How does a Marciano loss or draw to Walcott effect the Hvywt. picture in the 50s? Is Marciano forgotten about? Or does he get another shot later? Does Walcott sit on the Title and fight lower contenders and exhibitions for a couple years? How does Charles and Valdes come into play. Do top Lt. Hvywts. such as Moore, Johnson, or perhaps Satterfield get any play? Please discuss.
If Marciano loses to Walcott, then he probably has to go through either Henry, Baker, or Charles in non title fights to get a rematch with Walcott. The rematch clause in the contract was only if Walcott lost(I believe). I wouldn't be surprised to see Archie Moore challenge for a shot at Jersey Joe's title if he still had it in 1953...especially after his dominating win over top rated clarence henry.
So many possibilities here its staggering. Charles is out of the picture for Walcott for now as that bout would draw 0 public interest. I really dont see Marciano taking on Charles right away either as Weill would'nt want Charles after a loss to Walcott. But, you never know. Money Man Weill just might look for a payday if Marciano had lost to the old man.
I've no doubt that Rocky would redouble his already considerable efforts and obtain the title in a second shot. Who the defending champion would then be is another matter. Charles and Walcott would likely have a tie breaking fifth title match. Who wins that one is anybody's guess, but Ezz had youth on his side, and something left in the tank for 1953, 1954 and 1955. He'd be a strong candidate to beat Patterson as the first to regain the HW Title if somebody other than Marciano held it.
Clarence Henry and Bob Baker were making huge splashes into the heavyweight scene around this time. Both were young too. Marciano would have had to go through one of them, or either of them to get his shot. Walcott might have fought one of those two in his next title defense.
Charles was done by 1955. He couldn't even beat journeyman anymore. Of course I think the two beatings Marciano gave him in 1954 had something to do with that. I don't think Charles would have been a major player after 1954. Floyd would have killed Ezz in 55. I think Bob Baker, Nino Valdes, Earl Walls would have been major players in 1955 if Marciano was not champ yet. Archie Moore and Harold Johnson would be at the top of the list having beaten pretty much everyone.
Don't count out Earl Walls. He could punch. Big time. He was also a solid 6'3 200lb. Here is Tommy Harrison(ex sparring partner of Marciano) saying "He is almost as good with his punches as Marciano". http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...&pg=1015,4058533&dq=earl+walls+marciano&hl=en Here's a nice article about all the chaos going on in 1954...This writer called the heavyweight scene "Heavyweight pursuers of Marciano seem to be playing a game of musical chairs" http://news.google.com/newspapers?i...J&pg=3631,987753&dq=earl+walls+marciano&hl=en
