Just how good was Jim Jeffries?

[tennesseeboy]

Also, Jeffries did beat other black fighters, he didn't totally cross the racial barrier out. And he even beat some guys that beat Johnson. So, to say he wasn't on Jack's level to me is invalid.

[tennesseeboy]

But, just my opinion. Like the saying goes, opinions are like A**holes lol

[JAB5239]

I was just playing. Lighten up, man. If he wasn't on Johnson's level, though. Then why have numerous sports writers even not 40 years ago have rated him higher than Johnson? Idk personally, because i never saw him fight, obviously. All we can go by is lackluster quality youtube videos. That's your opinion. We all have one. Thanks for the input, though. No harm intended, just humor gone wrong. Everybody seems to flip out when race is brought in. It isn't that big of a deal. That's why i put lol @ the end of it.

I'd be interested in seeing those who have Jeff higher than Johnson if you could link them. Of the 17 listed here only one has Jeffries higher.

http://coxscorner.tripod.com/heavylists.htm

[tennesseeboy]

I'd be interested in seeing those who have Jeff higher than Johnson if you could link them. Of the 17 listed here only one has Jeffries higher.

http://coxscorner.tripod.com/heavylists.htm

This is where i read all of it.

http://coxscorner.tripod.com/jeffries.html

[JAB5239]

Also, Jeffries did beat other black fighters, he didn't totally cross the racial barrier out. And he even beat some guys that beat Johnson. So, to say he wasn't on Jack's level to me is invalid.

I know of two besides Johnson, and he never let one fight for the title even though there were worthy challengers of color. Maybe its just me, but if you aren't welcoming a challenge because of race than you've drawn a line. Johnson gets the same criticism from me regarding his title reign.

[JAB5239]

This is where i read all of it.
http://coxscorner.tripod.com/jeffries.html

Ahhh, and I counter that with this!

http://coxscorner.tripod.com/johnson.html

Im very familiar with both articles and have spoken with Monte Cox through e-mail several times. There are a lot more things to read about both fighters though, don't limit yourself to one article. Both guys were great and could compete in any era. For my money Johnson was the greater of the two. But for what its worth, Sam Langford also thought Jeffries was greater than Johnson and wanted no part of getting in the ring with Jeff while chasing Johnson around for years for a rematch.

[tennesseeboy]

Ahhh, and I counter that with this!

http://coxscorner.tripod.com/johnson.html

Im very familiar with both articles and have spoken with Monte Cox through e-mail several times. There are a lot more things to read about both fighters though, don't limit yourself to one article. Both guys were great and could compete in any era. For my money Johnson was the greater of the two. But for what its worth, Sam Langford also thought Jeffries was greater than Johnson and wanted no part of getting in the ring with Jeff while chasing Johnson around for years for a rematch.

Ahhh, nice. Just recently started reading up on Jeff, to be honest. And you make some great points, nonetheless. Didn't know that about Sam.

[Sugarj]

7 ft tall he was, hair red like the fires of hell. It was said he could kill a man with just a look.

Good work, that raised a chuckle. hee hee

[banburner]

Also, Jeffries did beat other black fighters, he didn't totally cross the racial barrier out. And he even beat some guys that beat Johnson. So, to say he wasn't on Jack's level to me is invalid.

That's not how it works sadly.

Besides if he crossed the barrier for people other than Johnson that shows a fear of fighting Johnson surely?

[Jim Jeffries]

Same result drawn out over a longer and closer period.

Different class of fighters.

Different types of fighters, certainly. Johnson was tremendously gifted defensibly, but he didn't have Jeffries offense, (IMO) chin or stamina. Whether they were different classes of fighters is certainly arguable.

The statistics are probably exaggerated. Johnson could reportedly run at 10 yards per second or 20 miles per hour and fight sharks under-water.

Johnson would beat Jeffries any-time.

I hope you didn't ascertain this based on their match up?

I am white rendering that argument invalid and I made clear there was also exaggerated claims for Johnson.

Jeffries was not on Johnson's level and the styles match-up certainly does not play into his favour either.

You repeat that like it's a statement of fact, instead of your opinion.

That's not how it works sadly.

Besides if he crossed the barrier for people other than Johnson that shows a fear of fighting Johnson surely?

What was Johnson's ranking in 1904 when Jeffries retired? Because Jim obviously wasn't afraid to fight him 6 years into his retirement when he had gained 80+ pounds.