Stanley Ketchel vs Tommy Burns

Hmm.. great question Janitor.. I have to fancy all the abilities of Burns..

Had the loss to Johnson not materialised, Burns would be a definate KO machine against Ketchel. He boxed from a better distance, used his timing to knock down bigger men with effect (bill squires in Colma is a great piece of film), landed the most effective flush punching combo's for any H/W prior.. and had the conditioning to keep momentum up to Ketchel, at a higher rate.

No disrespect to Stanley..... Hmmmmmm... Burns by KO3 over Ketchel. If the horse races are on, Burns by Ko1 over Ketchel.

 

I think Burns was the more polished of the two his footwork was very good taking him in and out of punching distance .
Ketchel was a force of nature , terrific power ,punches thrown from anywhere and all ko shots,plus he carried his power into the late rounds.I would go for Burns by ko,somewhere in the fight Stanley,whose defence was not the best[Johnson said he was astonished how easy he was to hit], would walk into one of Burns quick right hands ,and that would start the rot.It might take several "finishers" from Tommy ,but he would club Stanley down at some point .

 

This is tough. Burns was bigger, fought bigger opponents and looks much better on film, but Ketchel did better against common opponents. . .

Ketchel-KO-1

 

Will throw in one arguement Maxmomer.... Burns took a good belting in Sydney, at the hands of Johnson... 14 rounds, until the Police stopped the massacre.. Tommy was outclassed, by a mile, yet retained his feet in the close. Ketchel was in 'Disneyland' after the 12th round barrage...

I think Johnson used clever caution in the Ketchel fight... hence the 12 round duration... as soon as Ketchel upset him, Nye Nye Stanley.

 

interesting match-up...for sure it would get past 8 rounds...i like stanley's chances but it's a punches fight

 

I've heard it said that the only reason Burns made it to the finish line was because Johnson wanted him too. Because Johnson felt he posed no threat and decided to toy with him for the distance. I think he was doing the same to Ketchel until the first KD, at which point Johnson decided it was kill or be killed and ended it.

 

True, but both Johnson and Langford stated that Ketchell hit like a mule kicks. And really Ketchell had no business being in the ring with a HW champ. Tommy had a primitive but effective offense. Stanley had overwhelming power but a rather porous defense. First big strike probably takes this one as both were excellent finishers.

 

You leave very little room to argue again. I just wonder why Johnson turned on the fireworks in the 14th... Hugh McIntosh was a master at business..or the entertainment factor. Perhaps a few words to Johnson prior to the bout had been said, or even whilst refereeing the bout..???

The repercussions of a round 1-5 KO would be even more ignited, had Johnson taken that avenue. The fact police ordered the filming to cease, and the fight be stopped, may have also limited further backlash.

As mentioned by you, certainly, Johnson had his way with Tommy for the entire fight, seemingly carrying him. Perhaps Hugh requested some fair action time for the audience?? The mind wonders...... A hypothetical view...

 

I like Stanley, i'l take Burns though.

 

Agreed. Burns has more skill, more speed, and IMO proven heavyweight power.

 

I feel Burns underated. He fought bigger men & did well. Tommy could do everything well. Ketchel thou could really crack, Michigan middle in a killing!!!:shock:

 

how so? Ketchell fought 6 even rounds with a Peak Sam Langford when no other white fighter in the world would take him on

In your dreams. Ketchels handspeed was twice as fast as burns

LOL Burns made johnson laugh when he landed a flush punch. A flush right hand from stanley ketchell floored the 205lb johnaon right on the seat of his pants and put him on ***** st for one to 2 seconds. Tommy Burns couldnt hurt Philadelphia Jack O brien in 50 rounds....and Stanley Ketchel twice knocked O brien OUT COLD. Also, ketchell knocked out a very durable 200lb heavyweight Dan Porky Flynn in just a couple rounds, when did burns ever demonstrate that kind of early power vs a big durable heavyweight?



I think this is a mismatch. Ketchel is way too fast and powerful for burns. I like ketchel KO 2 Burns.