Dempsey's take on the non-fight with Wills

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by lufcrazy, Apr 6, 2012.


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  1. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Why did he get in his peak lifetime condition to face one of his weakest opponents, a veritable fistic invalid?

    As I have pointed out before, his greatest victories (against his best opponents) occurred when he was at a weight below 200.
     
    Seamus, Apr 9, 2012
    Seamus, Apr 9, 2012
    #181
  2. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Thats a very fair question, but I think the answer is just the size of the event - the size of the event must have been terrifying.
     
    McGrain, Apr 9, 2012
    McGrain, Apr 9, 2012
    #182
  3. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    I guess my problem is that we don't have evidence, written or filmed, of Johnson anywhere near his supposed peak against anything near a great challenge. I have often asked, "Who are Johnson's greatest victims?"... Most answer Jeanette, McVea, Langford and sprinkle in Burns or Jeffries(?)... Well, he was 190 or below for all of these... and Jeffries was just a shell, who up until a few days before the fight thought it was in the tank.

    So, to me, the legend of Johnson as this awesome, "true-sized" heavyweight is more fiction than fact. Still, a great, great fighter.
     
    Seamus, Apr 9, 2012
    Seamus, Apr 9, 2012
    #183
  4. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

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    quite simply because he didn't have the benefit of hindsight.

    at the time it was hyped as the fight of the century. A great battle between the two greatest boxers in history. it was the pinnacle of his career

    the real question is, why wouldn't he get into peak physical condition for a fight of that magnitude?
     
    lufcrazy, Apr 9, 2012
    lufcrazy, Apr 9, 2012
    #184
  5. Legend X

    Legend X Boxing Addict banned Full Member

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    So he could perform well, perhaps. :huh
     
    Legend X, Apr 10, 2012
    Legend X, Apr 10, 2012
    #185
  6. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace Full Member

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    Definitely was johnson at his best imo.
     
    lufcrazy, Apr 10, 2012
    lufcrazy, Apr 10, 2012
    #186
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