Breaking down Joe Louis: Part 6 - Putting It All Together

Joe Louis looks impressive on films, but he would've look devastating with todays video angles and quality. Look at his KO of Nathan Mann near 8:40. Joe throws a left jab, take a little step back to escape from Mann's jab and counter with a thunderous right uppercut, followed in the movement by a huge left hook... and he's doing all this in perfect balance, unlike Mann who was sent forward by his own jab. Joe was so skilled, we often forget what a puncher he was !

 

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLRi8v7OG7E[/ame]

 

Very good article. :good

Joe Louis was closest thing to 'the perfect text-book fighter'. It's been said a thousand times by a thousand knowledgeable people over the decades since he burst on the scene. It is as true now as it was then.
Sometimes I don't think he gets his dues from many people on these forums, I've seen him described as being 'slow', or having 'bad balance' or 'average footwork' etc. (all of which seem like ridiculous claims to me) , and generally not being credited for his immense craftsmanship.

He's arguably the greatest fighter who ever lived, from a 'technical abilities' OR an 'achievements' perspective. In my opinion.

 

Will definitely read. :good
Good work.

 

Yeah, a lot of the intracacies of old-time fighters is lost or missed the first few times because of poor quality video, at best a few camera angles, and often no slowmo. In colour HD, Joe Louis would look much more impressive and devastating.

 

You think you're so cool with your great insight and ability to often share said insight with others in a succinct and interesting manner, don't you?

*******.

 

I agree with Frazier's assessment of the left hook but it's ironic how he persists about keeping the lead foot planted. How was renown like Dempsey for his leaping left hook, and the most iconic image of his left hook in that 15th round of the FOTC is with Frazier being a few inches off the canvas with that leaping left hook. Obviously you'll get the best leverage with a planted hook, as Frazier does against Ellis and Foster. However, if you believe the left hook also could be used a mid-range weapon then you'll be far more loose in terms of the technical guidelines of keeping that left foot always planted, as Dempsey and Frazier often showed.

If you're more of a technical purist like Hopkins and Louis you won't use the left hook as a weapon other than when you're opponents is near you. And in those instances, the left hook should never leave the ground.

Interest you bring up the Wlad-Chambers KO. I believe Wlad exploded his lead left foot off the canvas. Hardly aesthetic looking when you're 6'6 though.

I do not agree with this assessment, at least that's not how I saw it. Maybe I should re-watch it but I thought Wlad left hook was rather technically correct besides that lead foot off the canvas (And this is debatable in a sense). Maybe I'll have to rewatch it. I saw Wlad lean left and drive through with his lead left leg, rotate the hips and shoulder to follow through with the punch. When you're coming off the canvas, it's generally a case of driving through with your lead leg. Try to do it, that's the only proper way to get the kind of powerful torque and leverage from that situation. I could be mistaken, though.

Succinct and awesome insight from the articles. You're a damn good writer. I wish I could write half as well as you.

 

I once read that Joe Louis used to bring Holmen Williams into camp with him just so he could watch him spar. Joe felt like he learned something everytime he watched him work.

 

The second installment is better than the first. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

 

brilliant article

 

It's a great article, and very well written too. Unfortunately, you have now set a standard of expectation. :hey