Joe Louis would’ve cleared the 70s

Nobody would have cleared the 70s, but If you put Joe Louis in the mix, then expect seismic shifts in the landscape.

 

Even a weak era, will offer up some sort of opposition, to a dominant champion.

It they are in a string era, then don't expect dominance.

 

On paper a prime Joe Louis would have had a good chance of “ clearing” the 70’s. But in practicality I think he picks up a couple losses just as everyone else did. Also, the exact timing of when he emerged in the decade would have varying effects on the division.

 

Him turning pro in 1970 would have a different effect then him turning pro in 1975.

 

Yes

 

Louis would have done very well. I think he splits a trilogy with Ali. I favor him over Foreman and Frazier. Also favor him over Norton, Quarry, Ellis, Young, Shavers, Lyle, Bugner and friends. Foreman is a dangerous fight however and if Buddy Baer could land, Foreman likely does.

 

Joe Frazier would have stopped him in his tracks. Ali would have beat him to the punch all night long. Foreman would have been a very hard out. Even a Jerry Quarry level guy was quite a bit better than the vast majority of the dudes Louis faced, including those who troubled Louis greatly.

 

Imagine Frazier landing a left hook instead of Galento, Louis does not go 3-0 or even 2-0 with Ali or Frazier, and Foreman is very dangerous, Bonavena would give him hell, Louis would not have the confidence he gained from the bum of the month fights, he would do very well but it would be rough and he does not clear

 

Galento hit as hard as Frazier. At least.

 

Louis would destroy Bonavena. Bonavena is the sort of fighter that Louis hunted for sport. That's one of the most one sided fights I can think of.

Foreman would be dangerous but he's very vulnerable to being counterpunched by a man who can match his power and has much faster hands.

Ali is a big question mark. Ali from 71-75 splits a trilogy with Louis. I can't say who wins the best 2/3.

 

Frazier would’ve been killed in under 5 rounds, watch the first Quarry fight if that was Louis in there Frazier would’ve been DEAD MEAT terrible match up for JF, probably among the worst you could make… my 0.2$ anyway.

 

Foreman’s issue in this bout is he can’t punch short, he can’t fight inside and he loops his main offence… Louis would land his right hand at will and rip his head head off with an uppercut inside. 70s Trio are quite literally are made for Louis… Foreman, Frazier, Ali and Norton would be smoked.

 

Freakin bar brawler Tony Galento landed a left hook worse than John Wayne's in Big Jake right on Joe Barrow's chin. Frazier would break that orbital into snortable powder.

 

We not gonna bring up all the behind the head punches Bonavena and Foreman landed on Frazier? Same S, but worse because those were BEATINGS or close bouts… Galento actually landed that “hook” off a shift, caught him off guard Joe got up in about 3 seconds? Then demolished him. Rewatch Quarry 1, Quarry had Frazier backing up and shy with his left hook for the first 2 rounds, he was landing the right inside Frazier big wide hook till he injured his hand Quarry ain’t close to Louis in any way and he was battering him landing the short hook inside Fraziers constantly, Louis in 5 or less.