http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqr-wMprjEk Ezzard Charles in his prime was really something special. It's amazing how fast and sharp his reflexes were here in 49. Electrifying. He looked so smooth in his movement too. Up to about 1954, he was still a very good fighter, but you can see here in 1949 his reflexes were faster and very sharp. I have a hard time seeing more than a few fighters in history(including heavyweights) able to outbox a 1949 Ezzard Charles. Reflexes too fast and sharp, great instincts, textbook skills, and an electrifying offense. Charles looks great here too in 1949 vs Valentino http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r5TkFk94rA
He does indeed look fresh and sharp. Do you think this version of Charles might have beaten the Rock?
Quite possibly. Then again, Charles will have to go through absolute hell in rounds 13-15. Can he hang on and survive to win a decision? Hard to say. Charles would slice Marciano's face open with his rapid combinations when Marciano tries to get inside, then move out of range. Thing is, Rocky doesn't give a ****. Rocky was the ring's ultimate animal. He will keep coming after Charles all night. I think an honest assessment is Charles takes a decision in the first fight, with Rock knocking Charles out late in the rematch. Rock was great at adapting for rematches, especially if he wore you down physically from the first fight.
Please to note the announcer… "Walcott, father of 6, near the of the trail physically." Three year before Marciano's amazing result agains the same fighter.
Please note most were saying that Holyfield was finished and could never come back after Bowe-Holyfield I :yep
Charles fundamentals, footwork, feints, youth and workrate saw him outland Walcott here. Walcott was slicker but not as complete.
