The most interesting hypothetical questions about the history of the HW division?

When comparing fighters of different eras, how important is it to consider other sports where there has been a constant improvement (for a mulitude of reasons) in records and such ?

(E.g. Flojo was faster than Jesse Owens. The four minute mile was once the holy grail of milers).


How much emphasis should be placed on current training and conditioning as a factor ?

(The HW division scarcely provides the best examples of well-conditioned fighters but the point is still there.)

 

Other possibles:

12 rounds v 15 ?

Same day weigh-ins (less important in HW than other divisions).

 

Fail.

 

Given the opportunity against Braddock,would Schmeling have been the first man to regain the title?

If Liston had got his chance against Patterson earlier ,and had not had Ali coming up ,would he be a lock for a top 5 placing?
Peter Jackson,would he have beaten the fading Sullivan and kept Corbett away from the title?

FItz Corbett who would have won a second fight?

Was Wills really that good or, would Dempsey have bombed him?
George Godfrey , without the handcuffs,could he have won the title ?


Prime Jeffries v Johnson ?

 

Is Ali considered the greatest because he really was or because of his impact on the sport?

 

Because he really was. His accomplishments and resume reflect that. Next.

 

If Ali's status as the greatest is, in fact, based more on his contribution to the sport and impact on the world ...should Joe Louis be considered the greatest?

 

No I agree with you but he asked for decent questions regarding the HW division and I think that's a reasonable one.

 

Another reasonable question would be," What HW when in their prime and bringing their A game would present the toughest matchup for any other HW in history?" Remember the question is not"Who's the best HW in history" it's whose the toughest matchup when they bring their A-Game...The answer, in my opinion, is either Riddick Bowe or Razor Ruddock but, regardless of your answer, its an interesting question.

 

I've had him #1 for as long as I've made a HW list. But I've been thinking about it lately and considering Louis at #1. Maybe because I just watched his Ringside special. Beauty combinations. What a puncher and fighter.

 

If Clay/Ali doesnt have his bike stolen who beats Liston and Foreman?