Bud Crawford v Rocky Marciano 12 rounds

A guy I most often sparred for the better part of 6 months back in '96 was a giant 245 + or - and 6-6. He was getting ready to start his pro career. I was a friend and obliged helping him. As he progressed he found more willing and better equipped foils. I was 190 fit and trim for reference. Nice guy but not fun.

 

Hah, tell my jaw that! He wasn't too good at holding back but luckily his stamina was limited.

Back to the subject at hand, Ted Lowry was basically Bud's fight night size and managed not to get bombed out either time.

 

Good career timing, got in and out of the elite levels in short time during the division's ultimate nadir all while facing a narrow breadth of opposition. Basically, great career management and lucky timing.

 

Physical persistence if not a great chin. Strength.

 

I think his stamina was exaggerated by his opposition. When I was 26, it was easy to keep up with 40 year old men, whether in a footrace or in the ring. I always had an extra gear available because they would only push me sporadically. If he's in there with a real fighting machine, firing on all cylinders and not looking to take breaks, that stamina would not seem so exceptional.

 

If you look at Rocky's output in some of those rounds he was throwing 30-40 punches. Walcott was really picking his spots and was on the retreat a lot. Unfortunately, as predicted by many contemporary writers, his pins gave out and Rocky found a sitting duck.