How would Kovalev do at heavyweight in the 60s and prior?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Jul 19, 2025 at 3:42 PM.


How does Kovalev do?

  1. He would be HW champion anytime between 1920-1969

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%

  2. He would be a top rated contender

    2 vote(s)
    50.0%

  3. He would be a fringe contender and trial horse

    1 vote(s)
    25.0%

  4. Local level fighter only

    1 vote(s)
    25.0%
  1. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Before you point out he's a light heavyweight, he's a modern light heavyweight. Meaning he boils down to 175 and is actually 185-190 in the ring. This means he likely would have fought at heavyweight in the 1970s and before.

    But if we go from the 1920s HW division to the 1960s HW division, how does Kovalev do? Would he dethrone Dempsey? Does he outbox Max Baer and Primo Carnera? Does he make sure Joe Louis is never heard of? Does he make Marciano go 48-1?
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Jul 19, 2025 at 3:42 PM
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Jul 19, 2025 at 3:42 PM
    #1
  2. Jackomano

    Jackomano Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Kovalev at his best was an elite light heavyweight, but I just don’t see him doing that great at heavyweight. Especially in the past where the heavyweights were more physical and Kovalev’s infighting skills leave a lot to be desired.

    Kovalev had no answer when Ward started roughing him up on the inside, so I can only imagine what guys like Jeffries, Jack Johnson, Dempsey, Foreman, etc… would do to him.
     
    Jackomano, Jul 19, 2025 at 4:14 PM
    Jackomano, Jul 19, 2025 at 4:14 PM
    #2
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta likes this.
  3. Vic-JofreBRASIL

    Vic-JofreBRASIL Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Most overrated fighter of my lifetime.
     
    Vic-JofreBRASIL, Jul 19, 2025 at 4:20 PM
    Vic-JofreBRASIL, Jul 19, 2025 at 4:20 PM
    #3
  4. HistoryZero26

    HistoryZero26 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    In the 50s he'd do great. But the 50s is the smallest least powerful HW era. Most great LHWs in other eras could do fine in that HW era. Canelo could do great. Earlier? I don't know.
     
    HistoryZero26, Jul 19, 2025 at 4:46 PM
    HistoryZero26, Jul 19, 2025 at 4:46 PM
    #4
  5. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 Barrios is a bandit robber - Psalm 144:1 Full Member

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    I mean he’s probably 190lbs -ish on fight night… I could see him being a decent contender.
     
    Journeyman92, Jul 19, 2025 at 4:54 PM
    Journeyman92, Jul 19, 2025 at 4:54 PM
    #5
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta likes this.
  6. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 Barrios is a bandit robber - Psalm 144:1 Full Member

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    Foreman wasn’t an inside fighter… one of the most incompetent guys I’ve seen there, but yeah you’re right he’d need to have his clinch on point.
     
    Journeyman92, Jul 19, 2025 at 4:55 PM
    Journeyman92, Jul 19, 2025 at 4:55 PM
    #6
  7. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    How do you see him against Dempsey, Louis, Marciano, Charles and Liston?
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Jul 19, 2025 at 4:59 PM
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Jul 19, 2025 at 4:59 PM
    #7