ThatOne wrote:Joe Louis
Sonny Liston
Evander Holyfield
Muhammad Ali
Mike Tyson
Rocky Marciano
Evander Holyfield
Larry Holmes
Wlad Klitschko
Vitali Klirschko
George Foreman
Joe Frazier
Dempsey-Louis
Great fight, & I have it closer than many historians. Dempsey would start quick to Louis' measured, & it would
almost pay dividends. Louis gets off the deck in round two & survives a torrential third round by the skin of his teeth. Blackburn was a master strategist, & the jab (Dempsey didn't like a good one --- here, he would face
the best) would really save his bacon. Louis puts Dempsey down for the count on a third knockdown in round seven.
Dempsey-Liston
You know how there are some matches where, try as you might, you just find picturing them very difficult? The complexion just doesn't seem clear? This is one of those for me. Either man might win. I'd be interested to see what clearer minds thought.
Dempsey-Holyfield
See Dempsey-Liston. I just can't get to grips with this one in my mind.
Dempsey-Ali
I can't see Dempsey winning, but I can't see him getting embarrassed, either. Ali survives some legitimate scares, maybe even a knockdown, to put on some dazzling work & win a relatively clear UD. Would be closer than many would predct, however.
Dempsey-Tyson
Exciting fight, alright. I think Dempsey gets off the canvas to take Tyson's heart. I would kill to see the reaction of both men when they tasted the others' power. They both had sturdy, solidified jaws, & incredible punching power. Dempsey in about four or five furious, competitive rounds, IMO. Tyson would be intimidated, but not fight like it.
Dempsey-Marciano
Another exciting one, but not as competitive as many would envision. Dempsey was just flat better in most categories, but the style of fight would improve Marciano's chances. Still, Dempsey's just too quick, too explosive, too accurate. He stops Marciano in about six, with Marciano's face just ruined, but his heart intact. A good chance both men would hit the deck at some stage.
Dempsey-Holmes
I think the jab would kill Dempsey's chances off, here. He'd be a live dog early, but I suspect Holmes makes it out of the early waters, & if he does, he's going to pound Dempsey down the stretch with that left hand for a UD.
Dempsey-Either Klitschko
Already seen Dempsey-Vitali, in 1919. Same class of lumbering, useless giant, good for taking a beating in a fight like this & not much else. Wlad is better, but far too ponderous & far too fragile to last either. Dempsey stops Vitali on his feet but without any desire to go on. Wlad gets stretched.
Dempsey-Foreman
Dempsey is in over his head, but I think the very first round of this fight might just turn out to be a classic scene, possibly with both men hurt badly. I do think Foreman is taking out anyone who comes at him out of that crouch, though. Dempsey goes in three or four.
Dempsey-Frazier
Frazier's sluggish start & inability to handle first-class power (he could deal with anything below that, in fairness) play really nicely into Dempsey's strengths. Dempsey too quick outta the blocks, does real damage early in & gets it done. I am always amazed at how badly some people under-rated Dempsey's chances in this fight. I think it's perfect for him. Frazier would never get a chance to start smoking. Dempsey in about four.
Saad has Dempsey going 3-8. I have him compiling a record of 5-4 (abstaining from the Liston & Holyfield fights).