Evander, Kostya, Sweet Pea, Gamboa (if he improved some specific things related to craft), Ray Leonard, Mike Spinks (the '72 Olympic Team was insanely good), Floyd Jr, Oscar, Azumah (following the Sanchez fight) and some others. Those guys just jumped out at you very, very early. Kind of how Jose Benavidez has today.
Now to be fair? I can also list guys who jumped out early who did NOT end up being longtime champs. Johnny Bumphus, Howard Davis (another '72 guy), Mike Quarry, the Viruets and Sean O'Grady.
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