As Joe Frazier said about his own era, Rocky fought the guys available in his era. In no particular order: Joe Louis: Rocky eliminated him as a "contender". Jersey Joe I : Came from behind to totally k.o. a very good, veteran Champ to win title. Ez Charles 2: Did what was necessary to defend title by k.o.ing Charles, while having an eye cut and a severe nose laceration which had fight very close to being stopped.
I like the call for Charles 2 .. many forget he was in possible danger of losing based on the absurdity of the cut and he rallied like a champion.
I'd say Walcott 1 and Charles 2 .Not sure can class Louis as one of his greatest wins ,as Joe was so far past it .A hollow victory .
Both Rocky-Charles l & ll are contenders, but I nominate #49....the ko of Moore. Rocky had evolved into a machine of destruction vs Moore. More measured and methodical than in any past bout....relentlessness personified...like a 50's Sci Fi monster.
In order Walcott 1, Archie, Charles 2, and two that people underestimate Vingo because despite the tragedy involved this fight put Rocky on the map and Lastatza 1 because it solidified him as a solid contender.
God I'm slow tonight must be because I was up at 4.15am , and the fact that I've started on the Moretti's. It's just clicked with me! lol
Most impressive performances: 1. Rex Layne: Walcott and Charles were going life and death with this guy, and Marciano just demolished him. 2. Archie Moore: Had cleaned out most of the top contenders, and despite a shaky start, it was a systematic beat down. 3. Charles 2: Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong, and he pulled out an amazing performance to seal the deal.
