Lets say that Joe Louis had lived to be 100 and retained his mental faculties as Max Schmeling did. What would he have thought of various fighters who came after his deat e.g. Tyson, Holyfield, Bowe, Lewis, Klitschko, Pacquiao? Who would he have rated and who not?
No ideal. Though 100 is asking a LOT, Louis had way less than a shot at 100 with his life style, drugs, women, drnking ete. Schmeling in retirement, I belive lived a clean life, which is why he made it to 99 lol. I still think Louis would rank Marciano number 1, which he did in retirement. Was going over the radio broadcast, and Louis always pick Rocky over who he fight in that tourment, Dempsey, Tunney ete. Than the Superfight, I belive Louis was the only one to pick Marciano over Ali. That part I pretty sure.
I wouldn't be surprized if he had proclaimed a young Mike Tyson as the goat when he was at the height of his destructive spree.
Perhaps. Louis always seem to pick the punchers for the most part outside of Billy Conn. Though something inside me says, he would say Marciano would out gut Tyson or something.
I think he would have recognized the talents but would also would have seen the weaknesses. Louis was good at chopping down Big men and I think Bowe took way to many punches to survive vs Louis. Klitschko, well most know his weaknesses but he has done a good job overcoming with a solid and careful defense. I think he would present the most trouble for Joe but Joe would catch him. He would have to recognize Lewis,s offense but at the same time observed his weaknesses. Never recovered from a KD and was less than impressive in fights with durable guys like Evander and Mercer He would have liked Tyson,s aggressive punching but would take note the fact that he only scored a KO once past the 8th rd and never got off the floor to win. As far a Pac, he would have loved him but told him to settle down and take your time, he can run but not hide.
You just about beat me in mentioning this ! :good One of my favourite scenes from my favourite Eddie Murphy film.
