How would you rate this guy in his prime ? As far as I know he had a great jab and great skills........But how good was he ? He beat some great opposition and fought some of the greats..... What are the views of the guys on the forum ? Thanks.....:good
Vic, Willie joyce was a helluva boxer with a great left hand.In over 70 bouts Joyce was never stopped, fighting the likes of Ike Williams[W2] Beau Jack, henry Armstrong,Lew Jenkins, Allie Stolz, Tippy Larkin [best pure boxer I ever saw],Willie Pep,and Chalky Wright.In my eyes he was the 4th best lightweight of his time ,Williams, Montgomery, Beau Jack. I saw him 2 or 3 times at MSG where he fought often. He would have a picnic today with most of the lightweights...:good
V, not that I know of.I have seen all four great lightweights of that golden era of the 1940s, Ike Williams, Beau Jack, Bob Montgomery, Willie Joyce. But Iv'e only seen Ike Williams, Beau Jack,and Sammy Angott on film today. Pity.Those four fighters along with Freddie Dawson ,were some tough group of lightweights, for sure...:good
Burt, I know how good was his jab, but was he a defensive minded fighter with great footwork or was he a guy with great defensive skills with some good offensive ability too ?? Just a question.... Because his power wasn´t impressive in numbers...... And I´m trying to find something about Leo Rodak too....who beat him in 44....... What a great lightweight era like you said ! Hey, some strong words on Tippy Larkin man....Didn´t knew how good he was.... Thanks for your opinion !