Which Light Heavy s Give Louis A Hard Fight ?

Prime Matthew Saad Muhummad. I've never seen another fighter that when threatened, could come back and blast out a guy like Matthew could. He was a big light-heavy who would match up well physically with Louis as well. Louis would have to be on high alert every time he hurt this guy because that's when Saad was at his most dangerous. As mentioned earlier, Roy Jones, Qawi, Spinks for various reasons and I will throw in James Toney whom I could see giving Louis some real fits with his defence and counter punching skills. He put a real beating on past prime Holyfield that was disturbing to watch. Archie Moore should get more mention as 42 year old Moore dropped common opponent Marciano hard before finally succumbing to Rocky's pressure. Moore knocked out a lot of good heavys in the era that overlapped Louis, Charles and Marciano. I think the only time that they could've fought that made sense was in the late 40's before Louis fought Ezzard Charles. Louis was past prime and Moore was a little inexperienced at heavy. Moore by decision with a knockdown (or 2).

 

I remember an interview with Archie Moore where he stated that he couldn't have beaten Joe Louis.

 

Ezzard Charles, Archie Moore, Roy Jones, Jr., Michael Spinks. I think Louis beats them all but they could all be a problem in their own way.

And I forgot the two who are on my Mount Rushmore of LHW ATG's, Mike Rossman and Donny Lalonde. Those two just might be able to pull off the KO win vs prime Louis.

 

Perhaps, but I think he'd have a good run before Louis finally stopped him. He may be able to even put Louis to the canvas with a well timed counter.

 

Is there any such thing as a non-violent KO???

 

Hi McVey!!! Anthony Joshua finally let you out of his basement, huh?

 

Yes finally,I can't make up my mind who wins in Saudi ,even money maybe.

 

Charles liked to slug too often, but Tunney was a better mover and had a better chin. In many ways he's Joe Louis worst nightmare.

 

Artur Beterbiev.

 

After watching boxing for over 3 decades, my theory in light heavyweight vs. heavyweights is this.

The light heavyweight, if he has pound for pound type of skills, and better speed can win under the following conditions.

Their height and reach are close enough. Once this disparity becomes to great, not even an edge in speed or skills, assuming the opponent also has skills will earn a victory.

The lower the weight of the heavyweight, the better than chances for the lightweight so 175 can beat 200, 210, and up to about 215. But today a modern heavyweight is 3-4 often weight classes above light heavyweights, meaning on average the light heavyweight is giving up about 5 to 7 inches in height, 6 to 11 inches in reach and about 55 pounds in weight. The reason why we don't see these type of fights but did decades ago. Just about every heavyweight these days can hit.

Roy Jones, a fantastic light heavyweight talent did beat John Ruiz who wasn't a puncher and had the best style natch up for Jones. I do not think Roy Jones jr would beat Joshua, Andy Ruiz Jr, Wilder or Fury... Light heavies beating heavy champions could be history.

 

Charles had a good chin, Tunney did not fight the quality punchers in the heavyweight division - not close to Charles.

Tunney was dropped badly by a rusty Dempsey in the Long Count battle, he recovered well (thanks to the ref) but wont hold that against him, Dempsey also KO'd a young Jack Sharkey. Tunney fought some some solid light heavyweights & Dempsey but Charles fought Marciano, Louis,Walcott, Moore, Layne,Satterfield, - I could go on and on- Charles acquitted himself pretty well with some Big punchers.

As far as style I agree with you Tunney could run and jab and had enough pop to keep Louis at bay but Louis was the best finisher ever and power/combo puncher.....Tunney could run but Louis would get him out of hiding between 10-15 and stop him, Charles fought in the pocket inside the Louis punching range and also move out well behind the jab and good power.

I think Charles may go quicker but would not embarrass himself and Tunney would at least proform like Billy Conn in Conn/Louis fight 1

 

This still, but Loughran, Jones and Spinks would beat Louis of the Conn fight imo.

 

Welcome back man, glad to see you again.
Have you spoke to Tonto yet? I think you'd really get on with him

 

Charles was down 30 times in his career. His chin was solid at best. The guy was tough minded for sure, but also a guy who can be stopped by medium type of punchers.

Tunney was only dropped once in 80+ fights, and it took Dempsey's best filmed combination to do it. This tells me he's durable.

 

Joe Calzaghe!