If both men were of the same generation ,turning pro within a year or so of each other? What happens? Would they face each other as contender s perhaps and who win's? Or would one get the title first then take the other on /and would this wreck either man's record.Rocky s unbeaten run or Joe's 25 defences?
I remember reading a quote from Charlie Goldman...he was taking to a reporter...they started talking about Marciano beating Joe Louis at MSG back in October 1951...he asked Goldman how a fight between a prime Joe Louis and Marciano would have played out....Goldman said the fight would have ended sooner than the one in 1951...the reporter asked why....Goldman said:"Because you don't "come at" Rocky Marciano!!!"
If both were rising contender s at the same time and they faced each other, I've got Joe winning in a hard fought bout. Maybe Rock dropping Joe early but Louis eventually pounding Marciano s face .The ref calls it over around round 10,with Rock's face cut badly. Joe would go on to beat Braddock and Marciano would maybe get another shot at Louis .Marciano would have improved but so has Joe. He'd be stopped once again on facial wounds.
Louis was much, much better as a boxer. A brutal fight, but it's hard to see anytging other than a Louis win.
Never an easy night for Joe. Rocky could always hurt him. I just think a prime Louis has more spring in his legs and more snap on that right cross. He would be quicker and beat Marciano to the punch inside and to the counter.
Love Charley Goldman. He had great respect for Joe Louis. He once said that a guy could make a move against Louis in the 2nd round and get away with it but if he tried it again later Joe would ice the guy and put his robe on. Goldman was impressed with Joe's ring IQ which gets overlooked. With that said. I'm not sure Joe has to come at Marciano. He can let Rock come to him. That jab sets the table.
We, the fans, would have benefitted a ton. I think there would have been a trilogy. Hard to see Blackburn not having a gameplan to get at least 1 victory. By the same token, it'd be hard to believe Goldman wouldn't have his guy in great shape and prepared to win at least once. Both guys would be digging deep in this, wouldn't they?
If they came up together and fought relatively early in their careers, I think Louis is a huge favorite. If they fought later, maybe Rock could get a win. But Louis is the prohibitive favorite at any point.
