Motivated by "Injustice"

It’s been said by the Calzaghes that Joe’s absence from the ’92 Olympics became a motivating factor in their quest to “prove the doubters wrong” (See link below). Considering that Calzaghe had a pretty successful career, I should imagine the snub in ’92 riled up the Welsh Dragon good and proper.

What other injustices, imagined or real, have motivated fighters to become successful in the professional ranks?

The Telegraph, 14 April 2008 by Gareth A. Davies

Hagler. Roy jones was destined for greatness but Aaron pryor? Robbed twice. Holyfield - dq a little bit iffy - but was beating seven shades of ... out of his opponent in the olympic semi. So much to choose from. Ali - I get the feeling that had ali not had those years taken from him - hubris would have crushed him. fighters who let go by laziness/lack of dedication rarely recover after being tested - naz, Bowe, conteh - fighters who are pushed - usually push back Ali, Hagler, Johnson, Frazier, Foreman, etc etc. At work - sorry if incoherent - back to work.

Hagler certainly - although that sense of injustice eventually became a chip on his shoulder and may have played a factor in his defeat to Leonard.

Could also add any number of black fighters denied their title shots because of the colour of their skin.

Jack Johnson he felt injustice for a number of years and all he wanted was to be treated fairly. His behaviour when he became World champion hampered the chances of black fighters for a number of years but after the way guys like him Jeanette, McVea and Langford were treated it would be very harsh to blame him.

Johnson is a great choice.....just strange he should resent other blacks from enjoying the shot he got!!!!

How about Tommy Hearns he seemed motivated by the fact he could never get the two Men who beat him back in the ring....

He seemed motivated to prove he was as good (which he was) as Sugar and Marv!!!!

Of course he got kind of redemption from Leonard 2....

Think he felt injustice though..

I think Johnson enjoyed sticking it to the white man. He could have been a pioneer for black fighters but he was selfish. Nothing wrong with that mind you it's an individual sport so selfishness isn't a bad quality.

Hearns is a good shout a lot of fighters around at the same time as Leonard felt a sense of injustice due to the hype and pay days Leonards received before he was fighting for World titles. Probably none more so than Aaron Pryor.

I think a lot of fighters around at the same time as Leonard felt injustice due to the hype and pay days Leonard received before he was even fighting for World titles.

Larry Holmes he wasn't loved when he was around because of Ali and his legacy. It must have grated on Holmes because he was a great fighter.

Archie Moore would be the perfect example of a black fighter motivated by injustice, carried on until he got the title shot he deserved and refused to let it go.