No other sport ignites passion like boxing does. The sight of two warriors, hell-bent on destroying each other, only to return and repeat the carnage, has thrilled audiences for generations. For some, the sport’s sheer violence is the attraction. For others, it’s the artistry, the sweet science, that keeps them hooked. While many fighters have risen to superstardom in the modern era, few have reached the legendary status of Muhammad Ali, ‘The Greatest.’
Just below that tier, a second rung of stars followed. Despite retiring long ago, fighters like Mike Tyson and Roberto Duran still command dedicated followings. But then, there’s another category. They are boxers who achieved success and built loyal fan bases. But some fans claim these fighters are overhyped. Let’s take a closer look at five fighters whose careers, many argue, don’t live up to the hype.
Adrien Broner
When discussing overrated fighters, Adrien Broner‘s name often comes up first. While it’s true that ‘About Billions’ has never been knocked out, his path to world dominance took a questionable route. Many saw him as a ‘wannabe Floyd Mayweather.’ He tried his best to replicate the style and persona of ‘Money May.’ But the problem is he lacked the same level of skill and, more significantly, the iron discipline to reach similar heights.
Boxing: Pacquiao vs Broner, Jan 19, 2019 Las Vegas, NV, USA Manny Pacquiao black trunks and Adrien Broner purple/gold trunks box during a WBA welterweight world title boxing match at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Pacquiao won via unanimous decision. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports, 19.01.2019 22:15:48, 12028779, NPStrans, Manny Pacquiao, MGM Grand Garden Arena, Boxing, Adrien Broner, WBA, TopPic PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJoexCamporealex 12028779
Despite winning world titles in four divisions, Broner never fully lived up to expectations. His trash talk and antics, both in and out of the ring, often overshadowed his performances. Over time, inconsistency became his defining trait. His recent attempts at a comeback, even with the backing of Don King, have been largely unsuccessful. Following his upset loss to Blair Cobbs, Broner’s career appears to be at its lowest point.
Deontay Wilder
Deontay Wilder‘s career is a testament to the boxing adage – eventually, technique catches up to power. For nearly 40 professional fights, ‘The Bronze Bomber’ relied on his devastating right hand to steamroll opponents. However, many fans and analysts have long pointed out that, apart from Luis Ortiz and former champion Bermane Stiverne, Wilder’s resume lacked elite competition.
Boxing – Tyson Fury v Deontay Wilder – WBC Heavyweight Title – T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. – October 9, 2021 Tyson Fury in action against Deontay Wilder REUTERS/Steve Marcus
His biggest technical test came against Tyson Fury. Though their first fight ended in a controversial draw, the next two bouts exposed Wilder’s one-dimensional style. After suffering back-to-back losses, he briefly rebounded with a first-round knockout of Robert Helenius. But his subsequent defeats to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, neither of whom are technical masters like Fury or Oleksandr Usyk, further raised doubts about Wilder’s boxing ability.
Ryan Garcia
Ryan Garcia‘s lightning-fast hands, particularly his lethal left hook, have impressed many. But was it truly his boxing skills that made him a star? Many fans believe social media played a major role in his rise to fame. With his good looks and charismatic presence, Garcia amassed over 10 million followers, elevating him to celebrity status.
Las Vegas, NV – April 20: Ryan Garcia fgrimaces in pain after taking a body shot from Gervonta Davis in the seventh round of their prizefight at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 22, 2023. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
However, questions about his actual boxing ability have persisted. His 2023 fight against Gervonta Davis was a reality check. Garcia struggled with defense, allowing Davis to dictate the fight before dropping him with a vicious liver shot. Though he later defeated Devin Haney in a stunning upset, controversy over his failed PED test and his overreliance on the left hook, something Haney clearly wasn’t prepared for, only fueled skepticism about his true caliber.
Ricky Hatton
Many hail Ricky Hatton as one of Britain’s greatest boxers. At his peak, ‘The Hitman’ had an army of devoted fans who traveled across the Atlantic to watch him fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas. The electrifying atmosphere that night remains unforgettable.
British Ricky Hatton (R) battle with US Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, 08 December 2007. WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. won by K.O and keep his WBC title. AFP PHOTO GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
Turning pro in 1997, Hatton racked up 44 straight wins before running into Mayweather a decade later. His career highlight was his victory over the great Kostya Tszyu. However, Tszyu was well past his prime by then. The Australian legend had once dismantled Zab Judah with ease, but by the time Hatton faced him, he was no longer the same force. Hatton’s limitations became evident when he stepped up against Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, both of whom stopped him emphatically.
Julio César Chávez Jr.
It’s one of boxing’s great tragedies. Despite being the son of Julio César Chávez, one of the sport’s all-time greats, Chávez Jr. never came close to matching his father’s legacy. Rather than reaching its full potential, his career was plagued by indiscipline and controversy.
LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (L) punches Canelo Alvarez during their catchweight bout at T-Mobile Arena on May 6, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Omar Vega/LatinContent via Getty Images)
Chávez Jr. began promisingly, turning pro in 2003 and eventually winning a world title in 2011 by defeating Sebastian Zbik. However, his career soon unraveled. A failed drug test turned one of his bouts into a no contest, and after suffering his first defeat to Sergio Martinez, his career spiraled. He continued to lose against top-tier competition, including an embarrassing one-sided loss to ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. After a two-year hiatus, he returned only to suffer a series of defeats, including an embarrassing loss to former UFC champion Anderson Silva.
Most recently, after a three-year absence, Chávez Jr. faced another MMA fighter, Uriah Hall. So instead of facing top-ranked boxers, he now pursues fights against former mixed martial artists. Most recently, rumors of Chavez Jr. being considered as a potential opponent for YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul emerged. This is a far cry from the expectations his legendary father set.
Perhaps it’s time fans take a step back and objectively evaluate greatness. Who truly deserves legendary status, and who has been elevated beyond their actual abilities?
Do you agree with this list, or do you think the list should include a few other names? Let us know your thoughts!
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