This one could create some controversies, but how would these two fighters fare, if there positions were reversed. Could Johnson do what Jeffries did and replicate his record, and could Jeffries do what Johnson did an replicate Johnson's longevity. Personally, i think that i give Johnson the best chance of replicating Jeffries record. He obviously wouldnt KO as many fighters or even probably be as highly thought of as Jeffries was/is. But, i dont think it unreasonable to see him win all the fights that Jeff did, although I guess losing his zero to Choynski would be as close to a certainty as is possible! Jeffries on the other hand, I think would have went through Johnson's pre title reign even more impressively than Johnson. I think he may even have stayed undefeated through the early part. He did, after all, beat most of the guys that Johnson beat anyway. But, once winning the title I cannot possibly see how he would replicate Johnson's form for so long. Even though Johnson did not train like he should have, his record after the winning the world title and living the good life is phenomenal. I cannot for the life of me see how it can be criticised. There is not one fighter born ever, who has reigned for so long (and after willard stayed undefeated for so long),(although on thinking I suppose you might be able to add Joe Louis) while living the good life and not really maintaining the focus and desire to win at all costs. Not Dempsey, Sullivan, Corbett, Fitz, Frazier, Foreman etc. I dont think Jeffries could have done this either. His style would not have allowed it and to be honest, his skills and heart were not enough to allow him to overcome opponents when past his best (despite what i personally consider a phenomenal performance when past his best against Johnson).
