Joe Jeannette might be the most overlooked warrior in heavyweight history. Jack Johnson called him “the toughest man I ever fought,” and coming from one of the greats of all time, that says everything. His toughness was the stuff of legend — in the 49-round war with Sam McVey in Paris, he was knocked down more than two dozen times early, nearly stopped in the 16th, and still came back to wear McVey down and knock him out in the 49th. He fought Johnson 10 times, Langford over a dozen, and mixed with the absolute best without ever getting a title shot because of the color line. Jeannette was a master inside fighter, impossible to wear down, and his durability was off the charts. He compiled over 100 wins, many against Hall of Fame-level opposition, and did it with skill, grit, and class. If you know his story, you can’t help but respect the man — one of the toughest heavyweights who ever lived. How would he do in other eras and different circumstances ?
According to one poster here he was a liar, which is an unfortunate and disrespectful way to describe him. He wasn't the most polished or accomplished fighter but he gave it his all. The legendary 49 round fight with McVey where each fighter left it all in the ring. As a relative novice he really improved with each fight with Johnson until he closed the gap between them in their last match. "Jack forgot about his old friends after he became champion and drew the color line against his own people." ~ Joe Jeannette
I believe Jeannette is Top 6 for his era. I am of the camp that I believe Mcvey was better. The biggest difference in going against other heavy's (head to head) is that Mcvey carry's a real puncher's power which Jeannnete lacks. But jeanette has him on sheer will to win. Power is a big factor & While both went down so many times in 49 rounds. Jeanette had about an equal chin of Mcvey. I have Jeannette right next to Fitz. I think these two in action would produce one of the great matches. Jeanette ranked as a light heavyweight he would be rather high, I do believe he would give top Lightheavy's just after him a great bout such as Jack Dillion & Young Stribling. I am not convinced Jeannette would walk through the peers older than him. Such as Denver Ed Martin & Hank Griffin had they meet early in his career. He would rank higher but that doesn't mean he would automatically win. Both those guy's were sneaky good & jeannete could be very erratic.
