Watching both, they look like they have the same basic style on film. Obviously, Vitali had his advantages, but they don't look very dissimilar.
I actually think that Vitally is more reminiscent of Willard to be honest. Carnera is more technically orthodox than either of them!
Two runners can look the same on film but produce wildly different times. Same with basketballers, footballers and tennis players. It is not enough to exhibit the same style but to exhibit it with equal athleticism. How many boxers have you seen in a gym mimicking Ali (almost everyone of my generation did this)? But none could do that in the ring.
Primo Carnera in Round 15: (Starts at 5:00) This content is protected I’ve heard the camera adds 10 pounds. But I guess black and white footage eliminates your speed, stamina, form, and pace.
I take two thinks away from this fight. 1. Carnera looked a lot better in the rematch. 2. Sharkey looked a lot worse in the rematch. Not hard to see why the result got reversed.