If all these mean would lock up in tests of strength... who do you think would come out on top more times than not and prove to be overall the strongest?
Well Johnson proved that he was much stronger than jefries, AND I DONT CARE A CRAP ABOUT IF JEFRIES WAS PAST HIS PRIME, IN STRENGTH HE WAS IN HIS PEAK AGE
In all their physical primes, I would say that Jeffries was probably the strongest of them. Jeffries was an avid weightlifter and a physical freak of nature. I know that Johnson also trained with weights and Liston to my knowledge never lifted weights.
I don't really see how we can judge it.It would be personal impressions . Jeffries was a very strong man but he was something of a giant for his times, mauling older and smaller men for the most part. How would he do against heavies not considered huge today? Say Evander Holyfield? Johnson held Willard off for 26rds and was in the lead after 20 rds. Some may level the same criticism at him I have at Jeffries, but I've just re-read Pollack's account of Johnson's fights with the 20/25lbs heavier McVey Johnson picked him up at one point and controlled him in the clinches, proving superior at the infighting where McVey was expected to shine.Johnson also dominated Jeffries ,of course Jeffries was older and diminished in reflexes and timing, but was his strength less? Liston never really manhandled an opponent, he banged them out, no one voluntarily wrestled with him. His physical appearance suggests he was strong ,how strong who knows?
