Couple of questions. Iyo If Walcott had gotten a decision over Rocky, how would Marciano be viewed today? And if he'd won, how long dyou think Jersey could have gone on fighting for (if he doesn't meet Rock in a rematch?
The first fight was Jersey Joe's last hurrah ,Rocky's style,or lack of it flattered Walcott somewhat imo, He hadn't looked much in 3 of his 4 outings with Charles. Henry ,Valdes or another would have stopped Joe's gallop unless he fought lower echelon guys like Brion for chump change. Marciano would have won the title at some point, he was connected, a crowd pleaser and a draw. Rocky staying unbeaten isn't that big a deal to me,2 of his wins could have gone the other way. I'm swimming against the tide, but he doesn't make my top ten anymore. Lewis ,Tyson and Holyfield have displaced him. Others beat him H2H.Bowe.Vitali,Wlad,imo.
He really did come close to losing to jersey joe, even a rematch with him and koing Walcott would have not made up for him losing the first fight. Yes I can't see Walcott making successful defence who ever he faced next, and a rematch with Charles would not have appealed to many!
Although he peaked later than most, Walcott had passed even that late bloom by the time he ran into Marciano. He did produce one last amazing performance, no doubt spurred on by the defense of his dearly beloved crown, & the resulting fight was a real crowd pleaser. Given that, & Marciano’s on-going relevance as a contender in the division, I think a rematch would have been signed for. Marciano wins that & goes on as his actual career panned out, & honestly, I think not much changes in the discussions about him. He’s either an over-rated bum who lost to an over-the-hill Walcott, or a true ring legend with only one loss on his ledger, depending on who you talk to.
I gotta go with the consensus here. Joe's reign as a champion was not for the long term. He was past prime and there were already several challengers circling around. Rocky was poised to become champion soon or later, either beating Joe in a 2nd try or beating whoever managed to unseat Joe.
If Rocky lost to Walcott it would have automatically eliminated the undefeated claim which is the main thing Marciano is credited for. Could he have still built a legacy for himself ? Possibly. But he’d have to win the rematch AND stick around a bit longer to make up for that loss. As for Walcott I don’t think he would have reigned for long.
Marciano's legacy would take a hit for sure, even if he later went on to win the title. How much of a hit depends upon what happens in his next fights, which form the backbone of his legacy. I don't see Walcott holding the title much longer. His strategy as champion seems to have been to take the most difficult fights, that would ensure a big pay day win lose or draw., and invest the money carefully. If he gets past Marciano he likely goes for another big name, or even a rematch with Marciano.
It would make Walcott slightly better and Rocky slightly worse. Walcott likely retires as the only guy to give Rocky a loss (I can't see anyone else from that timeframe beating him outside of a freakish puncher's chance or cut stoppage). Rocky could somewhat salvage things with a rematch, but he'd lose his luster as the undefeated fearsome clubber who conquered all. I think Rocky would need to stick around and beat guys like Valdez, Ray, Folley, maybe even Patterson if his back permits to get back into the top 10.
What we do know is basically 43 of his wins cant be argued only 6 possibly and even then probably only 1 or 2. He should rank high as he retired undefeated and had enough sense to stay retired.
Rocky Marciano's pretend fans wouldn't mention his name is he lost. They only mention his name because he "retired" undefeated and they can use this to justify how he was the greatest heavyweight of all time when he wasn't a heavyweight by modern standards.
If Walcott had beaten Marciano and Louis he'd probably be in the top 10. And let's be honest it's not unthinkable at all.
