Gatekeeper (boxing)
From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia
This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages)
|
In boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts, a gatekeeper is a skillful and well-regarded fighter, but one who does not have the popularity or brilliance of a title contender. They are considered to be a cut above most journeymen. A gatekeeper will often have an impressive record in terms of wins versus losses but will have a difficult time getting people behind them and especially obtaining promotion. They are often seen as a "stepping-stone" for potential title contenders to prove their worth against.
Characteristics[edit]
Gatekeepers will frequently have the following characteristics:
- They're sometimes relegated to fight contenders to boost the contender's stock shortly before a title fight.[1]
Notable examples[edit]
The following fighters have all been described as gatekeepers:[1][2][3][4][5]
- Monte Barrett
- Edison Miranda
- Jameel McCline
- Raymond Joval
- Earnie Shavers
- Ross Puritty
- Bert Cooper
- Saul Montana
- Dennis Bakhtov
- Yordenis Ugas
- Robert Hawkins
- Friday Ahunanya
- Vaughn Bean
- Przemyslaw Saleta
- Louis Monaco
- Danny García
- José Ribalta
- Tony Thompson
- Chris Arreola
- Felix Verdejo
Notable MMA examples[edit]
- Gary Goodridge
- Karolina Kowalkiewicz
- Marion Reneau
- Jeremy Stephens
- Tecia Torres
- Cat Zingano
- Donald Cerrone
- Michael Johnson
- Diego Sanchez
- Jorge Masvidal
- Clay Guida
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Ondrizek, Troy (1 October 2006). "The Most Important Fighter in Boxing History". East Side Boxing. Archived from the original on 3 April 2012.
- ^ "Edison Miranda as The Gatekeeper? Tough Gate - Boxing News". boxingscene.com. 12 May 2009.
- ^ Blake Hochberger (15 May 2012). "I Like Marquez Over Judah, Ward Over Dawson And..." The Sweet Science.
- ^ "Monte Barrett: The Gatekeeper Cometh". saddoboxing.com.
- ^ "Adam Kownacki gets unanimous decision over Chris Arreola as both heavyweights break CompuBox record". sportingnews.com. 12 August 2021.