Here is the same video, but in not split into 2 parts: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sncQC8_5uEM[/ame]
Natural gifts include will power, stamina, and such too. But they are seldom mentioned in boxing. I do agree with your post. Marciano glorified boxing because he had to work hard to overcome in many of his fights. Rocky commentary on boxing was excellent. Its a shame he went so young.
Pete,thanks for unloading the Robinson/turpin fight... What memories it brought back to me,as I and my friend was at that fight Sept 12,1951, at the Polo Grounds...I had seats about 15-20 rows in back of Gen. Douglas MacArthur,who is shown in this clip.what I woukd give to see myself in the audience,FIFTY NINE years ago... Ray by the tenth round had a very bad cut on his eye, and looked tired, but immortal fighter that he was, he rose to the occasion and stopped tough and AWKWARD Turpin..It was do or due or die for Robby, and he did the job... To this day I remember as Robinson was being hustled past us to his dressing room, I,standing by the aisle saw the exhausted, and gasping Robinson ,his mouth open, and being half carried to the dressing room by his entourage...What a night, what a fight, and what a fighter.. P.S. Still have the ticket stub of the event...
This is debatable. Yeah some fighters or people may "have it" that requires that to go that extra mile, but it's always a chose. And when punches are reigning hard on you the mind cant falter at anytime. It's a nature vs nurture question where I'd imagine the answer is some where in the middle. Stamina is definitely something natural to an extent, but everyone talked of Marciano's awe-inspiring stamina as a result of his awe-inspiring dedication. Nobody said he was blessed of good conditioning... he even tired out of his 1st amateur fight where he was disqualified (Something you constantly mention). Shows you how hard the man worked.
Wow, that's just awesome. What an amazing story. I'm envious of some of your experiences. This is definitely a special moment to cherish. Maybe if I had a time machine I'd go back to watch all these classic fights!
I think the Giardello-Graham fight deserves its own thread. :good Marciano may not have been gifted with his stamina and determination, but he did have punching power like few others. He used to play baseball, and sometimes his overhand right looks as if he's pitching a ball. A lot of power behind that punch.
I understand Rocky was a pretty notable prospect as a catcher for the Chicago Cubs, or at least garnered some attention from them at that position. Then he blew his arm out making a throw, and that ended his baseball aspirations. This was fortuitous in two ways really; it opened the door to his boxing career, and also meant he didn't have to play for the Cubs.
Marciano could certainly punch. You can make a thread if you want. If I make a thread it will garner like 6 replies.