This is the matchup that I think would be an Armageddon . A 190 pound Evander vs Marciano would sooner or later turn into a brawl of epic proportions. I've changed my mind over this one a couple of times, at first I thought Evander would outbox Rocky and take a decision over 15 rounds due to his boxing ability. Later I realized that Marciano's constant pressure round after round would force an exchange in the later rounds that Holyfield might not survive. I could see Rocky getting a stoppage late 13,or 14th round . But, might not be a wrong answer here.
Although I think Holyfield could beat a few Heavyweights that Marciano couldn't, I could see Rocky taking this. I don't need to tell anyone that this would be a gooder.
I'm taking Holyfield. I don't think anyone would argue that he was the more versatile of the two. Both men were tough as nails and I see this one going to the cards with Holyfield's superior boxing ability winning out over Rocky's strength and toughness.
Marciano's pressure would probably force Holy to fight back instead of boxing intelligently and that would be Holyfield's demise i think. If Holy was to try to box him without going into a war, he could win but Holy is Holy and we all know he would just fight teeth to teeth against Marciano. That match would be the best CW match ever btw.
Marciano would be too much for Holyfield at that career stage. You'd take him at the end of his 190 stint and that would be at the 18 fight mark. He'd give a good account of himself but he's not seasoned enough IMO to beat a beast like Marciano.
Holy by KO in 5 or 6. Always a step ahead with both quicker feet and hands and much greater range. His combos would be the devil to the Rock. A better boxer by magnitudes, a better athlete by eons... almost unfair. But the Rock was a tough batard and would last a handful of rounds.
I realize that some of your post is for the sake of argument. In the same spirit, I'll flick the pendulum back: Re: "a better athlete by eons," well... Only one of these guys needed to recruit a chemical lab to improve his athleticism. Or needed special machines to improve coordination between his torso, legs, and arms. It wasn't Marciano.
Holyfield's genetic stock has been proven by the exceptional athletes he sired. The seed of Marciano's loins produced elite cannoli eaters.
Pretty much this. The only sure winner would be the guy watching the fight. The thing with Holyfield is that there's a lot of guys I'd take him over, if only he'd stop getting sucked into brawls. He just couldn't help himself.
