Jack Johnson vs. Gene Tunney

Right, exactly Luigi, Tunney would have made a joke out of Johnson. Tunney was an entirely different kettle of fish from anyone Johnson ever fought. Talk about how Tunney would have fared aginst modern day fighters, not the rather primitive ones, Johnson included, relatively speaking of that earlier day and age.

 

Intriguing matchup to say the least but I'd have to pick Tunney in this one. Gene's style was more modern...stick and move and throw accurate combinations. Johnson's style was'nt that far removed from the bare knuckle era and he was accustomed to fighting that style of fighter. If he wants to beat Gene then he would have to come out of his comfort zone and get moving. Gene would be too smart to clinch with Johnson and fall victim to one of Jack's uppercuts. If Johnson wants Gene then he's going to have to go and get him. Standing flat footed and hoping to lure Gene into a trap simply won't work which is why I see Tunney winning by decision. No question Jack is bigger and stronger and could lay some serious hurt on Gene if he can get to him consistently but I just don't see that happening. In a trilogy I see Gene taking 2 out of 3. Not easily mind you but still doing it none theless.

 

Tunney
Better boxer
smarter boxer
more versitile boxer
better prepaired boxer.
Tunney 15 rd. UD

 

Tunney is a little over rated here, I would have to pick Johnson by Clear UD 9-6 or 10-5.

 

:good

 

Tunney just looks way more advanced than any filmed opponent of Johnson to me. His use of legs and jabbing going away is the evolvement of the sport from the toe the line era of feint and lunge.
Tunney W 15

 

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He was a great fighter, but he was not a pioneer.

 

You summed it up beautifully!

 

Maybe if he did a better job at self promoting they would have. I am sure fighters in the lighter weight classes fought as he did, he himself moving up from a lower weight and probably learning to perfect his use of legs against Greb.

I didn't say he was a pioneer, only that he looks more advanced than Johnson's filmed opponents. Langford, Jeanette, Moran, Flynn, Jeffries, Burns, Willard etc. all of these fighters "attacked" or stood their ground, clinched and traded. Tunney circles, he back pedals he has a style unlike any of those fighters I mentioned. He also had the discipline to stick with it when things got rocky.

 

Johnson would make Tunney do something he doesnt like to do: Lead. He would make Tunney be the aggressor, lay back and wait, and counter when Tunney had to work his way in. Id pick Johnson.

 

I thought you meant fight a dangerous opponent, who didn’t actually hold the title!

 

I see it in reverse. I think Tunney could force Johnson to lead and pursue. I think jabbing at a distance and backing out of range could force Johnson to come forward and force the action. Certaintly would be tactical gamesmanship.

 

Johnson faced such a collection of rubes that it's difficult to estimate his true ability versus real boxers. If his effort against an ancient, Lilliputian O'Brien tells us anything, facing a primed Tunney would spell certain problems.

Johnson's footwork is unimaginative, Cro Magnon stuff… Tunney was quite a bit lighter on his feet and used angles seamlessly. Tunney's jab would win about 70% of the fight.

I see a fairly wide margin in favor of Tunney.

 

Can't say for sure who wins. Johnson was not a great puncher despite is strength, Tunney, though not a creampuff was not a tremendous puncher. KOs unlikely. Tunney had one hell of a chin, Johnsons chin is comparable. Tunney was a litter faster I think, and had much better ringmenship. Tunney should take it with his jab, footwork, and excellent cross. One thing is for sure, I would hate to pay for this one, what a snozzer.

 

Very interesting fight to contemplate...but probably not to watch.