What a highlight reel! The way Louis stopped fighters was scary. It was like he was leaving their souls on the canvas.
Really interesting question. The really pertinent question is if Schmeling would still make the #1 contender's spot without Louis to beat. I think he wouldn't, personally, which means that it's very likely that Braddock defends against Tommy Farr twice, with Farr winning the rematch. I think Farr would lose the title, possibly to a comebacking Baer, possibly to Schmeling in a European fight that apes Louis-Schmeling and Schmeling might have enough left to beat Farr - which sees the world heavyweight title disappear into Nazi Germany for the duration of the war...possibly Schmeling defends against some ageing European heavyweights of the last generation but it's impossible to see. But he might survive Baer, in which case Pastor would get him - this is my preferred timeline i think. I think Pastor would hold the title until Conn took it from him, who in turn would be beaten by either Charles or Walcott with the timeline, or something like it, then restored. Conn is the big winner here. He holds the title for the WW2 years and becomes a top 10 ATG fighter. Pastor would get the respect he deserves.