Toughest debut fight for a (would-be) boxing star?

[Drunken Cat]

I heard this question posed as a weekly challenge on Steve Buncey's boxing podcast, some time back.

I unfortunately didn't catch the follow up episode when they went through the responses and selected the winner.

However, it is a very interesting question. It is also a rather difficult one.

Any examples to be noted of the toughest debut for a star?

For me, Lomachenko as a recent example immediately springs to mind.

Rafael Marquez is another.

Neither of these guys are quite stars, but Lomachenko is an amateur star, and has plenty of recognition; Marquez was a 2-time champ and was pretty well known during his career.

I do find it an interesting and challenging question.

I'm guessing plenty of fighters from older eras also had it tough in their debuts.

It would be interesting to hear the examples, new or old.

[BattlingNelson]

Olympic HW champion Pete Rademacher made his debut against champion Floyd Patterson. He got KO'ed but had Floyd on the floor in the process.

[BKM-]

Olympic HW champion Pete Rademacher made his debut against champion Floyd Patterson. He got KO'ed but had Floyd on the floor in the process.

That's Floyd for ya.

[Drunken Cat]

The specific question was: "toughest debut fight for a star".

The insight on Rademacher is appreciated.

But I don't think he qualifies as really a star.

I'm not sure my 2 do either (Marquez, maybe. He was a good fighter in his time.)

I appreciate the contribution, but I also find it a difficult question.

I wasn't around back then, however; maybe Rademacher was a star after winning the Olympics in 1956.

[Drunken Cat]

Might as well give a watch.

[BattleAxePurist]

Michael Carbajal

He fought Will Grigsby in his debut who himself went on to win a world title

[BattlingNelson]

The specific question was: "toughest debut fight for a star".

The insight on Rademacher is appreciated.

But I don't think he qualifies as really a star.

I'm not sure my 2 do either (Marquez, maybe. He was a good fighter in his time.)

I appreciate the contribution, but I also find it a difficult question.

I wasn't around back then, however; maybe Rademacher was a star after winning the Olympics in 1956.

Well at least you Can say that Rademacher is the highest qualifier for a would-be Star. Olympic champion at hw and white.

One has to wonder what could have been had he not gone in against Patterson in his debut.

[Anthony342]

Bernard Hopkins, since he lost his first pro fight.

[rightsideup]

Olympic HW champion Pete Rademacher made his debut against champion Floyd Patterson. He got KO'ed but had Floyd on the floor in the process.

awesome example!!

[Drunken Cat]

To clarify, I really was referring to a fighter who became a star in professional boxing.

It isn't my question, it is Steve Buncey's.

My choice of Rafael Maqruez would have to be the frontrunner at the moment .

Rademacher is interesting, but not really a star.