How good of a heavyweight champ was Jack Sharkey?

[yancey]

I know next to nothing about him.

[dempseyfire]

I think at his best he was top 10 all time-material. Unfortunately he was a head-case and would look great one night and then lackluster the next. He also was already past his best when he won the title on a controversial decision vs Schmeling, and thus was a forgettable champion, losing to Carnera, who he'd schooled less than 2 years earlier, in his first defense.

[Goodnight, Irene]

I know next to nothing about him.

Having observed him along with Baer, Carnera, Braddock, & Schmeling, Jack Johnson declared him the best Heavy going around in the post-Tunney age.

[beaujack]

I know next to nothing about him.

Having observed him along with Baer, Carnera, Braddock, & Schmeling, Jack Johnson declared him the best Heavy going around in the post-Tunney age.

I agree. Jack Sharkey when focused had everything except consistancy and mental toughness.
If he had the inner toughness of a Marciano, he would be in the top ten heavyweights.

[BoxBuzz]

Sharkey? He was the best champion that could ever be bought! In turn making Primo the best that money could buy.....

Sadly Sharkey was the genuine article....he was very skilled.