Jeffries in the Duration era (1942-46), could he take the belt?

No.

Note that because WW2 was much briefer than expected the duration belt was scrapped in late 1944.

Jeffries was born in Ohio so if he was on the Ohio scene his best bet would be to win the Maryland&Ohio duration belt. And the answer is still no. Jeffries would also need an impressive record to even get that chance. Big Boy Brown was 8-3 and this was the worst record of anyone who fought for that title. But albeit in 1942 it was an 8-3 which involved him beating two of the Rings 1940 top 10. Jeffries ain't knocking out no Red Burman.

Maybe Jeffries can luck into beating Tony Musto who Lou Brooks beat before getting a shot. Musto might have been the runt of the litter among Louis's title opponents but this guy regularly went the distance with top HWs and actually defeated Bivins and Lem Franklin. Musto might just sleep Jeffries in a round or two. Even if he doesn't Musto would only be part of the journey.

Brown and Brooks got that chance by fighting for Maryland duration title not Ohio's. Maybe he could move there. Ohio's duration title was originally contested by Bobo and Buddy Walker. That's not happening. Breaking into the Bivins/Mauriello/Pastor/Nova/Lee Murray/Baksi/Lee Savold(prime)/Bettina crowd who were contending for other duration titles is also not happening.

I think Jeffries could fight for the state title against a world level HW and lose badly like this Joe Mueller. I think Jeffries could have a better career than Joe Mueller. 21-10 against people you've never heard of. Fights Buddy Walker for the state title knocked out in 4. Jeffries has a chance to go the distance often in 10 round fights with guys you've heard of and 10 rounds favors the underdog. But at some point the difference is too great to translate into wins.

 

It was WW2 but Joe Louis was still the champ so no Louis would knock him out. If you saying could he beat the active heavyweights who were not in the military. Guys like Jimmy Bivins Turkey Thompson Lee Savold and a few others were not in military. Thinking one of those guys might outpoint him.