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writehooksBecause of the color line and the fact he was was perceived as "invincible," Johnson really didn't have much choice in his opponents after he won the title in 1908. However, in the two years leading up to that victory, he had a pair of wins over a prime Joe Jeannette, a distance nod over all-time great Sam Langford and quick KOs of Bob Fitzsimmons and Jim Flynn. Not a bad resume – particularly when compared to Louis.
To dismiss Tommy Burns as a "cheese" champion is simply wrong. He was the first true "world" heavyweight champ, because after beating every challenger in the U.S., he travelled to Britain, Europe and Australia to take on (and defeat) all of their titleholders. If you want to talk "cheese" champs, look no further than Braddock, who decisioned a shot Max Baer and then, in his first "defense," surrendered the title to Louis after cutting a sweet deal that guaranteed him 10% of Joe's purses for the next 10 years.
Certainly, Joe's spectacular KO of Schmeling in their return match was one for the ages, but after that his leger is littered with has-beens, never-weres and, of course, those infamous Bums of the Month. Roper? Paycheck? Burman? Dorazio? Musto? Mauriello? Come on! The first time Joe faced a light heavyweight who punched back (Billy Conn), he came within a whisker of losing his title. The next time he faced a light heavyweight who punched back (Ezzard Charles), he lost.
Joe was Top 3 all-time, in my opinion. But better than Johnson? I don't think so.