Can't make a certain judgement with so little to see of them, but I would lean toward Fitz if I had to choose. I think he was more well-rounded, plus the more proven/accomplished fighter.
They are twins in terms of power but Fitzsimmons has by far the better delivery and that might prove decisive.
I think Fitz would win he seemed to be the better puncher. While power is about even Fitz was the more accurate and had better timing so I'd think he stop Ketchel in the late rounds.
Fitz seems a bit more accurate from the pretty rough footage there is of him. Ketchel seems a real untidy mauler, buttheres no doubt he had immense power. I go for Ketchel by stoppage. Mainly because he managed to floor a bigger/Better Heavy than Fitz did and looked pretty impressive doing so. With the same logic, it's perfectly acceptable that Fitz could smash Ketchel to bits, as mist are in agreement he probably hits as hard/harder than even the bigger Jack Johnson. Toughy is this one :good
I like Fitz here. His more compact counter-punching being the main edge. I just see him beign able to pick off Ketchel down the middle with sharp, accurate and hard counter shots. I think Fitz can wear him down and stop him by the 17th
Jack Johnson might have been better than any heavyweight that Fitz dropped, but Fitz wasn't just beating guys like Sharkey and Ruhlin he was destroying them brutaly. It is also worth noting that Ketchel ploughed through Dan Porky Flyn who was a prety respectable heavyweight.
As always Janitor, appreciate your insights:good Still go for Ketchel. On nothing other than a hunch, which is all you really can do with fighters there is little (top quality) footage of.
Thanks for the replies lads, I thought Fitz would be the popular choice. Theres little footage of them both but I agree with the consensus that Fitz was probably a bit more skilled. Ketchel could probably knock anyone out at that weight though so its a bit of a pick 'em.