For the Rockyphiles out there, I have a question. When exactly was Marciano's prime? It is easy to say it was 1952 through 1955 because that's when he beat his toughest opponents and that might be the answer. However, that doesn't mean that he would have beaten an earlier version of himself. Do any of you Rocky experts out there have a thought on this or do we just have to base it on quality of opposition and the video we do have of his championship years?
It’s an odd question for Marciano because he started boxing so late. He was still smoothing out his style by his last fight with Moore but his physical peak had left him two years earlier. His very best was 52/53 imo. Where he was smart enough and still young enough to compete w anyone.
Yes I'd say he came in to his own, in the Walcott 1 fight. Jersey put on the best fight he d had for years, Marciano had never gone so many rounds. But Marciano doesn't give up, he's well conditioned, he's hungry for the title. A lot of guys would have perhaps coasted the last few rounds, resigned to losing. But not Rock. So that's my version of prime Marciano.
Me too,Fergy. You could tell in the Archie Moore fight that he was n't quite as awesome as he was a couple of years previously.
He got out just the right time, Stevie. If he'd have hung on past Moore, fighting the next generation, then it'd be only down hill for him.
I’d say 1951-1955. That said Rocky likely had another good 2-3 years in him, but retired mostly due to family pressures and also being tired of having to always answer to Weill, Goldman, and Columbo. From 1948-1950 he had about 30 fights, which slowly polished him up, so by 1951 he started getting maneuvered for a titleshot. Rocky also continually improved even after winning the title.
