Battle of the Jockstrap...

This is a fantastic matchup. I've always gone for Holmes via narrow decision in a fight he could well be dropped in. Gruelling bout.

 

That's about it, and what i envision. With a big right hand from Marciano that drops Holmes as well at some point.

 

Holmes, by clear UD. He may be dropped at some stage through the fight, however Larry's chin, heart and recuprerative powers would see him through. His jab and style would give Marciano absolute fits.

 

Holmes is several notches above Charles and Walcott as a heavyweight and unlike Walcott and Charles, Holmes proved was super durable. Holmes proved he had a great chin by taking some bombs to the head and the body by guys who hit as hard or harder than Marciano. In addition, Holmes would be the best puncher Maricano every fought or very close to it.

I think Holmes via wide UD, or perhaps Holmes via TKO is the most likely outcome.

 

I agree that Holmes would fade in a 15-rounder, but he'd sweep virtually every one of the first 10. Larry's jab and overall boxing skill is just too much here. Holmes by UD: 145-141.

 

15 rounds makes all the difference here. I give the edge to Marciano.

 

Holmes was a ture 15 round fighter. To say he would fade is a bit harsh. Holmes was able to come up with some of his best stuff late in fights. The Norton, Weaver, and Cooney fights come to mind. In additon, Holmes was able to move like a prime Ali and out box Shavers, who had comparable footwork / footspeed to Marciano.

 

Watch the Shavers fight to see how quick of a pace Holmes could maintain. Rocky had great stamina, but I have seen get a bit arm weary, and take his foot off the gas pedal in some rounds. Rocky was at his best in the corners or when the other guy was tired or on the ropes.

Holmes was no fool in the ring. He'd keep the action in the center of the ring, which is an area on film where Rocky wasn't super aggressive. Rocky did not break though good out fighters in the center of the ring. He won many of his matches when the other guy tired out a bit, and he did not. I don’t think Holmes would tire out, but he would defiantly need to be in good shape to go 15 with Rocky.

 

Are we assuming they are in the same era to make it fair or does the more modern fighter get to enjoy the advantages in superior technology, better nutrition, better training techniques and equipment, etc?

 

Holmes by comfortable decision. Larry established his 15 round credentials against Berbick and Cobb. Rocky never dealt with anybody who had the combination of size, mobility and skill that Holmes possessed. Marciano's arms were simply too short, and he did not have the footspeed to compensate. He just wouldn't reach Holmes often enough to prevail.

Like Cobb, Rocky would never stop coming, and never give up. But neither would he be able to hit Larry enough to slow him down. He would certainly be competitive enough to merit a rematch though.

 

Jab rules the fight, Marciano couldn't handle it..

He'd attempt at some point to walk right through it..

Bad mistake, Larry had great recouperative powers and Rocky would press that issue in moments but Larry always found a way..

Holmes by wide decision. Rockys face very marked up ..

No Jock strap carrying needed......