Evander Holyfield vs Rocky marciano at cruiserweight

If the Greb's, Langford's, Fitzsimmon's of the world could beat Marciano, then Holyfield could take him out in 1 round

 

At 190 cruiser limit I think Rocky wins a decision. Evander was a little too green to take prime Marciano. Rocky a bit rougher and a bit bigger and a bit better than Qawi.

If we talk about the 205-210 Holy that fought Douglas Holmes Foreman etc, cutting to the 200lb limit then i think its a different fight. Holy at that point had become very very good at giving angles and turning opponents. He hit hard and often and had a great chin. He was very hard to tag cleanly at this point

 

A bit? :rofl:rofl:rofl

 

Great poll for debate. Very tough call. Holyfield's success at Heavy says something to me. And he was an incredible counter puncher.

 

They both had great stamina and would pose problems for each other. The angles that Marciano could throw power shots from would concern Holyfield greatly. If Evander fought Marciano the way he fought Tyson, he would get KOd. A lighter Holyfield would definitely need to box Marciano, move and stay away from the danger. Holyfield was incredibly disciplined and could stick with a strategy from bell to bell. If Holyfield is on his game, stays very active and doesn't stray from his gameplan, I think he wins a decision. If Holy gets caught on the ropes or decides to exchange (even once) with Rocky, he is playing with fire and gets KOd.

 

Holyfield faced true, big man heavyweights, and was able to take their punches with incredible recuperative abilities. He handled ATG power from guys who hit at least as hard as Rocky did.

 

Marciano takes this one by systematic, painful beatdown. Holyfield might take the early rounds but no way can he keep Rocky off him.

 

Dammit, Tommy! The man can shave with an axe! Why can't you get this through your head, man?!

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Actual Teddy Atlas quote when they had Dwight on FNF "Dwight, you were never blessed with the physical gift of height..." atsch

 

Its an understatement not to be taken literally hence the repetitive use of the word

 

Dempsey?

 

Yes, he did. But, I still believe that it would be in his best interest to avoid spending too much time inside with Marciano. Plus, if both men are 185-190 pounds then Holyfield would presumably be less likely to be able to take a punch from a big heavyweight. Like you said, many of Evander's heavyweight opponents hit at least as hard as Rocky. But, none of those guys had that power at 185-190 like Rocky did.

 

Nah. Dempsey would have his moments and probably would floor the Rock early on but in the midrounds Marciano takes over, get´s to him and stops him around the 12th. What a fight this would be!

 

If Evander Sticks to a box and move strategy using his jab and reach to his advantage then I would give him the edge. If he doesn't then Rocky's chances improve dramatically. The big question in my mind is whether Rocky could survive the speed and volume punching of Holyfield. Evander would be faster and would be throwing alot of hard fast leather at Rocky. And Holy at CW could punch. I can't help but remember him starching Quawi in 4 in thier 2nd fight. People took notice. Quawi was one tough MF. I think Rocky's best chance would be to catch Holy napping with a short shot similar to the one Bert cooper hit him with and follow it up. Rocky was more clever than most people give him credit for. It could happen. I say 60/40 in favor of Holyfield though but wouldn't be surprised if either man won.