Yeah, that's right. Oh I know I'm going to be accused of sacrilege for this, but I really don't care. :bbb One thing though: Styles analysis ONLY, please. No resume fapping. No mythologizing. Keep it styles. Joe Louis never fought a southpaw in his career, let alone a hard-hitting southpaw like Lebedev. I think the southpaw style could be a major problem for Louis. Lebedev hits a lot harder than Schmeling. He also moves a lot better than Schmeling. Louis has the hand speed advantage. Lebedev has better footwork than Louis. They are about the same size in terms of ring weight. Louis is taller, probably has a reach advantage. Lebedev can switch gears, fight going forward or off the back foot. He wouldn't have to look for Louis, but Louis might have to look for him. Personally, there's no doubt in my mind that Lebedev beats the decrepit old Louis that Marciano fought. But we're talking about prime Louis. Honestly, I think this fight is a toss up. I don't know who wins. It's basically Louis' hand speed and power vs Lebedev's southpaw style, power and mobility. Would Louis' hand speed be enough to counter the southpaw style and mobility of Lebedev? Maybe, maybe not. What do you think?
Look at the men Louis beat in his career and that will give you all you need to know. He will consistently beat lebedev to the punch and I don't care who you are, if Louis beats you to the punch you're getting knocked out. Louis has quicker hands, more power, quicker feet, a better jab, better combination punching and is proven over a longer distance against great fighters. Lebedev has an edge in chin I believe and his chin might just be massive enough to absorb what Louis throws at it, I wouldn't hold my breath though.
Louis had faster hands than Schmeling, still got beat up by a slow counterpuncher. An advantage in hand speed can be offset with timing and positioning. I don't see how Louis has faster feet than Lebedev though. I don't agree with that. If you look at the problems Louis had with Galento, for example, I can easily see how Lebedev can be much worse for Louis if he lands flush.
Well that answers it and ends the discussion, Louis would have ducked Lebedev. Bettina would have been one of his better title defenses too, shameful.
You say lets keep it simply to styles and stuff but what are you basing this off? Just because he's south paw dosen't give him an advantage maybe he would do well with them maybe not we cant tell
I'm basing it off a well known historical tendency in boxing. Southpaws come up fighting (and training with) mostly righties. Louis never fought a southpaw, so it's not like he had a lot of experience fighting them. Also, look at the link that LittleRed posted.
RJJ? Check. Toney? Check. Louis? That casket can't keep him safe forever... Lebedev on his way to GOAT status. :deal