Max Schmeling vs Buster Douglas

The very best of Douglas (Tokyo version) may well win a UD, though Schmeling would provide a very stern test. Any other time and Douglas loses, though. Schmeling was just the much more consistent fighter of the two.

 

Max Schmeling beacause the Louis upset was bigger than Tyson.

 

It sure wasnt

 

No way.

 

I'll echo HJ's sentiments here. Between those two specific versions I pick Douglas. I reckon he could have caused a lot of trouble for just about anyone that night.
Overall, Schmeling. Douglas never reached the heights of Tokyo on any other night.

 

I say because everyone knew that Tyson had not prepared up to his best leading up to the fight, even the commentators were saying that maybe tyson did not train his best for this.
I don't think we can say the same about Louis.
Joe trained and showed up to that fight Vs. Max at his best and just got caught. (Unless peep's got evedince otherwise) = Upset.

 

I think Douglas is 1 of the most underrated HWs of all time. HE wouldnt repeat his Tyson performance again but that version of Douglas beats many greats in history. Schmelling would have a nightmare getting past that jab and take uppercuts on the inside. I see Douglas by stoppage if hes at his best. If he just shows up unmotivated Schmelling takes him

 

Louis didn't show up at his best though. He frequently left camp to go partying or to go see a woman. Max actually did him a favour, because after the loss Joe took his training more seriously. Not to take anything away from Max though...it was a tremendous performance.

The odds in the Tyson-Douglas fight was a ridiculous 42-1. That says it all really.

 

Agree with that first part.

Regarding Tyson-Douglas, I was just about old enough to sort of remember the fight as it happened. Surreal stuff at the time, as a wee kid Tyson seemed like a superhero who couldn't be beaten. Obviously the outcome sent massive shockwaves through the sport, but in hindsight and when the dust has settled in the 18 years since it's fair to say Tyson definitely had something like that coming to him sooner rather than later.

It was still a shock of course and many were seemingly still sucked into believing the "Tyson is invincible" aura. The signs were there, though a year prior when he fought Bruno that all wasn't totally well, that's when the first cracks started to appear: plus he underestimated Douglas' ability and talent, believing in his own hype too much. Could Douglas have the self-belief to go out and beat him? I think most still thought otherwise at the time.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, though. You're older than me and you'll obviously recall the buildup and seeing the fight live far more vivedly than me. What were your thoughts back then?

 

Dont know, this is hard, Schmeling was a great hw imo, Douglas only so in a h2h sense. Maybe the Tokyo Douglas wins this, he probably does, but in general i could see Schmeling do it mostly. Really clever and could time that right to perfection with devastating effect, Douglas likes to use the jab, and if he's not in Tokyo form then Schmeling can come over the top of that and stop him imo.

I must make a pick so, at their best i'll pick Douglas, but it will be hard

 

Depends on which version of the fighters squares-off.

If they fought just as they were i.e. a 1930's Schmeling vs a 1990's Douglas and the Tyson version of Douglas showed up, then it is curtains for Max Schmeling. 'Buster' will just be too big and strong and good enough to counter Max's boxing skills.

However, if Max got the benefits of more than half a century of boxing progress and any other version of Douglas showed up, a victory for Schmeling is certain.

The real fight will be between a 1990 Schmeling (as he would be) in the 1st Louis fight shape versus a Douglas in the Tyson fight shape.

I will strtetch out my neck and say that Douglas wins a hard fought affair - by decision or late round stoppage.

 

I think Schmeling had more heart and desire, but I can't see Max getting past that jab. Douglas by cuts.

 

Schmelling had Louis fight film specially processed so it was running lsow motion...first guy to do that...so when he said he thought he seen something, he went home and saw it.
So both get to look at Vidios....and Schmelling was a very intellegent counter puncher....Douglas had the best jab of his short era.
What are Douglass's weaknesses when he's got to chase down the guy...that is the key to such a fight.
Louis jab was considered extreamly good too but for that one small flaw....
Tyson was not in shape, had a pot belly...and idiots in his corner. With out the idiots in his corner he still might have won.

Douglass record was better so in spite of how much I like Schmelling, with 6 foot 3 1/2 and 83 inch reach at 230 vs 6 foot 1 76 inch reach and 192 pound fighter...douglass wins and more than just that fight, even if matched up and down the record. Schmelling did not have a granit jaw.