For real! I've been thinking about talking about how underrated he is P4P! I think he deserves more credit as he competed vs heavyweights as much smaller man, sort of like Holyfield. If he was around today he would bulk up to heavyweight with PEDs
Not even close. That title goes to Willard by a country mile! A lot of people on this forums cant bring themselves to say anything positive about him!
It is ironic that you say this, because his style was almost identical to Vitally Klitschkos. So tell me then, what other superheavyweight matched Willard in all three categories. Power, durability, stamina.
Willard might be underrated but it's entirely his own doing. He was untrained and lethargic early in his career with no shows, lacklustre performances and quit jobs. When he got a good manager and a good run of form he semi retired. Against Dempsey he was destroyed, he outclassed Floyd on his comeback trail but then quit against Firpo when the going was tough. He only has himself to blame. He went for a man who had to take out insurance incase he killed Dempsey, to a man who is picked against in almost every fantasy fight.
It is interesting that Willard gets criticised for his courage these days. That is one thing that was never questioned in his day, even among people who didnt think too highly of him.