Could Zeljko Mavrovic last the distance with Joe Louis like he did with Lennox Lewis?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by bodhi, Oct 8, 2010.

  1. bodhi

    bodhi Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2009
    Messages:
    19,229
    Likes Received:
    257
    A Freudian slip of mine and IB´s reaction to it gave me the idea to this thread. Mavrovic, while clearly losing, gave a very brave effort against Lennox taking numerous clean power punches without even going down and never looked seriously hurt. IMO Lewis is punches harder than Louis. Louis is the superior combination puncher and better finisher though. Could Zeljko repeat the feat and last the distance with Louis or would Louis be able to stop him?

    Personally, I think Louis could do it. He has a higher workrate and would land many clean punches in bunches where Lennox only landed one punch at a time. I expect to see Mavrovic at one time beeing cornered on the ropes eating combination after combination while beeing barely able to defend himself. The ref would step in and end it right there. Louis TKO9 Mavrovic.

    What´s your take on it?
     
  2. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2007
    Messages:
    55,255
    Likes Received:
    10,354
    Mavrovic showed a great chin. He has some skill, and a solid enough right hand. Sure he could have gone the distance with Joe Louis.
     
  3. Meast

    Meast New Member Full Member

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2008
    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    13
    Did Mavrovic fight any other big punchers apart from Lewis?

    From what I can remember about that fight, he took a lot of huge single shots but not too many combinations/body shots.
     
  4. TheGreatA

    TheGreatA Boxing Junkie Full Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2009
    Messages:
    14,241
    Likes Received:
    153
    Tough fighters who weren't too brave are the most difficult to stop and Mavrovic was one of them. If he felt the power, he would be throwing almost single digits, atleast that's the way he fought against Lewis. He could potentially go the distance with Louis that way, but 15 rounds is a long way to go and Louis's attack is more consistent than Lewis's.
     
  5. Ponysmallhorse

    Ponysmallhorse Small but proud Full Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2009
    Messages:
    2,709
    Likes Received:
    6
    mavrovic would have to throw three times more to stay alive. If you are passive against Louis you are dead. He will time you with the right hand and when he land(and he will) he wont let his grip go.
     
  6. bodhi

    bodhi Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2009
    Messages:
    19,229
    Likes Received:
    257
    Yep, he got a serious illness dropping many pounds and looked like a skeleton. He got better though and started his own business in Serbia, something with vegetarian food if I remember right, and is doing very well with it.
     
  7. bodhi

    bodhi Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2009
    Messages:
    19,229
    Likes Received:
    257
    Yep. I made a mistake though. Croatia not Serbia. I always mix up those former Yugoslavian republics. :oops:
     
  8. lefthook31

    lefthook31 Obsessed with Boxing banned

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2007
    Messages:
    20,862
    Likes Received:
    138
    He probably could. Mavrovic was definitely one of the most mobile heavies of the 90's, and he was tall. He reminded me of a 80's heavy that refused to mix it up.
    When fighters come to survive like he did in the Lewis fight, they can go the distance. I dont think Mavrovic made a good account of himself, he did enough to keep Lewis off of him and lose. You gotta put yourself in a position to win to make a good account of yourself. Mavrovic didnt, he came to survive and not get hurt. Mavrovic was croation?
     
  9. lefthook31

    lefthook31 Obsessed with Boxing banned

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2007
    Messages:
    20,862
    Likes Received:
    138
    Yes. I ddint read this before I posted, but I agree. Mavrovic fits the bill.