Muhammad Ali challenges Rocky Marciano for the title, prime for prime. Marciano sets the conditions: Ring is to measure 16 feet, 6 inches such as used in the Co*kell fight (as opposed to the 21 foot ring in Ali's Thrilla in Manilla fight). Six ounce horsehair gloves, 15 rounds. How does this fight go down?
Ali is not destroying Rocky. Especially with the conditions noted. Most agree Frazier would give any Ali trouble. If that's the case Marciano gives Ali hell.
Ali preferred a 21 foot ring or larger so as to stick and move. He was able to dictate that preference against Frazier. Here he won't be able to elude Marciano as easily in a 16 foot ring. How do you feel he might 'demolish' Marciano here and which version of Clay/Ali do you feel has the best chance of winning?
Under these conditions, Ali cuts him up like a Thanksgiving turkey and it's stopped early. Marciano was prone to facial damage and Ali was a surgeon.
Ali 15 Unanimous 9 rounds to 6 Demolish? I pick Ali to beat Marciano, but Ali would absolutely have a hard time with Marciano. I think if you asked Ali himself behind closed doors, he would tell you Marciano would have given him a very rough time. Weren't you the man that once said this?
Ali's speed, footwork, range, height and pinpoint sharpshooting will pile up too many points for Marciano to overcome. However, Marciano will have his moments, and Ali will be forced to make a decision at some point in the fight whether he wants to lay down for good or keep fighting. Marciano had that effect on fighters. Ali was as tough as they come, and will overcome the relentlessness to fire back and survive for the points win. Marciano cut badly in rounds 2 and 6. Ali hurt badly in round 14, nearly out on his feet. Round 15 is voted round of the century.
Ali did say that in a televised Howard Cosell interview. He said he thought he could have beaten Marciano, but he wasn't sure.
Marciano would have to KO to win. With the smaller ring, he should be able to cut off the ring enough times to get his shots in a la Walcott I. Ali's got good whiskers though. If Marciano is to win, this might be the most preferred scenario.