What adavantages did Frazier have over Marciano that allowed him to thrive in the 60s and 70s?

Frazier had better defense. Marciano's defense was underrated but Frazier's defense really helped him against some of his opposition. Though honestly I think if you made Marciano run through Frazier's resume I think he'd get about the same results. Foreman vs Marciano is a bout which would probably last 2 rounds tops. Foreman's physical strength neutralises Marciano's offense before he can get going. It's not like Marciano is gonna pitch a shutout jabbing clinc on Foreman as funny as that would be.

 

I don’t think there is one thing Frazier did better except maybe slightly faster. I don’t think their resumes look any different if they switched spots though. Biggest difference between them is Frazier was a head first fighter while Marciano leaned off center. Marciano had power in both hands and I’d prob even give him the stamina edge.

most people simply underestimate him for his size and don’t understand his unique style. Much like his opponents until he knocked them out. That or there are a lot of anti white individuals.

 

Bigger and faster are very significant advantages when combined.

 

I don't know that Frazier had better defense than Marciano. The way he fought, with his head over his front foot, constantly put him in range. Yes, he had some pretty good skills at slipping and rolling under punches but he had to do so constantly because his head was always the closest part of his body to his opponents.
It was that which made him susceptible to the (illegal) Foreman trick of pushing him off: Frazier fought with his weight over his left foot, so pushing him back stood him up straight. Marciano was old school and fought with his weight over his right foot which makes a lot more sense because your right foot is the power to your propulsion, if that makes sense. You aren't going to push him back to make him stand up to get hit with punches.
With your weight back like that, in a crouch and shading to your right, the taller stronger guy cannot push you back. And he will have to reach to hit you with a jab, or punch across his body with his right hand; either of those things opens up counter opportunities and chances to get inside. Especially if you drop your hands when you punch.
Foreman was certainly a much larger man, taller and heavier. His stamina was not in the same league as Marciano's, that is not even debatable. He was not nearly as well schooled; he had good people around him and they universally said that he never listened. Charly Goldman was one of the great boxing teachers and even Angelo Dundee said that Marciano was very well schooled- he listened and learned.
It is very possible that Foreman would be just too big and hit too hard for Marciano, but I don't think that the result is a given. Foreman was a big strong guy that fought like a novice and got tired quickly and was easy to hit.

 

Ali says Marciano is better than Frazier...says he would have won but then maybe changes his mind.

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Marciano talks about Frazier...

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Frazier considered Marciano better than himself, so there's that. It's almost like fighters tend to know who's better whereas fans and armchair wannabe experts just run their mouth. Did I say that last part out loud?

 

Sorry do you mind repeating it louder for the people in the back?

 

Frazier had much much better footwork
He was faster
Harder to hit clean
Better work rate
Better body puncher
Cut the ring bettet

 

Twitch. Rhythm. Balance. Swivel.

 

Marciano does not beat Ali, but otherwise should be able to repeat Frazier's resume

The biggest difference vs Ali is speed, Frazier was legitimately beating Ali to the punch in FOTC, Marciano was more timing and constant slugging/attrition

 

All good points. Marciano was not as easy to hit as people think. Him leaning towards his right did helped him avoid a lot of shots.

 

Marciano had a better right hand (much better) and a better work rate.

Frazier was a better ring cutter with faster hands.

Both ATG's. I think Marciano could replicate Frazier's success.

 

It’s always nice to see when people actually study film and understand Rocky’s style. He always kept men busy…not just with punches but crowding them and shoving his head into their right shoulder neck area to avoid shots while he worked. He was constantly pushing his opponents back off balance. He was an exhausting man to fight. The lean over the right foot also drew men closer which you mentioned but it also expended less energy than Frazier’s style. Frazier’s constant head movement was a necessity while as Marciano always just kept his head off the center line. Even if you hit him it was never full force because of that. Goldman was a brilliant man. Developed him well

the opponents left shoulder he would lean into*