Ezzard Charles vs. Jack Johnson. 15 rounds.

I think i agree with you. I see Johnson's style playing havoc with Ezzard, and him being to strong in the clinches and cagey with the upper cut. Ezzard is a great fighter (in fact stylistically in a modern sense, he is much more 'evolved' in his stance). Johnson always swore that Joe Louis' modern stance was not beneficial, i think Louis probably beats Johnson (at least today i do) with any stance. But Johnson vs Charles would really tell us whether the old time stance would stand up against the newer modern fighters. Ezzard is a great fighter, and underated.

 

Tough fight but Charles takes it IMO. In his true heavyweight prime he dealt with Jersey Joe twice and easily outboxed Louis, although he gave his best against Marciano he was a faded fighter by that time.

Charles' lateral movement, combination punching and defensive ability would allow him to win a decision. I don't think that Johnsons low output would be enough to knock out Charles.

 

Why do you keep saying this it never has been true, yet you mention in all of the Charles discussions. I think Charles would win a decision against Johnson his speed would be the difference.

 

I am thinking about changing my opinion. Mendoza made a great point about Ezzard Charles terrific handspeed giving Johnson fits. Johnson did defeat Joe Jeanette, an excellent boxer. But I think Charles was on a different level. Then again, Johnson was so physically strong and could counter charles like Walcott had success doing.

it's a toss up

 

Charles reputation has certainly increased on this forum,during his title reign, he was considered an average champ who lacked both personality and colour, ditto Walcott, I can remember BI rating the heavy Champs in the 60's ,Charles and Walcott were both near the bottom.
Charles himself spoke with some bitterness about the lack of appreciation he received.I recall part of an interview ,were he complained," Stephen Foster wrote beautiful music ,but he had to die before the public appreciated it".
Joe Louis went on record as saying that, in his prime he expected he would stop Charles inside 6 rds.

 

Im not trying to argue but I just dont see anything special with Johnson.
I explained it in more detail in the Burley/Johnson thread.