Name former or current World Champion boxers that were...?

Question

GANGBANGERS before they became contenders. Who were they?

Answer 1

I'd have to think... but I will say this-

With the way the mafia controlled boxing- especially in the 20's - 40's, it is absolutely appalling that an answer would include 4 blacks and no whites.  Sick.

Edit:  I'm thinking... I have about a dozen names I am tossing around, but I want to check them all out.  

I didn't mean to have a go at rudd... just the way it got me when I read his answer... I get off work in a couple hours, I'll put em up then.

Answer 2

Sonny Liston

Ernie Terrel

Mike Tyson for a short period when he was in his early teens

I think Zab Judah still is.

Answer 3

Fernando Vargas

Tony "El Torito" Ayala

Answer 4

There were quite a few fighters that had very troubled youths that went on to become champions.  As far as gangbangers, I'm not really sure, but here are a few that definetly ran amuck of the law.

Rocky Graziano

Sonny Liston

Tony Ayala .

Mike Tyson

George Foreman

Floyd Patterson

Bernard Hopkins

Answer 5

iran barkley

mitch "blood" green

trevor berbick

hector camacho