We obviously know how it went when they fought but Marciano did nearly lose to both when they were past their primes Granted Walcott won the title when he was old and was basically the best old man heavyweight until at least Foreman and Holmes. What would've happened if Marciano fought these 2 when they were younger?
I think we can flip a coin it's pretty much 50:50. I would just point out that in a series of fights, Rocky could have the advantage if, for instance, he lands a devastating knockout blow in the first fight, like against Walcott I. This could affect the opponent in the upcoming bouts. Okay, Walcott was an old fighter and at the very end of his career, but still...
I’ve thought about this a bit and still think Marciano finds a way on a majority of nights. I am not convinced the Marciano that fought them was his peak. At least not physically. I feel the Marciano of the Louis to Matthews fights was his absolute peak physically then he started to slow a bit but his skills improved along the way negating it.
I am positive my man Jersey Joe at his peak has a clear edge on Marciano. Barring a lucky shot or some unexpected blunder, Jersey Joe is money here.
Walcott was essentially at whatever peak he would ever have. Being so wildly inconsistent, or just not good, we have to take his brief reign at his peak. Prime Charles demolishes Marciano. No question in that.
Prime Walcott was faster than the version Rocky fought, going by the Louis 1 footage (the only footage of prime Walcott we have along Louis 2). Based on that, he wins a decision without getting caught. On the flip side, even prime Walcott dropped decisions to people he on paper shouldn't lose too, but he wiped the floor with them soon after when they rematched (Ray and Maxim). KO isn't Rockt's only path to victory here. If Walcott scores a KD and feels like he's in the lead he might back off enough to let Marciano win all the championship rounds. It's 55-45 for Walcott for me. He did do very well as an old man against prime Marciano, so he wins on points, but there is no suprise if Marciano wins a decision. I wouldn't expect a knockout from either.
It's the same styles make fights and Marciano although he could be outboxed wasn't stopping and would keep coming forward. No big difference either way.
