He wanted Ingo because he thought it was an easy match for him (he’d be right). Maybe a bit of American champion pride was involved too. He couldn’t get the fire back so wisely opted to not fight despite being offered a ton of cash. it never ends well for those retired a long time (2 plus years) and they decide to come back. Far too much rust accumulated. He never would have gotten his timing back and prob wouldn’t have had his legendary stamina.
The way I heard it was that there was a buzz about boxing when Johanson knocked Patterson out...it didn't have so much to do with the man as with the excitement the fight could generate. But he realized quickly that he didn't have it anymore.
Yeah for sure. Part of the reason he retired was because he didn’t think there was anyone worth fighting left
Ingo would put a Machen on him at this point. Rocky was old, older than his days, and had nothing left.
He got out at the right time. A come back a few years later would have more than likely ended in defeat.
When Rocky retired in April of 1956 at 49-9 with 43 KO's....Liston was 14-1...wasn't ranked ...and was off to prison...he wouldn't step into the ring again until 1958...do your research!
Worst kind of cope. Just make up random things to ruin a man’s legacy is next level low. Not saying that individual doesn’t think it’s true because that lie has been spreading around here for years but it’s also been corrected a million times. Heck if one story is to be believed Rocky almost fought Liston for free when they exchanged some words in the gym. The man was not scared of anyone.
Whoa! Now that’s one I haven’t heard before. Intriguing if it actually happened. To be a fly on the wall for that exchange….
I forget the exact story someone posted but supposedly Liston made a slight on Marciano in his gym while he was training. Marciano supposedly got in the ring and demanded someone bring him some gloves and shorts. At which point Listons handlers took him out of the ring. That’s a very short synopsis and I don’t even know if true, if someone knows the post please link
Marciano's comeback wouldn't look (even coincidentally) like Foreman's second career. Rocky could eventually have his "swan song" and beat either Johansson or Patterson in the last fight of his career and retire undefeated. But it is a risk and an experiment. I highly doubt Marciano could beat both Johansson and Patterson. Marciano's definitive downfall would be Liston, although IMHO Williams would be enough for the same downfall.
With Williams vs Rocky, it's like, Williams should win on paper. He has the tools to do it, I'm just not so sure he would. But I could see it vs a comeback Rocky.
Patterson would give prime Rocky a good scrap, could even spring an upset, though I favor Rocky by KO. Prime Rocky runs over Johansson. Perhaps Johannson lands that right and floors Rocky, but outside of that (if it even happens) Johannson gets destroyed.