Is Dempsey/Willard the Most Overrated Victory Ever?

Janitor, how many times has a challenger fought a champion 60lbs heavier than himself?

 

Very few. But i'm not just falling all over myself to give credit to Chagaev for beating Valuev, are you?

As you've pointed out on this forum over and over again quite correctly, size is only one matter for consideration - I personally would be far more impressed if Demspey had done this to the slightly lighter Marciano, for example. So would you.

You can't laud Dempsey for the uniqueness of his achievment when, 1) it is not unique, 2) it wouldn't matter that much if it was (four minute mile, Everest without O2 etc.) 3) it's impressive for other reasons anyway.

Your point is understood, but I don't believe it holds that much value.

 

No, but he was firmly out-boxed inspite of a much vaster difference in size.

What this basically boils down to is the fetishising of the puncher. Dempsey was unquestionably an extremely impressive one, but to me, boxing is about results (appraising greatness) and manner/means (appraising skills/"head to head"). A puncher who punches very hard is not more impressive to me than a boxer who boxes very well.

Why so hung up upon the manner of the victory? Do you consider that Dempsy would be less great if he had neatly boxed Willard to victory? Of course not. Probably less popular, but not "less good". He'd be a "less good" puncher and a "more good" boxer based upon that display. But the sum of the parts would add up to equal greatness. It may have a summary impact upon who you would pick how to beat Dempsey h2h, but so what?

Dempsey was a great puncher who punched out a big opponent.

For the record, it would almsot inarguably be presumed that Klitschko had come back from his much shorter lay off with nothing like what he had before that layoff. Is that the attitude you say I should take to Demspey's win over Willard?

So what? A great puncher punched out an opponent proving he was a great puncher. So what if it's unique? It's a unique set of circumstances, too.