Yes, another Rocky thread. This has to a matchup I probably feel most incredulous about Rocky's chances. If it's not a fight with Tyson, I think a fight with Foreman is a stylistic nightmare. Not just because of what he did with Frazier. I think Marciano has an edge in certain areas, however, he has some disadvantages (Slow plodding and a tendency to bomb at mid-range). So... basically what the hell can Rocky do to even stand a chance? What gameplan does he have to come up with to back Foreman up or get Foreman in trouble. Does Rocky have much of a chance or does he get blown out like Frazier? Does Rocky put up a better fight than Frazier? What are your thoughts on this matchup. Is it complete hopelessness in this nightmare of a fight for Marciano?
Bad match for Marciano............... Foreman bombs out Marciano fairly early........ Do NOT allow old farts and old fools to bull**** you into believing that Marciano would find a way to win; he would NOT!!! Foreman too big and strong with power in both hands would find and stop Marciano in a time machine.... MR.BILL
So basically. There's nothing Marciano could do style wise or some adjusted for Foreman. I agree it's a nightmare matchup but that's why I made the thread. Somethings gotta give. Luckily Marciano gets bombed out. Does he do better than Frazier? Probably...
Better than Frazier??? Hmmmm..... About the same........ Marciano gets stopped between rds 2 and 5........ Of course we are talkin' about the '52 Marciano versus the '73 Foreman....:deal MR.BILL
Yes a stylistic nightmare for Marciano. Size/strength disadvantage aside, Rocky's biggest problem would be getting to Foreman. Given his come forward style, Rocky can expect a similar fate as Big George's other KO victims. For Marciano to have any chance, he would need to fight defensively in this one. If Rocky can find a way under George's haymakers, and get to the body, that could be the key. If he pounds everything, hard enough and often enough, Marciano just might turn it in his favor. But that is only a best case scenario for the Rock. Despite Marciano's obvious style disadvantage, I think he would give a better account of himself than Frazier and Norton.
How is it stylistic nitghtmare? Marciano could crowd him, and not like Frazier did. Frazier thought he was in for an easy night, and just walked in like it was an easy fight coming up. Marciano could stay close, smother him, or stay just out of range and wait for chance to couter, or move in for a shot. If either guy lands big, it's a problem for guy getting hit. If it goes to 5th round, it sudennly becomes easier fight for Marciano.
Easier said than done. Foreman has 4+ inches and a 82 inch reach (Or 80 depending on the source) compared to Rocky's 67/68 inch reach. Stylistically it's terrible. All Foreman's power is low, and Marciano comes low boring in. If Marciano tries crowding him, Foreman pushes off. Yet you don't stick by your words... good job :good Any source on this? I only ask because Cosell seemed genuinely surprised by the demolition that Frazier got. Picking him is one thing but Frazier was the favorite, the first man to beat Ali and Foreman was seen as someone to raw for a veteran like Frazier.
I'd hate to immediately underestimate Rocky based upon Frazier's performance. But, this isn't a great style match up for him. Frazier bobs and weaves, which I think makes him more vulnerable against a fighter like Foreman. Marciano should rely on a low crouch and look for his openings. Foreman will obviously throw wider punches, but being in range to take advantage of that also means being in range to get hit by it. But, I think that Marciano was a better puncher with both hands than Frazier, and if his chin holds out, he could wear Foreman down. The problem with trying to jump on Foreman, is he's so strong he'll push you off. With a referee whose strict about Foreman's pushing, Rocky might last longer and get to the later rounds when Foreman tired. I think Rocky would do better than Frazier did, overall.
probably same as frazier.. george has so much advantages over marciano. size, strength etc. first of all for rocky to even get to george would make him come in reach of those big bombs of foreman. and rocky had a great heart but so had frazier also. 19 out of 20 rocky looses... maybe 1 out of every 20 he gets lucky and can beat george. anyway non of those fights will go past the 5th round.
The one thing he can do is to do a Young: i e make a big ruccus about Foreman's pushing and shoving before the fight has even started. 'Cause he must have a ref that acts sternly against Foreman's bullying tactics, otherwise he has no chance that I can see. But if Foreman's natural instincts are curbed and frustrated by a stern ref, then Marciano can just be succesful coming inside and belting Foreman's body. And perhaps - just perhaps - he can stay in there long enough for Foreman to get tired and frustrated. Then it's the Rock's fight to lose.
