Not seen this one for a while. Tunney s chin, certainly one' of the best, and underrated power. No way is this a walk in the park for Joe Louis. Thoughts?
I don't know that Tunney's chin was that special,how many big punching heavies did he face? Close fight ,I pick Louis but Tunney could win a dec,imo.
Very tough match up for either man. Pre 1938 it's Tunney. Between 1938 and 1942 it's Louis, after that it's Tunney again. Don't think there's going to be a knockout here for either man. Prime for prime Tunney gives Joe issues with his counter punching and toughness. In the rematch Dempsey went hard after Tunney's mid section, leaving it bright red and bruised within a few rounds. Didn't do Dempsey any good, Tunney was seemingly unaffected and just went on beating his ass for nearly the entire fight. The key here is that in 15 rounds Tunney should have slow moments allowing Louis to be the aggressor, out jabbing him and keeping Tunney's respect with counters. Gene is not going to be able to land at will like he did against Jack. He'll have to time the right hand to counter Louis' jab, and will probably have to significantly tone down on jabbing to prevent Louis' vicious counters as well as being disadvantaged in that Louis could parry the jab and respond with his own, harder straight lefts. It's going to be a long night for Louis but by the end he should have a lead on points as the weary Tunney gives it his all to survive the last few rounds. Joe piles points with his jabbing and body punching, Tunney has success with lateral movement, occasional combinations and right hand counters but ends up getting outfought.
No you're right he didn't face that many hard hitting heavys, certainly not prime ones. I was referring really to his chin never letting him down. But it's heavy, And Joe Louis, so I see your point mate.
It's so hard to pick against a prime Joe Louis , and I'm not . But Tunney does possess some of the ingredients needed to take a decision. I just don't think he'd avoid the Brown Bomber for 15 rounds...a nicely selected matchup.
Pre 1938: Physical/mental maturity and experience.Not a big difference but details matter. One small window against Tunney becomes a floodgate soon enough.
I’m favoring Louis but not predicting an easy win. I think Tunney could give Louis at least as many problems as Conn did in their first meeting
