Joe Frazier or Rocky Marciano : Who do you ranked higher ?

Marciano.

Yes, Joe has a better resume but that's largely due to the Ali win. Strip that one away from him and their comps are very comparable, if not Marciano has an edge.

For me, it comes down to the intangibles and the facts. Sure Frazier could've very well gone 49-0 just like Marciano could've beaten Ali 1/3 times. Marciano had tremendous power, a terrific chin supplied with unending stamina and will. His dedication and determination as a fighter is probably second to none or at least as good as anyone else in the sport. Frazier got too complacent after becoming champion. His drive and training weren't there. The fashion in which he lost to Foreman isn't something that hurts him really, but it something to ponder. I don't think Rocky goes out as bad, but that's not reason to rank him higher. For me, if you examine some of his performances post Ali they aren't entirely impressive. The fight in Jamaica was bad for Joe, but his fight against Standler was bad for me too. Stander really was nothing, a fighter who beat a good but non-durable Shavers. Stander had Joe reeling at one point. To me, if you look at some of Joe's performances I think you can make the case that Rocky might've done better due to his coupled work ethic and desire.

Also, Rocky was champion for 3+ years. And defended his title 6 times. Joe defended the title 4 times. Ali was probably the biggest defense win of a title ever, but then you've got Foster, Stander, and Daniels. Not the best of defenses. Marciano defended against the #1 fighter 5/6 times. Something not always seen from the supposed champ.

 

A thoughtful post.I rate Marciano above Frazier, but only by about one position in the ratings.

 

I do by 2 positions. It's close. Both actually make my top 5.

 

Everyone knows I'm one of the biggest Frazier fans on this forum, but there's no way I'd put him ahead of Marciano. 49 wins and 0 losses speaks for itself in the history of heavyweight boxing. The Rock is in the top five with Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, Ali and Dempsey.

The next five are arguably interchangeable with Foreman, Frazier, Holmes, Tyson and Lennox Lewis. Evander Holyfield I put right at #11, but he probably makes other top ten lists, perhaps ahead of Tyson or Lewis. I wouldn't put Holyfield ahead of Foreman, Frazier or Holmes.

Joe only makes the top five had he beat Foreman in 73 and maybe Ali in Manilla. I don't necessarily rank Foreman ahead of Frazier, even though George beat Joe twice in 7 rounds. Foreman never fought the very best Frazier, and I've argued that with many on this forum tooth and nail. Foreman ranks higher mainly because he twice won the title.

 

Sure McGrain. Marciano and Frazier are fighters you can always learn to appreciate and respect. For their style, and dedication alone. Very tough guys.

1. Ali
2. Louis
3. Marciano
4. Foreman
5. Frazier
6. Holmes
7. Johnson
8. Dempsey
9. Liston
10. Tyson

Of course, my list is always ever-changing/evolving or being altered. I admit Lewis is the most glaring omission. With time, my criteria will probably become possibly fairer to more modern fighters. Dempsey is falling since I joined, but my respect for his impact is holding him on.

My criteria breaks down like this. 1 - Accomplishments/Achievements, 2 - Resume/Opposition (This and 1 are big categories. This being probably most important). 3 - Legacy (Record, What you're known. Leaves some room for public perception. Some room for how you impacted. Least important category, I factor this in maybe 10-15%) 4 - Skills/abilities (Pros/Cons. What a fighter does well, weaknesses, etc Third most important category with 1/2 being marginally more important).

As you can see, Dempsey is hanging on a thread really. Tyson wasn't in my top 10 a year ago. He replaced Holyfield 6 months ago. Lewis needs to be re-evulated. I admit it feels off having him not on. But due to Dempsey/Johnson impact and being early fighters I don't want to boot them, nor Tyson for that matter just for Lewis. I factor those 2 big KO losses hugely I guess.

At one point, Dempsey was in my top 5. Maybe as high as #4. This was before I joined. Also, Liston wasn't only my list when I joined. I've grown to appreciate him. At the same time he seems to look like the biggest contradiction on the list. He isn't rated too highly, but in one way or another he has Tyson/Lewis/Holy staring him down in the rear view mirror. It's hard to justify Liston being ahead of Tyson in the first place.

 

Tuffy. I'd put Rocky ahead only because of his record. And he beat bigger names.

But if they fought, I'd give it to Frazier. It's really a wash, but if forced to pick, I'd go with Rocky. Only for his resume, though.

 

In every HW ranking I have made Marciano was higher than Frazier. His legacy and legend top his performance against Ali and many other great performances

 

I have always ranked Marciano higher. Better wins overall...in my opinion.

 

Ali and Foreman "may well have beat Marciano." Good one!

Ali would have boxed Marciano silly. Forman would have destroyed him.

Frazier's resume is much better than Marciano. His victory over Ali alone is equal to Marciano's accomplishments.

 

Frazier.