Better All-Around Fighter: Primo Carnera or Riddick Bowe?

Not at all.

He probably produced a wider span of opinions than any other heavyweight champion in history, throughout his career.

One of these viewpoints has survived, for the sole reason that it was the most sensationalist, and ultimately the most ingrained in fiction!

I am not a revisionist on any level.

I am just putting across an opinion that was widespread at the time, that proved less enduring than Galoco#'s fiction!

 

To be honest, I was going off the excerpts you guys were posting in that thread. The ones by Gallico, and the cold shoulder he seemed to get from guys like Fleischer. Were they considered reporters, and part of the press?

I'm looking through the NYT archive, and the Times seem to have at least been objective and fair towards him, from what I've seen so far. The overall tone throughout the contemporary reporting is that he was a good boxer with heart, strength, and who usually enjoyed big size advantages.

Unrest in the Cuban Capital was the promoter's reason for abandoning the show. Despite Jacob's explanation, many doubted that Louis, who would have been a prohibitive favorite over the Spaniard, was willing to try conclusions with Gastanaga, who, if he lacks anything else, is certainly a devastating hitter. It was a case of everything to lose and nothing to gain for the Brown Bomber, and his handlers felt it unwise to put their charge in the ring with Gastanaga.
Despite Gastanagas punching prowess, however, he is not expected to cause Carnera much trouble. The ex-champion, in the best condition after three weeks of intensive training, will enter the ring the favorite at odds of 2 to 1. In addition to the weight advantage he will enjoy-Carnera will probably scale 260 pounds to Gastanagas 205-the Italian will have a tremendous edge in boxing ability.

 

What forum have you and Mcvey been on???? Carnera got **** on more than any fighter I have ever seen spoken about on here. He still does to this day.

It wasn't until Rez broke the trend and brought justice to Carnera that anyone even thought he had any sort of skill. This is undeniable, check the post history.

 

Let’s put it this way:

No trainer whose fighter was going to have to face Carnera ever said "he is just a manufactured fighter, you will take him easily".

He was viewed as a severe obstacle, and that was always reflected in people’s preparations.

 

100% the impression I've got.

It always seemed like Carnera was an asterisk SHW.
SHWs have all these advantages, but when you raise your hand and mention Carnera, they tell you he was an oaf, and it doesn't count.

 

I understand that, I'm talking about how he is viewed today.

 

NYT: Carnera Impressive as He Continues To Work Towards Comeback Attempt with Impelletiere

http://imgur.com/a/7tlMc

 

Larry Gains called primo a "damaging puncher just the same".


Sharkey said Primo was a "much better fighter than given credit for" who he "didn't credit he might improve" from their first fight and "handled me with ease" in the rematch.


Max Schmeling called Primo a "technically sound boxer" who "could penetrate any defence" with his reach and leverage. Unsurprisingly, Max "was not surprised Carnera kayoed sharkey".


Max Baer even predicted Carnera would beat Joe Louis!!! That's how serious he rated primo.

Sounds like a good super heavyweight to me.

So it seems like all the fighters of the day took Primo Carnera very seriously indeed!!!

 

NYT: Louis Sensed Victory Round Before Finish

http://imgur.com/a/Iwxvs

 

There is an article about a $5 parking ticket that Carnera had to pay...

http://imgur.com/a/jdcUL

 

Where are all the negative reports you referred to?

 

All the fighters?

 

Wow. A straight up hit piece.
1967 NYT: A Gigantic Hoax
http://imgur.com/a/aXblo

 

No negative slant or spin there, just a straight reporting of the facts, which they would have done for
any prominent sportsman.

 

This is 30years later so isn't relevant .I asked for contemporary negative reports that could have influenced the way Carnera was perceived.
BTW Arthur Daley was one of the most esteemed and respected boxing journalists of that century!