Tunney--Fitz only old champ who could beat Louis

One thing that crossed my mind and is worth adding: i'm wondering why Tunney only considers Fitzsimmons as perhaps able to beat Louis, but not the iron man who bested him twice, Jeffries. I'm guessing he hasn't seen anything of Jeffries either, but his victories over not only Fitz but also Corbett, and in fact all top men of his era, stand like a house and certainly speak in his favor.

My own thoughts are that Fitzsimmons might match a bit better from a stylistic point of view, but simply lacks the durability to make it work. I wouldn't pick Jeffries either, but i'd give him a better chance; especially under his own rules.

 

Tunney disliked Jeffries for knocking Irish Jim Corbett, and Brittish Bob Fitzsimmons.

 

Certainly he is entitled to his opinion, but i find it remarkable that he praises Fitzsimmons, but doesn't think highly of the man who thrashed his hero twice. It would be like saying that Frazier is the greatest of all time, but Foreman doesn't rank. And in this case, the "Foreman" also beat Ali twice.

I think Tunney vs Fitzsimmons would be quite competitive.

 

Jeffries was "Irish" too, wasn't he ?
And the Irish hated the British.

 

Wouldnt it be more like saying Frazier could beat Ali, but Foreman never would?
Tunney saw Jeffries style as soak up punishment and wear his opponent down. I tend to agree, if Jeffries only offence is to take the best of Joe Louis and wear him down, he is no chance. Saying that, i thinnk Jeff offers quite a bit more.