Don't know if this one was done before, but let's pit two of the best LW's of all-time against each other in a 15 rounder. Who wins? Why?
apologies to nat fleischer but ike all day. joe gans was a master tactician and a brilliant puncher but ike was one of the most physically gifted fighters ever, had power in both fists, at his best almost flawless technique and a very solid chin. i see gans taking 4 of the first 5, outthinking williams until ike comes on and gets into his rhythm. beautiful combinations would force gans into defensive mode as ike chips aways at his lead. it's close in the championship rounds but ike takes a UD with his aggression and workrate.
I really hate to choose here, but I guess I would go with Gans to eke out a very close decision if I had to.
I think it's kind of funny that people looked into the thread but did vote. It's a close fight. I expect an inflex of votes later.
Well Gans has the style by design which could enable him to get the nod. But it's one of them where what's on paper seems difficult to imagine translating into something solid. Ike would be able to counter with the punches in bunches himself and then step inside where he wants to wreak havoc. But for me Gans just shouldn't be ruled out, the ring generalship is very real on his part, how he can maneuvre himself to put guys with the style of Williams into uncomfortable punching positions is quality. I'll just have to go with Williams on the evidence of the footage, lets say edges it coming on late. That's reluctant but classic has put a gun to my head once again.
Nat Fleischer , and other boxing writers who saw Joe Gans fight rated Gans and Benny Leonard as the best lightweights of alltime....But I have seen Ike Williams destroy the great Beau Jack in Philly in 1948, and at his best uncuffed, Williams was the greatest lightweight ,since my time....Could he hit...Wow...
From what I have seen of both Williams and Gans and it is very limited for both. I think it is going to come down to who ever can set the pace of the fight. I think Gans is going to want a quicker pace while Williams would prefeer a more mesured pace where he can pick his spots.
My number two and three lightweights ,behind Leonard,I will wait and hopefully, see some perceptive insights ,to help me decide my pick.,
I'd edge towards Gans by decision, but I am in no way confident of that pick. I expected the poll to be far closer, perhaps edging towards Ike.
