If Marciano had not retired...

i have a feeling the post-title patterson would have fared better against marciano than the pre-title and champion patterson would have

 

Naturally because of his use of movement. However, his activity would probably be far too diminished to have a chance to win either way.

 

Agree.

On all points.

 

Not until 1960 was Liston seen as the outstanding contender.

 

Scenario C is that a still good version of Marciano, might have got a still green version of Liston and beaten him.

I think this an unlikley scenario, because Marciano tended to pick title challengers based on their rankings.

On this basis I suspect that he gets past Patterson, but falls before Liston comes along.

 

Empty your PM Box.

 

That was not Marciano that said that, but Bill Corum that said he look forward to fight 50. I didnt think Marciano said anything about it. He left, and the interview with Moore started.

 

In the 1956 ring magazines (I have the whole 12 issues) It is already known early on that Marciano is to only have one fight that year - in September. All top 4 contenders already having faced each other producing nothing but confusion as to who was most worthy of a crack at the champ.

Moore was still #1 because he had already beat #1 and #2 Baker and Valdes. Baker and Valdes faced each other in late 55'' but it was such a lousy fight neither looked worthy of a Marciano shot since both winner and loser were no better than Moore who already beat both. A KO win for either would have eclipsed Moore and got fans talking …but that did not happen.

In Feb 56' (before Marciano announces his retirement) Hurricane Jackson beats Baker on a split decision, again it is not considered conclusive enough of a win to produce the kind of out kind of clammour for a title chance. A knock out win by either would have made the difference.

The only other interesting contender is considered to be young Willie pastrano who unfortunately disappoints against chuck speiser which scuppers his stock as a new face. Young Jack Johnson and Johnny summerlin look impressive but nobody yet knows how good zora folley is who both beat only for johnny to lose to bob Satterfield anyway. Young jack Johnson also hit’s a losing streak.

Rockys last foe, Moore is treading water defending his Light heavyweight belt whilst keeping trim on a kind of “bum of the month tour” as a travelling #1 heavyweight contender “at an arena near you” sort of affair.

World #1 light heavyweight contender is considered a new talent but this youngster (Foyd Patterson) is listed as needing to be “nursed along for a while longer yet”.

 

Well he'd beat the likes of Machen, Patterson and Jackson... I have a feeling that it'd be a 50/50 between that Rocky and prime Ingo. He'd definitely lose to prime Liston.

 

I watched the ending of the fight and you are correct. Rocky did not say anything in response to Corum's statement. Perhaps the thought of retirement was beginning to cross his mind even then?

 

yeah.. too bad! Is a boost what happens when Marciano knocks out Liston?