Fighters who were expected to do nothing, but went on to become champion or contender

[Southpaw Great]

Johnny nelson comes to mind former cruserweight world champion

[CarlosG815]

Hasim Rahman
Buster Douglas

[Emphasis]

For the most recent; probably Baldomir.

[e_boxer]

Buster Douglas ,James Braddock, Fritzie Zivics,Carlos Baldomir,and Nonito Donaire lmao

[Uturn]

John Ruiz?

[JAB5239]

I would imaqgine many fighters who didn't have the benefit of an amateur career. Billy Conn started his first 15 fights at 8-7. I don't know, but I doubt much was expected of him and know he's a top 30 p4p fight all time in my opinion.

[Jim Jeffries]

Librado Andrade was 2-14 as an amateur and has become quite a good contender, even robbed of a title in the first Bute fight.

[BennyST]

Freddie Pendleton. Was your classic journeyman until being somewhat noticed for blasting out Tyrone Trice at 10-8-2, then later for knocking out a prime Roger Mayweather when he was 13-14-2, and ended up winning the title of the very fine Tracy Spann, defending against Paez etc. Was always a tough fight and had that big fight changing punch that leveled a number of great fighters. Fought everyone at his best.

Sammy Fuentes started out ok with top wins like unbeaten Harry Arroyo, before stalling after being beaten up by Mayweather, Randall and Warren in a three fight series. Came back somewhat with some fine wins over Rodolfo Aguilar, unbeaten Santos Cardona and the solid John Montes. Had a big moment in giving the 66-0 Chavez a tough fight for the 140 title and then just before moving into the greatest period of his career was blasted out by a young Kostya Tszyu in the first round. He then went on an unbeaten streak over a couple of years while winning the 140 pound title and defending a couple of times before moving into the end of his career, losing a bunch of times to up and comers and then retiring. Fought everyone that was anyone throughout one of the best eras for 140's.

[oldgringo]

Steve Robinson methinks

[STREET CLEANER]

Jake Rodriguez