He was only 24 when he died. Most boxers are still peaking at that age. How do you think his career would have progressed if he had gone on to fight throughout his prime years?
Ketchel might have already peaked when he was murdered but he undoubtedly had major legacy fights ahead of him. He had heavyweight ambitions to rival those of Mickey Walker and had already got started with a demolition of Dam Porky Flyn. Aditional wins like this over top heavyweights would have increased his standing as a pound for pound great. So yes I think he is an unfinished story.
Ketchel would have many more fights in him, he was a tough Banger with killer instinct, he was cut short
He may have already been on the decline, but if he had continued living a bit longer we would have more (and better) film of him. That would be a VASTLY important factor in grading his legacy.
I think the STD would have ruin Ketchal YEARS later, not during his prime run imo. It took like what 20 years or so to ruin Al Copon??
Put it this way. Mickey Walker was past his best when he steped up to heavyweight. His exploits in that division still made his legend.
Ketchel and the farmhand had issues with a woman as you say. Amazingly the straw that broke the camels back was when Ketchel reprimanded the farmhand for whiping a horse.
I love the quote from Ketchels manager when told of Stanleys death 'Start counting to ten, he'll get up
