BoxRec

What is the outcome when the Fighting Marine takes on the Old Mongoose, when both were at their best?

yancey wrote:What is the outcome when the Fighting Marine takes on the Old Mongoose, when both were at their best?

I see it as a highly technical fight that could go either way.

I think Tunney wins a decision in a close fight on most nights.

I like Moore's chances here.

Score one for the Old Mongoose.

I believe, Tunney was able to outbox Moore. Gene had footwork and speed for that. Sure, Archie was more than just a real deal, but Gene's style was more sophisticated.

Tunney and Moore are similar in many ways, but especially in the fact that Tunney could have been the Light Heavyweight Champion of the world as early as Battling Siki.

His goal was strictly the Heavyweight title though. As he said, "It took me six years of preparation to beat Jack Dempsey." He could have beaten Siki, McTigue, Berlenbach, etc.

With Moore, he was essentially shut out from the title for 14 years. With Tunney it was a matter of choice, more or less. Although he did win versions of the title (ie, American) in matches with guys like Greb.

So this is truly a 50/50 fight.

Not sure about some of these era clash bouts (particularly when comparing 10s/20s fighters with their counterparts from the 40s and onwards). I rate Tunney just ever so slightly higher, though.

Abradolf Lincler wrote: ↑17 Jun 2018, 20:52 Not sure about some of these era clash bouts (particularly when comparing 10s/20s fighters with their counterparts from the 40s and onwards). I rate Tunney just ever so slightly higher, though.

The era point is a significant argument for obvious reasons, but I believe, Tunney was very progressive fighter for his times.