By the way, this thread was not supposed to be about Rocky Marciano but about Willie Pep's first 49 fights on his way to an amazing 62-0 record, the greatest record ever achieved by an Italian American.
He should have retired at 50-0. Then everyone would tripping over themselves to applaud his great career management.
Tell everyone how does any fighter career manage his boxing record? Marciano beat the true champion, beat him again in the rematch and then beat one top contender after another (excluding ****ell) before retiring. We have no one on the hwt scene today who comes close to the ATG attributes shown by Marciano.
We have a scene of true heavyweights today, not a thalidomide baby, a couple hillbillies and a smattering of lightheavy geriatrics. Otherwise, we agree.
WHY all the extreme opinions, besides that men like to take the **** out of each other/ His record was great. Retiring early & not facing a rare ATG helped, but except for Louis, hhis other "big 3" competition were not far past their best. Walcott arguably as great as ever. Just being bigger does help...Imagine if the Klitchko competition had the SKILLS of a Charles, Moore or Walcott. Rocky was great & deserves much praise. Which does not mean he would beat the best guys who dwarf him.
