BoxRec

After an 18 month rampage in which he defeated Ezzard Charles, Lloyd Marshall, Tami Mauriello (twice) and Lee Q Murray (twice) Bivins finally gets his shot at the great Joe Louis.

Now I am aware that they did meet in 51 but that was 7 years too late for the Cleveland Spider-Man. In 44 Bivins was absolute peak. Louis was over the brow of the hill but his decline would be so slow such was his ability.

Anyone brave enough to think Bivins has a chance?

Hmm Louis was only fighting exhibitions around that time. He may have been a little rusty to fight Bivins who like you said was busy. But I don't think Bivins could hurt Louis and would be hard to win a decision during those years against the popular Louis.

I picked Bivins in an upset. Louis would have been too rusty, and I think the 1944 Bivins was better than the 1947 Jersey Joe Walcott, who should have gotten the decision in their first fight. (It would have been an upset and I was tempted to pick "too close to call.")

wsbuf wrote:Hmm Louis was only fighting exhibitions around that time. He may have been a little rusty to fight Bivins who like you said was busy. But I don't think Bivins could hurt Louis and would be hard to win a decision during those years against the popular Louis.

Starting to tip things in Bivins' favour, but it won't be good enough in the end.

Louis had the class, composure, & the gifts, to overcome almost any obstacle.