Who's the better fighter?

Need some info, my man. Jimmy Carter I know as President, but the other guy I have no idea about.

 

They both have pretty generic names, but I don’t think it’s possible to beat Joe Brown in that category.

 

I'd rate Brown above Carter but not by much.
Both were GREAT lightweights.

 

I'd go with Brown. I wouldn't quite have Old Bones in my top ten Lightweights, but he doesn't miss out by all that much. Maybe something like #11 or #12. Carter, I think, resides a good few spots lower than that.

It wasn't the deepest era (nor was it a poor one, mind you) during Brown's reign, but nevertheless he largely fought the best available during his championship years and established himself as a consistent champion, which Carter was unable to do despite having plenty of bites at the cherry. Both could be inconsistent performers but Brown tended to be much less so on the big occasion, which swings this in his favour, for me. No shame in losing the title, past your best, to an (in my opinion) all-time top five Lightweight in Ortiz either, whereas Carter dumped the title a couple of times to guys who, while good fighters in their own right, you wouldn't necessarily expect to be usurping an elite 135 lb champion.

My vote goes to Brown.

 

I’d go for Brown. A long reigning and dominant champion who was great as an old fighter too.

I think, sadly, this isn’t a mythical garbage what if scenario involving heavyweights, so less people will care as sad as that is.

 

I think I had Old Bones at 15/16, and Carter about 10 spots behind. Great fighters.

Don't think they fought, though mate.

 

Jimmy Carter. He took the title from one of the baddest MFers ever to lace them up.

 

They did, actually... in 1947 with Brown winning a 10 rounds decision.

 

They had similar styles

 

Yeah, I had to look that up after Bob mentioned it. I was surprised. Not sure exactly how much you can read into it in terms of who was better H2H in their primes but it certainly counts for something and as Brown won it, strengthens his already strong argument to be greater than Carter.

 

One question I have about Carter is about his mob connections. Exactly how much was he a connected fighter? I know that there a few of his bouts that aroused suspicion.

 

Old Bones was better imo