Artur Beterbiev vs Rocky Marciano

Prime vs Prime. We will say it’s a heavyweight fight where they can both come in at whatever weight they want to. We’ll go with 15 rounds and 8 ounce gloves.

 

I think it’s an interesting matchup because despite being a heavyweight, Marciano is actually a little smaller (Beterbiev is 5 foot, 11.5 inches with a 73 inch reach, and Marciano is 5 foot, 10.5 inches with only a 68 inch reach). They are both known for outstanding power and both have very good chins (although I’d definitely give Rocky an advantage in the chin department) and employ a front foot dominant, come-forward style. While it’s true what you said about Marciano being undefeated at heavyweight (which is the same for Artur at Light Heavyweight), Rocky fought in a relatively weak era and didn’t fight too many elite fighters who were actually in their prime at the time they fought. I’m also giving Beterbiev the edge in handspeed, defense, and footwork, although I will concede Rocky’s iron chin compensates a lot for any defensive shortcomings. I personally am picking Beterbiev but that’s just my own opinion obviously.

 

I respect that. I just added a poll by the way.

 

Another thing I’d be interested in knowing…for those who are picking Marciano, how far back do you think we’d have to go in terms of lineal heavyweight champions until you get to someone Beterbiev would beat?

 

Yeah those are all good picks. Over on the Classic Forum, they’d probably have him losing to Gentleman Jim Corbett.

 

While I agree with your overall sentiment, Beterbiev has been knocked down twice as a pro. The first was against Jeff Page Jr in 2014, and the second was against Callum Johnson in 2018. Here is a video showing both. He didn’t look to be hurt from either knockdown however.

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