Just how strong was Primo Carnera?

[zojo]

Before he was a boxer, he was a circus strong-man. I have come across this fact many times. However, has anyone actually heard about any of his feats of strength? Just how strong was he?

[BoxBuzz]

Very Strong, he stunk up many many venues along the way.

[HomicideHenry]

I don't know the whole story of Primo Carnera being a circus-strong man, but the earliest 'boxing' experience he ever had, with a 'real' opponent, that I recall of, was when he did an exhibition between Flyweight (no I am not kidding) champion Corporal Izzy Schwartz. Was as a publicity stunt in 1928 (I think), by then Carnera was just a green boxer who was considered just a goon; which in most circles he still is considered a goon.

Now, Carnera was a circus strong man under the management of Leon See, a French entrepeneur, who had the crazy idea that, since Carnera was so strong and tall, that he could possibly make him into the biggest star in boxing. BUT, knowing that Carnera had no knowledge of boxing, he had his first twelve fights fixed and it gave Carnera a reputation throughout Europe as a possible hopeful.

As far as what feats of strengt he did....I couldn't tell you. I would reckon he did strength-related feats such as picking up large rocks and dumb bells.

[BrocktonBlockbuster49]

carnera storng? didnt joe lous pick up him up and carnwera was like
"ohhhhh"?

[granberry]

carnera storng? didnt joe lous pick up him up and carnwera was like
"ohhhhh"?

Where do you get this crap.

[HomicideHenry]

ignore Brockton, he's drunk...yet again.

Although I will comment, yes Joe Louis beat Carnera by a brutal TKO in 6 rounds, but it was hardly because Louis was stronger than "Da Preem", Louis just had far greater skills and hand speed.

I can't really say for sure how strong Carnera was, but judging by some wrestling matches that he had in later years, also while he was a circus strong man he also wrestled some---he did pick up and slam people rather easily. Though you can't take wrestling seriously, there is athleticism involved, and I do remember Carnera once faced off with Gorgeous George, and Carnera grabbed George by his leg, lifted him up into the air and then dropped him to the canvas---"winning" the bout in mere seconds and Gorgeous George himself weighed about 220-230.

[dempseyfire]

Carnera actually developed into a fairly competant boxer, and while his very early bouts were fixed, he did later go on to beat several very good HWs legit.

As for his strength, just look at the film and his dimensions. Even compared to the giant HWs of today (Lewis, Klitschkos) he was a colossal human being, 270 lbs of pure muscle (unlike, say Jameel McCline, who weighs 270 with visible softness)

[Ric]

http://www.boxrec.com/media/index.php/I ... Genaro.jpg

[BrocktonBlockbuster49]

"i remember in the 5th round we clinched and I picked him up off his feet. then he spoke to me the only time in the fight "OH.......OH.......OH. i should be doing this to you". I was just as suprised as he was at the ease with which i moved him around- joe louis about the primo carnera fight



theres ur source granberry!

[Cap]

""...then Carnera blew kisses at Louis and swatted him upside his head so hard his skin fell off and lay on the canvas..."

Yet another facetious source.

[Grimm]

""...then Carnera blew kisses at Louis and swatted him upside his head so hard his skin fell off and lay on the canvas..."

Yet another facetious source.

lmao

[pound per pound]

Before he was a boxer, he was a circus strong-man. I have come across this fact many times. However, has anyone actually heard about any of his feats of strength? Just how strong was he?

Carnera was very stong. I've seen him carry a grown man with one arm and walk around like he was nothing.

[BrocktonBlockbuster49]

I think it's about time we contacted Brockton's parents.

NO NO PLEASE DONT DO THAT NO PLEASSEE! :x :x :x :x



lmao