I think faster, smaller fighters might have more success against the dancing, tricky Corbett than large or ponderous heavyweights. Corbett was only slightly larger then a LHW regardless and many modern MW's are sawed off LHW's. So, how does Corbett do against the following in their respective primes? Bernard Hopkins Carlos Monzon Roy Jones James Toney Micheal Nunn (Oh how I'd love to see this) Sumbu Kalambay (Very same) Marvin Hagler Gene Fullmer Jake LaMotta
Not so sure to be honest. He went through Charlie Mitchel prety convincingly and Kid McCoy (albeit controvertialy). Thesr guys were both pound for pound greats in their own right but giving up size. Although he lost to Bob Fitzsimmons he controled much of the fight and probably had Fitz in trouble when the knockdown took place. It was Fitzsimmons ungodly finishing prowess that bailed him out.
Boxing in 1890's and 1990's were almost different sports, I think it unfair to demean a pioneer, mocking his abilities, in one on one match ups against smaller men.
Actually, it was fitz dirty cheap play that saved him from knockout. Corbett knocked Fitzsimmons down, and fitz GRABBED on to the ref and stalled preventing himself from being counted out. Under modern rules, this is a blatant DQ...this is a controversial victory.
(I will only give my opinion on the ones i have seen the most.)i would bet my money on corbett any day against all mentioned,this was one of the slickest boxers the ring has ever saw,but he,s also the man that could go toe to toe with the likes of the first ironman of boxing-the very underestimated jim jeffries,and the heavy handed fitz. Lammota,fullmer,toney,and hopkins would all be bad matchups against jim c. I.M.O. especially the first 2 corbett would never go inside and fight when he could dance circles and box there ears off it would be awsome to have a time machine and bring back these old greats ,like the old master of the sweet science
I could accept LaMotta but Hagler is a bit of a stretch. Fitzsimmons was going toe to toe and slugging with guys like Gus Rhulin while Hagler never strayed above middleweight. At the most conservative assesment that would be like Hagler slugging it out with sombody like Cobb.
