Which of these fighters would give Joe Louis his hardest fight..

In all seriousness Dempsey could be the biggest threat for the first few rounds... But once it goes past 3 Louis would exploit Dempseys childish defense and be administering a major ass whupping.

 

Dempsey would be the easiest. Liston the hardest.

 

Not really, because if Dempsey tries to come right into Joe in round 1, Joe would knock him out. Joe had more power, faster hands, better offense, and was the better finisher. He was also smarter in the ring too.

 

Joe didn't usually adjust too quickly. Dempsey had real He-Man power, I'll give him that. If he stuns Joe, he could finish him.

On the other hand, if Joe stuns Jack, he WOULD finish him.

Over the course of the bout I would give my odds to Joe but as I have always stated about Dempsey, he can't be counted out of any match-up.

 

1. Frazier
2. Dempsey
3. Johnson
4. Holyfield
5. Liston

 

If they'd come along in Louis's time an developed in analogy (mutatis mutandis, with appropriate modification) to how they had developed in their own times, I'd say:

Jack Johnson (toughest)
Jack Dempsey (very close)

Joe Frazier (potentially tough, might turn out easy)

Evander Holyfield (probably tough, but defense occaisionally goes out to lunch)
Sonny Liston (power and finishing aggression gives him a chance; might flip with Holyfield)

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Not sure who I'd pick if they were brought together by time-machine, i.e., each from their own time.

 

* Jack Dempsey by Knockout in '4' over Joe Louis.
* Joe Louis by a 'Dull' 15-Round Decision over Jack Johnson.
* Joe Louis by Knockout in '5' over Joe Frazier.
* Joe Louis by Knockout in '7' over Evander Holyfield.
* Joe Louis by a 'Solid' 15-Round Decision over Sonny Liston.

 

I can't guage Dempsey and Johnson.

I think Louis would time and TKO Frazier with uppercut combinations like the Godoy rematch.

Holyfield would do well to box but as soon as he gets wild, he will get rocked and he will get finished.

Liston intersts me, somneone that can control the distance with a strong jab. I still think Louis survives some knockdowns and gets him with the right cross eventually.

 

Goose,

Correct on Sonny Liston.

The 'prime' Sonny 1958 thru 1962, and properly conditioned, would have neautralized 'The Brown Bomber',
but I don't think Sonny would have been busy enough in the 'second half' of the bout to win the fight.

 

I would fancy Liston to beat Joe.

Liston's jab is such an awesome weapon in heavyweight history and if Sonny gets that jab firing early then it's a tough night for Joe.

Add in to the mix Liston's power (especially the right cross of his jab) with Louis' less than granite chin and I really see Liston being the toughest opponent out of the 5.

 

Sonny Liston
Jack Dempsey/Jack Johnson
Joe Frazier
Evander Holyfield

 

Dempsey by far is the most dangerous match up. Louis hated to be pressured as Rockyjim said earlier. After the marciano fight Louis admitted even at his best Rocky would of given problems. Dempsey is a better swarmer than Rocky and better all around skills and comparable power. Dempsey tried to take your head off from the first bell this would fluster Louis and disorient him. Louis stalked opponents and was not at all an elusive fighter with footwork and movement. If Dempsey didnt get him in 5 his chances greatly increase to win. On paper though this match up is a nightmare for Louis if he were going to win he'd have to catch Jack rushing in recklessly with a straight right. Louis hated to be mauled and Dempsey was the manassa mauler lol

 

I would not definitively pick any of them over Louis. But I also couldn't say with any type of certainty that Louis would definitely beat any of them.

I do think Louis whips Dempsey and probably Jack Johnson. Louis was quicker of hand than Liston and owned the calm, collected demeanour Liston only wished he had, which might make a difference.

Frazier certainly couldn't walk into Louis's shots because when he did get stunned, he had no real plan of survival and would instead try to fight right back which is never a good idea with Louis.

Holyfield was well-rounded in all aspects of boxing but he was not overly exceptional at any (aside from his sheer toughness and will), his habit matching opponents strength for strength could undo him but then again he could also get away with a win in the end. It's a tough match-up to call, as are the rest. I'm just highlighting Louis's possibilities.

 

Dempsey because of his speed an fire-power, he is a danger but Louis was the best counter-puncher...Dempsey still a danger and offensive beast

I think Louis handles the rest but not without some difficulty

 

completely false

Dempsey was the manassa mauler against farmers, white no hopers, light-heavyweights, and barroom brawlers. He never took on the world class black fighters of his generation. He hid behind the color line. Louis was far more battle tested