The better fighter, usually wins. Baer was lucky the referee stopped the fight. He was great at one time, but, wasted a lot of time in Hollywood, and didn't take boxing serious anymore.
The better fighter means jack**** if you're facing someone with a huge statistical advantage. See Ali-Norton, Foreman-Frazier, Duran-Hearns, etc.
If you read my quote, I said, "Usually." What does statistical advantage mean to you? Does it mean, a fighter is in his prime, and his opponent, is riding into the sunset?
Since we have some Baer threads again, let's bump his legendary brawls with Lou Nova! Which one is better in your opinion?