Even as a relative newbie, I've noticed the recent dissent over too many repeated dream heavyweight match-up threads. I agree somewhat, and think we should akways look at the older threads first. When I do it myself, I wish some of the members from a few years before I joined were still here. Such knowledgeable lads (or lasses). Such interesting reads. Personally, when I think about these dream match ups. I imagine a halfway house. For example, prime Johnson vs prime Tyson, I view thus: 1950 ring, rules, rounds, refs, judges and gloves. And I would guess Johnson would be a few pounds heavier than we are used to, and Tyson might be a few pounds leaner. Others may think that's a stupid method. We are all different. Some of the abuse given on the forum is a bit much. Although I've never been subjected to it, and it's abated recently, there's no need. We are better than that. Anyway, this is not a rant. Just my two cents worth. From a member much newer than most of you. Cheers
The truth of the matter, judging on history is the smaller past champions have gone away, with Spinks being the last sub 205-pound lineal champion, taking the taking the title from past his best Larry Holmes ( Holmes was robbed in the re-match ) The hissy fit happens when you point out that most previous lineal champions were smaller than Spinks. Yes, they were. 32 years have passed since Spinks, the last sub 205-pound champion reigned. Could a past champion Spinks size or smaller defeat #1 skilled super heavyweight from 1990-2018? *Yes with a qualifier and an observation Observation: They are not likely to win on points as they give up too much height and reach and almost all of the super heavies at the top have a top level jab. Qualifier: They would need to be a puncher, and it would help a lot if they were extra durable. This pretty much DQ's Corbett, Johnson, Charles, Walcott...those types.
IMO you can't compare, given a decades difference. I've said this before, the only one I would seriously debate (with only a circa 18 years difference in prime) would be a Rock-Smokin' Joe s c r a p. And that MAY have been a classic. My $0.02
