What if somebody other than Braddock had got the shot at Baer?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by janitor, Jun 24, 2019.

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  1. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    Most people here are not particularly impressed by Max Baer's showing against James J Braddock, which means that title shot was a significant opportunity for whoever got it.

    Braddock was not the only, or indeed the most likely choice of challenger.

    To cut a long story short, the other candidates who were seriously considered were Steve Hamas, Max Schmeling, Art Lasky, and King Levinsky.

    So the question is, would any of these men have lifted the title given the opportunity, and if so what would the implications be?
     
    janitor, Jun 24, 2019
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  2. Rainer

    Rainer Active Member Full Member

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    Hamas was no 1, Louis no9, Ramage no 10.These are the only three I' d give a realistic chance.Ramage might outpoint him and the other 2 might out fight the version of Max that turned up to fight the Cinderella Man.
     
    Rainer, Jun 24, 2019
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  3. The Undefeated Lachbuster

    The Undefeated Lachbuster On the Italian agenda Full Member

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    I think everybody losses. Whilst it definitely wasn't Baer's best night, Braddock was one of the best heavyweights in the world. Imo better than peak Schmeling

    Only other person in the division I see beating Baer at the time is Louis
     
    The Undefeated Lachbuster, Jun 24, 2019
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  4. 70sFan865

    70sFan865 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Honestly, I don't see any case for Braddock over Schmeling. Max would school him head to head too.
     
    70sFan865, Jun 24, 2019
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  5. Rainer

    Rainer Active Member Full Member

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    I agree, if Braddock had honoured the contract to defend against Schmeling, I think Max would have been the first man to regain the title!
     
    Rainer, Jun 24, 2019
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  6. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    Out of the men you listed I've always maintained Schmeling would take a rematch
     
    robert ungurean, Jun 24, 2019
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  7. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    I would put money on that one. Schmeling takes it
     
    robert ungurean, Jun 24, 2019
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  8. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    It might have been Schmeling in against Baer instead of Braddock, if the cards had fallen differently!
     
    janitor, Jun 24, 2019
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  9. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

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    Baer wasn't in there to win, so whomever as long as he does not get caught would have beaten Baer.
     
    Mendoza, Jun 24, 2019
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  10. roughdiamond

    roughdiamond Ridin' the rails... Full Member

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    With the performance Baer put in, Dempsey could've won the title back.
     
    roughdiamond, Jun 25, 2019
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  11. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Baer would probably still ass about and lose .
     
    Fergy, Jun 25, 2019
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  12. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    Then perhaps you need to give some thought to what a Hamas or Lasky title reign would have looked like!
     
    janitor, Jun 25, 2019
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  13. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    It depends whether Baer is told to tank it.
     
    Unforgiven, Jun 25, 2019
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  14. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Short but fun .!
     
    Fergy, Jun 25, 2019
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  15. mrkoolkevin

    mrkoolkevin Never wrestle with pigs or argue with fools Full Member

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    Lasky probably would have lost the belt in his first defense, but we'd still have posters telling us all about his underrated skills and abilities, and the reasons why he should be favored against David Tua or Ike Ibeabuchi!
     
    mrkoolkevin, Jun 25, 2019
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