70s Ali vs. Rocky Marciano

Jesus Christ.

 

Don't you know that in all sixty one of his fights he used the same game plan as he used against George Foreman?

 

He def cut frequently but realistically only about two fights were almost stopped from what I’ve read (could be off on one or two). Edit I see u mentioned the two fights already thought I deleted this before responding to Reinhardt. Ur theory isn’t out of the question in today’s boxing

lol u do realize the closest anyone came to knocking our Ali was Cooper? 185 pound Cooper…Stewart’s opinion is neither here nor there. Most boxing experts who witnesses Ali at the time live picked Marciano over him and most of them saw both fighters live. I personally pick Ali on his best day over Marciano but not 70s Ali.

 

Well, re Cooper, all context should be called in.

Ali was just 207 lb himself, still growing and filling out physically. Cooper was 6’2” with a 75” reach.

Henry was known for his great left hook and that was arguably the best one he ever threw.

Was it better than Frazier’s KD hook in ‘71 or Shavers’ numerous direct hits in ‘77? Likely not.

 

Don’t think ten pounds at Hw will really make a grand difference in chin strength. We also prob shouldn’t compare Coopers power to Marciano. They prob aren’t in the same ball park. Sometimes u just get hit in the magic spot at the right time and Cooper was the only one who hit it. He was also only 185 area. Kind of like how old Mosley was the only one who hurt Mayweather that bad. My only point being Marcianos weight shouldn’t be in the discussion of he couldn’t hurt Ali. Not rational considering both men’s careers

 

That wasn't the strong man of the 70's that Ali became, Ali according to Dundee exhausted Foreman with his strength pulling, holding and grappling with him. experts? didn't the experts have Ali a 7-1 underdog to Liston?.

P.S. Coopers delivered his hook much snappier than Rocky's punches Ali would see coming a mile off.

 

Ali fought arguably the greatest pressure fighter in the annals of boxing basically flat footed in Manila and emerged victorious. Imagine all his tricks and skills he didn't use.

 

Frazier was definitely past his prime by Manila, and still gave Ali hell. I wouldn't use this argument if I were you.

 

Wasn't Ali past his prime too? And does the fact he took all that hell suggest he could weather Rocky's storm? Rocky isn't knocking out Manila Ali and he isn't outpointing him.

 

Fair point. Even this Frazier was much faster and better defensively than Marciano.

 

Chuvalo was Rocky like, but bigger faster and a better boxer. Chuvalo gave the best version of Ali a hard fight, then went out dancing while Ali went to the hospital to **** blood.

I would think Rock could do well (maybe not as good as Chuvalo), but beat Ali? Don’t think so.

 

Do you have a source for this other than Chuvalo's word?

 

https://www.thestar.com/amp/sports/...-toronto-was-muhammad-alis-turning-point.html

Here is an article from the newspaper of record where the fight happened. Journalism is a little spotty these days, but it’s the best I can do without moving to Canada to film a documentary.

The larger point was how Ali would deal with the Rock. Chuvalo’s ruggedness was like Rocky, similar style, similar conditioning. I do think the tape shows Chuvalo has a higher level of skill then Rocky, and much much bigger.

I think Rocky gives Ali a fight, but Ali wins very comfortably at any point except the very end of his career, which was a travesty.

 

Sure, I know what you’re saying.

When fighters have proven weight transcendent power (say weight 185 lb but hit like a 220 lb’r) their sheer body weight isn’t an absolute argument against them - at least as far as power goes.

Still, Marciano was more an attrition, wear ‘em down puncher - if only comparing Cooper’s single left hook, Henry would compare favourably - but hitting consistently hard, say 8+ out of 10 with each punch is the key.

Weight, even 10 lbs, can make a difference to resilience but Ali was also still growing/filling out - basically not yet settled into a fully matured body whatever his weight was.

 

If i am sure of one thing in the world it's that Rocky Jim sure ain't Jesus Christ!

Do you not read his posts?