15 rounds at the light heavyweight limit. How would this fight play out? LaMotta was a very large middleweight. Would he have the strength to compete against the ultra aggressive Johnson? I think he does...in spots... Johnson was a rugged, southpaw light heavyweight champ who gave Sadd Muhammad two very hard fights...Thinking about this fight, I believe Jake would be able shift and roll under Johnson's left cross and uppercut for the most part in the bout...opening up opportunities for LaMotta to work the body... LaMotta's power wouldn't overly concern Johnson, who had been in wars with bonafide light heavyweight punchers... but LaMotta is shiftier than given credit for on the inside, and Johnson is a primarily left handed puncher...the forward right hand is a teaser...Given Lamotta's edge in hand speed and inside fighting capabilities utilizing a bob and weave style...I think LaMotta would take a decision. What is your take?
I haven`t got much to add here as I pretty much agree with everything you wrote. But I will say that I wouldn`t be shocked to see a late stoppage in favour of Jake, and the reason I say that is because Johnson never liked to get hit to the body and that was Jakes strong point. Also, Jake was a harder hitter than his record would suggest as he could definately punch when he planted his feet, for proof all one has to do is watch his second fight with Bob Murphy in which he had the iron jawed irishman shook to his boots late in the fight on a few occasions, especially in the 9th. Jake wouldn`t have to go looking for Marvin either who would be right in his face all night long which would just make things easier for him as he could plant his feet more as opposed to when he had to chase his opponents around the ring and punch while on the move. Compound that fact with Marv`s leaky defense and predictable offense which consisted mainly of left uppercuts, crosses and right hooks and I think Jake was more than smart enough to figure him out early and time him coming in with hooks to the head and body, and he would use his jab to good effect as well on Marv as he is coming in on him. Ultimately though I really don`t care who wins as they are both among my favourite fighters, especially Johnson who was one of the most exciting fighters I have ever seen and who gave it his all every single time he stepped in the ring. But Marv was like a wind up toy in that he would come out guns ablaze most of the time and gradually lose steam as a fight progressed, and the last thing you want is to be tired against LaMotta late in a fight in which he has still energy to burn.
Marvin would win late, like the 13th round.LaMotta wouldn't be competitive after a couple of rounds, after which Johnson would go to work.
jake lamotta was not at his best at light heavy...he was a "natural" 175 pounder only because he couldn't stop eating
