An opinion on Primo Carnera from 1993

Neusel always comes up as evidence of Carnera's genuine prowess, despite the manner of victory being dubious. Not only was it an unimpressive (or even dodgy) win, but Neusel was also nothing to write home about.

He had a spell during '33/'34, in which he benefited from a few good wins over 'names' that were headed out of Heavyweight boxing's top-tier. By mid-'34 he was put back into line, by Schmeling.

To all intents and purposes, Neusel was a flash in the pan, who was out of the rankings by the end of '34.

 

Heavyweights in 2050 will weigh 350 pounds so I doubt Joshua would be able to walk through them.

 

I think Neusel was good but he probably tanked it against Carnera.

 

Carnera was all but done and made no further impression at the world level, post-Louis.

 

You have stated this before. Did you ever find a source for that claim?

 

I have not referred to "quality" in relation to weight, at all.

 

I would be curious to know why you find this win suspicious?

It is well documented that Neusel was badly cut over his eye, and that it was effecting his vision.

His corner were about to throw in the towel when he quit.

Neusel was known as a bleeder anyway.

This is exactly what you would not expect a fixed fight to look like.

I would also question why you don't see this as a quality win.

Neusel had not lost since he fought Max Schmeling a year earlier, when I understand he had been favored to win.

 

They at the very least you are strongly implying it.

 

Ford Smith was in the end of year top ten for 1935, which is the year that Carnera beat him.

It is hard to see why, but he was.

 

Jack Petersen was in the end of year rankings for 1934.

He would almost certainly have been ranked in the top ten, when Neusel beat him the first time.

That being the case, we would have to consider Neusel a going concern, when Carnera beat him.

 

Should I be impressed?

 

1934
Max Baer, Champion

1. Steve Hamas
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3. Art Lasky
4. Max Schmeling
5. King Levinsky
6. Patsy Perroni
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8. Natie Brown
9. Joe Louis
10. Lee Ramage

1935
Jim Braddock, Champion

1. Joe Louis
2. Max Schmeling
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4. Charley Retzlaff
5. Tommy Loughran
6. Eddie Mader
7. Hank Hankinson
8. Ray Impellittiere
9. Al Ettore
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Only Carnera was beaten more badly than Neusel, in '34. That Neusel didn't lose again until Carnera is not as impressive as it sounds.

 

Jack Petersen was almost certainly ranked when Neusel bat him.