Jess Willard in today's heavyweight division

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Charles White, Dec 23, 2010.


  1. Charles White

    Charles White Chucker Full Member

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    I have heard a lot of different things about Willard as a man and a fighter. Some say he was a bum that was overhyped and not a skilled fighter who merely relied on his size and physical stregth, while others claim he was a genuinely good heavyweight. I'm curious to know all of your guys' thoughts on Willard, and if you could, please share some interesting stories/facts about the man.

    Also, how do you feel a prime Willard would fare in today's heavyweight landscape? Thanks.
     
  2. turpinr

    turpinr Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    willard wouldn't fare very well at all.
     
  3. Charles White

    Charles White Chucker Full Member

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    :think Interesting first response. Would you care to elaborate as to why you think so?
     
  4. turpinr

    turpinr Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    i never call boxers bums and try not to disrespect them, but look at those films and try to compare them with modern fighters:oops:
    having said that the klit brothers seem to have all the charisma of an orange
     
  5. Boucher

    Boucher Well-Known Member Full Member

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    What have you got against oranges?
     
  6. turpinr

    turpinr Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    nowt.i like oranges:D
     
  7. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

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    You like the Klits?
     
  8. turpinr

    turpinr Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    NO.thet're dull and only fight fat american heavies over and over.
     
  9. Ezzard

    Ezzard Well-Known Member Full Member

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    He'd win a title. Look at Valuev... Look a the titlists of the past 30 years. He'd stand a chance against many of them.

    Willard at his best had a stout chin, a good right hand and he carried his power late into a fight.

    He's at least evens against many of the paper champs...
     
  10. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    He's not as good as the Klitschko brothers, but he'd beat most, perhaps all, of the others.
     
  11. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

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    He has no chance against the Titlists, I think all of the top10 beat him tbh
     
  12. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    He'd fit in very well with the Klitschkos,sizewise. He'd win a belt in today's division. Whereas in the 70's he would n't have got a look in. Big strong guy,though.
     
  13. he grant

    he grant Historian/Film Maker

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    Jess Willard is one of the great misunderstood stories in heavyweight history ...

    The man had terrific physical gifts. He had great size, strength, chin, heart and power. He simply started to box way too late and was never trained as a professional boxer. He developed a fine jab and a dangerous uppercut ... Imagine if the man did not lace on a pair of gloves for the first time until his late 20's ?

    If the question is if the same Willard of Havava stepped in the ring he'd lose a decision .. however if Willard was brought up properly and trained and maximized his skill set, likely far better ...
     
  14. Bobby Sinn

    Bobby Sinn Bulimba Bullant Full Member

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    BLAH BLAH BALH JESS WILLARD,, blah blah blah...

    Not even top 100 in the WBF.
    He's famous for throwing ONE right hand... more so for recieving 100 from an exhausted, un-aerobic puncher.
     
  15. turpinr

    turpinr Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    :lol:
    you're being far to charitable to those od timers