I favour Bonavena by UD. Nonetheless, Abe Simon was a tough fighter who is somewhat forgotten. I saw a short but very good documentary about him. Interesting that he was discovered by Gene Tunney and was partly trained by Jack Johnson before his first bout with Joe Louis, where he showed a ton of heart. He also had a few good wins like against Walcott, Barlund and Toles... and starred in some movies, like "On the Waterfront" alongside Tony Galento, Tami Mauriello and not to forget Marlon Brando. This content is protected
Oscar was just an all around better fighter. Simon’s size and strength would keep in the fight for a time.
Would be a disgusting fight tbh, not one pretty to look at and both would shave off some lifespan from the other Honestly I think Abe is perfectly capable of winning this. You guys say Oscar is more skilled, and he is, but would he use those skills against Abe? Oscar would regard Abe as "fighting his fight" and just sit and trade with him most likely. The guy with the better gas tank should win. Would depend on what shape each one comes in with from their respective camps. Loosely favor Oscar.
Apparently his feints greatly troubled Louis in their first encounter, all we have footage of his their second fight where Louis demolished him. “All Abe Simon had to do to make Joe (Louis) fumble like a novice was to feint him fast, and you can imagine what Billy Conn will do to a fellow who fumbles like that. And he had Joe very tired by the ninth round. If Joe tired under a pace like that, imagine what a fast-moving Conn will do to him. He'll gore the champ to death. I shudder to think what Harry Greb would have done to Louis last night. -Tommy Walsh
