I've seen the rematch, which had more in common with an execution than a boxing match, but the first fight i've never seen. Is it on film ? Can anyone describe how the fight went about ?
I dont think it was filmed. Simon lasted into the 13th round, but I dont know if it was a two-sided fight. Simon was lumbering and easy to hit, but he was one of those old school guys, no quit in him, determined, and combine that with a lot of bulk and an ability to soak up punches, I see why he gave Louis a good few rounds. I'd like to read the reports of this fight too.
I've seen one of them...the one where Abe runs around the ring in disbelief when the ref stops it. Was that the first or second fight? (My memory is a little rusty.) Colourful individual was Abe Simon.
Simon was durable fighter. Far more so than Caranera, who was washed up when he meet Louis. While Louis had a big edge in skills and speed, Simon sheer size gave him some moments when he bulled Louis around the ring, and landed body shots. A few notes on Simon vs Louis I: It was scheduled for 20 rounds. It took place in Louis home town of Detroit. Simon was down in round one, but got up won some rounds. Papers say he gave Louis an unexpected tough fight. I will see if I have the report. The ref stopped the action in the 13th round, when Simon was fading, and was down a few times later in the fights.
simon was trained by Jack Johnson. never seen the first fight. Second fight is Louis the whole way and the proceeds went to the war effort.
