could any mw have knocked out jake lamotta by the count?

I think Hart's power is based more on hearsay than actual results. Looked to have a hard left hook on film, but Antuofermo and Briscoe were able to withstand it. Fernandez and Lausse were big punchers, but it was Robinson who made the most impact on Fulmer with his left hook.

Valdez was another hard hitter but I don't really see what could separate him from a Ray Robinson. Briscoe was his only KO of note and he had three attempts at it. Henry Hank was never disposed of by anyone, except a stoppage on body punches by Foster, so I do not see Valdez achieving the feat.

 

Absolutely. All of them.

If they landed a perfect shot on the button.

Considering thats way easier said than done, my money is on a peak Roy to do it over the others. Fast hands, combinations, more likely to hit that jackpot, or to accumulate enough for a heavy knockdown that possibly ends it.

You'd never see me actually bet on somebody dropping Jake for 10, though.

 

A lot of the time, big punchers just don't have the skills to implement it at a world class level. Some do, but then some of them can't land consistently on the all time greats. Hart against Hagler, for example - he didn't create himself the opportunities to deal sufficient damage. I bet Hart could hit the heavy bag as hard as any middleweight, ever.

Robinson landed a perfect shot on Fullmer (whose chin, though sturdy, was a level below LaMotta's), delivering it with that short explosiveness unique to him, accurately, onto an oncoming opponent who was clearly blind to it. A great punch from a great middleweight puncher (who had nevertheless lost effectiveness since he'd moved up). I just get the feeling it'd take more than that to down LaMotta - a stronger but still quick punch or more likely punches from a heels-glued-to-the-floor banger like Valdez.

Not forgetting my disclaimer: I wouldn't pick anyone to knock out LaMotta.

Oh yeah, on Henry Hank, I didn't mean Valdez would necessarily stop him. I was thinking of rugged Dick Tiger opponents and how he fared - I'd pick Valdez to perform similarly, if not dealing even more damage.