Joe Louis '41 vs. George Foreman '73

I don't see Louis setting anything with his jab against Foreman with that extended rear hand of his. Saddler's style was all about muffling and disarming the other boxer, forcing a direct confrontation in which combination of strength, size, and ferocity could prevail over otherwise superior technical abilities and cunning. You needed some really creative angles and slick positioning to jab consistently against George.

 

Foreman would be the best louis fought. When he lands and B Bear, Galanto, and Braddock floored Louis, he would be in trouble. The Skill level of these men is not good..not in Foreman's class or power. And I'm not talking about the better skilled men such as Schmeling Charles or Marciano, each of who beat him Louis badly. The fight would need to be 15 rounds for Louis to have a better chance, but I think Foreman would end it early.

 

I think Foreman's jab is better & there's not much difference in defence in my opinion. Foreman had underrated defense - both in & out of his prime. Power is about the same. Here are Foreman's advantages: jab, physical strength, footwork & durability,

 

Foreman fought an incredible number of stiffs on his way up. He beats George Chuvalo...struggles with Gregorio Peralta...blows out a shopworn Joe Frazier...Joe"King" Roman...Ken Norton...loses to a past his prime Ali...Jimmy Young....and now he beats Joe Louis?....Yeah,...and then you woke up!!!

 

Foreman knocks him out brutally

 

I don't agree about defense, at all. Louis could be countered, but his defense was fundamentally sound. Foreman wasn't horrible on defense either, but he ate punches in every world class fight he took part in.

 

Do you think that Louis lacked "creative angles"?

 

Joe might not stop George but he'll hit him hard enough to get his attention. The reverse is also true. The difference is that Joe could also box. That will make all the difference, IMHO. I'm going with a Joe Louis win by Unanimous Decision.

 

I dont think 73 Foreman or even 72 and early 74 ever fought past 2 rounds ,, He's gonna gas Louis KO round 9 -11, right in there is my bet

 

Good fight, although I think old timer George would be an even better match. 73 Foreman was a big, raw fellow. He had earth shaking power but very little craft.
1941 Louis was around his best. I still say he had the best feet of any Heavyweight. Always making tiny adjustments so he was ready to throw from a position of balance. It's a joy to watch.
Young George gets countered to bits and stopped in 8 or 9. The old boy though.....?

 

The Brown Bomber would get inside and tear him up.

 

Foreman KO

 

He went the distance only once, winning a decision against Peralta. Fight was scheduled for ten. He stopped him in the rematch in 10th, so he seemingly still carried power to the later rounds.

 

Just like Frazier managed to get inside I presume.

 

I agree, skillwise Louis is far superior but Foreman's advantages will allow him to over power Joe