn pro as a teenager with a poor or no amateur background and no backing whatsoever, what do you expect.

[ykdadamaja]

Hopkins lost his first fight and first world title challenge but became a legend.

For longevity, Hopkins is the MW Champ of our era. No doubt about it. GGG has a long, LONG climb to get to B-Hop status. It's not about being undefeated, but it's about title reigns and competition in addition to being damn near unbeatable for so long, rising to the challenge and doing what it takes to come out on top- one way, or the other.