I've got to side with Loughran on this one. He won at a higher level and looks great on film. I don't think there is a great appreciable increase of general boxing skill and abillity between the 20-30's and 40-50's, perhaps the greater inclusion of African Americans being the only factor. But Loughran was beating top-notchers regardless. Tommy was more finesse but was also tough in taking a shot or the grinding pace of a Mickey Walker. I think he takes a decision by a couple points.
what is interesting is both guys used a safety first jab heavy style and both guys couldnt knock anyone out but 1 guy (loughran ) had a style that whipped bigger guys and the other guy nearly lost to a natural welter as a light heavy!
I don't see this one as the out fight the consensus is making it here. Loughran fought in the color line era. I don't believe he ever fought an African-American fighter. Over half of Maxim's defeats were to African-American fighters. How would Loughran have done against Charles, Moore, Walcott, Machen, Bivins, Sheppard, etc. Mostly in their primes. And many in an extended series. Maxim was taller and rangier, which might well be critical in a battle of jab and movers. I see this one as a toss-up.
I am not saying he avoided any. But they weren't there because of the color line. The issue is the level of competition the two men faced. My view is that Maxim met the tougher competition because the door was open to all the available talent.
Maxim really wasn’t blown away by to many people. Hard to believe Tommy would. Maybe Tommy wins on points in a boring bout but def not a blow out. Both have some very good wins over very good fighters.
I believe Loughran fought the tougher competition and did better against tough competition! Yes lets not play a game of debating unknown unknowns(who knows what great black light heavies would have fought in Loughrans time)
I believe he never fought one black fighter .. that said, Loughran was a class above but Maxim was much tougher, a much better beard ..
