Gatekeeper (boxing)

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.

Notable examples
The following fighters have all been described as gatekeepers:
 * 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

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