by Fox Doucette In the December 1998 “Holiday Issue” of Ring Magazine, that publication's editors ranked the greatest heavyweights of all time. To no great surprise, Muhammad Ali and Joe Louis locked down the top two spots. At third? Evander Holyfield, illustrating the danger of trying to evaluate an active fighter who still had fights in front of him (and conveniently … [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 10: You’ve Got Red On You
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 1910s and 1950s group stage in Episodes two and six. Previously, on What If: As we go into the final group-stage fights, Jack Johnson and Ezzard Charles have nothing to play for; they are 2-0, their tickets … [Read more...]
What If’s Excellent Heavyweight Adventure Part 6: Charles In Charge
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 1910s and 1950s group stage in Episode 2. Previously, on What If: When last we left our friends from the earliest days of gloved boxing, Jack Johnson turned the original Fight of the Century into the Farce Du … [Read more...]