Gatekeeper (boxing) explained

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

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

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
• Shawn Porter
• Adrien Broner
• Amir Khan
• Keith Thurman

Notable MMA examples

• Gary Goodridge
• Karolina Kowalkiewicz
• Marion Reneau
• Jeremy Stephens
• Tecia Torres
• Cat Zingano
• Donald Cerrone
• Michael Johnson
• Diego Sanchez
• Jorge Masvidal
• Clay Guida

See also

• Journeyman (boxing)
• Tomato can (sports idiom)

Notes and References

1. Web site: The Most Important Fighter in Boxing History . https://web.archive.org/web/20120403033253/http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=5760&more=1 . dead . 3 April 2012 . Ondrizek . Troy . 1 October 2006 . East Side Boxing.
2. Web site: Edison Miranda as The Gatekeeper? Tough Gate - Boxing News. boxingscene.com. 12 May 2009 .
3. Web site: I Like Marquez Over Judah, Ward Over Dawson And.... Blake Hochberger. The Sweet Science. 15 May 2012 .
4. Web site: Monte Barrett: The Gatekeeper Cometh.. saddoboxing.com.
5. Web site: Adam Kownacki gets unanimous decision over Chris Arreola as both heavyweights break CompuBox record. sportingnews.com. 12 August 2021 .