Louis way better. But Marciano could have beat him sometimes. maybe 25%? Louis had a chin that would get him knocked down occasionally, but he was never hurt except by Schmeling and that was an accumulation of punishment over 12 rds. Possibly only time he was really hurt in career. Usually flash knockdowns. Not making excuses, it was his achilles heel.
Louis said that ' Marciano hit harder than Schmeling' I think unless Louis takes Marciano out early then its 50/50 as to who wins.
Yea but Schmeling hit Louis with literally like 65-70 right hands. Im assuming that Louis would rarely allow that to happen since it never did any other time. Plus he fought Rocky at like 38. Im guessing when u get hit at 38 it hurts more than at 22. But I can see your argument.
No doubt about it that Louis was better than Marciano, head to head, all time, P4P, doesnt matter how you slice it Louis was better.
Louis fixed his mistakes after the first schmeling fight. He was lucky to have fought him early in his career or he might be considered a bum today.
Except Marciano actually beat Louis thereby showing that even if both were at their peak Marciano would have a chance as his power would give Louis problems.
its a matter of styles, Louis is my #1 heavyweight but Marciano had so many strengths. Louis was the best offensive fighter IMO, Marciano had the greatest will and stamina and relentless aggression and will to win, both men had sick power, Louis more in the combinations, Marciano greatest strength was his will. I rate Louis #1 so I rate him higher but he said himself he had trouble with guys that pressed you. Marciano I rate # 3 but its always close between Louis,Ali and Marciano
Marciano dominated him. A prime Louis would have lost as well, perhaps given Rocky a scare or two, and made it a few more rounds. Result would have been the same. I will always favor Marciano over Louis Prime for prime. BUT, Louis was a more complete fighter, he could do it all well. Its just that Marciano and his style were the nemesis of Joe.
I think there is a good case for this to be true. Most on this forum consider this idea as ridculous but there is plently of evidence and career accolades to make that argument. The Ring Magazine ranks him as the greatest puncher ever (number 1) and 4th greatest fighter of all time. I'm very confused by the flack he gets on this forum. The recent Louis v Holyfield thread has plently of commments about Joe having real obvious weaknesses and having average power that Holy could ride out and beat up. You have got to be joking??? Other threads talk about the devastating power of Tua, Gman and Kovalev yet people need convincing that the Brown Bomber possesses all that and more. According to this forum Joe was an "above average" champ up there but not really in the conversation as the greatest. If you name the top 5 fighters ever, regardless of order Joe Louis is there no doubt.
Joe Louis is clearly greater than Rocky Marciano. Better one punch power & head to head Louis was unsure who would win & jated swarmers...But against ALL styyles Louis was more versatile & his size is better. Maybe head to head Louis would not be so high due to size. But he is up there. And in legacy he SURPASSES Rocky. He lost due to a much longer career & losing 3 & 1/2 prime years. You think Marciano is unbeaten if he fought 5 or so more years until the age Louis retired? Which would STILL give him less fights than Louis at the rate he was going as champion.
Louis was knocked out bad by Max S. how do we explain it? Rocky never lost a fight maybe he had controversy decision but never was he kayod. & Max S. was beat up and knocked out a number of times before he faced Louis. Gipsey Daniels kayod Max S. 1 round just before Max S. came to America.
I think we are well aware of your opinion dude, you have said that about 10,000 times. No need to be a parrot and put yourself on repeat. For me though, I find it funny that Rocky did beat Joe and people give him ZERO chance against a prime version despite the fact he has knocked Joe out of the ring when they did actually meet. Prime v prime my money is on Rocky for the KO
How can you say Louis was better against all styles when he was defeated a handful of times?? Marciano was never beat in the ring, Marciano would have knocked Louis out if both were in their primes as well IMO.