Joe Gans v Benny Leonard?

[Seamus]

I don't much like comparing fighters from across many decades, but those closer in respective primes can become interesting.

For those who have watched enough of these two all-time greats, how do you see this playing out over 15 rounds, by the rules of the day and outside of a no-decision context?

[Theron]

DAMMIT! If i knew a tiny bit more about Leonard i'd comment, interested to see what happens though.

[kingfisher3]

hard to say from the limited video but perhaps leonard has a speed advantage.

[LittleRed]

Impossible to pick. I think Gans hit harder and had a better pair of whiskers which normally is enough to make a firm pick but the Great Benny Leonard was close to unbeatable at his best. Leonard looks slightly better in the extant film but there's not much to that. Gans was a natural counter puncher, but Benny was excellent in that area to and that brilliant jab would be tough to come over the top of. Gabs hands might be faster (impossible to tell really) but Benny was more mobile. Impossible pick.

[kmac]

this is an all-time great matchup. i'll go with leonard here by decision but i don't think there's many better fights that could be made.

[orriray59]

Gans looks great in the footage we have of him against Kid Herman in which he displays plenty modern attributes. Then again, B. Leonard looks fantastic also.

Hard to say, though I'd favor Leonard. I think he's the GOAT at lightweight, also.

[lufcrazy]

Apparently Gans was a master at generating power from any angle and someone with that punch can never ever be written off. However Leonard in his peak was thought to be the best boxer of all time, right up until Robinson came along.

And this isn't like Dempsey were ya can say "yeah but he didn't fight x, y and z" he actually dominated what is, by money, the strongest division in history. Leonard proved his skills at the highest level across a very long period of time. The little tape we have of him does back up his incredible talents and he came close to conquering the WW division as well.

Very close fight but I give the edge to Leonard. I don't like making picks on limited film but I think we have enough here, plus ringside reports, to make an educated pick.

[NWS]

Leonard by Newspaper Decision.

[orriray59]

Originally Posted by NWS

Leonard by Newspaper Decision.

Christ man, another profile? Called Newspaper Decision?

[Vic-JofreBRASIL]

Who really can say ? I would bet some money on Gans personally......but hey, Leonard could beat him too...Both were actually so similar that is impossible to pick one with confidence....

[Mendoza]

Leonard was hit hard by Lew Tendler ( Hall of fame light weight ) on film. He took it well and recovered. While Gans likely hit a little harder than Tendler, Leonard was nothing short of a master tactician who proved he could get out of trouble. I like Leonard here by a close decision in a 10 ,12, 15, 20, or 25 round match.

[ripcity]

Joe Gans apears to be more sneky and clever than he is fast or fundmentaly solid. He keeps his hands low (I'm not sure how much of a problem that really is), and if you watch his legs. He tends to cross them when he moves forwards and backwards. On the pluse side he dose a good job of controling range, and he can hit.
As Clever as Gans apears. if the word clever was to go to any one boxer. I'd give it to Benny Leonard. He's a better fundmental boxer.
As far as I know both boxers can rise to the occision. I understand that Gans had to throw a fight here and there. JHowever when not restricted as far as I know he came through.
I think Leonard being the better boxer will win a close decision.

[Seamus]

Has someone done a definitive bio of Benny Leonard?

Has someone done a half-decent bio of him?

Ain't shit on Amazon.

[ripcity]

Originally Posted by Seamus

Has someone done a definitive bio of Benny Leonard?

Has someone done a half-decent bio of him?

Ain't shit on Amazon.