Great fighters we lost too soon.

[Flickergrab98]

Despite only being 23, Sanchez had wins over 3 HOFers in Lopez, Gomez and Nelson. If he had lived, he could have fought and beat Pedroza and Lockridge, then moved up to 130 and fought Limon or Serrano.

Wins over 4 HOFers, a 2 weight world champion, and an undisputed champion in 2 weight classes (WBC and WBA were the only titles back then) at 24-25. That would have been amazing.

I remember hearing somewhere that he actually wanted to step up to lightweight so that he could challenge Alexis Arguello and was considering making that his final fight; supposedly wanted to retire early so that he could pursue a career as a doctor. Though I’m not sure how much of this is true so don’t take my word for it.

[Boxing-1013]

Salvador Sanchez is the worst case of all in that sense

Dead at 23, undefeated champion, on top of the world,

with victories over ATGs like Wilfredo Gomez and Azumah Nelson

What's even more crazy it's that Sanchez didn't even reach his full prime, as he was getting better and better with each fight

such a waste

Azumah Nelson is an ATG??

[Quercusalba]

https://********/KDiwCHa0GO0

Salvador Sanchez arrived and vanished
Only twenty-three with so much speed
Owning the highway

Mexico City bred so many
But none quite like him sweet warrior
Pure magic matador

Pancho Villa would never rest
'Til 1925 he closed his eyes
'Til Manilla stars would rise

Gozo of the Philippines, choirs and angels sing
Ukulele strings play for his legend
Italy had a king

How have they gone
Fell by leather
So alone
Bound together

Benny "kid" Paret came a good way
Climbed to the grey sky to raise his hands
Stopped by the better man

Eyes of Los Rios cry for suns
Lost on distant shores, unforeseen horrors
Struck and delivered him

How have they gone
Fell by leather
So alone
Bound together
Why have they gone
Fell by leather
So alone
All bound together

[lopetego]

Azumah Nelson is an ATG??

Yeah, he's the best fighter to come out of the african continent and one of the best SFW of all time

he's up there with Chavez, Arguello, Barrera, Floyd

the Nelson that smashed Wilfredo Gomez would be a real problem from any FW-SFW in history

[Boxing-1013]

Yeah, he's the best fighter to come out of the african continent and one of the best SFW of all time

he's up there with Chavez, Arguello, Barrera, Floyd

the Nelson that smashed Wilfredo Gomez would be a real problem from any FW-SFW in history

Lol. - the first part is irrelevant as far as being an ATG - and comparing him to those guys, yeesh.

Nelson KOed Gomez late, after being outboxed most of the night. Gomez was maybe 2-2 all-time as a featherweight; as you mentioned, Nelson fought pretty well at SFW.

Point being, he was the much bigger man vs Gomez and won the fight as a bigger man vs a man who only had a few fights left anyway.

Come on man, just stop the BS. I can't deal with it.

[HENNY]

People named some good ones on here so dont want to be redundant

We didn't "lose" him, as he is still alive, but Gerald McClellan is one I'll name. Tragic story, he was like 28 when he suffered that brain injury. He had some folklore sparring stories when he was in his prime

[ELPacman]

Although I was sad as F when I heard Gatti died, he had already retired. For me, probably Edwin Valero. The guy had so much potential. Can only imagine the dream fights he could of been part of.

EDIT - Paul Williams. I know he didn't die but when I heard he had a motorcycle accident and may be paralyzed, I didn't want to believe it. I had so much hope in Dr. early diagnosis stating perhaps he can recover. Obviously that didn't happen and the mega fights he could of been part of all vanished. I was so damn sad when I heard this.

[Hustle]

Apollo Creed

[KidDinamita]

Omar Henry, Valero, Harry Greb, Vernon Forrest