Ezzard was only 3 years older than Marciano, a fair fight IMO. A younger Rock wears Ezzard down and Ko's him by round 10
Actually less than that. Rock 09/01/23 Charles 07/07/21 Bout I: Rocky 30 Charles 32 Bout 2: Rocky 31 Charles 33 So two years between them, both in early 30s. Some other considerations: Charles turned pro at a much younger age. Had the Rock turned Pro at a younger age he to could have competed in lower classes. Their weights at comparable ages: Charles at 30: 182-191.5 Marciano at 30: 184-187.5 Charles at 28: 178-182 Marciano at 28 184-187 Charles at 26: 170-176 Marciano at 26: 179-189 The wear and tear argument: Charles had a longer career, turned pro as a teen, and had more fights in other divisions. Marciano still fought 49 fights at HW against mostly heavier men in a 6 year span. No way of knowing who took truly more punishment. The Rock as a crude swarmer in his early career certainly didn't have many easy nights. I think the Rock was certainly more at his peak, but the "old LHW " Charles argument is blown way out of proportion.