Heavyweight champions who were taken from us too soon

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by janitor, Jul 12, 2016.


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  1. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    I have often liked to speculate what would have happened if some of the great champions of the past had lived longer.

    What would they have thought of the boxers who came after them, who would they have admired, and what would their post-fight input have been?

    So let us imagine:

    Max Baer lives into the mid 90s.

    Joe Louis sees the 21st century.

    Rocky Marciano lives to see Wladamir Klitschko lift the crown.

    Sonny Liston is still alive.

    Thoughts?
     
    janitor, Jul 12, 2016
    janitor, Jul 12, 2016
    #1
  2. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

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    It would have been great if they retained their faculties as Jack Sharkey , Max Schmeling,and Jack Dempsey did into old age. Peter Heller could have done another," In This Corner," book of interviews.There is very little in the way of quotes from Liston for example, uneducated but certainly not slow witted, his input could have been fascinating.
     
    mcvey, Jul 12, 2016
    mcvey, Jul 12, 2016
    #2
  3. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    For the record, I am also assuming that they retain their faculties.
     
    janitor, Jul 12, 2016
    janitor, Jul 12, 2016
    #3
  4. Hookandjab

    Hookandjab Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Contenders and champs usually slip away too soon. Consider that of those who participated in the WBA Elimination Tournament, only Karl Mildenberger is left. Terrell, Quarry, Spencer, Ellis, Martin, Bonavena and Patterson are gone. Life is short.
     
    Hookandjab, Jul 12, 2016
    Hookandjab, Jul 12, 2016
    #4
  5. turnip

    turnip Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Hadn't realized that wow that puts things in perspective!.We also lost Garry Mason and truth Williams good fighters good guys RIP fellas you are missed.
     
    turnip, Jul 13, 2016
    turnip, Jul 13, 2016
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  6. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    One question that has always interested me, is whet if these fighters had lived into Mike Tyson’s prime?

    I suspect that they would have been impressed by him, and he would have loved them.

    I would love to hear some of the commentary!
     
    janitor, Jul 13, 2016
    janitor, Jul 13, 2016
    #6
  7. reznick

    reznick In the 7.2% Full Member

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    Schmeling was able to see Tysons prime I believe, but I could never find anything on his thoughts on Tyson.

    I think the greatest link we have from early 20th century boxing, and modern boxing, is Ray Arcel.
     
    reznick, Jul 13, 2016
    reznick, Jul 13, 2016
    #7
  8. mrkoolkevin

    mrkoolkevin Never wrestle with pigs or argue with fools Full Member

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    Do we know much about their views on any boxers who fought after their careers ended? (other than the fact that Marciano disliked Ali because of his politics and/or personality)
     
    mrkoolkevin, Jul 13, 2016
    mrkoolkevin, Jul 13, 2016
    #8
  9. JWSoats

    JWSoats Active Member Full Member

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    I remember a photo appearing in the newspapers sometime around 1988 of Schmeling and Tyson together in Las Vegas, although I don't recall him voicing any thoughts on Tyson's skills.

    Regarding Ray Arcel, I agree 100%.
     
    JWSoats, Jul 13, 2016
    JWSoats, Jul 13, 2016
    #9
  10. Nighttrain

    Nighttrain 'BOUT IT 'BOUT IT Full Member

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    Ali, though alive his difficulty in communicating seemed like in some ways he was taken.
     
    Nighttrain, Jul 13, 2016
    Nighttrain, Jul 13, 2016
    #10
  11. Reason123

    Reason123 Not here for the science fiction. Full Member

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    I think it would have been nice if Sullivan would've lived long enough to see Dempsey. Would've been interesting to hear the Strong Boy's thoughts on the Maassa Mauler.
     
    Reason123, Jul 13, 2016
    Reason123, Jul 13, 2016
    #11
  12. Wass1985

    Wass1985 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    It's crazy to know that Tyson's title victory against Berbick is closer in time to Ali's victory against Liston than Louis's victory over Braddock.....
     
    Wass1985, Jul 14, 2016
    Wass1985, Jul 14, 2016
    #12
  13. Vanboxingfan

    Vanboxingfan Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I would have loved to have heard Arcel's comments about Holmes and Louis.

    Funny thing happened recently. My wife decided to buy old records and shows about the beatles and we were watching an Ed Sullivan show and as he's talking about the Beatles performing he then says "we have a special guest in the audience...the heavyweight champ... Mr Sonny Liston" and the audience claps and Liston stands up and waves. Turned out that the show was shot in Miami just prior to Ali and Liston's first fight.
     
    Vanboxingfan, Jul 14, 2016
    Vanboxingfan, Jul 14, 2016
    #13
  14. catchwtboxing

    catchwtboxing Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Along these lines, Louis was in terible shape when he passed from Alhzeimers.
     
    catchwtboxing, Jul 14, 2016
    catchwtboxing, Jul 14, 2016
    #14
  15. HerolGee

    HerolGee Loyal Member banned Full Member

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    probably would say he'd have licked im
     
    HerolGee, Jul 14, 2016
    HerolGee, Jul 14, 2016
    #15
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