Sparrow McGann, Sports Wave, Salt Lake Tribune (Dec. 22, 1934) Max Baer has a private peeve against the current run of challengers for his heavyweight crown. According to Max, they are not worth a dime a dozen, and they ought to be exposed by having them fight it out among themselves. There is a lot of truth in what Max says. Then again, it must be remembered that the Livermore Walloper is having the time of his life making a movie, traveling all over the country “stooging” for his brother Buddy, who is knocking over the rankest sort of setups. Buddy Baer’s victims are worse than those sent against Primo Carnera on the all-sucker tour of pugilism. […] Baer won the title from Carnera but did not knock out the Italian. A real puncher does not permit himself to be outscored with a left jab and let his foe rise after so man knockdowns. He puts his man down and keeps him there. That is the tip-off on Max Baer’s punching power. When one studies Baer’s record, he does not shape up as the puncher he would like to have fans believe he is. He has power in his wallop, but it is hardly a “sleep” punch. Jack Dempsey used to knock his opponents to sleep effectively. No one would compare Baer with Dempsey. Gene Tunney slashed and jabbed his opponents to ribbons. No student of boxing would consider Baer the equal of Tunney.
Article made me wonder--who's the best foe Baer ever stopped within a few rounds? The unimpressive, unaccomplished Pat Comiskey (who went out on his feet, even after taking a huge punch to the back of his skull)?
Well he did kill a man with one punch! Just saying but i understand the article and thank you for it!
Off the top of my head Schemling was probably his best stoppage, but he was still on his feet when the ref stopped it. I think Baer’s lack of technique and timing kept his power back a bit.
Good point he would just hit you were he could hit you! Plus he had a tendency to load up on every shot, bringing them from the back porch. Guys would see the shots coming! To me Wilder is a ringer for a modern day Max Baer style wise. Good Point there Reason123!
Baer was acquitted of manslaughter of a boxer in a trial in 1930. Baer is rated #22 on Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time. https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/SAN-FRANCISCO-Death-in-the-ring-75-years-ago-2645588.php SAN FRANCISCO / Death in the ring / 75 years ago, renowned boxer Max Baer landed fatal punch
Frankie Campbell died in the ring from the blows Baer landed, the fight probably went on too long, the press (never one to miss an opportunity to sensationalize a story) attributed the Death of Ernie Schaff to Baer, being that Baer knocked Ernie cold with just one second remaining in their fight sometime before Schaafs fatal encounter with Primo. In all honesty Baer’s Power may be a little overstated. Primo rolled his ankle severely in their bout and that issue was the main reason he fell to the canvas so many times in their bout. The Schmeling victory is a quality Ko but Baer did fight dirty. Their is no doubt Baer could punch - he took apart Levinsky in an exhibition match. He also floored the extremely durable Tommy Farr 3x in their rematch. He was big for his day and he obviously had a good right hand but I think his finishing skills may have been below par.
Schmeling, Galento, and Sheppard were all adament that Baer hit harder than Louis. There might have been others as well. As with the testimony regarding Ernie Shavers power, it mounts up to the point where you have to believe it!
Well not doubt hyperbole exists in boxing but Braddock was asked years later who the hardest puncher he ever fought was he rubbed his chin and stated Max Baer when challenged on the punch Louis stopped him with he persisted that Baer carried more power
Carnera couldn't fight well but he was big, tough and brave. It's not easy to spark them all out cold with sheer power.
I never thought he punched like the absolute top guys but let's be serious, he was a big time puncher for sure ... this KO of Kingfish who had a steel chin was nasty .. This content is protected
