Most Underrated HW champion?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Kell Macabe, Jul 27, 2022.


  1. Kell Macabe

    Kell Macabe I don’t know s*** about boxing Full Member

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    Imo Jersey Walcott is one of the most underrated champs. Yeah you could go on boxrec and see his record (49-20-1) but a lot of those losses are because Joe peak in an older age similar to Hopkins. For Most of Joes Physical prime he was to almost to poor to buy food let alone proper training but he would still go on and have wins over
    Ezzard Charles,Harold Johnson, Joey Maxim and Elmer Ray. Walcott would also give two top 10 HW Joe Louis and Rocky Marciano very close and competitive fights.
     
  2. Kell Macabe

    Kell Macabe I don’t know s*** about boxing Full Member

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    Not to mention Walcott had some of the best timing and footwork in the HW division.
     
  3. 15 rounds

    15 rounds Member banned Full Member

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    To be under rated you must be very good overall, but forgotten to be metioned in general. I think Walcott get his due but under rated in terms of title defenses and overall losses he's not.
     
  4. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

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    Ibragimov. Beat Briggs for a belt, defended against Holyfield, and got shutout by Wlad.

    But would’ve beaten a lot of other champions.

    In the 90s alone, he probably would’ve taken a belt off Foreman, Douglas, Seldon, McCall, Morrison, Mercer, Bruno and possibly Moorer or off night Holyfield and CTE Bowe.
     
  5. billyb71

    billyb71 Member Full Member

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    Walcott was also a crook. Why did he call Liston out in Ali-Liston 2 when Walcott had never started a count on Liston because Ali wouldn't return to a neutral corner. Walcott had 23 years ring experience. He knew better. He was either paid to rig the fight or he was a fool.
     
  6. louis54

    louis54 Well-Known Member Full Member

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  7. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I agree,Kell. JJW was a very skilled boxer/puncher who would have given even the greatest of heavyweights a competitive fight.
     
  8. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I don't think there was anything crooked going on there. It was simply a case of Jersey Joe ballsing it up.
     
  9. billyb71

    billyb71 Member Full Member

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    I don't think so. Walcott was very familiar with the neutral corner rule. He knew exactly what he was doing. Saying he didn't is like saying a baker didn't know what flour was.
     
  10. 70sFan865

    70sFan865 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Max Schmeling, people often don't have him inside top 15 which is insane in my opinion. Few people look at his resume past Louis fight as well.

    I think Walcott is overrated if anything, still a great fighter though.
     
  11. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Until he didn't.

    Sure, he looks great in highlights but he was inconsistent, wasted movement and got caught.

    A journeyman made good. No shame in that.
     
  12. Holmes77

    Holmes77 Member Full Member

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    Until recent times Larry Holmes!
     
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  13. Holmes77

    Holmes77 Member Full Member

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    And I will also go with Mike Weaver
     
  14. he grant

    he grant Historian/Film Maker

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    Jack Sharkey, who peaked in the mid to later 1920's is very underrated, much of it his fault but at this best he could really fight.

    I agree with the mention of Tunney.

    I'd add Willard as both underrated and one who's potential was never close to met ..
     
  15. RulesMakeItInteresting

    RulesMakeItInteresting Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Weaver was actually a really good fighter with Tyson-level power. His extraordinary effort against Holmes, demo of Tate, and terrific battle against Coetzee can't be discounted.

    It's too bad he seemed to lack consistent concentration, at times it seemed he kind of sleep-walked in the middle of fights,

    The Dokes I and II fights were both unfair and smaller scale robberies for sure. He shouldn't have had that title taken from him , much less not regained it. Sure, he would have lost it eventually to Thomas or Witherspoon but still...
     
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