Joe Louis Against Buster Douglas

Don't mind him.

24 defenses is a lot any way you slice it never mind the 26 he actually picked up.

Its the reason I rank Louis number 1 on my ATG HW list. That kind of consistency is very very difficult to maintain. Even if his opponents are berated, it is still an accomplishment.

I tend to think that Douglas would have given Louis tough task but Louis's composure and style would keep him in the fight long enough to find the opening he needs.

I say TKO11.

 

A sad story with a possible happy ending.

Douglas was plagued by depression. He balooned to 350lbs after he retired from boxing and nearly died as a result.

He managed to get his weight down by returning to boxing.

I hope this story has a happy ending.

 

Certainly a plausible scenario.

On a side note Tyson Douglas is one of my favourite fights despite my old timer leanings.

It is just like a fairytale.

 

Joe Louis, IMO is the greatest fighter ever to live.

 

he certainly earned the right to be in the talks. personally i have him lower end of my top 25 p4p and number 2 at heavy

 

I give Douglas a chance especially if he is allowed to clinch how he did with Tyson, I give Douglas a chance against any heavyweight in history. Louis never fought a man the size of Douglas with his skills but at some time Louis would catch Douglas, if Douglas survived he would go on and win but it is almost impossible to survive once Louis catches up with you. An interesting match up.

 

This is a truly farcical thread - Buster Douglas was a bloody journey man for christs sake - come on people lets get with it - this is a joke surely - Douglas was never 'near flawless' against Tyson - that was just a fight where Tyson just simply wasn't there (not at all) - why do you think Douglas was anywhere from 35-1 against to 42-1 against - and the fight was taken to Japan because they would've laughed it out of the ring in the states - Tyson should've (and would've) knocked him out in one if he'd have actually been there - Louis would need 3 max to topple him.

 

i think taking douglas's career as a whole, you're bang on. but this is about douglas on that night and i respectfully disagree: he was brilliant. would he have looked so brilliant against the real mike? who knows but that douglas was a talent.

it seems though that some of the judgements on this thread that are kinder to douglas are taking a PRIME douglas, for that one night and pitting him against a less than prime louis (perhaps from the walcott or conn fight).

if it's douglas (tyson) vs louis (schmeling 2) i think douglas puts up a strong resistance ala tommy farr but ultimately falls, probably around the 8th or 9th. when tyson got his shot in, so would louis and he was a master finisher from all accounts. if douglas got up, it wouldn't be for long

 

Louis by KO and quicker than EV HO did it

 

As good as Buster Douglas was in the Tyson fight,I can't envisage him beating Joe Louis or any of the other all time greats in their best years. Louis would have eventually got inside,and when that happens,goodbye Buster !

 

exactly, though i think it'd take some rounds for him to get there. still, when tyson got on the inside douglas (when he was paying attention!) was tremendous at clinching, neutralizing tyson's physical advantages because of his height and avoiding his body attack before pushing him off. now that tyson can't compare with louis but those same tactics would frustrate the brown bomber, at least long enough to get some work done on the outside. i'm not arguing that douglas wins by any means, but based on styles and performance, it could be a long night

 

The only sensible pick says Louis by KO, brutally too.

 

Prime Douglas dismantles Louis easily. Louis on the canvass four times until ref stops the fight.