Joe Louis vs. Vitali Klitschko

Hey, Baer beat Abe Simon and Tony Galento. How bad could he be?

 

Add Natie Mann ,and Lee Savold to those two .:good

 

another proud member in the circle jerk of antiquity.

 

wow, you can articulate yourself on ESB.

 

Have you ever seen Galento and Simon on film? These guys were colorful journeyman. If Vitali fought Simon or Galento, he does not lose a round, and would not get caught like Louis did.

64 posters in this thread think Vitali would win. 5 years ago a poll like this would not be as close. I think those picking Vitali have illustrated why he can win, while some who pick Louis continue to compare Vitali to the moderately skilled giants of the 30's and 40's.

I also believe the pro Louis crowd is on the defensive in terms of him looking bad vs the best boxers he fought, none of which have Vitali's size, power, or chin.

 

Vitali Klitschko has never even proved himself the best in the world, unless of course we take his win over Corrie Sanders as sufficient proof on Lewis's retirement. That's one win, followed by a Danny williams fight, and that was it. Very weak.

Since his comeback he's been number 2 in the world, and number 2 in his own family.
And, again, it's only a 12 month period.

People say "dont compare across the eras, all you can do is prove yourself the best in your era."
well, Vitali hasn't.

 

I see things the same way. Sure Vitali is good, but he hasn't really done a lot in terms of career achievements.
If he was all that, he would have beaten Lewis, who was on the slide.

Knock Louis' competition if one must, but he dominated the division like none before or since and held the title longer than any other champion.

In Louis' era, when there was one champion per division, brother Wlad would be king and Vitali would be the number one contender.
The proliferation of titles today has ensured that the undeserving (like Vitali) can also call themselves 'champion' when in reality they're paper champs.

 

Here's a young Buddy Baer in 1935:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqqAgFqJllQ[/ame]

6:45

 

To me, Vitali has been both oversold and undersold. I hesitate to pick him over an all-timer such as the great Joe Louis, but consider something here. The vast size difference, the advantage in reach, strength and defense suggest Louis would be in a very uphill battle, having to move forward into Klitschko's strengths. Vitali is very adept at blocking his foe's right hand with his left forearm.

Put it this way, Joe has one distinct weapon in his favor...and I believe he'd need it to win..and if it landed he may very well win. His short, straight right hand on the inside.

The big question is, would he get in close enough to deliver it?

Compelling match-up, with no clear winner, IMO.

 

Vit would break Louis' glass-jaw via phantom punch and then having dinner with Don King without one drop of sweat.

 

Great stuff.

I've never seen that Firpo-Willard KO before either ! :good

 

Max Schmeling's job on Joe Louis was brilliant. Keeping in mind that he got no height advantage at all. Vit's height advantage plus his style and Ko-power would get the job done in lightspeed.

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