5 Worst Boxers' Nicknames

Nicknames for athletes should be cool, intimidating, or awesomely descriptive. This is especially true for boxers. Men like Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns, "Smokin" Joe Frasier, "Sugar" Ray Robinson, Evander "The Real Deal" Holyfield, or even "Iron" Mike Tyson had impressive nicknames. These nicknames are memorable and they fit the boxer's fighting style. Some other boxers, though, have adopted nicknames that make you wonder: "What were they thinking?" Although they may have had impressive records or skills in the ring, the unfortunate nicknames tend to detract from their careers.

Owen "What the Heck" Beck
This really is not a great nickname. The fact that it rhymes is about all it has going for it. For a fighter with a promising amateur start you have to wonder who came up with this nickname. The phrase sounds like something from Mayberry. It's hard to believe this nickname is attached to a boxer from Jamaica.

Darnell "Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson

This is another "what were they thinking?" nickname. Makes me think of a Simpsons episode where a little kid tries to sing that not so classic Chuck Berry song entitled, "My Ding-a-Ling". Given the fact that the dictionary meanings for this term are penis, ponytail, or someone who's stupid, odd, freakish, or eccentric, you really have to wonder what definition he was hoping to be associated with when he adopted this ridiculous nickname.

"Big" George Foreman

George Foreman is a great boxer with an impressive record, yet it seems the best nickname anyone could come up with was "big". Maybe not so surprising from a man who named his 5 sons and 2 of his daughters George. You would think his manager could have some up with something more memorable and intimidating than "big".

Lance "Goofi" Whitaker

This seems to be the result of an unsuccessful stunt by a boxer's manager to generate interest and publicity for Whitaker's career. Although there was some interest it was mostly of the: "that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard variety". Again you have to wonder what was the intended meaning of this nickname. For most people the first thing that comes to mind is the totally inept Disney character by that name or the use of goofy as a general insult for stupidity or clumsiness, neither of which are good qualities for a boxer.

Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker

This nickname brings to mind the baby from the Popeye cartoons or a flowering plant. Either way it is not an intimidating image for such a talented boxer. For someone who won an Olympic Gold Medal and went to become World Champion in four weight classes this is a pathetic nickname.

Other Bad Boxing Nicknames

Laila "She Bee Stinging" Ali
Eric "Butterbean" Esch
"Boxing" Andrew Maynard
Antonio "The Patch" Margarito
"Lollipop Cowboy" Jorge Arce
John "The Quiet Man" Ruiz
Robert "Ruby Robert the Freckled Wonder" Fitzsimmons

Many athletes are known by colorful and memorable nicknames and boxers in particular can have some creative and cool nicknames. Unfortunately for some of the boxers listed above, the most memorable thing about their careers is the unfortunate nicknames they used.

Sources:

http://www.doghouseboxing.com/Harrison/Harrison110505.htm

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=21724&more=1