From what I've seen on video, Louis was the best pre-1960 heavyweight. Losing to Schmeling was an anomaly. There is probably a story behind that fight that hasn't been told. I think the second fight is more indicative of the gulf between Louis and Schmeling and it they fought 5 more times Louis would knock him out quick each time. Louis was probably more dominant in his era than any heavyweight, but his competition looks weak. When the only available competition was Carnera, the Baers, Simon, Braddock, Schmeling, Galento, I have to give credit to Louis for continuing to train and not fighting down to their level. To compare somebody who fights like that to Evander Holyfield is an insult to EH.
Slight but, but I'd be willing to bet on it if it could be empirically tested. (Of course I'm safe making that hypothetical bet either way.)
Hilarious. I´ve once seen this fight and was surprised, even for Baers standard. Had in mind to open a comparison thread with a fight of Razor Ruddock and Reggie Gross. Now, it seems this fight had been deleted on YT. Pretty good boxing vs. comical horse ****. I´m not sure to what part Baer is playing (or lets say measuring) Schmeling, but it doesn´t get much better as the fight goes on. I´ve always said that a solid chin and raw power can carry a technical flawed fighter very far, especially if he´s 10-15lb heavier than his opposition. Probably nobody with half a brain would account the guy in that film as relevant in modern HW boxing of the 80s or 90s.
Holyfield was fighting an athletic, 6-2, 215 pound southpaw and Holyfield had some medical problems and lost a close decision. He didn't look unskilled ( or "terrible"), just sick. I've seen most of Holyfield's fights and I've never seen him fight any fighter as unimpressive as Schmeling or Baer.
I'm curious what Schmeling fights you've seen and based your assesment on, since you only seem to mention him against Baer.
Holyfield dropped Moorer with a left hook late in the second round, a round which Moorer was winning decisively. Judge Jerry Roth scored the round 10-10. If he had scored the round 10-9 for Holyfield, his score would have been 114-114 and Holyfield would have retained the title with a majority draw. Holyfield's manager, Shelly Finkel, filed a protest with the commission over the second round scoring. [3]
Not as good as Holyfield imo. He has one great win over a Louis who trained on the golf course and in bed for that fight. Holyfield would not lose to Baer , Sharkey or Hamas,imo. Neither would he need 15rds to stop Stribling ,or 9 to stop Neusel,imo.
I'm not feeling much love for Schmeling here, I thought he was a great and the most avoided boxer of the 30's so they seen something dangerous in him then. He beat Louis when Louis was in better shape, than Schmeling was when Louis beat him. A great technical boxer with that amazing right hand, better when he fought cautious but not the most consistent. In saying all that I still think Holyfield beats him on points or with a late TKO. Schmeling might catch Holyfield with his right and if he does break that Iron chin, there is a good chance Holyfield is getting back up either way. I give Schmeling a chance on points but 8/10 Holyfield.
That's what the bookies said when Max faced Joe. If the real deal is deprived of his pharmaceuticals, you don't think Schmeling has a chance ?
indeed he was a great fighter. He was a former middleweight who won the heavyweight championship of the world as well as beating an ATG.. but would you pick him to beat Evander ?
