I'm not sure how anyone could doubt Fitzsimmons' power after seeing him sending the much larger Corbett writhing in agony. This content is protected
I don't believe he ever weighed much over Middleweight, in shape. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle- 1900 Aug 11 (Page 10) Fitzsimmons Weighed Only 158 Pounds And Fitzsimmons weighed not an ounce over the middleweight limit of 158 pounds. The crowds will say that he looked heavier, for the Cornishman's pounds are always deceptive. But is is an absolutely indisputable fact that Fitz yesterday morning weighed an even 165 pounds, with his street cloths on, clothes that weighed not less then seven pounds and maybe more. Ruhlin acknowledged to 195 and was at least ten pounds over this, Fitz this giving him in the neighborhood of 50 pounds. To mow down such a giat, the victor needed his claim to being the hardest hitter in pugilistic history and last night he added a strong claim to being able to stand as much punishment as anyone.
Carlos Monzon, 89-3-9, 61 KO's. Again, you can only fight the fighters in your era, he did just that.. Retired as champion, 14 title defenses. Champion from Nov 7 1970 until Aug 29 1977. Went undefeated in his last 82 fights, Oct 9 1964 until his retirement. Defeated the three fighters that defeated him on points, and 8 of the 9 men that held him to draws. Monzon defeated a prime Rodrigo Valdes twice, June 26 1976, to unify the World Middleweight Title, July 30 1977, both times unanimous decision.
Ruben "Hurricane " Carter was a sensational puncher. See the film of his first round kayo of Florentine Fernandez. He knocked him over the ropes.
For the past few days, I have a different opinion about the middleweights harder punchers.. Here's my new list 1. Julian Jackson 2. Gerald McClellan 3. Thomas Hearns 4. John Mugabi 5. Merqui Sosa 6. Nigel Benn 7. Eugene Hart 8. David Lemiux 9. GGG 10. Bennie Briscoe Honorable Mentions: - Eduardo Lausse - Juan Roldan - Iran Barkley - Matthew Hilton - Rubin Carter - Sugar Ray Robinson - Marvin Hagler - Roy Jones Jr. - Rodrigo Valdes - Carlos Mozon - Rocky Graziano - Florentino Fernandez I'll put Sam Langford, Fitszimmons and Ketchel aside becuz their just too old for me to rank them.
Carlos Monzon, 89-3-9, 61 KO's He fought and beat the best in his era. 14 title defenses, 82 bout winning streak dating back to Oct 9 1964, retired as champion, 1970-1977.
Talking pure power which doesn't always equal greatness. These fairly recent guys warrant mention. Arthur Abraham Maselino Masoe ( Murderous left hook) Curtis Stevans David Lemeux Key Pavlik
yet again freddie steele gets under appreciated. Not a top top ko guy but could bang plenty, certainly more than he gets credit for imo
I forgot about Ketchel. I also never know what weight class to put Fitz and Langford in. Perhaps a thread to settle it once and for all
Cause Foreman is proven to be one of the hardest hitting HWs in history and and Fitzsimmons only weighed about 170 pounds at best and his punching technique is average at best.
