Baer was smaller but both had solid chins and were super heavy-handed. Baer's sledgehammer right against the hybrid uppercut-hook of the Razor. Both had just the right amount of sloppiness to make this an instant classic slugfest.
Hard to compare fighters of these eras. I think Baer doesn't know what hit him when Ruddock lands that left hook.
I'd favor Ruddock. More skilled, has tons of firepower, and also has a solid chin himself. Baer has never impressed me very much, he obviously had the huge power in the right and an iron chin and great stamina (likely in part from it not being uncommon for him to do little work in a round), but he also blatantly ignored his left hand at times, his technique was atrocious to say the least, and he was very hittable. I'd favor Ruddock to outpoint him.
Baer would win in a brawl but i would see it as Ruddock boxing not brawling and if that happened Ruddock would win.
It's toss up, but Baer had title, fought better competition. But burnt out too quick, and had some bad performances in his prime. Someone said Ruddock is bigger, I don't think there was much size difference.
Baer was unequivocaly the better fighter if he was on form or close to it. Otherwise, he has it in him to loose to Ruddock.
Great call on this match-up. I do have to favor Baer in this one, but only slightly. When I am more sober perhaps I could elaborate more...
At his best Madcap Maxi beats most heavyweights. This is no knock on Ruddock. He was a quility heavyweight, but at his best would not beat Bear at his best.
