Ten former heavyweight champs make their predictions for Louis-Schmeling II

'I haven't followed either of them closely. I don't have any selection to make.' - James J Jeffries, Champ from 1899-1905

'Louis will retain the title. There is no doubt that Louis wasn't in good shape for his first contest with Schmeling.' - Tommy Burns, Champ from 1906-1908

'Schmeling has the technique, and technique in fighting is more important than strength or punching ability. I was the first man ever to point out flaws in Louis' ring tactics long before he was knocked out by Schmeling. Max at 32, should be right at his peak. I was at my peak in Reno. And I fought a good many fights after that. I think Schmeling's cunning and strategy will win over Louis' poor craftsmanship.' - Jack Johnson, Champ from 1908-1915

'In a heavyweight championship fight I would say that 80 per cent depends on the condition of the fighter. I have not seen either Schmeling or Louis at work; therefore I would rather not attempt to pick a winner.' - Jess Willard, Champ from 1915-1919

'I'm not picking anybody in this fight because it's such a close contest and can go either way. However, I favor Louis because of his youth, strength and punching ability.' - Jack Dempsey, Champ from 1919-1926

'I have watched both men in training and have considered the possible outcome of the fight for many days. I give Louis a slight edge in the battle. He should win because of his youth and harder punching and speed afoot. However, Louis will be in constant danger because Maxie has the trickiest and best educated right in the business.' - Gene Tunney, Champ from 1926-1928

'I'm not picking the winner, but I like Louis. If he is like most fighters, he'll remember what happened to him last time and be a lot smarter. Joe has had plenty of experience since Schmeling knocked him out before.' - Jack Sharkey, Champ from 1932-1933

'Joe Louis will be an easy winner. Although Schmeling is an excellent boxer. I believe Louis cannot lose this time. My opinion is that he will score a knockout in an early round. Although I never met Schmeling in the ring, I still remember the power behind Louis' punches.' - Primo Carnera, Champ from 1933-1934

'I'm stringing along with Louis. Two years ago I bet on Schmeling, but Louis is a much improved fighter now and Schmeling is two years older. I've fought both men and Schmeling is the hardest hitter. He could put the fight away with one of his best punches. It will take Louis eight or ten good ones to do the same damage.' - Max Baer, Champ from 1934-1935

'I pick Louis to win by a KO before the eighth round. His methods in training have convinced me that he will be more aggressive, spearing Max with lefts and smashing him with hard rights and never giving the challenger a chance to play his usual waiting game.' - James J Braddock, Champ from 1935-1937

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These views sort of give an insight into the fighter… Willard (a famous stamina freak) caring a lot about condition calling it 80% for example.

 

God Emperor Carnera got it right! - Praise be to Preem.

 

amazing. I had never read this before. Seems like Jeffries became reclusive in his later years.

 

Carnera could have been a force in the 90s if given a time machine. Imagine Carnera with Steward in his corner

 

Funny how the most rugged boxers here we're the one that actually got it right (except Tunney actually giving a good explanation of course )

 

Primo! Primo! Primo! Kneel before Primo!

 

Interesting comment about power coming from Max Baer.

 

Jack Johnson making it about himself.

 

Johnson hated Louis.

 

Very true. Johnson was envious of Louis, because Louis was much excepted and LIKED by the majority of America.
Unlike him, who they wanted to lynch.
Sure he never looked in the mirror, and thought he may have brought those feelings on himself.
Regardless of how right or wrong he was....

 

Thanks Mel. Awesome stuff.

Max Baer nominating Schmeling as a harder hitter than Louis?

I guess upon each KD Louis scored against him, The Magnificent Screwball looked up from the canvas and said “Lol, that ain’t a patch on Schmeling’s right hand!” Haha, good one Maxie.

As to Johnson, he should’ve left well enough alone with his first correct prediction (including identification of Louis’ flaw) and declined predicting the rematch.

He was probably moving with the concept that even a broken clock gets the time right twice a day.

 

The most interesting quote is from Max Baer saying he picked Schmeling in the first fight. After what Louis did to him? And what Baer did to Schmeling?

The second most interesting quote is Willard focusing on the critical importance of being in shape, when he had his gut hanging over his belt when he took on Dempsey.