Fantasy Fight: Rocky Marciano vs Joe Frazier

No one beats Marciano except Scott Ledoux

 

This has always been a 50/50 fight for me. No matter who wins it would be a war

 

no knockdown rule obviously, unlimited rounds would be nice too

Walcott proved Marciano's susceptibility to left hooks, and Frazier would have a whole lot more to deal with than he did with Bonavena

Frazier would have to be more sparing with his bobbing head movement because if Marciano figured out any kind of rhythm it wouldn't be Ali's comparatively light punches landing

 

One of my favorite fantasy fights!
I have no idea who would have won. Gun to the head, I favor Frazier slightly. At least peak Frazier (around 70/71). I'd say 60-40 max.
I would favor peak Marciano though, if Frazier would be a bit greener (the one who was knocked down against Bonavena or the one who was staggered by Machen) or older (after FOTC).
Well, the 60-40 could turn into maybe 70-30 taking Marciano's cut issues into account.

 

Frazier in 7. Too much man, too much dog.

 

A smaller man with a shorter reach coming to Joe Frazier? Frazier stops him in a brutal encounter

 

Very good assessment!

But I'll add this analyses...
Both unbelievable will & toughness.
Both capable of extremely high HW workrate.
One cuts the other swells-the former more likely to cause a stoppage.

Marciano better 2 handed power + punch variety, even less predictable.
Maybe slightly better chin & single shot power, maye not or marginal.
Both in superb condition, although Frazier's greater energy output bob & weaving style may give Rocky that edge of not tiring.
Better record as a pro in more fights, but lesser competition overall

Frazier bigger, better amateur record/experience. Better balance.
More speed & accuracy.

Am I missing anything?
I think the greater speed & more exacting punishment would result in more scoring & damage, although Frazier is likely to hit the canvas once...

Am I missing anything?
It seems to me Rocky may have more inidvidual traits in his favor.
But the biggest gap between them & most likely to be decisive is especially hand speed-& accuracy!
I think these things make it decisive-most of the time.

 

He didn't stop Bonavena.
You can make a case for either man and I alternate in my pick.
Frazier bigger ,faster,better head movement.Prone to facial swelling
Marciano better two fisted puncher.Cut prone
It's a 50/50 fight.

 

I agree. I think only Scott Ledoux beats Marciano

 

Possibly one of the most justified 50/50 fights you could speculate on.

Neither will back down, their unconditional wills taking them to levels of punishment absorbed and energy expended not often seen in the ring.

The fight itself has the potential to impair the viability of either or both men’s careers going forward.

Personally I lean toward Frazier but it’s one of those fights that has to actually be fought out in the ring to know the answer for sure.

 

Thanks, you too!
No, I think you mentioned pretty much everything.
I'd also like to point out.

Marciano:
- good defense, could fight out of a deep crouch, some body movement, put his chin down ==> not easy + dangerous to hit clean
- sometimes out of balance but with the ability to dish out powerful punches from almost any position
- great body puncher, even more raw power... often went inside with left hook to the body

Frazier:
- great defense, Bob and weave... maybe takes more energy (still Frazier's endurance was just outstanding) but I think it could work to a certain degree against the unorthodox Marciano as well... e.g., Archie Moore made him miss some flurries of punches... but Marciano was relentless
- definitely better balance
- great body puncher, right to the body and left hook to the head

 

Frazier edges it via SD. A tough battle, with both men inflicting punishment on each other. Neither men were great boxers, but they were tremendous athletes. The deciding factor will be that Frazier is more accurate with his punches than Marciano - giving him the nod.

 

Yes, but Bonavena was only stopped once in 68 fights in the 15th against Ali and he weighed from 25 to 30 pounds more than Marciano . Plus this will be the hardest puncher Rocky ever , a lot harder than Walcott. I understand the Rocky pick but Frazier was not as easy to hit as some think so I'll stick with Smokin Joe, have a good one.