How about a fantasy fight with two all-time greats of the same era? (This one was actually scheduled to be promoted by Tex Rickard for the date I've indicated, but Leonard broke his thumb in a tune-up against Pal Moran.)
Let's assume Benny didn't break his thumb in his tune-up against Moran on August 11, 1924: Benny Leonard v. Mickey Walker @ Yankee Stadium on August 21, 1924 for Walker's world welterweight title. 15 rounds.
Benny Leonard v. Mickey Walker, 1924
Re: Benny Leonard v. Mickey Walker, 1924
Im convinced Benny didnt want this fight. He saw the handwriting on the wall at this point. This was one of the biggest fights the public was clamoring for and it was on the hook off and on from at least the time Walker won the title. The blame for the fight never coming off was always squarely in Benny's corner and when he basically ran out of wiggle room he retired. I dont really blame him. Leonard was a tremendous fighter, one of the greatest ever, but so was Walker and it was quickly becoming apparent at this time that Walker was special.
Re: Benny Leonard v. Mickey Walker, 1924
And BIGGER...klompton wrote:Im convinced Benny didnt want this fight. He saw the handwriting on the wall at this point. This was one of the biggest fights the public was clamoring for and it was on the hook off and on from at least the time Walker won the title. The blame for the fight never coming off was always squarely in Benny's corner and when he basically ran out of wiggle room he retired. I dont really blame him. Leonard was a tremendous fighter, one of the greatest ever, but so was Walker and it was quickly becoming apparent at this time that Walker was special.
Re: Benny Leonard v. Mickey Walker, 1924
The broken thumb was real and severe. He was excused by commission physicians. When Tex rescheduled it, Benny complained that his hand still hadn't healed right. He was reexamined by commission physicians, and they concurred. That's when Benny retired. But, regardless, who do you think would have won?klompton wrote:Im convinced Benny didnt want this fight. He saw the handwriting on the wall at this point. This was one of the biggest fights the public was clamoring for and it was on the hook off and on from at least the time Walker won the title. The blame for the fight never coming off was always squarely in Benny's corner and when he basically ran out of wiggle room he retired. I dont really blame him. Leonard was a tremendous fighter, one of the greatest ever, but so was Walker and it was quickly becoming apparent at this time that Walker was special.
Re: Benny Leonard v. Mickey Walker, 1924
R, I take the Fifth. Or a pint will do...raylawpc wrote:The broken thumb was real and severe. He was excused by commission physicians. When Tex rescheduled it, Benny complained that his hand still hadn't healed right. He was reexamined by commission physicians, and they concurred. That's when Benny retired. But, regardless, who do you think would have won?klompton wrote:Im convinced Benny didnt want this fight. He saw the handwriting on the wall at this point. This was one of the biggest fights the public was clamoring for and it was on the hook off and on from at least the time Walker won the title. The blame for the fight never coming off was always squarely in Benny's corner and when he basically ran out of wiggle room he retired. I dont really blame him. Leonard was a tremendous fighter, one of the greatest ever, but so was Walker and it was quickly becoming apparent at this time that Walker was special.
Re: Benny Leonard v. Mickey Walker, 1924
What happened to all the "historians" on this forum? Can't anyone hazard a guess to the likely outcome for one of the all-time great match-ups of the 1920s? Or does "history" around here start in 1970? 
-
Boilermaker
- Light Heavyweight
- Posts: 419
- Joined: 14 Dec 2011, 11:36
Re: Benny Leonard v. Mickey Walker, 1924
I lean to towards Walker at first glance because of size and youth. But like others i think i have Leonard down as the sentimental favourite. I do get the feeling that this will be one of those situations where an aged all time great leaves everybody gasping at his true greatness and produces something special. But i havent had the time yet to try to find a glimmer of evidence to back up my feelings.
Re: Benny Leonard v. Mickey Walker, 1924
R, I'm not an" historian ",but as an avid lover of boxing's past, I find it difficult for me to hazard a guess as to the winner of a Leonard/Walker fight in 1924. A few points though.raylawpc wrote:What happened to all the "historians" on this forum? Can't anyone hazard a guess to the likely outcome for one of the all-time great match-ups of the 1920s? Or does "history" around here start in 1970?
1- I have Benny Leonard on a par with the Welterweight Ray Robinson P4P, ahead of Mickey Walker.
2- In 1924 Leonard was 28 years old ,most likely past his peak with about 195 bouts...Past his peak.
3- Mickey Walker at 147 growing pounds was 23 years old entering his prime.
4- Their common opponent was Lew Tendler who both beat.
5- A similar situation occured in the 1940s when Ike Williams, the premier lightweight of his time
tackled Welterweight Kid Gavilan, who was 3 years younger than Ike, won 2 out of 3 decisions...
6- So, who would have won between the lightweight Benny Leonard and the 147 pound "Toy Bulldog"
in 1924 ? Leonard by majority decision IMO...Leonard was that good !