Who wins: Joe Louis vs Joe Frazier

How do you think FOTC Frazier would've fared against Foreman in '73?

 

I don't think ANY version of Frazier defeats 73 Foreman--it was a nightmare matchup for him. FOTC Frazier might have lasted a few more rounds but Foreman's size and power would always be too much for Joe to overcome. (Foreman would always be able to control distance. Frazier would never be able to get inside--and he would always be vulnerable to George's lethal uppercuts.)

 

I've given it a lot more thought. I like Joe late.

 

Love it someone with lucid view of boxing history! Welcome to the club we re grateful to have you!

 

Tatsuyoshi KO1

 

Very good post!
Except prime Frazier was a bit lighter than prime Louis.
The Foster scale seemed to weigh them both a bit too heavy (likely so Foster would not look more like a LHW?), but peak Frazier weighed very few lbs. over 200.
But you can say for his height Frazier weighed more-just from his stronger lower body.

Louis explicitly said he hated being crowded, apropos of the Marciano fight.so given the styles match up, I would favor Louis, but not massively.

 

Good points Mike!

One more thing though: Frazier's tendencies have been exagerated; he was not a one-handed fighter like, say Jerry Cooney was.His coach specifically worked on him expanding the frequency of other punches in his repertoire, & without it no way could he contribute enough volume to help Ali set the "punches landed" bout record in Manilla.

 

Joe Frazier said it the best- "only 2 fighters could beat me at my best Joe Louis and Rocky Marciano" Frazier considered his best the FOTC -Ali-Frazier 1

 

Thanks buddy.

 

Suffice to say, unless someone can stop/KO Frazier early (as Foreman only did) it’s never going to be an easy fight against Smokin’ Joe, win, lose or draw.

I’ve got Louis also but gee, Frazier knew how to bring unbelievable pressure.

Louis might’ve said that he didn’t like being crowded but, conversely, I’m not aware of any fighter who is actually too fond of same.

As his other rematches reflected, Louis looked like he learned his lessons well from the first Godoy fight.

During the rematch, Louis’ inside work was sublime imo. Super short, surgically precise punches that still carried the better part of Louis’ signature power.

Of course, as compared to Godoy, Frazier is a different and far more lethal animal again.

I wonder what strategy Louis/Blackburn might go with.

They could either look to methodically dismantling Frazier OR opt for a start fast in the hope of taking out a not fully warmed up Frazier in the early rounds.

 

Frazier was amongst the swarmers that loved a fire fight/phone booth.
It was said Frazier was insulted if you missed him!

Frazier with the exception of Foreman, & like Marciano, faced a paucity of great sluggers.
Let alone any elite SHW ones.

I do think it could be a great fight vs. Louis, & the stylistic advantage is why I give a prime Frazier a shot.
Would love to have Frazier give everyone a tough fight, but the very best of the biggest fighters from the '90's on?
Some would usually stop him early.
Not just Foreman could do that.

 

There are some really good posters here at the moment,most of the trolling fools seem to have withered on the vine!

 

Foreman’s take on Frazier’s relish for brutal punch for punch exchanges was as on point as it was funny: -

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I “think” it was the Quarry rematch when pundits began to make first or more note of Frazier’s “newly unveiled” right hand.

 

Yes thanks that is great! I had not heard the whole quote, just about hoping Frazier dies first lol!
Then later Foreman indulged his penchant for overstatement saying his missed punch sounded like rifle.

I believe you are correct about the Quarry rematch & Joe throwing more rights.

One can make a case-& it has been done here-that Frazier would have a good chance if he fought Foreman while peak, including his greater speed & ability to throw while moving in explosively-but I do not think he could overcome the style deficit.
Although rock-paper sissors, applies, the swarmer Frazier does better against the (albeit unorthodox) boxer Ali than slugger Foreman.

Actually it just ocurred to me, Quarry is the exception to the rule-look at the excellent sluggers this swarmer beat!