If Marciano had remained as active as Holyfield and gets to replace Evander against Valuev and being the same age [46],how does he do? [Holyfield lost a controversial majority decision to the giant.] Better ? Worse?
How can anyone answer this? Most fighters that build their style on swarming and stamina don’t age well. That and Marciano hadnt the access to PEDs and steroids like Evan fields did. I would say no as 99% of fighters do not retain the ability to be active at that age. Heck holy shouldn’t have been in there despite performing well that day
Will there ever come a time when science will be able to keep top tier fighters competing in their 50s?
U never know…fighters already compete late into their 30s now early 40s isn’t unusual anymore. The brains of a 50 year old in a 25 year old body would b a scary thing for the up and coming 25 year olds
Holyfiled was shot vs Valuev. Perhaps a 45-year-old Marciano could do a 12 rounder Not saying Marciano would beat the upper guys at 45 in that era, but I give him a fair chance against Valuev if he is able to get in some decent fighting shape.
If Marciano had decided to fight on until the bitter end, he would have declined very significantly by 35, and by 37 he woudl have been loosing to people who wouldn't have had a ghost of a chance against him in his prime. I very much doubt that he is still in the game in his 40s.
If he had still been around at the age of 46, he woudl have been losing to fringe contenders, in my personal opinion. Obviously I have no lack of respect for the man.