Very interesting photo. Schmeling, in his 99 years, really bridged the eras between the old timers and modern fighters. The link below shows him with Mike Tyson in 1989. https://www.shutterstock.com/editor...hmeling-and-mike-tyson-las-vegas-usa-6562856a
I love that sort of link to the different generation s. Obviously you need a guy that s gotten to a great old age. Not many heavyweight s live as long as max.
He even lived long enough to hang out with the Klitschkos https://www.gettyimages.ae/detail/n...schko-max-schmeling-boxer-news-photo/52847948
Max met Corbett and he met Wladimir. That's unbelievable when you think about it how short professional sports history really is.
I wonder if Schmeling knew about Corbett bad-mouthing him? https://www.boxingforum24.com/threads/jim-corbett-no-fan-of-prime-max-schmelings-skills.634603/
Corbett only liked one way of fighting and it was his way. I don't think that it mattered for Max though.
Outstanding! I had remembered his meeting Mike Tyson but could not find photos of Max with any more recent champs. I'm glad you found one - thanks!! P.S. The picture with the Klitschkos was taken in 1998 before either Vitali or Wlad were champions and Max was well into his 90s. He looks quite healthy and fit!
In reading Corbett's autobiography "The Roar of the Crowd" Gentleman Jim was pretty sparse in his praise of the skills of those who came after him. Compared to what Max went through leading up to his rematch with Joe Louis and after standing up to Hitler, I'm sure Corbett's words had little impact on him.
Corbett didn't like any fighter who didn't wear a thong for a bout. He believed that exposing one's butt cheeks distracted the opponents, thereby giving one a better chance of winning. Schmeling wore boring trunks and therefore drew Corbett's ire.
