Why is it that great amateurs doesn't become great pros?

Why is it that the great amateur boxers never become great pros? For example... Rigondeaux is very fast and skilled, but he's simply not solid enough to fight at a professional level. His chin is so fragile that it's dangerous for him. Cordoba knocked him down, Donaire knocked him down and that Japanese journeyman knocked him down twice. Rigo doesn't have a future in boxing and will soon lose his relevance, despite being a legendary amateur. Lomachenko was one of the best amateurs ever, but at the professional level, he got schooled completely by Salido. He crumbled beneath the pressure and when trying to run from Salido, Salido would get frustrated and nail him in the balls. Lomachenko obviously wasn't prepared for the existence of such things in professional boxing. He won't survive if he ends up fighting someone like Walters or Crawford. There are many more examples, but isn't it fascinating how great amateurs fail in the professional ranks and great professionels fail in the amateur ranks? It's two completely different games.

Comments (8)

TheBoxingXpert

Prime Lomachenko??? In his second pro fight!!! Bit of a stretch that one. He's not going to be "prime" for a few fights yet I don't think and judging from his last fight, potential is there to be a great (early days In know, but we shall see). If he's not at his prime after hundreds of amateur fights, then when will he be in his prime? It's not like he was 18 or 45 when he fought Salido, lol.

9y ago

cork

One of the worst topic using two of the worst thread examples I can think of and its actually getting serious replies. What?

9y ago

John_Locke

A lot of top amateurs are also top pros, including Lomachenko and Rigo... But some do struggle after turning pro, it's down to a number of reasons. Firstly, amateur boxing doesn't require as much will power, mental strength and toughness. You don't take anywhere near as much punishment, fights are shorter, punches are easier to take. Others struggle to adapt because they don't add anything to their arsenal, most top pro fighters are versatile and adaptable, when you transition into a pro, you at least have to learn how to handle yourself on the inside, how to pace yourself etc. For example Lara is a fighter who despite being arguably the best in his weight class, hasn't been as good as he could've been as a pro imo. He's just so limited, he's very good at what he does, but he only does one thing, he hasn't added anything new to his game. At pro level, fighters are going to adapt and work you out, like Canelo did. Lara is better than Canelo at range, he's got a better jab, better legs and arguably speed. He used those things to his advantage early in their fight, but eventually Canelo starting walking him down and timing him better as the rounds went on. Now if that was an amateur fight, we know what the result would've been. And that's the difference.

9y ago

taes

9y ago

TheBoxingXpert

loma adjusted to salido in the later rounds. if they fight again he knocks salido out Yeah, he wins if they fight again, because Salido is shot now. A past-it Salido defeated a prime Lomachenko.

9y ago

Willthethrill

loma adjusted to salido in the later rounds. if they fight again he knocks salido out

9y ago

KingHippo

Rigondeaux hasn't lost yet and if he stays at 122 he could easily retire undefeated. Tito used to get knocked down every other fight and he's still a first ballot hofer.

9y ago

PBP

The reason amateurs typically struggle in the pro game is because they can't fight inside. At least, IMO.

9y ago