Who was the Hardest Hitting Heavyweight Champ Before Dempsey?

Heard Jeff also say Fitz was the hardest puncher.

 

How many times are you going to lie or make yourself look like horses rear end? When picking his best heavyweights, Corbett clearly stated Jeffries was the best and called him ( NOW READ SLOWLY ) The best two-handed puncher, which is what I said. You're such a dolt.

 

I remember reading that. Maybe one of Adam’s books. If it is accurate that says a lot on Sullivan’s power for sure. Would like to find it again myself and verify source.

 

Sullivan was ancient and obese at that time.

 

Corbett hated Sullivan, and him and Fitz also had a lot of bad blood I their match. Jeffries and Corbett had a much better relationship, it's hard to see that not colouring his opinions.

 

Goddard is a fascinating fighter in his own right.

 

He was pretty much even with Peter Jackson in an 8 round match.

• Telegraph report carried in the October 21, 1890 Sydney Morning Herald said, in part, "...The excitement rose very high when it became evident that Goddard had a very strong lead and looked like winning..." Referee Miller stated that as both men had a big reputation he could not decide between them.
• Jackson knocked Goddard down in the 3rd round.
• Both men were down in the 5th

IMO Goddard could have dethroned Sullivan a year before Corbett did it.

 

He started late and was pretty old especially for the time but a tough as nails sort of guy ...

 

Ed Smith claimed the title after Corbett refused to fight him and he beat Goddard in New Orleans. Goddard returned the trick later in South Africa, thereby getting the title for himself. That's my lineage and I am standing by it.

 

P4P I'd go for Fitz and he was the best puncher, but in terms of raw power I'd go for Sullivan

 

The quote is accurate, direct from articles from Joe.

 

Just to clarify, Sullivan used Choynski as a sparring partner.

 

Who did Sullivan knock out? No one decent and in his prime 180+ pounds is the best answer. Fitz, or Jeffries stopped many 190+pound men.

 

That's why I said Fitz was the best puncher, he was able to hit the right places with precise and accurate power punches, that doesn't necessarily mean he hit harder than Sullivan did. It's impossible to tell really