Could Marciani carry Holmes jock strap? Holmes vs Marciano

I would have to give the edge to Marciano's opposition.

They had better records, better credentials as challengers, and they were probably a bit better head to head.

That aside, I don't think that Marciano would ever have had the longevity to replicate Holmes’s record.

In that sense he really couldn't carry Larry's jockstrap, though he might have been able to do something arguably as impressive, over a shorter period.

Head to head I slightly favour Marciano, and primarily based on styles.

 

49-0 43 KO's...

 

That idea is sort of plausible, but it has problems.

Norton was a horrible stylistic test for Holmes, but he was tailor made for Marciano.

Shavers is a guy who seems to have been a second ratter until the division thinned out a bit, who could lose to some very average fighters. Hard to argue the case for him too strongly.

Witherspoon seems to have been something special, but Holmes got him while he was still very green.

Cooney never beat anybody ranked in the top ten.

It seems that his opponents either have good credentials at the time, but were never all that good, or were very good, but had weak credentials at the time.

Say what you will about Marciano, he just kept knocking over the #1 contender, with monotonous regularity!

 

Holmes would win, I think Marciano is overated, his title fights were all against old men way past their primes. or non punchers.

 

At least Marciano's title fights were the best opposition available.

Most of Holmes’s title fights were against people who were not the best opponent's available.

 

I fully agree with that and was going to put that in my quote.

 

Marciano was a simple man.

He just fought the #1 contender, and hoped that it worked out for him.

Holmes was more complex.

He tried to swerve the #1 contender, but always somehow ended up running into somebody who would be more dangerous, in a few years time!

 

Holmes vs Marciano
15 rds
Holmes stops him late.
Marciano could never deal with Holmes jab.
No way no how

 

Hard to say who would have beat who for sure. I can imagine it both ways on different nights. Both were worthy champions.

Side note: that "jock strap" press conference was the most hilarious interview I've ever seen. I rewatch it now and then because somehow it tickles my funny bone in so many ways. Frankly, Holmes was quite skilled at delivering his feelings of the moment. I know he didn't mean it to be humorous, but the way he vented it all out like that makes me recall all the times in life when I have made similar statements only to regret it later, thus the humor, not to mention the brilliant one liners sprinkled within. A classic study on human nature. He was just flat out discouraged and disappointed and very human. We all can relate.

Either one of them would have a hard time "carrying the other's jockstrap". But they each carried their own admirably.

 

Holmes had trouble with guys like Mike Weaver. Marciano knocks him out.

 

Holmes would tear him up without a doubt.

You've got to wonder what film these people are watching. Rocky would not only be giving up A LOT of size, but also speed which is crucial for a smaller fighter taking on a bigger one. Holmes laser jab would absolutely control the fight. Holmes was a bigger, faster Walcott with a MUCH better chin and I'm assuming he isn't pushing 40 in this match-up either. Laughable.

 

It's already been mentioned so I'm just regurgitating the same thing....Holmes' piston like jab
would keep Rocky at bay and bloody up his face. Marciano's nose was split open once before,
and assuming this fight takes place in modern times, no way he finishes the fight.

Holmes wins via TKO before the 10th round.

 

Holmes by decisiom