Y'all been clamoring for this one. Who am I to disappoint? Two immaculately skilled, prime athletic specimens knocking hammer and tongs over the 12 round distance. Gamesmanship and athleticism of the highest order on display What's the outcome and how does it happen?
Marciano was a far better boxer than Dubois and far more proven, all Dubois has is size, it`s all about Rock inflicting too much punishment before Dubois lands his best shot, Dubois has never been hit wit the power than Rock had, so I`m going with the much smaller Marciano, Dubois has power but little else, Marciano`s workrate would see him build up a points lead, Dubois could land the big one though.
Rocky was over a year away from making his pro debut when same age as Dubois is now, so at 22yrs old Dubois would beat Marciano. How would Dubois do against Marciano when he was the champ, that would be questionable. Dubois as others have highlighted has not been tested, no one really knows how he would cope if it became a fight in the trenches. I do wonder what state Rockys face would be in during a bout with Dubois, as just see what a mess the 192 pound Ezzard Charles did to it, imagine what a 6'5 240 pound powerhouse could do to it, so outcome might be dependent on the squeamishness of the ring side medic (yes i know it a clinical not emotional decision). The 12 round limit would not favour Rocky as his stamina was a bonus for him. Rocky was knocked down by sub 200 pound boxers (yes he got up) how would the punch of a 240 pound boxer be coped with? Another issue would be the refereeing, Rocky was known for overstepping the Marquess of Queensberry rules, how strict a ref would be officiating? If Dubois continues to develop as a Heavyweight in the manner he has so far, i would suggest the behemoth would beat Rocky. However time will tell if Dubois progresses to his hoped for potential
Not to take anything away from Rocky Marciano, but Rocky had a very good corner, comprised of Charley Goldman and Al Weill. If Rocky at times was really cut up, the Ezzard Charles fight for an example, the corner would ask the referee, one more round, and Rocky would pour it on and get the job done. Rocky had more perseverance and stamina. Size is over rated, I have seen smaller fighters beat tall clumsy fighters, it is what you know, and the skill. The bigger ones make more noise when they hit the canvas. Marciano wins this one by a late stoppage, Dubois would absorb a lot of wicked punishment.
