Some people doubt Schmeling's ability to overcome size disadvantage. Instead of making another "old vs modern" debate, let's put him in the ring with a fighter from the same era. George Godfrey was a physical marvel and he was very dangerous fighter too. How do you see this fight ending?
This fight could have been made, with both fighters pretty much at their best, and Schmeling would probably have taken the fight if it had served his purposes. Godfrey is a mystery, wrapped in a puzzle, wrapped in an enigma. He is one of the few fighters where the more you learn about him, the less clear the picture becomes. Based on their paper records we would have to expect Schmeling to win, but you never just know how good Godfrey might have been, if he had been given an honest chance to fight for the title.
You can get a good look at Godfrey vs Carrera on film. He is an early version of a big man with skills, and is getting the better of Carrera, until he lands a low blow. That's the problem with Godfrey, he was a very dirty fighter, a low blow king beyond Andrew Golota and many think was handcuffed to lose or fouled out unpurpose. Godfrey was perfect for the dive, as most thought he would beat so and so. Godfrey vs Wills would have been nice, Wills and his team declined the offer multiple times. Had Schmeling and Godfrey fought, any result is possible, include Scheming via DQ. I'll go with Schemling on points as Godfrey lost too many time on points. I don't think Godfrey had a lot of heart and pride to win, rather he was there for the pay day win, lose, draw or DQ.
