I also favor Ali to win, Marciano won't touch him. But please do not exxagerate/lie about Ali's punching power. He was never a big puncher. Even if they fight 100 times, Ali won't be able to KO him in round 1.
Right Ali could knock down the 6'3 230 pound iron chin George Foreman but Ali couldn't hurt the 5'10 180 pound Rocky Marciano. Yet the 160-170 pound Archie Moore knocked down Ali. Yet the 160-180 pound Ted Lowry was able to hurt Marciano badly over and over and had to hold back to avoid knocking Marciano out. So Ali by first round knock out unless Ali wanted to toy with Marciano.
I love how you play with weight numbers to fit your agenda. Foreman was 220 lbs, not 230 lbs against Ali. Moore was 188 lbs, not 160-170 lbs against Rocky. You made 32 lbs difference look like 60 lbs.
Ali KOd Foreman cause Foreman punched himself out and was completely gassed by that point. Anyone could have taken him out. Ali had many qualities, but a puncher he was not. Sure, he might cut Marciano and take him out, but it will be due to an accumulation of punches, over many rounds. Ali lacks the power to go toe to toe with Marciano, he'll get KOd himself. Plus it wasn't his style, he was cautious and rarely put his weight behind his punches out of fear of being countered.
Ali could and would force a stoppage. He found a way to do so with plenty of otherwise durable opponents. I stake my wig upon it.
The more I think about this fantasy fight, the more I think Marciano has a real shot. His style and determination would be very hard for any version of Ali to handle. I think Ali's easiest path to victory is to win on a cut. Other than that, I think Mr. Ali's in for one heck of a fight! I wouldn't bet on it, but it wouldn't surprise me if Rocky pulled off the upset.
