Willard's worth as a champion?

I'm saying the winner is something if hot debate. So far I can't find anyone who would have been considered anything other than a big underdog vs Willard.

 

Well Dempsey was an underdog despite knocking out Fulton in one. There were fears that Willard would kill Dempsey in the ring.

By the time wills beat firpo I think him and Dempsey would be pretty much even money. At the end of the 90's Jones v DM would be pretty much even money.

Willard seems to have been very highly rated during his day, more so than we rate him looking back.

 

I think he'd have battered him but it was the fight everyone wanted to see and after dm beat hill up until the early 00's I dont think anyone is a massive favourite to beat him.

 

A retrospective severe underdog. During the late 90's I think he ain't gonna be a severe underdog against any lhw.

 

Criticism based on style not on skill. It underlined his status as clear number 1 contender. Firpo had much less success against Wills. The fight wasn't as exciting as jack's was but the clear domination combined with jack continually refusing to fight Wills makes it more open to debate.

 

No I am merely saying that wills and Dempsey were both at the top of the division together. I dont think there was anyone like that during willards reign. Fulton was a deserving top contender in my opinion but I'm not sure why the fight never came off.

 

No, again I shall reword because you misunderstood my post.

I have found no suggestion that anyone was considered in the class of Willard during his reign. During other reigns (I gave two examples) this isn't always the case.