Underrated Title Reigns?

[Perfect Plex]

Name what you consider to be some underrated world title reigns?

How about Gianfranco Rosi who made 11 defences of his IBF 154lb title.

Give reason behind your pick!

[SCtrojansbaby]

Not underrated to the public but on here Bernard Hopkins middleweight reign

[JAB5239]

Not underrated to the public but on here Bernard Hopkins middleweight reign

What exactly was Hops middleweight resume underrated to?

[rsf]

not really underrated by those that have seen him but underrated in the way of never really mentioned as a great champion/fighter in the wider public spectrum

EUSEBIO PEDROZA

[sonnyboyx2]

not really underrated by those that have seen him but underrated in the way of never really mentioned as a great champion/fighter in the wider public spectrum

EUSEBIO PEDROZA

very good choice Pedroza was an excellent fighter & champion

[Heavy Bag]

Chong-Pal Park title reign gets underrated. He made 8 defences of his 168lb IBF Title, and never lost the title in the ring. He gave it up to fight & win the WBA 168lb title.

In 1994 Ring Magazine rated him as the greatest ever Super Middleweight.

[jose_palooka]

I thought Carlos Monzon's title reign was underrated: 14 title defenses (sorry, can't remember at this time how long the time period but believe it was about 10 years) against some of the best competition pro boxing had in his era. His life was mired in much personal controversy as he had a ferocious temper and would take a swing at anyone who got in his path. This has hampered his image as it should but it should not detract from his professional accomplishments on the battlefield.

[Wild Blue Yonda]

I think Monzon was top from 1970-77, wasn't he? A quick BoxRec check will reveal it, if anyone's bothered.

Since he hasn't been mentioned (& never is) how about Orlando Canizales?

[Great John L]

Dempsey's imo. He beat Bill Brennan and Tommy Gibbons, two very stylish boxers with good records, he brought in 5 Million Dollar Gates, as well as the first two million dollar gate, and he beat Firpo in a classic battle, brought in record attendance in the first Tunney fight, and was viewed as an unstoppable Demi-God of sorts, and beloved by all. Sure Larry Holmes held it longer, and made many mroe defenses, but how many viewed Larry as a superhero and an item of antional pride, and how many record gates did Holems bring in, or how many classic fights? I think if you take things too literally in terms of the number of defenses and the reign, you don't realize the overall significance of the reign and public opinion regarding the champion during his rule as the King of Heavyweights.

[Wild Blue Yonda]

Dempsey's imo. He beat Bill Brennan and Tommy Gibbons, two very stylish boxers with good records, he brought in 5 Million Dollar Gates, as well as the first two million dollar gate, and he beat Firpo in a classic battle, brought in record attendance in the first Tunney fight, and was viewed as an unstoppable Demi-God of sorts, and beloved by all. Sure Larry Holmes held it longer, and made many mroe defenses, but how many viewed Larry as a superhero and an item of antional pride, and how many record gates did Holems bring in, or how many classic fights? I think if you take things too literally in terms of the number of defenses and the reign, you don't realize the overall significance of the reign and public opinion regarding the champion during his rule as the King of Heavyweights.

There has always been some conflict about just when Holmes' reign started (or should be seen to have started, at any rate). I have heard 1980, after he beat the former man, in Ali. 1978, for his victory over Norton & the claiming of the WBC belt, & also 1979, meaning he won recognition as the champion following Ali's retirement late that year.

I think the third explanation makes the most sense to me, which would have Holmes champion from 79-85, one year short of Dempsey's tenure. How about yourself, John? You consider him the man from the Norton fight onward?