That is not fair. The worst you could say about this fight was that it was widley disputed in the press. I don't doubt that LaStarza and all his friends gave the fight to LaStarza.
That is a silly statement , Marciano was connected, please...Lastarza was connected but it did not help him vs Rocky because Rocky was a strait guy and would not play. Roland had some strong friends from the bronx but like I said my Uncles were from the Bronx and felt Rocky won the fight. The knockdown was big. Anyway most fighter were connected in those days to some degree in order to play or the promoters had the connections. but it is no different than being with Don King or Bob Arum today. Money makes judges. As far as Marciano, I know the scoop. Rocky was respectfull but an honest kid and if any of his fights were fixed Mendoza do you think he would have taken an elbow to split his nose open with Charles or Got dropped by Moore or Walcott and fought a war for 13 rounds. Walcott had strong ties (Italian Friends) also but it was only to have some strength to get a title shot. Lets face it Lastarza got dropped and did not land the power shots Rocky did and Rocky again showed who the better man was in the rematch
I'm not suggesting this or any of Rocky's major fights were fixed. I am suggesting that Rocky's management was " in " with the boxing powers much like Don King's fighters tend to win decisions that should be close losses. Which newspapers outside of Mass said Rocky won the fight? Is Lastarza's claim that the all the newspapers gave the match to him wrong? I agree Rocky over powered LaStarza's in the re-match. I also think blantant fouls such as nailing LaStarza in the chops with mean hooks on the break, and going low took away some of LaStarza's legs.
My uncles were Lastarza fans and they came from the bronx, they were big fight fans and were rooting for Roland but My Uncle told me Marciano won the fight. It was evident that he landed the harder punches. Roland took some of the early rds but they were close the KD was Big because it showed the type of punches Rocky was throwing. Most of then became Marciano fans after that but they were atill rooting for Roland in the rematch.
:shock: 1:29-1:32 :scaredas: That uppercut. Oh my God. That hook. Oh my God. Marciano was a ****ing animal. Wow. You just perfectly described my psychological problems. I was diagnosed with OCD when I was younger. As innappropriate as it may be in this forum, I'm going to think about what you just wrote for some time. Well said. Honestly I think Ali would be ****ed. I think Marciano would drive him around the ring and the punishment would be too severe.
Enjoyed that clip, SuzieQ. What heavy hands, what an impressive technical fighter was Marciano. Every ounce culminating at the end of every blow. How such a proud man, whose intense spirit was his defining characteristic would have handled Ali's taunting is a very interesting question, PetethePrince. As much as I love Ali, the Rock's ferocious will may be the determining factor. And you're so right, Rocky may have fought like a workhorse but he thought like a thoroughbred. A very intelligent fighter.
Yeah that could be a disastrous idea for Ali. The only potential to holding Marciano back would be over-training :rofl. I'm not sure how Ali would fare but honestly post exile Ali would take one hell of a battering at some point. Would be hell... Yep, Marciano gets labeled as a savage or "brute" but he was quite smart and ring savvy. He definitely gets underestimated in terms of his tactical ability. I love the feint right, jab, and double hook that catches Harry Matthews and just becomes lights out for him. People may think he just got lucky (Against Walcott) but it takes some intelligence, timing, and patience to pull of a devastating punch like that. You can also listen to his ring commentating and you'll see he knows his stuff. Very humble and honest guy, comes across well as a commentator.
I used to watch that show of his they played at least until recently on I think it was Classics Sports. Rocky was a real student of the game, thoughtful and well-spoken. Knew how to breakdown fights and styles as well as most. Tell ya the truth, watching those bombs he throws makes me wonder how he doesn't dig a hole in a body and come out the other side. A real phenomenon then and now. So what do we think? Does Ali's taunting get to Marciano? Has anybody ever seen this guy ruffled?
He was incredibly determined and persistent. Never ruffled, only LaStarza angered him by calling him "punch drunk." So Rocky punished him for it, probably could have knocked him out or TKO him sooner if he wanted to. I wonder how Rocky reacts to all of Ali's stunts and public displays against him. It would be incredibly interesting to see, I think this would only hurt Ali's chances in a big fight like this (As I do believe it probably may have against Frazier in FOTC).
I have to agree. Don't see the Rock falling for that bull**** the way so many others did, even when it was not so apparent. Even a stone faced, cold blooded Sonny Liston, you could see the anger boiling up in him at Ali's antics. I think the point is it will, if you give it even a moment's too much consideration, work against you. There is that anger that is usable and then the anger that will do you in, and such a fine line it is. How can you be focused on the fight when you're so pissed off all you can think of is tearing this guy's head-off. You end up pursuing when a cooler head may have told you it wasn't the wisest thing to do at the time. If Ali would have a chance with Rocky it would have been in the straight shots he could land when Rocky was on his way in.
The blatant fouls disappoint me about Marciano. It has been sometime since I watched that awful fight against poor Cockell, but unless I'm mistaken there were blatant fouls in that one, too.
Yep. I think Rocky's focus and insane determination can keep him geared and in check. Any anger will turn out the worse for the other fighter. Matchup would definitely be a good one.
I cant understand the excuse given for Msrciano LaStarza 1 not being filmed' inclement weather'. The real reason for it disapoearing seems to be a LaStarza win.