So Marciano claims in an interview there were debates between himself and Ingemar Johansson in 1959 for a possible match-up and return to the ring (after Johansson knocked out Patterson). How do you think this fight would have gone? Say if it was in 1960.
Your answer lies in the fact that Rocky thought better of it. It quickly became apparent when he tried to get back into shape, that he was not the man he was.
I think 1959 would have been stretching it for Marciano but then he worked that out for himself. He figured he was not ready for a straight shot and was not prepared to take a few build up fights first. Had marciano remained active 1959 was about the time things would have become undone for him. Theres only so many miles you can put on the clock.
It's a good thing that Rocky reconsidered. That body of his wasn't designed for longevity. By 1960 he was all done. That's why he retired after the Moore fight. He knew.
