The lack of Demspey answers disturb me. Zhang is nothing special, just a big southpaw who punches quite hard and gives the impression of a smart technician because he boxes within himself. He has massive weaknesses. His stamina sucks, his footwork sucks, his foot speed sucks, he is very predictable on offence, and his shots aren't even as tidy as advertised. Besides, Dempsey's entire style is poison for Zhang. Zhang's hand speed isn't anything great in itself, and his shots are gonna be even slower since he will have to punch wayyyy down at Dempsey, who is already 5 inches shorter and will be positioning himself even lower. Dempsey is just too quick, skilled and aggressive for lumbering giants who lack a creative offence, and he could comfortably stay at the end of his range and then close the distance whenever he gets comfortable. And when he inevitably goes to the body, he's gonna bang Zhang like a drum. No diddy.
Gene Tunney i think he could dance around the ring against the plodding Zhang and have him totally gassed by the middle rounds. Tunney is one of the few fighters from that era that has a more modern style and Zhang has never fought a mover like Tunney before. Still a dangerous fight for Tunney based on the size difference and power of Zhang but i think he could pull it off if he doesn't get hit with too much in the first 4 or 5 rounds.
I will say Jack Johnson, and potentially some earlier fighters, but we don't know enough about them to take a firm position.
Rudenko making it this difficult for Zhang to land clean on with his more compact size and tendency to go down the centreline with certain boldness was always a huge red as to how Zhang would deal with dynamic leads, more unpredictable rhythm, and certain defensive boldness.
Good shout. Or. Zhang times him and walks him onto a big hook. I'd take Jack, really. I think he would put his chin on Zhang's chest and smash his body. So would Frazier. And Tyson. And Marciano. I'm even wondering how Patterson does against Zhang. I love Floyd and if he can avoid the sneaky counter, Zhang is tired from answering a phone call earlier in the evening and can't go with Floyd over more than five or six rounds.... Jeez, am I dreaming.... Peace and love all, Px
