Rocky Marciano v Wills, Langford & McVey

[McGrain]

Not all at the same time.

How do you think Rocky would have done v these denied champions?

Give the run down on one or all as you please, what do you think?

[janitor]

If he had fought to their schedules then he would have split series with all of them.

I guarante it.

[Cachibatches]

Man, this is a great thread. Wish more people would answer.

[fists of fury]

I simply don't know enough about Wills, McVey and Langford to answer, honestly.

[McGrain]

Originally Posted by janitor

If he had fought to their schedules then he would have split series with all of them.

Yeah. I mean they're all in the same class.

But what if we imagine this; Wills is champ and Marciano is about to take him on. Regardless of that result, he'll be up against the other top two contenders of the imaginarey era, McVey and Langford. He fights each once with a six month gap between each fight.

Who would you guys pick on each fight night? And why?

[McGrain]

Originally Posted by fists of fury

I simply don't know enough about Wills, McVey and Langford to answer, honestly.

It's a good answer if that's the case!

Knowing nothing doesn't seem to stop a lot of the folks round here...

[Amsterdam]

Originally Posted by McGrain

Not all at the same time.

How do you think Rocky would have done v these denied champions?

Give the run down on one or all as you please, what do you think?

Marciano KO 1 Wills

Marciano KO 1 Mcvey

Marciano KO 1 Langford

I'm not going to fail you ever mate, you can always count on me.

[fists of fury]

Originally Posted by McGrain

Knowing nothing doesn't seem to stop a lot of the folks round here...

Well, I know something about them obviously, () just not enough to give the thread an honest crack.

[Sweet Science]

Langford with his vast experience would have taken Marciano the distance (15 Rounds) and won a UD. Langfords quick hands, decent power and slippery defensive abilities would hold up well against Marciano. His feinting abilities would also be used to his advantage against the crude Marciano. Marciano had a monster punch, but should Marciano connect, Langford was able to absorb a great deal of punishment.

I know Langford was not a natural heavyweight but he was just that good.

[McGrain]

Originally Posted by Sweet Science

Langford with his vast experience would have taken Marciano the distance (15 Rounds) and won a UD. Langfords quick hands, decent power and slippery defensive abilities would hold up well against Marciano. His feinting abilities would also be used to his advantage against the crude Marciano. Marciano had a monster punch, but should Marciano connect, Langford was able to absorb a great deal of punishment.

I know Langford was not a natural heavyweight but he was just that good.

I actually agree with your analysis almost completley with one exception - i don't think Langford's feinting would be of much use v Marciano. Here is a guy who would carry on regardless. If Langford is privy to this info, I still think he would scrape through.

If he tries to lean on his feinting skills I thin he might get KO'd.

[Bummy Davis]

Wills was STRONG BUT WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO KEEP THE PACE with Marciano, in rounds 11-15 expect a Ko by Rocky, Langford would make it interesting but I see a Ko by Rocky before the 10th, I dont know as much about McVay but what I do know he would also lose before 10, Rocky too relentless and hard a puncher, Wils,Langford great matchups with the Rock though

[McGrain]

Originally Posted by Bummy Davis

Wills was STRONG BUT WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO KEEP THE PACE with Marciano, in rounds 11-15 expect a Ko by Rocky,

This is close to my own view.

What chance, if any, to you give Wills of stopping Marciano? I'd say he has to do it before 8 ish if he's going to do it.

[Sweet Science]

Originally Posted by McGrain

I actually agree with your analysis almost completley with one exception - i don't think Langford's feinting would be of much use v Marciano. Here is a guy who would carry on regardless. If Langford is privy to this info, I still think he would scrape through.

If he tries to lean on his feinting skills I thin he might get KO'd.

Yes having thought about it, I think you are correct about the feinting. Rocky was not the type to be stopped in his tracks by anything like that.

[Mendoza]

Originally Posted by McGrain

Not all at the same time.

How do you think Rocky would have done v these denied champions?

Give the run down on one or all as you please, what do you think?

The balckfoursome as a group were better heavyweights than Charles, Moore, and Walcott.

Langford, McVey, and Wills hit harder, and as far as I can tell were more durable as well. Hence, Rocky would be tested not by skilled boxers, but by more durable punchers.

Langford was not only skilled and strong, he was very durable. I think Langford would beat Marciano on points.

I think the other two matches would go Rocky’s way. McVey really wasn’t that skilled. Willis vs Marciano would be interesting. I would favor Rocky over Wills because Willis liked to in-fight a lot, and this is where Marciano is at his best.

[janitor]

Marciano vs peak Sam Langford would be a pick em fight. Langford was virtualy impossible to KO so it is likley going to the score cards. Marciano would probably visit the canvas a couple of times en route to the final bell. His best bet is to cut the ring on Lanngford and try to outwork him.

McVea was a terific puncher an a threat to anybody who came towards him. I would favour Marciano in a war because he was more of a two fisted puncher and perhaps more durable. It is not a given.

Marciano would probably have the tools to wear down Wills and KO him late but again it is not a given.

The bottom line is that any fighter in history would have a slim chance of going undefeated against this trio. Especialy given the politics of the era.