Fighters who froze and fighter who shone in the big fights?

[Barn]

For example Andrew Golota froze every time there was a big fight and could have remembered more highly in history had he got over his nervousness.
Muhammad Ali is one who always shone in the big fights ie: Sonny Liston and George Foreman.

I think it's just temprement Ali loved the hype and everyone watching where other fighters shy away from this environment.

Your thoughts?

[jose_palooka]

I don't know that this answers your question but will give it a shot ~ one guy who comes to mind as not living up to his full potential owing to either nerves or lack of the killer instinct was Wayne (Irish) Thornton who boxed as a LHW in the late 50s and early 60s. Just when it appeared that he would ascend to the level of champ he lost significant battles with Gregorio Peralta, Bobo Olson, Willie Pastrano, and Jose Torres. He had some punching power and a decent chin if I recall correctly. But he may have had a tendency to gain weight and this perhaps interfered in his training regimen. Folks back in those days thought he would hold a championship belt. But he never achieved it. Perhaps in this day where we have so many more belts and boxing leagues he would have held a belt for a while.

[Wild Blue Yonda]

David Tua completely froze against Lennox Lewis. That was palpably visible. Ray Mercer really let an aged Larry Holmes get inside his head in their fight. Rid**** Bowe did a hell of a job in his first meet with Evander Holyfield, given his competition-level to that point.

[gibo]

delahoto got his *ss beat in every big fight he ever had. FROZE.. PACQUIAO shines in every big fight.. nuf said..

[Wild Blue Yonda]

delahoto got his *ss beat in every big fight he ever had. FROZE.. PACQUIAO shines in every big fight.. nuf said..

What complete nonsense.

[SCtrojansbaby]

DLH froze
Winky Wright shined bright