Jim Braddock v. 2017 light heavyweights

After the Ward fights, yes.
But obviously these are current world class fighters, and that can change many times over in the next few years.

But moreso for the latter point.
Stevenson I think has a better chance to beat Braddock because he fights from the outside and has fast accurate stunning punches. He could out maneuver Braddock, whereas Kovalev would fight more toe to toe. And might find a guy who can take his punches, and box really well, a bad combo for Sergie.

Don't get me wrong, Kovalev could win this fight too, it's really close and can go either way. All really good fighters.

 

I'd have to agree with this ,Braddock had a fine chin.

 

Jimmy Bradock was a product of the times.

If this were horse racing, he's be Sea biscuit. A small horse, who never won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness or Belmont. The horse had one amazing year winning 11 of out 15 starts in 1937. Yet for his career he only won 33 out of 89 starts total.

Like Braddock, Sea Biscuit had a huge upset over War Admiral, a horse won 21 of his 26 races and came in second 3 times, and third 1 time. I guess on that day War Admiral didn't want to go, very much like Max Baer and was upset! Braddock was always ready to go, even if he wasn't big or fast.

 

Braddock is on a level with Joe Smith Jr. I'd rate that as a pick em.

 

Well, Braddock did beat Max Baer, I think he'd mop the floor with the whole lot.

 

Braddock was neither fast, nor skilled, nor powerful. His long suit was grit. Modestly skilled, I think he's lose on points to Ward. I'd favor Kovalev, and Beterbiev over Braddock. Stevenson wasn't that good, but he could really hit. 50.50. I think Braddock would beat Alvarez.

So 1-3-1 for me. Jimmy Braddock lost 24 times and drew 4 time. IMO all 5 of modern guys have more skills. Braddock is good story of a journeyman / fringe contender type who went on a winning streak and beat an apathetic Baer.

Remember these modern guys were really about 185 pounds on fight night. Jimmy might only have 5-10 pounds on them.