How special was Jem Belcher compared to his contemporaries and predecessors?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Melankomas, Jun 4, 2025 at 2:35 PM.


  1. Melankomas

    Melankomas Prime Jeffries would demolish a grizzly in 2 Full Member

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    Belcher, form what I’ve seen, must have been the most special talent in Broughton era history. How many contemporaries viewed Belcher as special, and how was he compared to greats like Mendoza, Jackson, Broughton, Cribb, Slack, etc by those who saw Jem and the rest?
     
    Melankomas, Jun 4, 2025 at 2:35 PM
    Melankomas, Jun 4, 2025 at 2:35 PM
    #1
  2. Journeyman92

    Journeyman92 Delusional BUT Determined Full Member

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    Those guys all sound really old were they Marciano opponents?
     
    Journeyman92, Jun 4, 2025 at 3:06 PM
    Journeyman92, Jun 4, 2025 at 3:06 PM
    #2
    BCS8 likes this.
  3. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    He was undoubtedly the most remarkable talent of the era.

    Even today, he arguably reached the pinnacle of the sport, at a younger age than any other fighter in history managed.

    Even when he was on the way out, he was taking other greats in their prime, to the edge of the abyss.

    I am not saying that the was the greatest LPR fighter of all time, but he undoubtedly had the highest potential celling of any of them.
     
    janitor, Jun 4, 2025 at 4:37 PM
    janitor, Jun 4, 2025 at 4:37 PM
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  4. Melankomas

    Melankomas Prime Jeffries would demolish a grizzly in 2 Full Member

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    How do we judge if he had more potential than other wonders form the period? I heard that he stood out as a gifted athlete more known for his speed rather than refined fundamentals. An 1800s Roy Jones/prince naseem?
     
    Melankomas, Jun 4, 2025 at 5:31 PM
    Melankomas, Jun 4, 2025 at 5:31 PM
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  5. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    I think that we have to look at the age at which he acquired the title, his circumstances when he lost it, and the men it took to keep it out of his hands.
     
    janitor, Jun 4, 2025 at 5:56 PM
    janitor, Jun 4, 2025 at 5:56 PM
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  6. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member

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    How good was he at wrestling and with the cudgels?
     
    BCS8, Jun 5, 2025 at 1:05 PM
    BCS8, Jun 5, 2025 at 1:05 PM
    #6