Rocky Marciano vs Michael Spinks

Yes, Valdes was pretty big, by 50s heavyweight standards, about Larry Holmes size. But basically he was as slow as a three-toed sloth, and his major attribute WAS his size. He was about 50-50 against guys who could fight.

 

Moore way past his prime in 55? How so...he just knocked out 25 year old hall of famer Harold Johnson.

 

I think Spinks would most likely give Marciano a real good fight and possibly upset him. Marciano was around Spinks size and I do believe would be physical enough to eventually take over and beat Spinks. But I do think Spinks at heavyweight was in the same class as Charles and Walcott and would give Marciano all he could handle.

 

I got Rocky by stoppage in this one. Spinks would give a good account of himself, but overall I think Rocky would break him. He hit too hard and Spinks wouldn't be able to simply step up the pace like he did vs an older and worn Holmes or a hungover Cooney.

Spinks had as perfect of a heavyweight run as he possibly could have of as a lightheavy moving up. At 6'3 and big enough frame, he was able to put on enough weight to compete above his natural weight class. He was able to roll the dice and take on Holmes as he faded, beat the hell out of an out matched Tangstaad, and caught what was probably the worst Cooney we ever saw step foot in the ring. Despite the knocks on the opponents, he still did better than 99.9% of light heavies could dream of. I don't think even guys like Bob Foster or Billy **** could've pulled off what Spinks did.

That being said, Marciano was a different animal than those guys. He wouldn't allow himself to be outworked as the fight wore on, he punched way harder than Holmes and was more durable and frankly better than Cooney. I doubt he'd be able to blitz Spinks like Tyson did, but he for sure would be rocking him during the exchanges. If Holmes was able to visible shake him several times with right hands, I'd have to imagine Rocky is putting him on the canvas with a few.

Simply put, two ATGs meet in the ring. One is naturally heavier, stronger, of similar class, at least equal stamina and work rate, and enormous power. I'm gonna go with that guy winning the fight.

 

I think Spinks could look good for a few rounds then starts fading like a Chinese shirt at the laundry, he falls around 10

 

Spinks was about the same level of heavyweight champion as Gene Tunney. Uncannily close in accomplishments, actually. Spinks did his legacy no favors when he signed up to get massacred by a prime Tyson.

 

rock ko 11

 

For the longest time I made Marciano a heavy favorite in this mythical matchup but I’m not so sure anymore. If we’re honest, most of Rocky’s best wins were over men who weren’t truly indigenous to the heavyweight division and Some were well past their best. Yet a handful gave him some real problems. Michael Spinks at nearly 6’3” and weighing between 199 to 208 looked pretty good at heavy. He was awkward, carried a good punch, could go fifteen rounds and had a solid chin which only failed against Tyson. But frankly I think Spink’s reluctance to be in that ring had probably as much to do with his abrupt demise as his opponent did on that fateful evening. Could Rocky win this ? Sure he could. In fact if the match were made tomorrow he’d likely be favored. But I wouldn’t be too quick to make it a forgone conclusion.

 

I made very similar points years ago when the thread was new. These are two great fighters, so I am not sure where the idea comes from that this is some sort of a walkover.