How would any change in his attitude towards the first Schmeling bout have overcome the consistent punishment he took for what, at the time, is widely accepted as having been an inherent weakness in the Louis armory? I also think any idea that Louis didn't take the fight seriously is being overplayed. The odd passing comments, made much later, and a film clip or two of Louis at the golf course, do not make for a compelling argument. I don't think any excuses were being made for the loss, at the time. Neither do I. Hence why I do not believe, at all, that he was a beaten man - before the fight.
I think you're just looking for an argument at this point tbh. Its not like I'm trying to explain rocket science, I'm just telling the facts that Joe Louis didn't take Schmeling seriously and didn't train as hard as a result. If you think that had nothing to do with his loss then ok because you're fully entitled to your opinion. I'm out.
LOL - I was just looking for you to provide a reasoned argument to substantiate your initial claim - that Louis had been beat, before the fight (in his first encounter with Schmeling). How unfair of me. But - never mind - you clearly cannot provide a rationale. Neither can you accept, it seems, that Schmeling's strategy was the primary factor in Louis' defeat. The plain truth is that, in view of all the evidence, your claim is not a reasonable one. Louis was quite simply NOT a beaten Fighter, before he faced Schmeling in '36. I'm more than happy to end this, rather than continue to read more of your unsuccessful attempts to justify your original claim. And, it really is a good job that you were not trying to explain rocket science.
Although he fought pretty well, I think Gerry Cooney didn't truly believe he'd beat Larry Holmes. He was worried about going the distance, there was a ton of pressure on him to win, he knew he hadn't seen any quality action for a couple of years (if ever), the bout had already been postponed once, he was facing a great champion, Holmes was getting into his head (and would stay there for a few years after), etc. Ruddock against Lewis. I recall reading, post-fight, that due to some previous encounter Ruddock was scared shirt-less of Lewis due to some previous encounter (amateur, sparring ??). Sheldon against Tyson, obviously.
Albert Westphal was clearly sh1tting it big time stepping into the ring with Sonny Liston. I can't blame him for it either.
Caveman Lee vs Marvin Hagler. A hard Hagler jab and the fight was all but over. Hagler tko in 67 sec. This content is protected
Seldon Bruno (rematch) Stewart Berbick Spinks Holmes Tillman Against Tyson all were either scared or resigned to losing and just there to collect a payday (Holmes, Spinks)
Lol Caveman Lee, best nickname ever. Him and Animal Fletcher was a great match up in the 80s just for the fight posters alone.
