Who had more skill? Joe Louis or Wlad Klitschko?

Wlad perfected the art of making, especially smaller, fighters fight on his terms. But his defense relied to a very high degree on having a size advantage. And not having a proper guard or head movement was a big lack against guys that managed to come inside his reach and big guys with skills. Yes, he was old when he lost to Fury and AJ, but I think they would always trouble him. As would Vitaly and Lewis. No shame in that, since these four probably would trouble just about any HW ever, but give Wlad Louis's skill set and maintain everything else and he goes through them imo.

 

Hard to say TBH. I think it'd be a case that's not as obvious in advance, but obvious as hell in hindsight like his loss to Fury, if you actually somehow ran the series.

If I had to pick probably Ali, Louis, Foreman and Tyson. Like I said, I think he'd do respectably overall though.

 

I think Joe tossed in his grave after this thread was posted.

 

Why should Wlad give up his range advantages of height and reach to get the acclaim for infighting skill? That seems counterproductive, at best, or more realistically, the recipe for a short career (see: Riddick Bowe).

Wlad fought a big man's style and when in close used his enormous strength to control action.

 

Even at 84 years old, Wlad isn't getting a beat down from a stumpy cruiserweight.

 

Imagine Wlad with the height of Louis.What would he be able to archieve? I guess not too much.

 

He'd still be good but nowhere near as great as he was. I agree that his size was a major factor in his success.

 

He was skilled for a big man. Louis was skilled pound 4 pound

 

This is the Best answer .Take away Wlads advantage s in size ,put him the same size as Louis then see how he goes on .

 

He'd have been a different fighter. He'd have had to have been, imo.

 

Wlad looked good beating on smaller opponents at long range - with the jab and the right-cross. I'm struggling to think of examples of him demonstrating skills beyond that, however.

 

Then he wouldn't fight the big man style that he fought. He had more than enough athleticism to master a different style, especially if he was smaller. He mastered the style that best fit his attributes.