Would a prime Smokin Joe Frazier be the unified HW champion of the world today?

[$tate of Mind]

The only current HW who gives Joe fits is Vitali Klitschko imo. Joe handles every other HW imo.

[Bushbaby]

Yes he would, his peekaboo & body work handles the entire roster. If you haven't noticed the majority of heavyweights today head hunt. If your 4 to 5 inches shorter than a Klitcho, you have to attack the body. Heavyweights nowadays don't do that.

[Evil Abed]

Joe vs Vitali would be awesome.

[Vadrigar.]

Yes, his style would be an antidote to this current division. All fatties get eaten up:

[johnm is...]

I think Vitali would beat him.

[$tate of Mind]

Yes he would, his peekaboo & body work handles the entire roster. If you haven't noticed the majority of heavyweights today head hunt. If your 4 to 5 inches shorter than a Klitcho, you have to attack the body. Heavyweights nowadays don't do that.

Excellent point Bush, Joe was tough as nails as well. Remember HW fights could last up to 15 rounds back then. I don't know if any of today's HW could endure a fight like the Thrilla in Manilla.

[Larry the boss]

unified,maybe..un disputed no.Vital would handle him imo

[$tate of Mind]

I think Vitali would beat him.

I think it's a 50/50 fight but I would pick Joe because he has faced MUCH better competition.

[CarlosG815]

The only current HW who gives Joe fits is Vitali Klitschko imo. Joe handles every other HW imo.

Yes he would and I don't see Vitali being very problematic for Joe. He gets outworked and eventually KO'd when he is winded and Joe is ready for another 10 rounds.

[prinzemanspopa]

No,he wouldn't.Even if somebody managed to drag this glass jawed,cherry picking opportunist into the ring with a puncher like Wladimir or Vitali,his fragile chin would cost him almost every single time barring some freak result.



Both Klitschko's are far too good at controlling distance for somebody as limited and unexceptional as Joe Frazier to close distance and work effectively at close quarters for a sustained period.