Larry Holmes Vs Rocky Marciano

Look, I love Rocky as much as the next guy. However, not only did Holmes offer arguably the best jab in the history of the division, but it was a snapping, relentless jab that altered pace and distance, the perfect foil against a guy who needs to close distance. Furthermore, Holmes, though not body beautiful, had excellent stamina and ungodly recuperative powers (see Shavers) and pain resistance (see Norton). Add his far superior length, underrated strength and overall size and this is just not a good recipe for Marciano...

 

Holmes would box his way to a decision.

 

Do you? What great fighters do you pick him to beat

 

Holmes wins fairly easily. He's bigger, faster, has a good chin & that amazing jab would keep Rocky away. UD or maybe a stoppage due to cuts.

 

If Renaldo Snipes could land his right hand......look out for the "Suzie Q"...

 

Holmes had a great jab, but its nothing Marciano has not seen vs Walcott or Charles imo,

Its 50 50 either way, and I dont see Holmes winning easy like some of you guys claiming right here, this is a war.

 

Holmes is bigger and stronger than Walcott or Charles but definately not as quick as those guys were. Like in all his fights against superior boxers Holmes would win the early rounds and give Rocky a good hiding. But Marciano, with his indomitable will, second to none conditioning, great body punching would start to break Holmes down by the mid to later rounds. In Holmes era, the crimson mask that Rock's face would resemble might get the fight stopped. In the 1950's they could use monsel's solution and coagulate the blood on Marciano's cuts. Assuming he is allowed to continue I see Marciano brutalizing Holmes in about the 11th or 12th rounds ala Walcott and Charles.

Marciano KO 12 Holmes

 

You are taking into consderation Marciano's intangibles. No fighter in history was as stubborn or had more heart than Rocky. He would simply refuse to lose and overwhelm Holmes later in the fight. Rocky is Not Gerry Cooney or Earnie Shavers you know.

 

Not taking into consideration - sorry.

 

Marciano is WAY better finisher than Shavers even though teir respective punching power is similar. If Marciano hurt Holmes he is going for the kill and getting him out of there. Marciano did not have to conserve his energy or pace himself the way Shavers had to because of his superior conditioning.

 

Nothing was a good recipe for Marciano. He just ignored that and went 49-0 with 43 knockouts and fought and defeated the top contenders he needed to beat.

 

He was too short, fought all old guys, fought his grandmother 49 times, cut easily, would have lost to Liston, Ali, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda....


The facts - Was 49-0 and only undeated HW champ in history.

 

I'm well aware of Rocky's strengths, he had great stamina, chin, will to win & great power too. I just don't think he'd get through a prime Holmes' jab in his face before his face broke down on him.

 

I took Holmes, on pts or a late stoppage. Rocky was one tough guy but i think Holmes has the jab and the underated right hand to hold rocky off him over 15 rounds. I feel its also possible he coulda cut the rock and forced a late stoppage. Great fight to watch though