Holmes or Louis: Who had the most impressive record?

You can argue the case either way but what is not controvertial is that Louis did a much more thorough number on the top talent of his era than Holmes did on the top talent of his.

 

Louis deserves the thumbs up in this one.

It it close, yes, but the rematch aspect about Louis and the fact he did not fight down to his opponents level helps him against Holmes, who could get sloppy when faced with his lesser opponents; fights like the one against Scott Frank are just bad for boxing.

Furthermore, the men Louis faced off with where, as a whole, far more experienced and rounded fighters than the ones Holmes faced. You can match records, but really, everybody should know that you cannot buy experience and it is the mark of a developed fighter.

You can match a pristine record of a Marvis Frazier's with a patchy James J. Braddock's, but when it came down to it, you could see who belonged in the ring and who did not.

Catch Ted Spoons drift?

 

Ted, you've done it again! Top post, short and sweet.

 

So do I, Louis is my #1.

 

I didn't say best opponents. I said most important. The Loius-Schmeling fight was huge with the whole nation in Louis' corner. For Holmes the Cooney fight was the most important. because Cooney was getting all the attention. Holmes had to go out and prove himself to the world. even though he was the champion, He felt he didn't get any respect going into that fight.

 

He did not deserve it, however Wlacott most certianly did. :good

And if you watch the first Godoy fight, a close decision win for Godoy is the right call.

 

That will be your little secret

 

I felt Godey lost the fight the first time.

 

I tend to agree for the same reasons you responded to.

I really don't have any problems with people comparing Holmes with Joe, however. They both had good longevity as champion.

 

I give Louis the edge for defeating the bulk of his opposition more soundly, and fighting every leading contender of his era. And not only that, but how many fighters have as many linear champions on his resume as Louis does on his? Max Baer, Jack Sharkey, Primo Carnera, James Braddock, Max Schmeling, Jersey Joe.. all of which Louis stopped.. then you've got others like.. Ezzard Charles and Rocky Marciano. Thats eight, count 'em EIGHT linear champs.

 

I think Louis is #1 all time.. but Holmes did fight in an era that was "politically" different. Holmes probably had a hard time figuring out who the number one contender was.

Not a major issue, Earl, but the times were a little different... so a person lookng at the two for comparison purposes isn't really that terrible :good

 

He only held one title at a time during his reign. I could understand it if he was even unified, but he wasn't. And Louis also gave rematches to those who fought him to thin decisions and beat them even more soundly the second time around.

 

Yeah, Louis only having to worry about one belt might make a difference