Which fighters could succeed with pre 1900 style?

Back in the days of Rowleys fav John.L Sullivan boxing was very different. In Mr Sullivans own words....


"I don't mind saying that I believe that the style of fighting today is far and away ahead of the old style ... Jeffries at his best and me at my best, Jeffries would have put it on me. I never was a really scientific fighter ... My game was the old game -- standing up and fighting and depending upon sheer power and pure strength and endurance to get by. I won most of my fights by rushing ... But if a big man today were to fight the same way I did and try those rushes on with a man like Jeffries he'd get slaughtered, that's all. He'd get himself killed ... Jeffries, with his quickness and impenetrable crouch, and his immense power of endurance, and his vast hitting power, and with all of the foot-shiftiness of the new style -- there can't be any doubt that, had it been possible for Jeff and I to meet when we were both at our best, he would have sent it over on me. More than that, I never saw the man that I thought could stand a chance to lick Jeffries. If he's wise he'll not fight any more. He's too big to get down to trim."


The excepted style was pure stand up. 2 fighters facing each other, no lateral movement just either coming forward or going backwards. The fight relies on mainly power and endurence and of course a good chin.

Wlad anybody????

Valuev would beat Wlad. In fact I don't think this style suits Wlad at all, he needs space to work and make the most of his reach. Imagine going toe to toe with Valuev and not being able to outmove him

Lance wrote:Valuev would beat Wlad. In fact I don't think this style suits Wlad at all, he needs space to work and make the most of his reach. Imagine going toe to toe with Valuev and not being able to outmove him

It would be perfect.

Just aim at that unmissable unit called his body.

none. Post 1900 but sam langford was pump. I just watched a video analysing his 'skills' it was laughable. I've seen sero fight novices with more skill. no denying his spirit and power though.