If prime Joe Louis had faced the best version s of Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney? Who stood the more of a chance, if either?
Prime Dempsey had a chance to beat anyone. doesnt mean he would have but anyone w hands that fast and power has a shot.
I picked neither but Tunney's movement and speed would stylistically more difficult for Louis than Dempsey's come forward style
I don't know, but I know which fight I'd rather see! Louis vs Dempsey is up there with THE most exciting fantasy fights in the history of the sport. At any weight.
Gene has better style but Dempsey has more raw talent. It's tough to pick here, especially because I wouldn't pick any of them over Louis.
I've always had a view that Dempsey would beat Joe. I rate Louis at number 2 ATG s, but in this particular match up Dempsey has the edge. Striking fast, getting fast hard shots off at Joe, vulnerable in those type of situations, I can visually see Dempsey knocking him down fast. And never really letting Joe get his bearings again, stopping him. I know it's hard to pick against Joe but in this match it's Jack that's doing the KOing. Imo
If this were prime Tyson, I might agree, but I don't think Dempsey is stopping prime Louis. But he puts up a memorable effort.
I love all three guys .. that's out there first .. I';d say Dempsey had a one in three shot and that as conventional wisdom goes is he'd have to sting Joe badly early .. if he did it's a different kind of fight .. however think Tunney might actually beat him .. Louis was a monster but he could and was at times confused and became mechanical and reactive more than attack oriented .. Tunney was lightning fast, supremely conditioned, was very hard to hit and might have confused and outboxed Louis .. would I bet him .... I don't know ..
All three had great talent - Dempsey had a 50 % chance Tunney had a 45 % chance - Ali and Marciano had a 50% chance - i still would not bet against Louis but all these styles had a chance, through Ali in there also, still wouldn't bet against Joe - Tyson and Frazier, Lennox and Vlad present much danger but I would bet on Joe - the upset could be Tunney but lets not forget the long count Prime vs Prime all ATG's - could go many ways
Dempsey remains to me such an enigma .. without a doubt one of the most significant athletes of the 20th Century .. cannot wait for Adam Pollack's series on him .. there is so much to know and there will be no better opportunity for any boxing fan to learn about the man .. we're all fortunate Adam took up the task possibly this one last time .. it is going to be incredible.
