Rocky Marciano 'February 1966 - The Heavyweight Division has no Pizazz'

February 1966

Rocky Marciano has a plan for the Heavyweight Division in 1966.
The division lacks 'pizazz' as there is no liveliness. It is starting to
get dull, to quickly.

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Rocky evaluated the heavyweight talent pool.......

And did like the 'will and the drive' of Joe Frazier and James J. Woody.

Both looked good, and he believed both would make a mark in the Heavyweight
Division by 1967.

James J. Woody

I like James J. Woody, he has size and good boxing skills. The 26 year-old
New York Heavyweight at 6' 1" and 198 lbs, has a record of 9-0-0 (1 KO's).

I'm not worried about his punch right now, as he will develop into a better
banger over time. James is a tricky southpaw, who an box with anybody. His right jab
is a thing of beauty, and he is very strong. You don't have to knock everybody
out to be a good fighter. We should see him in the Top 10 by next year.

Joe Frazier

Frazier is a bit small, but he has the biggest heart. And, he works harder than
anybody. He has a good group managing him, and they will take their time.
I would caution his Manager not to over-match him, as they may burn him up
too early fighting bigger fellows. They should stay fighting 'medium-sized'
Heavyweights for now, as Frazier looks to be about 2 years away from
the big guys.

Buster Mathis

Buster Mathis could be the best of the bunch, but he needs to lose weight
and muscle it up a bit. I like what I see, and he moves well for a big moose.

I would say he's about a year-and-a-half away from Cassius Clay. He's big
and strong, and that you can't teach.

Tony Alongi

He's my fighter now. He quit in 1965, so he really needs to get back to the drawing
board. After 8 or 10 fights, we'll ready for Cassius Clay. Tony has the pro experience
and enough talent to fight for the Heavyweight Championship.

I guarantee we'll have a Championship in 'two-years'.

 

Rocky Marciano.

"Cassius Clay is a splendid fighter, but he should keep his religion and political
view to himself. It doesn't bother me, but it bothers everybody else to have
those personal thoughts shoved in their face.'

'You shouldn't put out your dirty laundry for everyone to see. Some things are
better left undone.'

 

"Heavyweight Situation Deplored By Marciano"

Its not that Rocky Marciano thinks Cassius Clay is a bum, or too controversial.
Quite the contrary. He will be a fine champion, when he learns that his beliefs
and his private affairs are his alone and nobody else's business, as long as they
are within the law.

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I think Rocky was 'deplored' by what happened with Sonny Liston and Floyd Patterson.

Floyd had let the country down.

Sonny had let boxing down.

 

February 1966

More of Rocky,

'Boxing is becoming a mess. We need a proper Boxing Commission, but please, not
run by the govermnent. Soon, mark my words, there will be multiple champions,
and more confusion. Half the people out there still think that I'm the Champion.'

'Cassius Clay is the finest fighter out there, but still many do not recognize him as
a Champion. Bad behavior has tarnished his accomplishments.'