Could Marciano Have Stopped Holmes Getting To 49-0??

Yes, Holmes was ready to be taken by then.

 

And it's a yes from me.

 

The version of Holmes that fought Spinks? ... Absolutely!

 

No

 

Maybe even a late stoppage. I love Holmes. And, his heart probably keeps him from being stopped. But, he did not look good at all against Spinks.

 

Yes at any point in Holmes career. Take his jock strap and shove it up…eh u know the rest.

 

Maybe at that point in his career but even so I wouldn't put any money on it.

 

OK----good post. lack of sleep so please excuse my rambling again. Marciano beats the Holmes against Spinks. Larry was awful. Just a bad night. But Spinks seemed to make alot of good fighters look bad. Who can forget the fight with Qwawi? The buildup and the stinkaroo that ensued. Could have fallen asleep during that one. My logic? RM beats Spinks any day of the year. If so, he beats Larry ----that night..... I know styles make fights but Spinks at 6:2 and a natural light heavy + Shilstone would be better for RM. IMO.

That said. And no one can convince me otherwise. ( but i value your thoughts} A prime Holmes tears up the Brockton Bomber. Everything intangible is in Larry's corner. Don't even say that the Rock had a bigger heart and determination. Has that ever been questioned about Larry that actually followed and appreciated him? He took the Shavers nuclear bomb, but more importantly he took everything Norton had and won that gutty 15th. Norton did not Have RMs chin but he could punch.

RM a great fighter. Certainly someone you could admire as an athlete until u read Sports Illustrated archive article on him... That being said---Holmes was ready to be taken. Marcianos relentless style would have posed problems. On a good day. NO. Welcome feedback

 

It’s possible yes. Neither Michael Spinks nor Carl Williams were supposed to and it’s arguable that both did

 

Doubtful. Very.

 

I also agree on Rocky Marciano going 49-0 by beating Larry Holmes. Rocky would not be able to get it done. But again in all fairness to both, you can only fight the opponents that are put in front of you, not from the past or present, all fighters are flawed to an extent. Marciano was a very proud and determined champion as was Larry. But in Holmes and Marciano's era, champions fought often. Today the champion's of modern times bark a lot, loaded with excuses, one of them being Covid 19, when the smaller fighters fought during the pandemic. Larry fought until his skills began to erode, especially in his fight with Carl The Truth Williams on a nationally televised bout on May 19 1985. Marciano realized that his skills were beginning the fade during the fight against Archie Moore on Sept 21 1955. A great fighter knows his own limitation, pride has no room in a legacy. Many have retired with their titles. The fans are not in the in the ring with them, many just want to see blood, but if you are champion, it is wise to leave at the right time. Your brains will not be scrambled, or talking to yourself or drooling. It is best to leave with dignity.

 

Spinks and Marciano were nothing alike, Spinks used his speed and movement to frustrate Holmes, Rocky has no speed and only one direction , plodding forward. With his predictable style Holmes has a good chance to still beat him. A Prime Holmes busts him up so bad it's stopped late.