What if Walcott defeated Marciano the first time around?

That would depend on how long Marciano stuck around dominating the division after.

I am going to go ahead and throw in there that they only reason that the first was that tough a fight is because Marciano got the substance, whatever it was, in his eyes, and he couldn't see for much of the fight. So to me, the alternate universe scenario mostly goes the other way--much easier night for the Rock.

 

Walcott retains the title and Marciano doesn’t become champ nor does he go 49-0. Therefore Walcott’s stock rises only a little because it wouldn’t be a win over an ATG. Anything else would depend greatly on what Marciano did following the loss. Maybe he fights Walcott again and wins. But given that Rocky wasn’t a guy destined to stick around long the future yield in stock returns might be minimal.

 

Might give Walcott some points

 

Likely scenario