Jimmy Young vs. Joe Louis

If it happens in Louis's era, then Young isn't winning, unless he gets the stoppage.

Nuanced defense and evasive tactics, didn't cut it back then.

In other words it has to be in Young's era, for him even to be in the fight.

That just makes it a competitive loss for Young.

 

In my opinion I would be SHOCKED beyond belief if Jimmy Young beat Joe Louis. Frankly, I see almost no chance for Jimmy Young, and I believe Joe Louis would stop him.

 

The first fight was just less than a year removed from his split decision loss against Ken Norton.

 

If this fight went the distance it probably means Joe lost. I would pick Louis but I feel obligated to defend Jimmy Youngs honor because of all the hate hes getting in this thread. Jimmys got a better chance of beating Louis then any of his reign 1 title defenses did.

 

Prime Joe Louis would flatten ... flatten ... Jimmy Young inside of three rounds.

 

Was looking for this comment.
Not a false word written.

 

In Louis's era 10-8s don't count. If he could stay upright against Foreman he could do it with Louis. Not that he would but he could.

Young isn't getting the stoppage on Louis his path to victory is going the full 15.

 

Jimmy Young would shutout Rocky Marciano.

 

Due respect but it seems you’re ignoring the very version of Jimmy Young who is up for analysis - the one that was “good” (very good, imo) during a few years run. Beating Foreman, and Lyle (x 2 easily) Shavers (a draw which many thought Young won) and close losses to Ali and Norton. Not shabby at all.

Instead you’re accenting on Young’s performances either side of his successful run - a run that I don’t think that is so common as to be dismissed.

I think it’s obvious that Young wasn’t exactly the most motivated fighter either side of his run - but when he caught a whiff of greater success and $$$, he put his best foot forward, albeit for a relatively brief period.

But no mistake, while providing for some awkward moments - I still have Louis stopping Jimmy by around the 10th round.

 

Joe was very stiff and slow footed, like a stiff board with two hands while Jimmy was slick, agile, and slippery. Remember how he beat and embarrassed Ali, Lyle, and Foreman. I think Joe survives, but is thoroughly outboxed

 

Jimmy Young was never decisively beaten by anyone in his prime and I wouldn’t be surprised if Young took a lacklustre Louis.
People are seriously underestimating Young if you think he gets knocked out, he was very tricky and hard to tag clean, let alone land combinations on, and Louis did struggle with tricky fighters/movers, Young was more tricky than Conn and more durable, and even Conn befuddled Louis.
On their absolute best day, I’d pick Louis, but it’s not a given.

 

He could do as well as Conn I've no doubt. However I also have no doubt Louis would find his mark.