Wladimir Klitschko vs. Joe Louis.

Louis certainly wasn't slow... but I think his speed may be slightly overrated.

We all know, that he had these fantastic combinations of short, powerful punches. Where every punch was delivered with maximum force - thus possibly suffering slightly in the speed department. If we're talking hand-speed, I just don't think he's up there with guys like Ali, Patterson or Tyson.

As for Haye... well, he has/had great reflexes and speed for a man his size. I don't really see, how Louis was faster!

 

Joe Louis by KO...

 

I disagree, i think he was certainly approaching their bracket. His speed is underrated for mine, as seen by a couple of comments in this thread.

 

Louis would knock walds block off inside a few rounds at best for wlad.

 

Obviously Wlad crushes Louis and Valuev crushes Lewis.

 

I rank Joe Louis much higher and always will from a legacy perspective. But when placing the two of them in the ring together, my inclination is to lean towards Wladimir Klitschko. On the surface Wlad may look like a beatable opponent for the Bomber. He was after all stopped brutally by three lesser men and bore the same kind of height and size dimensions as past giants who were quickly dispatched by Louis. But its not that simple. Those men weren't the athletes that Waldimir was. They didn't have a trainer like Emanual Steward in their corner. They didn't have Wlad's jab, ring generalship or track record of being a 10 year reigning champion. Klitschko for all his shortcomings learned from his mistakes and improved his fight game at a somewhat late stage in life. He didn't take foolish risks and knew when to keep his distance against a guy who could crack. In order for Louis to utilize and land his lethal combinations he'd have to find a way to permeate Wlad's lengthy reach and all time great jab. This would be a difficult task in and of itself. But once inside ( if he even gets there ) he'll most likely get tied up by a man who had about five inches in height and a very muscular 30 lbs on him. And While Joe was a champion of endless heart, his chin and tendency to get decked or stopped should be taken into consideration when facing a champion of Wlad's power as well.

 

That's what I like. A stylistic brea down as to your opinion.

Much better than "Wlad is too big"

 

Thanks. It obviously shouldn't be chalked up to just size alone as Louis destroyed numerous heavyweights who were Wlad's size and in some cases bigger.. But I do feel that size combined with conditioning, styles, skills, the right trainer, etc could pose some serious problems.

 

Not forgetting the lethal right hand that follows the jab.

 

Agree or disagree with it, this is an excellent post!

 

This is a really good write up for a Wlad prediction. And you make a lot of solid points.

Just want to point out a small correction that Buddy Baer had Ray Arcel in his corner. Although probably somewhat green and not matured like Stewart was with Wlad.

 

Thanks my friend. I try !!

 

I didn't realize Arcel trained Buddy Baer. Good stuff, thanks.

 

Wlad would win more times than not but either guy can take the other out. If backing Wlad, one would definitely prefer the more fleet footed version of a few years back.

 

A fair post, but I believe Sanders or Brewster hit harder Schmeling, and if they were in the 1930's - 1940's would be top rated contenders.

To call them " lesser men " is not right. Lesser in comparison to Wlad, okay, but not lesser compared to Louis opponents.

Sanders and Brewster were alphabet champions and big time punches. I think better than whomever ring Magazine put at #1-3 in many cases in the 1930's-1940's.

Louis could not recover when decked by Schmeling. Wlad is essentially Schmeling 3.0