Frank Bruno vs Jess Willard

Frank had huge crossover appeal and was far more popular with the public than he was with Boxing fans.

 

It's very difficult to make a judgement based on the available film of Willard. Boxing in his day was in it's infancy so there is no way he would have the skills to match Bruno. We do know though that Frank had real issues with nervous tension and stamina and that Willard was huge and very brave.
Bruno made a speciality of demolishing mediocre Heavyweights regardless of size, ( Mike Jameson, Anders Eklund ) , so I would think he rolls right over Willard inside 4.

 

As I said, Boxing was in its infancy. The only film I've seen of Jess is of a big, totally static unit pawing with his left and looking to wing his right. Best of his time yes but not comparable to a Fighter from 60 years in the future.

 

He wasn't even considered that great when he challenged for the title against a fat, disinterested and ageing Johnson who was living the party life. He retired soon after, more attracted to the rodeo life than boxing and had to continually be lured away from the bulls and broncos to enter the prize ring. He was pretty mediocre.

 

Frank Bruno wins this one by KO 8, he is better conditioned and has tasted punches by better opponents, Oliver McCall, Iron Mike Tyson, and Terrible Tim Witherspoon

 

This.