Do you agree with Ali's assesment of why he'd have beaten Rocky Marciano?

So I read the rest of the chapter, it’s certainly an interesting read. The last three rounds of the computer fight are pretty close to “real” if anyone is interested in making the judgement themselves. Anyway I see no reason to doubt the authors conclusion, albeit the details are anyone’s guess. Moore is their only common opponent yes? He troubled Rocky while Ali demolished him, obviously he was older but if you were looking for some sprinkles for the argument.

 

I think it would be ever easier for Ali than what he said here.

 

I wonder when he said that. He really didn't become a grappler until midway into his post exile career.

 

Ali said a lot of similar things about Frazier no?

 

Rocky beats him, so no I do not agree

 

Ali was much more complimentary later on and said he'd be his toughest opponent of the HW greats.

 

He's right, Marciano has no chance against Ali.

 

I personally believe Muhammad would have beaten Rocky clearly.

 

Ali would have won because he was the greatest, and I don't think anyone contests that. Nonetheless, there were other quotes:

“I could have beaten all of those guys, except for maybe Marciano.”

“When I was 14 years old and listening to the radio and I heard the announcer, ‘.and still champion of the whole world, Rocky Marciano..’ I knew I wanted to be champion someday. He was a big influence in the start of my career.”

"Ooo he hit hard. He hit you so hard it'd jar your kin folks in Africa...it'd been rough...I truly think on my best day and his best day I would have beaten him...I think he was better than Joe Frazier, I truly think he was better than Joe Frazier and you know what Joe Frazier did to me...I think it would be even, he may have won. It's just hard...In his heyday, he may have won. It's up to the imagination.

(When asked who would have given him the most trouble)
"Rocky Marciano...He would be the most trouble I think...Rocky Marciano."

 

I'm not trying to be argumentive but I'm genuinely curious. In previous Rocky threads, I've seen you favor Rocky over Liston, Foreman, and Tyson. Do you think Rocky beats every HW in history?

 

Muhammad Ali would beat all the boxers that Rocky Marciano beat, and I'm not sure of the opposite.
Muhammad Ali wins

 

Rocky would give Ali major problems and Ali said so after the computer fight and later said he didnt know if he could beat him.

 

Liston (at least of the first fight), Frazier (1st and 3rd fights), and Foreman would all beat Marciano. Lyle is a live underdog as is Norton. That's assuming prime for prime. If he fought Ali's resume from start to finish he doesn't make it into the 70s.