If Jeffries' was on Louis' resume... where would he rank

Jeffries would be number 1 on his list of wins. Undefeated and bigger and stronger than most other opponents on Joes record.

It would be a huge feather in his cap.

 

The counter argument would be this:

Ali's main card in the Louis vs Ali debate, is the fact that Ali beat a prime all time great heavyweight, while Louis takes it on other variables.

If Louis had beaten a version of Jeffries that we could objectively say was the best, then that would go a long way to nullifying Ali's key advantage.

That could potentially tip the argument in Louis's direction.

 

No. Alis style tips the scale against Louis and is a major reason why he is rated above him in more experts opinion. Thus Louis beating Jeffries does nothing to counter that the Ali style and speed would defeat Louis. Had Louis beat prime Tunney THEN you have some ammunition.

 

I always saw the question of whether Ali would beat Louis, or vice versa, as almost irrelevant to the argument.

The only thing that we can prove, is who they both beat in the real world.

Even if Ali beat Louis, you could theoretically rank Louis higher, if you thought that he would have beaten more of the other great heavyweights.

That is why I would rate this theoretical win very highly.

 

Depends on criteria. I rate based on who I believe would beat who. Ali beats all others due to speed, style and toughness which he demonstrated during his career. Louis very high skill level, power and hand speed allows him to beat all but Ali who would cleverly out speed and outbox him. A win over Jeffries still puts Louis at No 2 in my book. A win over prime Tunney however would give me more to ponder.

 

A really good point. But at the end of the day, most put Louis and Ali as one and two (whatever is your chosen order. Personally I have Ali at one). So I think the questions are intertwined. When a question like this is asked about heavyweights, you always invite this style of controversy. From people that know a lot, or people (like me!) who think they do.

 

Perry's right.

 

I think Jeffries was an early beast, and if Louis fought him in Jeffries time he might get knocked out. But,,,we are talking about fighting in the age of Louis and I can't see Jim outboxing Joe Louis, there will probably be some scary moments for Joe but he'll eventually stop him or win a lopsided decision