I think Baer and schmeling 2 are a given. So which other 3 fights would you say he performed at his best?
John Henry Lewis(the best boxer Lous ever fought), Buddy Baer II and either Mann or Uzcudchin for number 5. Paycheck was a 10-6 but looking at his resume I'd say Paycheck was Louis 8th best 1st round victim after Lewis, Schmeling, Buddy, Mauriello, Retzlaff, King Levinsky and Poreda. Could probably rank Roper higher too.
Max Baer 1935 is number 1. Louis never looked physically better, his left jab looked unstoppable, he never moved better than that night on film. Louis himself said that was his best fight. others: Max Schmeling II - filled with rage.. Schmeling screaming out loud from a punch that broke his back. Surreal. Buddy Baer II - never more physically mature while retaining his peak speed/reflexes. His power was something else that night, with 6’7 250lb Baer flying around the ring. Jack Sharkey - scientifically took apart an ex champion like no one did before. Al Ettore- greatest jab to double left hook combination ever seen on film. To this day, no one has matched it. honorable mentions: kingfish levinsky - sitting at the bottom of the rope screaming at referee “don’t let him hit me again, don’t let him hit me again”. Wild Paolino Uzcuden- one right hand sent him reeling across the ring out cold. Uzcuden is one of the most durable fighters of all time. This is insane. Godoy II - Figured out the awkward swarmer beautifully adjusted for the rematch
In terms of pure excitement, Louis-Conn I might be a top 10 fight of all time and is easily the most exciting fight ever captured on film up to that point in history. The skill level displayed, the drama, the pressure of what was at stake …grossly underrated fight.
5 Best Performances: Max Schmeling 2 Primo Carnera Max Baer Jack Sharkey James J. Braddock Honorable Mentions: Jersey Joe Walcott 2 Jersey Joe Walcott 1
