Which boxers were big, strong man and knew how to use muscles in the ring, despite the common adagio that boxer ought to be lean and mean?
Not sure how to answer bc guys who I think of as the big muscly guys of boxing were still pretty lean by body builder standards. Mike weaver was jacked. Ken Norton and Roy Jones junior has crazy physiques in their primes. But at a certain point it does seem to hamper fighters. Bruno's muscles seemed to be a liability for his engine. AJs muscles for his speed.
James J Jeffries was meant to be Bull Strong. He certainly looks like the proverbial Brick Shithouse...
Some examples of my own: 1) George Foreman. Powerful framing, control game, and ring generalship. All with the use of muscles and size. Described by Quarry as one of the most gifted strength fighters in the game. 2) Primo Carnera. Not the most subtle, but he depended on the wrestling techniques and step backs as the basis for his defense, and would maul and crudely frame his opponents in a bullish fashion. 3) Kronk Tyson Fury. Not really muscular, but he does have the awareness of what his sheer size can accomplish.
Randy Turpin was plenty strong as a middleweight champion. I see him on a par with Dick Tiger in terms of raw strength.
