Sorry but that's hogwash! Plenty of heavyweight s hit harder than Lewis? Yes thru history no doubt, but at the actual time OM was fighting, Lewis was right up there.
Plenty thru history would be stretching it as well. Lewis is one of the best right hand bangers ever to walk the planet. His power was immense.
Well yes John, looking at the big hitters, Foreman, Tyson, Dempsey, Louis etc, can say that Lennox was good to be mentioned in the same way.
I really don't think there's much at all between guys like Lewis, Shavers, Foreman, Liston, Wlad, Tyson et al.
Remarkably durable fighter who was sadly (for both personal and professional reasons) affected by drug abuse.
McCall’s chin was outstanding. Though I will say, just imo, he was feeling Lewis’ harnessed power shots early. When McCall began to drop tools, he was still mindful to keep his distance while circling away from Lennox. Even then, some still connected, and if they didn’t stagger Ollie, the force still of the punches still sent him back. McCall, though apparently mid breakdown, still wasn’t so disassociated as to be completely sticking his chin out for free hits. For his part, Lewis was still somewhat cautious, given the KO loss in the first fight and being bemused (like the rest of us) by McCall’s strange behaviour and likely wondering if it was a “trap”. In the latter stages, Lennox lessened his punch output and imo, still wasn’t rifling his punches to their full power potential - though his last right hand just prior to the end was still a cracker. Poor Mills Lane - having to referee what were, arguably, the two most bizarre fights in history.
Your right, pug, and what a strange fight. The sight of Oliver just walking around and Lennox following him at times.. Very bizarre.
Agreed. Only Shavers, Foreman, Liston, Baer, Wilder, off the top of my head would I place over Lewis with confidence in terms of power.
McCall did seem to be a shade more durable than the other really durable guys of his era, like Holyfield and Mercer, both of whom were eventually knocked down. When it comes to chin though, does it really matter? Once you're up there with the three I just listed, you've got what it takes to survive being nailed by a perfect shot from a big hitter, which is a huge advantage. The really durable guys can take more risks, counting on their durability to save them if the risk taking turns out poorly for them. A less durable guy has to really pick his moments well.
Good observations! Although of course it matters! Whether raging Frat Boy, Stats Nerd, Ex-Jock, Barroom loudmouth, or choose another archtypical or eccentric other category... It's only RIght & Proper to debate academic points, especially such Portentous ones having to do with the most basic & Primal inquiries such as who is the GOAT (insert sport &/or skillset here)... Until roughly The End of Time. It is our pointless (except for Pure Fun & Love of the Games)... Moral Responsibility.
He has a chin on par with a Hawaiian stole idol. You can question his dedication...but never his chin.