Gene Tunney vs Billy Conn

[zuru]

Two master boxers,who fought some of the best of their time.Who would have won?I think the edge goes to Tunney,but nothing is certain.Any thoughts?
zuru

[tiredoldngrey]

Great choice; oddly enough I can't recall ever seeing this one brought up before. Conn was essentially a large middle- I think he only weighed 173 in his final defence at LHW and he only had six fights at that weight before taking on the HWs; prior to that he had some welter fight but mostly he fought at 160. Tunney also had a few at middle but was a legit, maybe even somewhat large, LHW. His style was more controlled while Conn was more free-wheeling. I think Tunney's edge in punching power- substantial- would trump Conn's edge in speed, which I don't think was as great. Of course that is all speculative but it seems to me that the fact that they both are movers would tend to minimize a speed advantage (works better if there is a "bull" and a matador, not two guys with capes and swords) Also Tunney was a very effective body puncher, with the straight right and he KOd Carpentier with a luc to the body. I think Tunney would have a suprisingly easy time winning a wide UD.