I think Joe survives some heat early, possibly a scare KD, but holds on to batter Dempsey in the later rounds.
Ooooh......close.....i would say Dempsey early, Louis late. There is lots of black and white film of Dempsey out there, but probably not enough to get him the W here.
Don't rule Dempsey out here, gents. This is one of those fights where I'd join you fellows in betting on Louis, but it'd be a shaky bet, IMO. Dempsey could start as such a whirlwind at times when the first bell rang --- Willard, Smith, Firpo, Morris. He was just so damn quick, & I've long been one who subscribes to the viewpoint Dempsey's skill-set was an under-appreciated bag of tricks. Quick hands, swift movement on his feet, a bobbing, high-octane approach for the close-quarters kill. These are qualities a more patient, forward-thinking fighter, such as Louis, could be overwhelmed by. Chappie would need to prep him just right for this fight. I think it hinges on one punch, when all's said & done --- the Louis jab. It was arguably Louis' best singular blow, & it was a real issue with Dempsey, even in his own words. Breaking Dempsey's rhythm as he looked to penetrate real-estate & close the gap would be pivotal. Dempsey can be observed as a fighter somewhat lazy with keeping his hands up --- is there any HW who could make you pay for that error so swiftly & so heavily as Louis? Unlikely, IMO. I think the most likely scenario here is that Louis is under instruction (& few took instruction better) to open by being assertive with his jab & power, but not outright opening up --- he wants to hurt Dempsey, shake his confidence, & make him think twice about how he comes in. He needs Dempsey's respect, & he has more than enough tools with which to do that. Dempsey was not an easy man to discourage --- he could take it as well as give it, & did not want for stamina at his peak. Hurt him early, pump the jab ad nauseum, & await your counter-shots. That's the Louis blueprint, IMO. If he can't pull it off, Dempsey has an excellent chance to storm through the guard, hurt Louis (Dempsey would not be averse to doing that within or outside the rules, as he was a competent dirty fighter) & rough him up in-tight, throwing him off. Louis had excellent recuperative abilities & an under-rated chin, but he was susceptible to balance knockdowns, & Dempsey adept at putting a man off-balance with rough tactics. It's a close, great-to-watch, fight. Dempsey has to win early & spectacularly, IMO. The longer it goes, the more Louis' edge in handspeed & precision will tell. Either man has the power & finishing instincts to kill off the other. I favour Louis --- he was a better tactician, with a better corner, & in a battle of punchers, he simply has Dempsey beat in terms of overall arsenal --- all-in-all, but it's dicey. Only given is this won't last the distance.
