Smallest boxer you'd pick over Primo Carnera?

+ I see good chances for CW Holyfield, Michael Spinks, Jack Dempsey
Maybe even Orlin Norris. kinda wrong world; but he has outboxed taller boxers on several occasions, despite a huge range disadvantage.

 

Jack Dillon

 

The 5ft 8ins natural 160lber Jack Dillon, nickname the giant killer, genuinely was considered a legitimate challenger to the then largest ever HW champion, 6ft 6ins+ Jess Willard, such was Dillon's feats of beating larger fighters.

It always strikes me how small the 6ft 1ins 190lbs Dempsey looks on the infamous footage in comparison to Willard, as he mercilessly beats Jess in that 1st round.

Can you imagine how small Dillon would have looked in comparison to Willard if he had gotten a shot at his title?

 

Jack might’ve also been just on 6 feet in reality, perhaps even a touch less since some early TOTPs included in Adams book listed Dempsey as 5’11 1/2” I believe - at an age when Dempsey’s growth has likely ceased.

Gene Tunney always appeared to have the slightest edge on Jack in terms of height - and Gene was was generally listed as 6’ 1/2”.

Jess Willard looked a very real and honest 6’6 1/4” - likewise Buddy Baer at 6’6 1/2”. I’ve always had my doubts about Terrell, faced up with Ali, Ernie didn’t look the full 6’6” that he was mainly credited to be.

Until the first KD and rounds two and three, I find Dempsey’s work the most compelling. His power and punching technique is well upheld.

In round one, after the first KD until the bell to end that round, it’s a virtual mugging and Dempsey’s executions, while still very good, aren’t as pleasing to the eye (at least my eyes).

This is a long thread and I haven’t read it all - but I’d have to guess that Sam Langford has already been well and truly mentioned as having some chance of toppling the Alp - now that would’ve been a sight to see if Sam could’ve pulled that off.

 

*Manny Pacquiao.