Matthew Hatton recently lost to rising Mexican star Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, but many observers felt the younger Hatton brother had given a gritty performance that would put him in line for future lucrative fights. This was a recent example, but there have been many others over the years. Back in the day, Rocky Balboa lost to Apollo Creed but gave a surprising and courageous account of himself and almost pulled off an incredible upset. The loss would launch Rocky's great, if fictional career.