70s Ali vs. Rocky Marciano

I was gonna write a joke, then remembered Rocky Marciano died in 1969....

I like Ali here.

Oh, nevermind...70s Ali!

It depends on what shape Rocky shows...if he can pressure like Joe Frazier then it would be close. But if he gets tired like George Foreman....

 

This is an interesting match up. I still think Ali has the advantage as long as he doesn't employ the Rope-A-Dope. Ali was noticeably quicker in 1972 than he was in 1974 and the closer this fantasy fight is to 1974 the better Marciano's chances are.

The key is how well does Ali take Marciano's punches should he get hit solidly. It's sort of akin to the immovable object / irresistible force conundrum. Ali has legendarily good whiskers and Marciano has a legendarily punishing punch. For me, I believe Ali wins the rounds he wins easily and is able to withstand the brutality inflicted by Marciano in the other rounds to take a decision in 1972 and 1973. In 1974, I say Marciano wins by decision.

 

You say it depends on Marciano's shape. Was he known to come in out of shape?

 

Hi buddy.
Regarding Rocky's " shape " the only shape he entered the ring in was 100% , not once but everytime, he trained like a spartan, please amend your enquiry, with due respect to even posite that is blasphemous, I will assume you do not know much about Marciano , that's ok, that's what this forum is all about, we are all learning , please take my comments in good faith, no offence intended.
stay safe buddy, chat soon.

 

Muhammad Ali was still VERY good between 1971-1975. These are the years during which he beat Foreman, Frazier, Norton, Quarry, Ellis, Lyle, Bonavena and M.Foster. While I happen to hold Rocky Marciano in extreme high regard I still think this is a fight that 70’s Muhammad could win. Unless of course we’re talking about the late 70s.

 

he'd have to be in tip-top shape to prevent a George Foreman-like meltdown.

 

I think it would take Ali on his best day to beat the best version of Marciano. So to answer ur question no I don’t think Ali wins in the 70s. His legs wouldn’t let him go 15 rounds. He thought an out of prime Frazier was death after the thrilla. Prime Marciano was better than any Frazier version imo

 

I concur,Mr Magoo. Ali of the early/mid seventies was still fast and tough enough to beat Rocky.

 

Weird thing is, I’d favor FOTC Ali over Rocky but Rocky may very well beat Manila Ali.

 

That's not correct Ali used his legs for all 12 rounds vs Norton in their 2nd fight, that was arguably Ali at his fittest in the 70s. If Ali is in that type of shape he beats Marciano.

 

I’ve got 70s Ali through to 75 at the latest to beat Rocky. IMO, in accumulative terms he will hurt and wear down Rocky - and there is also the cuts factor. I think 70s Ali was still clearly superior to anyone Rocky faced and defeated.

 

I see Marciano beating the hell out of Ali in a very hard battle. Not excluding Ali to outpoint him, no way to win via KO/TKO, but will be very difficult for him.

 

I dont see Ali needing to go 15rds, I think he stops Marciano on cuts inside 10rds.