Tunney vs Charles

[HomicideHenry]

Both these men could have been champions at 175, but instead became HW title holders. Tunney could have fought the likes of Siki, McTigue, Berlenbach, and more than likely beaten them all, but instead chose to dismantle Jack Dempsey over ten rounds. Charles, whether it be politics or purse, never went for the championship, insteading filling the void that Joe Louis left behind in retirement.

In a 12 round bout, how would this match have went, if they met at 175?

[Goodnight, Irene]

I have often thought about this one, & I'm not sure where Charles really beats him, if he does at all. People kind of just go along saying Charles was the best man at this weight, & he was perhaps a more athletically-gifted fighter than Tunney, but was he truly better?

IMO, Tunney & Charles are the best two men at this weight --- better than all the rest. I really wouldn't pick a winner her qith anything approaching serious confidence. There are just so few errors in either men, & Tunney's pre-fight preparation for high-profile opposition, in particular, was excellent.

[HomicideHenry]

I agree with you on all points. This is a hard match to determine, and its no easy task. Its so easy to say Charles, but Tunney certainly could have laid waste to any 175 pounder in his era as well. Dempsey was there for the taking, and who can really blame Tunney for doing so? Charles, imo, was the better heavyweight, but then again thats really all so speculative too, considering Tunney retired on top, beating Dempsey in the rematch and having one more bout for good measure. I think Tunney at 175, would have been Charles' hardest fight. Tunney would have given Moore and Foster and Spinks troubles as well, yet he's often an after thought in these 175 pound match ups.

[Mr E]

This is an extremely interesting fight.

Pound-for-pound, I think Tunney peaked as a 190-lb. cruiserweight and Charles peaked as a 175-lb. light-heavyweight.

At 190, I like Tunney for sure -- W15.

If they both need to make 175 ... almost too close to call. Maybe a draw, maybe Charles shades him.

[boxing_fanatic_87]

I think Charles wins a narrow scrap, let's say 7 rounds to 5.

[harrygreb]

great match must go the whole way ezz wins by a squeek

[Minotauro]

I think Charles would win a decision.

[Goodnight, Irene]

I'm not so sure he would, but that's me.

It's not a gamblers' fight, that's for certain.