Michael Dokes vs Rocky Marciano

I think this analysis is on point. What people underestimate most about Marciano is that he ws quite a cagey fighter

 

Interesting idea...

but I just don't see Michael's chin holding up.

 

I see Dokes doing at least as well as Lastarza ,[ ie lasting into the 11th and winning several early rounds ,]Dokes, imo was was better than Lastarza.

 

At one point Dokes was the fastest heavyweight in the division - for 2 or 3 rounds. He used to slow plenty after that. It would be tough for Marciano early but as the fight matured it would be less intense and he would be able to come on. Your forecast might not be too far off the mark.

 

I just don't think Marciano can consistently play the long game against these fighters with such overwhelming superiority. Everyone assume that Rock himself lasts until the late rounds. That just wouldn't be the case.

 

I can’t hold my puke much longer

 

Elaborate?

 

This. Dokes was a promising young fighter in the early 80’s that had the potential to be an excellent fighter, but sadly never lived up to his potential. By the late 80’s he was already damaged goods and looked terrible when he fought Holyfield. The drugs had already ruined him. Marciano would’ve badly hurt Dokes and especially the broken version that fought Holyfield.

 

The same Dokes who in his prime twice couldn't descively beat Cobb is not going to handle Marciano.

Dokes wasn't that good. He didn't deserve either win over Weaver, got stretched by Coetzee...etc

He gave Holyfield a good fight...but who didn't?

 

You make me wonder how Marciano ever won a fight!

He seems to do very badly in your eyes, in any era where it can't be put to the test!

He did well enough in the only one where it could!

 

The Rock comes thru in 10

 

Dokes does well early but it becomes very obvious it’s just a matter of time. Marciano overwhelms Dokes for the KO mid fight. Probably before round ten. Dokes had quick hands but lacked the heart and chin to hang in there in a tough fight. It’s a contender vs an ATG hwt champion. Betting on the contender will be long odds.

 

Did I pass?

 

This is my view, though I don't know if Dokes would last that long.

After careful thought I too think Dokes might have even looked sensational in the first one or two rounds against Rocky, especially with the hand speed. But I seriously doubt he'd do much damage, and I think only combination after combination would slow Rocky up after all (Dokes' jab was a weaker version of Ali's and ain't stopping anyone with a good chin).

Dokes, tiring badly, gets caught by Rocky and knocked cold in the fifth round.