How similar was Joe Louis to Jack Blackburn stylistically?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Melankomas, Feb 18, 2024.


  1. Melankomas

    Melankomas Prime Jeffries would demolish a grizzly in 2 Full Member

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    Obviously we have no film of Blackburn, and plenty of Louis. However, contemporaries are known to compare fighters’ styles.

    What were their similarities and differences?
     
    Melankomas, Feb 18, 2024
    Melankomas, Feb 18, 2024
    #1
  2. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Nobody alive has seen Blackburn box.

    Based on testimony, we'd say not at all. He was quick and loose-limbed and seems to have held most of his power in his left rather than his right. A thing they did have in common was a (reportedly) good jab, a killing jab, but Louis got his jab at least in part from Williams not Blackburn. All in all, they sound pretty different, as you'd expect from a welterweight/heavyweight.
     
    McGrain, Feb 18, 2024
    McGrain, Feb 18, 2024
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  3. Senya13

    Senya13 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Hard to grasp Blackburn's style, as most of his fights were held in PA and PA newspapers weren't very good at describing the styles of boxers, too much boxing going on almost every day, so they cut bout descriptions to a minimum. Jabbing a lot, if the opponent tries to close, uses the right as well, at in-fighting short punches to the head with occasional punches to the stomach. Good mover, good blocker, not a hard puncher.
     
    Senya13, Feb 19, 2024
    Senya13, Feb 19, 2024
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  4. HomicideHank

    HomicideHank I believe in the transmigration of souls Full Member

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    I think I read that Blackburn modeled him after Joe Gans.
     
    HomicideHank, Feb 19, 2024
    HomicideHank, Feb 19, 2024
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  5. Melankomas

    Melankomas Prime Jeffries would demolish a grizzly in 2 Full Member

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    And Gans was apparently heavily influenced by Fitzsimmons, I’ve read that he called the Fitzsimmons of Jeffries 2 as the best fighter he ever saw. Although, I don’t have a source.

    I’ve seen a few comparisons of Gans and Blackburn, and of Fitzsimmons and Louis from time to time as well. Perhaps there’s a small lineage: Fitzsimmons, who heavily influenced Gans, who heavily influenced Blackburn, who heavily influenced Louis.
     
    Melankomas, Feb 19, 2024
    Melankomas, Feb 19, 2024
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  6. Melankomas

    Melankomas Prime Jeffries would demolish a grizzly in 2 Full Member

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    Do we know what Blackburn did teach Louis? Did any contemporaries compare their footwork, foot placement, punching techniques?
     
    Melankomas, Feb 19, 2024
    Melankomas, Feb 19, 2024
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  7. HomicideHank

    HomicideHank I believe in the transmigration of souls Full Member

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    There are some hints in this article.
    https://coxscorner.tripod.com/blackburn.html
     
    HomicideHank, Feb 19, 2024
    HomicideHank, Feb 19, 2024
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  8. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Yeah, you see bits and bobs in the Louis literature but nothing really very serious.
     
    McGrain, Feb 20, 2024
    McGrain, Feb 20, 2024
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  9. KasimirKid

    KasimirKid Well-Known Member Full Member

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    KasimirKid, Feb 20, 2024
    KasimirKid, Feb 20, 2024
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