[GIF] Max Baer showing skill and reflexes with a triple jab, followed by a sharp combo, and a slip

Thank you. You're proving my point.

 

By the way... I wonder why someone like Hamed boxed the way he did? Did his trainer(s) tell him: Look Naz, forget this old-fashioned thing called "defense". When someone swings at you, simply lower your hands an pull back your head... that's much safer and more effective.

No, of course not. He fought like he did, because that was what came natural to him. Just like Ali, Roy Jones, Jack Johnson... and yes, Joe Louis! The idea that Blackburn was some kind of genius, who took his observations from decades earlier and passed them on to Louis, thus creating the perfect fighting machine, is of course a good story. But nothing more than that.

 

I don't think we've seen a truly great heavyweight yet. Maybe after a few more decades of evolution. Maybe.

 

As in a true "all-rounder"?

Lewis is closest so far, to that criteria.

 

Louis' footwork wasn't flashy but it was more aimed at being on balance and having perfect punching technique rather than getting ahead of his man. He would stalk in perfect balance but would follow a bit hence the odd problem with movers and runners. His footwork was more methodical than dynamic one could say but very economical.

The great movers would pose problems for sure, in particular Ali. Having said that how many great movers have we seen at heavyweight? Barely any. Joe was extremely patient and calm however and invariably got the job done when he couldn't overpower a more elusive foe. He would stalk patiently waiting for the mistake/s that would eventually come and then he would be lightning.

Is his footwork slow? One can argue both ways. It's more of a style thing imo. When chasing movers one can absolutely argue him somewhat ponderous and stiff but with others right there with him his footwork is brilliant. He can get right on top of a guy in trouble in the blink of an eye and is always on balance and releasing bombs. His footwork in range is also excellent to say the least.

As said Joe's footwork is based around punching and is the reason he always tops list as the greatest puncher in history.

 

Great clip!

 

How’s that ignoring heavyweight threads going?

 

I think he looks good here

 

I can never quite tell when you're kidding. Anyway, I've attempted to explain repeatedly why "evolution" doesn't really work as a descriptor, even metaphorically.

 

How is this proving your point? I'll ask you to spell out the logical operatives yourself rather than make a guess that you can deny.

If you're insinuating that rock music has "evolved" too, holy ****....

 

I see " critiques " is the new " in " word.