Top 15 Hardest Hitters 1940-1950

Wow, nice research. I love that era, much deeper than people of today think.

 

Love that Hatchman is number 2. That guy was an unbelieveable hitter from everything I've read. Never knew that Tami Muerello was considered much of a puncher but looking at his record it's clear the guy could hit.

Thanks for the list!!!

 

Eddie Kapphan, who managed both Sheppard and Harry Bobo, attributed Harry's premature death (in the late 1960s) to a blow he took from the Hatchetman in sparring two decades earlier. Ever afterward Bobo complained of headaches and was allegedly complaining of having major trouble with them right before he died.

Archie Moore claimed that one of his legs was numb for a week after fighting Sheppard. Charley Burley's manager blaimed one of Burley's losses to Ezzard Charles on a sparring session he'd had with Sheppard, in which Charley took a body blow that just ruined him.

Sheppard stories abound in boxing lore. But you gotta dig a little to find 'em!

 

I would add Rusty Payne to this list.

 

Yessir,Tami Mauriello could certainly hit ! Saw him many times at MSG, and every fight a war ...

 

Great list of punchers S. I saw Baksi, Mauriello, Walcott, Elmer Ray, Tommy Gomez, ringside and they were great punchers. Two lighter guys were Pat Valentino, and Fitzie Fitzpatrick, both bangers...

 

A fine list.

The only thing I might question is the order.

I consider your #1 to be the best all round puncher in the history of the heavyweight division, but in terms of pure kinetic power, I doubt that he would top that list.

If on the other hand you are assesing these fighters as all round punchers, he is clearly placed corectly. In that case your #2 (who probably is the hardest puncher on the list), might fall below a couple of guys with better punching form.

By that criteria, Tomphson and Murray would fare prety well IMHO.

 

Nice list. These kind of things make this board enjoyable.

 

You are probably wondering why Big Boy Brown didn't clean out the era.

 

Very good thread SQ....you've sparked my interest in these guys now.

 

Yeah, with a body like Butterbean, I do wonder.