'80 Lawrence Holmes Vs. '53 Rocco Marciano in a 15 rounder. WHO?

Holmes would have around a 28-30 pound weight advantage and was taller by about 5 inches. He had one of the best jabs ever. Theoretically, it is easy to envisage how this one would go. But then, Rocky was strong, powerful and resolute. So it would not be so easy for Larry.

I see Larry boxing beautifully, moving around and using his jab to great advantage. But the ever pressing Marciano would also get in his share of punches. Maybe, he would score a flash knockdown. After all, Holmes was not very difficult to knockdown. But Larry had great recuperative power, and would probably survive.

In my mind there are three possible outcomes to this fight. [a] A late fight stoppage win for Holmes, [2] a knockout win for Rocky & [c] a decision win for Holmes.

I think the 3rd outcome - a decision win for Holmes - is the most probable.

 

Holmes would have an answer for every possible scenario presented by Marciano. Holmes' length and jab would be decisive and the uppercut would be open all night. Holmes UD all day every day.

 

Holmes would eventually fall victim to Marciano's right hand. I think it would take a bit longer than the Tyson KO over Holmes because Larry was not prime but the relentless Marciano goes to the body and head with left hooks and right hands. This fight would give Holmes flashbacks from the 2 Nick Wells KO's he suffered at the end of his amateur career with Nick Wells being about the same size as Marciano. Marciano by KO 9-15th, the Rock is all wrong for Holmes.

 

Holmes was far bigger and used his size well. I can see his jab dominating someone who comes straight in like Marciano, although his head movement is probably underrated. Marciano's excellent stamina and resistance take him to the bell, Holmes winning a decision but taking some punishment, especially to the body.

 

The Rock had conditioning...stamina....a great chin...power in both hands...heart...a VERY high workrate.....and...the "Suzie Q"......if Holmes could be floored and hurt by
Renaldo "Mr.Snipes" with his right hand......then?...

 

Holmes had great recovery also. Look at the shot Shavers landed on him!

 

Rocky beat better boxers than Holmes and would win this easy, Rocky is an atg, Holmes is a level or two beneath. In the end it would be Larry carrying Marciano's jockstrap.

 

Marciano never beat any decent boxers who would be classed as a Heavyweight these days. A lot of people would have Holmes above Marciano in achievement anyway.

 

Close one.

I think Marciano walks him down over 15 honestly and would win in a series.

 

Unless Rocky cuts up so badly that the referee stops it,Holmes wins over the 15. Rocky decks Larry enroute to losing though.

 

If anything Marciano is underated, Holmes could not beat a light heavy in Spinks, what hope against the Rock.

 

2 close fights, one a robbery, past his best prove that?