What are some popular pugilistic myths that have been discredited(or need to be)?

Another one is the myth that Billy Conn was merely outboxing Joe Louis in their fight until the fatal 13th round. Going by the myths one would think that Billy was on his bicycle the whole fight, pecking and poking away at Louis while avoiding the bigger man like he had bad breath.

In fact Conn outslugged Louis throughout the fight as well. If you watch the film Conn engages him in several shootouts along the way and fights much of the battle right there in the danger zone, acquitting himself beautifully by starting and finishing punching exchanges.

 

The right by Graziano that "floored" Ray Robinson is a myth as well. It looks to me similar to the Juan Roldan punch that "floored" Marvin Hagler. The blow appears to cuff Robby behind the head and he's pulled forward.

 

Regarding how legitimate the pantom punch was,i think the reaction of Ali tells all.He immediately stands over Liston gesturing to him to get up saying "get up ya bum".That's not the reaction of a man who thinks he's just landed a knockout punch.
I'm not sure the fix was in though,i just thought for whatever reason Sonny just got himself out of there.

 

Actually, this was discussed on a show hosted by Curt Gowdie where he brought two old combatants together for a hash session on one of their fights. I remember Pep-Saddler with Don Dunphy asking some good tough questions and I think Louis and Walcott. Was the name of the show called, "Those were the days"??? I'm probably wrong. It was like the mid '70s when i saw it. Anyways, they also did Robinson-Graziano and Robinson said the blow actually hit him on the neck but the force of it dropped him. This was also the show where Sugar said the hardest puncher he ever fought was Artie Levine.

Scartissue

 

Because he fought 4 ATGs and he beat 2 of them

so no he didnt lose to every great fighter he faced

 

Its also a myth that Billy had an insurmountable lead when KOd by Louis. In fact Louis still had a chance to retain his title on points.

 

Interesting stuff. Didn't know that. Actually, it's kind of disturbing as Conn was winning the fight handily on my scorecard. How did you see it?

 

The full fight doesnt exist so its hard to judge. He was obviously winning the edited version that exists. Mike Jacobs only distributed a heavily edited copy.

BTW I will be getting in touch with you soon about your last email Doug. Ive been remodeling my office and as such all of my files are stored so they arent easy to get to. I didnt want you to think I had forgotten or was ignoring you.

 

edit

 

Yes, a rally by Louis could theoreticaly have got him a win or a draw on the cards.

He would have needed to be active in the last two rounds.

Given the extent to which agression was favoured back then it was eminently doable.

 

Really good post as always.

4. Never noticed that before, but thanks for bringing it to my attention.

3. I agree completly

2. Very interesting, did not know that at all.

1. I think you have hit the nail on the head.

The Way it was.

 

Bernard Hopkins would never let a white boy beat him (busted).

 

:happy

 

Solid post

 

I completely disagree. It was absolutely true and both sides admitted it.