how in the world did abe simon.....

Even if Walcott had never held the title, he would rank as one of the best heavyweight contenders of all time, and one of the best men never to hold the title.

This is all the more impressive for the fact that he only got his opportunity very late in the day.

This is a remarkable man.

 

One who lost nearly 30% of his fights on his comeback.
He did very well to gain the crown but it took him 5 attempts failing twice against a fading Louis and twice against Charles .
It was remarkable that he finally won the title, but it took him 5 attempts.
He failed twice against a faded Louis,and twice against Charles.
Of the 8 years he featured in the ratings he was only number 1,3 times.
Is that superior to the likes of Jackson who was arguably Sullivan's best challenger for 5/6 years.

Langford? Jeannette ? McVey? Wills?
Both Walcott and Charles have been subject to a lot of favourable revisionism,neither set the world alight when they were fighting as heavyweights, neither were considered greats.