Joe Louis vs. James Corbett

What comes latter is built upon what came before. Can't you see that?

Corbett, primitive? He was much ahead of his times.

Corbett's style, if he had lived and fought in Louis' era (or any other era for that matter) would not have been primitive at all. In fact, I firmly believe that it would be cutting edge, even innovative. He had too much intelligence and agility to be called 'primitive'.

His problems were, imo, lack of sufficient physical strength and that he was somewhat susceptible to getting hurt from strong punches.

As for Louis vs Corbett. If Billy Conn could almost outpoint Louis, I feel that Corbett too would have a chance, in fact a better chance. But I believe that somewhere along the line Louis would connect with his lightning power shots, hurt Corbett and finish him off.