James J. Corbett vs. Joe Louis

That would be a good fight!

My first impulse is to think that Joe would have an easy time with Corbett, but on closer examination Corbett had the style to give Louis a good run for his money. I believe Corbett's durability is underrated, largely due to the fact that his three knockout losses were quick, essentially one-punch matters. But his KO losses to Fitz (KO 14) and Jeffries 1 (KO 23) were to powerful punchers late in fights in which Corbett had been doing very well. Even his KO loss to prime Jeffries in their second battle didn't happen until the 10th round in which a 37-year old Corbett took several knockdowns and a battering along the way. In a bout closer to his prime, he fought a prime Peter Jackson to a 61-round draw.

While Corbett clearly has the advantage in foot speed, Louis definitely has the advantage in power. Joe's handspeed with combinations and jab would also be a big factor. If the bout ends in a stoppage it would be Louis scoring the KO, as I do not see Corbett hurting Joe. It is regrettable that we do not have more film of Corbett available. The only film I've seen of Corbett in the ring is vs Fitzsimmons and the exhibition with Peter Courtney, and the much-later exhibition with Gene Tunney. Based on the film I have seen I would predict that Joe would catch up with Corbett late in a very competitive fight, around the 13th round and stop him with a combination like in his first fight with Billy Conn.

 

Maybe a little like Louis after Conn. With Joe eventually catching him.

 

Since I am of the opinion that a guy like Golovkin could handle Corbett, setting him against Louis is like sending in a drunk chihuahua against a pitbull.

 

All the footage I have seen of Corbett has him looking kinda awful. Whereas Louis even in his worst performances looks like a top level HW just having a bad day.

 

Corbett didn't give the crude Sharkey much trouble. Louis ko's Corbett mid rounds.

 

Corbett has one of, if not the most underwhelming winning resumes of any heavyweight champion.
What are his best wins?
How many men over180lbs did he beat?
Conn beat ranked heavyweights.

 

Louis knocks out Corbett in the 1st round. Corbett was ok for his time but don’t forget he fought John L Sullivan. Different eras and skills. Louis too quick, powerful and skilful in every aspect.

 

Corbett

Corbett was 33 years old ,.and had been the reigning champion the year before.

 

Corbett is getting sold short these days, in my humble opinion, but he should be a masive underdog against Louis!

 

I don't know....if Gentleman Jim wears those thongs Joe may become mesmerized and Jim could get in KO blow. If Joe keeps his composure he KO'S Jimbob early.

 

I haven’t seen any footage of Corbett. But I’ll go ahead and favor Louis based on resume

 

No he isn't.

No he didn't.

Louis KO2.