Most Impressive Performances By Green Fighters

[Miburo]

To me it has to be Nelson against Sanchez and it's not even close. I'm not sure ever before had there been a green fighter thrown in there under more adverse circumstances against an ATG, with no experience against even mediocre opposition or opportunity to prepare even slightly (8 days notice), and have him give that level of performance.

The most striking thing to me is that within the first 30 seconds you can see how extremely dangerous Nelson is, I think this is the fastest example I can recall of immediately being able to recognize the immense talent and skill in an unknown, even before they had exchanged more than a few punches. Remarkably it wasn't a case of the fight as it went along raising his level, he was already a great despite having zero serious experience. I can only imagine what was going through Sanchez's head after that first round, coming in expecting a nothing tuneup.

[Capaedia]

Floyd looked like a potential great in his first fight.

Ward as well.

Granted it was against nobodies, but they were visibly special performances.

[Miburo]

Floyd looked like a potential great in his first fight.

Ward as well.

Granted it was against nobodies, but they were visibly special performances.

Both Olympic medalists against the definition of nobodies, so not really the sort of examples under consideration for this discussion. But yes, you could obviously see their talent and polish.

[Zopilote]

Nelson vs Sanchez is immediatley what came to mind.

That Nelson would have beaten many great fighters at 126lbs.

[Capaedia]

Both Olympic medalists against the definition of nobodies, so not really the sort of examples under consideration for this discussion. But yes, you could obviously see their talent and polish.

Nelson is a happy exception of fighters fed to other great fighters that still go on to have their own great careers.

I really struggle to think of anyone else.

[NChristo]

Benitez - Cervantes
Haven't seen it obviously but Langford - Gans

[BennyST]

Jeff Fenech beat prime, future HOFer Daniel Zaragoza after only 12 fights and 1 1/2 years of pro experience. Two less fights than Nelson, but in half the amount of time. Though he does hold the record for fastest title win, after only 6 months.

Veeraphol Sahaprom beat 55-5 champion Daorung Chuvatana after 3 fights and 9 months pro ex.

Spinks beat Ali.

Kostya beat Rodriguez fir his first title in the exact same frame of time and number of fights as Nelson against Sanchez, but obviously Rodiguez was just a good, solid champ of the times rather than a HOFer. However, he did beat a past it Juan La Porte, who had just come off fight with Nelson himself, after 3 pro fights.

[TBear]

To me it has to be Nelson against Sanchez and it's not even close. I'm not sure ever before had there been a green fighter thrown in there under more adverse circumstances against an ATG, with no experience against even mediocre opposition or opportunity to prepare even slightly (8 days notice), and have him give that level of performance.

The most striking thing to me is that within the first 30 seconds you can see how extremely dangerous Nelson is, I think this is the fastest example I can recall of immediately being able to recognize the immense talent and skill in an unknown, even before they had exchanged more than a few punches. Remarkably it wasn't a case of the fight as it went along raising his level, he was already a great despite having zero serious experience. I can only imagine what was going through Sanchez's head after that first round, coming in expecting a nothing tuneup.

That was an impressive performance. Ever consider if the fight was scheduled for twelve rounds Azumah would have scored a massive upset!

Most of the other fights mentioned involved fighters with extensive amateur backgrounds(Fenech, Tszyu etc) Neon Leon had amateur experiance as well and Ali was well past his best days but considering Spinks was held to a draw by Scott Ledoux not long before his title challenge, that is a good suggestion because he was fighting Ali for the undisputed heavyweight title.

[BennyST]

That was an impressive performance. Ever consider if the fight was scheduled for twelve rounds Azumah would have scored a massive upset!

Most of the other fights mentioned involved fighters with extensive amateur backgrounds(Fenech, Tszyu etc) Neon Leon had amateur experiance as well and Ali was well past his best days but considering Spinks was held to a draw by Scott Ledoux not long before his title challenge, that is a good suggestion because he was fighting Ali for the undisputed heavyweight title.

As did Nelson of course.

He was a commonwealth games gold medalist and only lost two amateur fights of more than 50. In fact, Fenech was only an amateur for a very short period, two years, though did very well. Nelson had a longer and just as successful career. Only Tszyu had a long, really standout am career.

[Daddy T]

its probably wrong to call holyfied green after his amateur career but i thought his performance against Qawi in like his 12th pro fight or something was legendary.