Welcome to another episode of What If's Excellent Heavyweight Adventure, where only two shall remain. We're almost to the finish line: Previously, on What If: Three of our four combatants are, in the grand scheme of things, not terribly surprising entrants in the semifinals. Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali were pre-tournament favorites. Ezzard Charles, once he figured out that he … [Read more...]
What If’s Excellent Heavyweight Adventure Part 16: Vuja De
Welcome to another episode of What If's Excellent Heavyweight Adventure, where eight men enter...and four men leave. From here out, I'm assuming you're familiar with the series; if not, punch “What If” into the Tribune's search function---the archive's all there. Previously, on What If: There are two rematches on tap in this week's edition. In the very first fight of the … [Read more...]
What If’s Excellent Heavyweight Adventure Part 14: Mama Said Knock You Out
Welcome to another episode of What If's Excellent Heavyweight Adventure, where the time has finally arrived---every fight from here on out is win or it's into the time machine with you for a trip back to your own era. From here out, I'm assuming you're familiar with the series; if not, punch “What If” into the Tribune's search function---the archive's all there. Previously, on … [Read more...]
What If’s Excellent Heavyweight Adventure Part 11: Breaking Rocks at the Quarry
Welcome to another edition of What If?, as the first round of the heavyweight tournament group stage continues. Read the intro and method here. Catch up with the 1920s and 1960s group stage in Episodes 3 and 7. Previously, on What If: Well, the 1920s are a fine mess, aren't they? When last we saw our competitors, Luis Firpo was the beneficiary of the San Dimas Screwjob, … [Read more...]
What If’s Excellent Heavyweight Adventure Part 7: The San Dimas Screwjob
Welcome to another edition of What If?, as the first round of the heavyweight tournament group stage continues. Read the intro and method here. Catch up with the 1920s and 1960s group stage in Episode 3. Previously, on What If: When last we left our fist-throwing heroes from the 1920s and '60s, Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney seemed headed for a meaningful showdown and … [Read more...]