A battle between two of, arguably, the most underrated and under appreciated light heavyweights of all time. I think this would be a very interesting matchup, who wins at their peak?
I've no idea, but I agree with your assertion these are 2 brilliant and either 2 of the most underrated, or underappreciated, fighters of all time. Tommy Gibbons run from debut up until July 1920 and Jimmy Bivins run from beating Maxim in June 42 up until losing to JJW in Feb 46, are 2 of the greatest runs in boxing history, imo.
Certainly the most underrated runs of all time. Bivins' streak was shocking. Wins over Charles, Moore, Lesnevich, Bettina, Christoforidis make for a remarkable resume. Same with Gibbons; he literally beat a prime Harry Greb who was fresh off of his incredible 1919 run. Gibbons beat him decisively in their second fight, and unless there was something wrong with Greb that night that I don't know about, that might be the greatest win in boxing history.
Gibbons went 47-0-2 in the 1910's. During that decade he beat Greb, the 15lbs heavier Battling Levinsky, George Chip x 5, Gus Christie x 4, Clay Turner x 2, Buck Grouse, Willie KO Brennan, Billy Miske and Bob Moha. It's an astonishingly good run.
Yeah Gibbons has a very solid record himself, and he also looks great on film. Who would you favour in this match?
I've honestly no idea mate. I've not seen substantial footage of either. I do know they both have ATG records during the eras in which they competed.
Grat fight, I'd pick Gibbons myself, I think he's got the variety and the cleaner work might impress the judges just a little bit more at key moments to scoop up those rounds. But this could be one of those ****ed up 2-3-10 ye olde cards.
