If Moore could avoid that big punch, he could counter punch his way to a decision win. But Max would be a dangerous opponent.
Agreed. I don't believe Moore wielded the firepower to hurt Max, but Archie had tremendous skill and considerably more boxing ability. Held three decision wins over Harold Johnson, three Championship Distance decisions over Joey Maxim, and is widely considered to have gotten the best of Willie Pastrano in their draw. Also owned Nino Valdez over the Championship Distance when Valdez was at his peak. Max Baer? No question his best over the limit were Risko II and Farr II (Tommy over the Championship Distance) although he also decisioned King Levinski over 20 rounds in the summertime desert heat in Reno (after which he admitted the heat did bother him, even at a lean 203 pounds, but less than a year later came Schmeling, then Carnera a year later). But these decisions do not match the ones Moore compiled. Wild unpredictability is really the one thing the Larruper has over the Mongoose (and perhaps Max's 20 round stamina), but Arch had enough experience to cope with any attempted surprises. Because of his wide shoulders, Maxie wasn't able to put punches together well, or execute with great speed, especially on a lower target with Moore's reflexes.
Well Johnson ,Maxim, and Pastrano were basically lhvy's,though successful at hvy.But Archie did beat Valdes,Henry, and Baker.I think he might outsmart Maxie.
With all due respect, I can't see that scenario playing out, best for best. Archie couldn't do this in three tries with Joey Maxim. I think not needing a decision is a bridge a little too far for Moore. Max wasn't decked until Louis in the Bomber's peak performance, and it never looked to me as if Joe forced him down to stay. He took out his mouthpiece and waved to the crowd before the bell rang to end round three, saving him from being counted out after that magnificent hook combination, then taking the final count on a knee before getting up without assistance in round four. (Arthur Donovan wrapped his right hand around the back of the Larruper's head as he puts his left hand on Max's left arm to signal him the count was over, then the vanquished was able to rise up on his own and quickly congratulate Louis as Joe came over, before walking with chief second Dempsey back to his own corner.) He very clearly had his senses compromised when he was punched out by Nova in their rematch (en route to Lou's challenge of Louis), so that's when he decided to retire. So he was knocked out by the greatest HW knockout artist when the Bomber produced his peak performance, then when he found himself at the end of the trail, with his punch resistance having been compromised. But at his best, he had a steel chin and could withstand body shots. As prolific a knockout artist as Archie was, I just don't see him halting prime Max before the final bell. He was an excellent combination puncher, but not on the level of peak Louis. According to what I've seen, Moore's best knockouts are with a double hook on Olson and he was arguably at his fastest and sharpest on footage for the Durelle rematch, but he's not quite on the level Louis displayed with Maxie, and let's not forget that the Larruper also had a compromised right hand reportedly broken and not healed from Braddock three months prior. (Still, even if fully healthy, he does not beat the Bomber that night, any more than a fully healthy Cleveland Williams would have had any chance of beating Ali when they squared off.)
I’m going to agree with both concenses so far - Moore would probably win it, & would definitely need the distance to claim it. A deadly serious Baer would be worth putting a few dollars on though, make no mistake.
Yeah, that's how I see it. Moore's too experienced and too wily at his best, although his earliest appearance on film we know about from 11 July 1941 in the Ron Richards rematch shows an already highly experienced and ridiculously talented Mongoose at almost age 27. (Why was he mentally sharp all his life until dying of heart failure four days short of turning 85 despite 220 bouts? Well, the human brain stops growing at age 20, and he had his first professional bout shortly before turning 22. This is in very sharp contrast to how young the Quarry boys and Benitez were when they started getting punched in the head under the instigation of their father's before the age of consent. (Jerry and Mike began competing as amateurs at age eight. However, Bobby started at age 19, had only 24 bouts and developed Parkinson's, forcing him to retire at just 29 due to his deteriorating condition, showing that the Quarrys had a dreadfully innate susceptibility to pugilistica dementia. However, to be fair, their non boxing siblings Jimmy and Brenda, didn't live to be 60 either, so four of James and Arwanda's kids were buried by their long lived parents. Mike actually outlived Jimmy and Brenda.)
I’d really enjoy this fight just to see Moore in with someone that big, strong, capable and aggressive on the inside but one who could be got and tricked. It’d be a good fight to learn from.
Benitez is an interesting case insofar as even as a youngster, he was slippery & hard to hit. Most of his punishment came later on.
