12 rounds. Prime for Prime. One of these guys could only slug. The other really liked to slug. How would this play out?
I don't think Baer has the tools to trouble Bowe. Bowe struggled with sharp counter punchers like Tubbs and Mathis jr. as well as guys with fast hands and jabs, Golota and Holyfield. None of the above apply to Baer. Baer was a huge puncher that usually enjoyed a size advantage against an opponent but against Bowe he would be the smaller man. I feel Bowe could outbox Baer if he desired and if they decided to slug it out it would give Baer a better chance to win but I would still lean with Bowe.
Max Baer was a fighter that you never knew which version of "madcap Max showed up. The wild swinging Baer of the Carnera fight, or the older past peak Maxie who shortly before he retired destroyed a terrific heavyweight prospect Irish Pat Comiskey with one straight right cross...One thing for sure NO heavyweight had the charisma of Baer and NO heavyweight ever had a better concrete set of whiskers...
Bowe by easy KO, Baer is small and weak in comparison, slower, with far lesser skills and without near the same heart for battle. I can't believe anyone is seriously picking Baer.
I wouldn't have liked to have taken the punches Baer took, but he did quit against Louis. Bowe might have had the few brain cells he had punched out of him but he never quit. Baer ranks as much nicer guy to have a drink with though.
In fact the only puncher he fought close to Louis was Lewis in the 1988 Olympic final and he got put on ***** street momentarily. I know the amateurs is a different ball game to the pro ranks, but it's worth noting.
I think the best answer is which Baer shows up. Bowe was a big boy but got hit an awful lot, he took a good shot but I am not sure how many Baer wallops he could take. Like I said it all depends on which Baer shows up
It doesn't matter, Baer could have got up and quit, Bowe was semi conscious against Golota and kept getting up until his ***** imploded.