Willard because it’s hard to be as sure of Carnera’s results. I’ve watched his KO of Sharkey a hundred times & seen a thousand people claim it’s a clear-cut dive or a legitimate knockout. Truth is either looks plausible to me.
Carnera isn't nearly as durable as Willard, but he's bringing more to the table as a boxer. Carnera has a good heavy jab, decent mobility for an awkward big man, a decent strong uppercut, a high guard, and plenty of heart to make up for his lack of ring IQ and overall toughness. Willard...well there isn't much you can say to praise him outside his size and toughness. The guy basically admitted he had to Homer Simpson his way to win the HW title against an aging Jack Johnson who was winning the vast majority of rounds. Johnson wilted under the hot sun, Willard blocking with his face tiring Johnson even further, and old age. I just haven't seen much writing or film that indicates people even back then thought much of Willard.
Carnera fought in the better era and ranks higher in that era. He didn't really have power for a big guy which Willard did, he relied more on the jab. Willard fought in an era with 3 other elite big heavyweights(Fulton, Morris, Coffey). He was probably the worst one even if he was the only one to hold a formal belt. Not even bringing Tate into it. Could be as low as the 5th best big HW of his era if we bring the smaller guys into it hes lower top 10. Andre Andersons the only superheavyweight of Willards era I'm clearly picking him to beat though hes got a chance against the rest of this crew sans Fulton.
Carnera accomplished much more on paper, but if you can get Willard to let his hands go, then everything is on the table.
Carnera, does Willard show any jabbing ability in that Johnson footage ? It has been ages since I watched the longer version.....
I mean there's the rare competent 1-2 here and there, weirdly enough the most impressive thing about Jess is the fact that he knows how to roll with punches and do it somewhat effectively. This content is protected
Willard quit against Jack ****ing Dempsey. I highly doubt Primo ****ing Carnera brings the dog out in him. Actually knowing Carnera's reputation for fixed fights, you might be on to something here.