Guys we thought were bums but turned out great

[Master]

Johnny Nelson was shite but became a decent champion in the end.

[superheavyrhun]

Tyson Fury is a really good example. Some of his early defensive work was absolutely atrocious, but they brought him along at just the right pace, and I think the knockdown v Firtha really brought it home to him that you can't win with just attack.

I think that as much as I don't really like them, Derry Matthews and Ricky Burns have both achieved a whole lot more than their early careers might have suggested.

Sakio Bika came to my attention drawing with Beyer then losing to Calzaghe, and he always just seemed a rough, awkward back pain of a fighter, but I have to admit I'm impressed with what he went on to achieve.

[Spicoli]

Wouldn't say great but Pendleton has to get a nod. Steve Robison came in 14-9 and went on a decent run.

[gest12645]

We will revive this topic in a few years and add Jorge Kahwagi

[jon09]

Bernard Hopkins really surprised me and his run especially after Roy Jones beat him is amazing.

[ykdadamaja]

Hopkins... JMM... Ron Lyle (yes, while he lost to Foreman and Ali, had it not been for them, Lyle would have been a legitimate champion even in the face of Frazier and Norton)...

Terence Crawford. I didn't give him much credit vs. Burns. I just didn't see it. But, maaaaaaannnnnnnn..... IS TC "SPECIAL", OR WHAT?!?!

[Vendettos]

I did not question Calzaghes skills at all.. But I didn't think he would own his division for over a decade.