Is Gene Tunney the most fundamentally complete fighter ever?

I agree on resume Mike Gibbons fought more great fighters than Tunney did. No doubt. But Tommy Loughran was a greater
defensive boxer also than Gene Tunney was, but Tunney was a very punishing hitter with a solid right cross which I believe made the prime Tunney a better all around fighter than Loughran. Being the "most fundamentally complete fighter", doesn't necessarily translate to being the greatest fighter ever.
A Harry Greb for example had a unique style that could
overcome more gifted all around fighters H2H...But the Tunney that beat a rusty Dempsey, stopped a still formidable Tommy Gibbons, and beat up a tough rugged Tom Heeney in his last fight looked to me as the best all around big man on film.
Having said that, I think the Joe Louis of circa Max Baer, Max Schmeling, Paolino Uzcudun was the greatest heavyweight who ever lived, based on his deadly combinations and pin point accuracy, though he lacked Tunney's all around boxing finesse.

 

Yes, he was the most fundamentally complete fighter ever.

 

Tunney was an abberation IMO burt. Way ahead of his time stylewise in the roaring 20's...a balanced, boxer/puncher with a steel chin...too bad he retired as soon as he did, as I believe that he would have dealt defeats to all of his next 5 succesors....and maybe it would have been a good idea to retire instead of fighting Louis..but prime for prime...I think Tunney had as good a chance vs Louis as Louis would have had vs Tunney.

 

Gene Tunney was the most consistently and persistently underrated fighter of all time IMHO.

 

rc, maybe so that a prime Gene Tunney/ Joe Louis fight would be
pick em results...Tunney morphed into a great and sturdy all around heavyweight with a steel trap mind who retired at the height of his powers...Louis was the greatest combination puncher who ever lived, and at his peak was awesome to behold.
With this being said I believe a peak Jack Dempsey at his best
had the Duran like swift vicious punching to beat both...Most boxing experts of those bygone days believed this outcome...
Styles, styles, styles...

 

burt, as usual, I concur with you....you know your stuff.:thumbsup

 

Great description of Ali...perfect!!!

 

I always look for your postings Burt, its like reading the old Ring magazine for me!