Prime Joe Louis vs...

Joe beat bigger guys than Lewis so I don't know about that.

 

I could see Holyfield eeking out a close decision but not winning a rematch.

Byrd I don't think so because he wasn't as slippery as Conn was. Conn was just the right size to be able to take Louis's punches as well as be quick enough to evade and get the hell out of there.

Liston would be a war for sure. Both had fantastic jabs and Liston was tough as nails, powerful, and immensely strong.

Lewis was a little slow for my taste. I think Louis could get on the inside and really bang up the body. Louis's combinations would put Lewis out.

I think Charles would win a wide decision. He had great boxing ability and all around skills.

Moore would last but not win anything more than a few rounds. I just threw his name in the mix because they didn't fight.

Marciano is the biggest fight though. He absolutley wrecked a past it Louis. This is a true 50/50 pick em fight.

Ike had great power and chin but was a little unproven. I wish he didn't go crazy because I would have enjoyed to see what he would have become. Hopefully he can make a comeback. I pick Louis by tko because Ike was pretty muscle bound.

Norton would be another great match. His chin brings him down though. I see a close competitive match with Norton getting knocked out around the 12th. Norton was tougher than he is given credit for.

Overall I think Louis's power is overrated. This gem was a true puncher/all around great fighter. His footwork was slow but that was what made him so great. He was never off balance and always on the attack.

 

He was a tough mother ****er. He was stopped twice between 1940 and 1951. That was a 78 fight career. Only 6 losses. You don't go up against the toughest punchers of your day and knock em out without being tough as nails. Both of the fights he was stopped in were before and after his prime.