Most athletes have a story of hardship ahead of success; the hours of training or the sacrifices made on the way to the top.
It might be argued that in order to be a real success you have to overcome odds, no matter how much support you have or how lucky you get in terms of your upbringing. However, when an athlete really does put a chequered past behind them, or when they face the sort of adversity that is incomprehensible to many, then they’re worth talking about.
Boxing is a sport that delivers great story after great story. It’s often a release for angry young people, sometimes from poorer backgrounds, who want to channel a natural aggression. It also has its fair share of success stories, of fighters overcoming massive obstacles to rise to the top of the sport. Mick Conlan is one fighter who has shed controversy to become a world champion.
We look at a handful of bigger names who have done exactly that, and more.
Vinny Paz
Paz was already a double world champion when he hit the sort of obstacle that would end the careers of other fighters. The promising lightweight and junior middleweight had made history in becoming only the second fighter in boxing history to win titles at both weights.
In 1991 he was involved in a car accident after which doctors told him he may never walk again. Within 14 month he was back in the ring and within two years he was IBO super middleweight champion. In 1994 and 1995 he beat Robert Duran to win and retain the IBC title at the same weight.
James Braddock
James J. Braddock, famously dubbed the “Cinderella Man,” epitomized resilience during the Great Depression. Despite enduring poverty and setbacks, Braddock staged an extraordinary comeback in the boxing ring.
Overcoming the odds, he defeated Max Baer in a stunning upset to claim the heavyweight championship in 1935. Braddock’s inspiring story resonates as a testament to the power of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity, solidifying his place in boxing history.
Lamont Peterson
Lamont Peterson is a true story of success against adversity and of battling back against a tough upbringing to become a world champion. Born in Washington, Peterson spent some of his early life homeless after being brought up as one of 12 children who saw their Dad sent to prison for drug offenses.
Despite this, Peterson went on to win several world titles, including the WBA welterweight title, in his last professional win in 2017. Coming off the back of a 16-month absence, he brushed aside David Avanesyan, but lost his title a year later to Errol Spence Jr before retiring in March 2019 after defeat by Sergey Lipinets.
Muhammad Ali
Cassius Clay, later known as Muhammad Ali, defied societal norms and racial barriers to become a legendary figure in boxing. Growing up in racially segregated Kentucky, Ali faced discrimination and adversity from an early age. However, his unwavering self-belief, unmatched charisma, and extraordinary talent propelled him to greatness.
Ali’s unorthodox style, speed, and agility revolutionized the sport. Despite facing backlash for his outspoken views and controversial decisions, such as refusing to serve in the Vietnam War, Ali remained steadfast in his convictions. His resilience, both inside and outside the ring, transformed him into an enduring symbol of courage, determination, and triumph.
