How good was George Godfrey?

Being tossed in against Sam Langford and Sam McVea was astute? Maybe, but Wills managed to win his big tests.

 

You don't know how to score a fight. Godfrey was only slightly the better before going low. To says Godfrey easily won the 1st 4 rounds vs Carnera is a diservice to anyone who has not seen the match.

Godfrey was a hot and cold fighter. He could punch, but he was a cheap shot artists, and did not have carry his power well later on in the match. I think its a real reach to put him in the hall of fame.

 

What did Godfrey say about Johnson?

 

Mendoza doesnt read the sources that are put in front of him. Btw, Godfrey was clearly ahead in the carnera fight despite what mendoza says. Godfrey was out of shape too.

 

He was a cheap shot artist because he was forced too. Its not the same as golota situation. A real reach to put a Coloured Heavyweight champ who was denied a shot at the linear title because he was feared, a man who record 82 knockouts of out 100 wins, a man who contempories thought so highly of? Godfrey is one of the greatest contenders to never fight for the title. Tunney wanted no part of him. For good Measures.

 

I read the sources, and saw the fight. To say " Godfrey easily wins the first 4 rounds, it looks like he can dispose of primo anytime he wishes. " is wrong.

I would be mildy surprised is anyone who saw the fight agrees with you assessment.

 

I would be mildy suprised if anyone other than you thinks valdez was a more deserving challenger in 1954 than ezzard charles. I challenge you to make a poll in a separate thread.

 

Godfrey called Johnson the greatest fighter of all time,the one who would take any fighter of today[nov 1st 1943]"he was the finest defensivwe counter puncher there ever was".Godfrey named Langford as the hardest hitter he faced.

 

Nothing personal M but I remember you saying how well Carnera did against Gains.I watched it yesterday ,very good copy ,with a commentary by Reg Gutteridge whose Father seconded Carnera,Gains outboxed and out hit the Giant,he found it easy to land his right over Primos low left guard.Gains won it well.