Tony Zale vs Gene Fullmer?

I rate Fullmer quite a bit higher. Zale holds no edge stylistically. My choice is clear. I’ve thought both were overrated in the past, but I’ve come around to the fact that I just strongly dislike Fullmer aesthetically. His effectiveness, even if you think the judges helped him on occasion, was elite.

I’ve never really been able to understand Zale’s reputation, though. Not that he wasn’t a good fighter. He certainly was. Dangerous puncher, and gave a good show to his adoring fans. Nothing like they made him out to be before the days of Internet forums, though.

That said, I do feel like his status has taken a good sized hit since the dawn of the Internet. Until he gets brought up, anyway. Then a switch flips and people praise him to the heavens. Like they’re paying tribute to make up for the fact that nobody ever talks about him anymore. Always a reference to his body punching, too, which Ring magazine told them so much about for so long.

Sorry for the rant. Sleep deprivation.