The biggest myth in boxing is the projected theory of circa 1960 + superiority in fighters; physically and technically.
Come on now, ATMS get paid also. It was very comman back in thsos days. You think Louis complete in the ATM golden gloves for free??
Because he LOST as a pro to Schemling, Charles and of couse Marciano. Marciano never had that happen in a PRO fight. With Pro rules and status.
Like I said, it depends what standards you use, a lot of the aura around Marciano is that '0', and the dictionary definition for Professional is: Following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain Playing Devil's Advocate, Marciano did gain financially in fights that he lost, there is little disputing that. Guess it depends how you spin it.
Pay is not the standard. The standard is it a professional or amateur fight under professional or amateur rules.
Experience and ring-smarts outweigh youth/speed. Simply put, he was a much smarter fighter when he was older than when he was 24, 25.. Ali was a lot more calm and strategic in his comeback fights against Quarry & Bonavena... He showed real patience, maturity and durability in both of those fights. That is why i was so shocked when Frazier beat him in 1971. Youth & speed are so so overrated... just look at B-Hop! He no where near as quick & agile as he used to be, but he is still on the top of his game b/c he has so much experience & patience in the ring.