Gene Tunney in the late 1960s to mid 1970s

I think he would probably do okay if he stayed away from Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, and Floyd Patterson.

 

In a battle of brains he’ll outbox Ali and win in the 70s version of Conn - Louis with a twist… Foreman won’t catch someone that good lol I think Frazier might be too busy, aggressive and undeterred … Norton I’m not sure about, I don’t think he’s smart enough.

 

I think he might beat the Ali of the early 1970’s. It’s a hard fight for him any time before Manila, though. He won’t beat Frazier, forget it. He’s flatly too good for Norton though it will be competitive.

Foreman is the tricky one. I could see maybe Tunney having lost an initial title shot against Frazier, then campaigning for a go at Foreman after the belt has changed hands. Foreman’s team might be inclined to keep him away from Tunney - the risk-reward situation is very poor. If Tunney gets his shot, he will have a decent chance to score the upset. Otherwise he would have to get it from Ali, which around 1975, he could, if still in good condition & mindset. But by 1975, you’re talking about Tunney who has possibly suffered heavy setbacks against, maybe, both Foreman & Frazier. He never had to overcome anything like that in the real timeline, so who knows.

 

Ney, you have quite an imagination.

 

Which part?

 

Absolutely!

 

Maybe in the top 5