Lewis and Marciano hypocrisy

indeed it is. But this was before improved nutrition, training and science and more readily available information both legal and illegal which has transformed what was physically achievable.

Holyfield is an example of the reverse. A fighter who “built up” to a functional fighting weight.

Not with the information readily available at that time. The science was not there yet.

I think it suggests a sensible timeline to take the weight off safely given the what was known at the time. They were only working with nature and traditional methods back then.

 

I think @Jackomano already addressed this perfectly well

“Also, earlier in his career when Marciano didn't have the luxury of dedicated fight camps, had less time in betweenfights, and had yet to receive much financial support from Weill he lived like a monk and kept his walking around weight around 193 lbs, which required a lot of training and a strict diet, since Rocky's natural bodyweight is much higher than this.”

 

That’s right. In modern times Joe did walk around 200lb. Maybe Calzaghe could box at 180 in the 1950s? And if he did, Joe could then be regarded as a heavyweight and compared against champions at the upper ends of the classic sized heavyweight range.

 

And if Calzaghe could dominate in championship fights in the 1950s at those weights then it wouldn’t be outrageous to consider his chances with real heavyweights up to 215lb even 220lb in later eras.

 

Marciano had short arms and was 5'10 so I don't know why it would be important to bulk him up much anyway. He'd still be small and he'd lose agility and flexibility.

 

He would certainly have to be selective about who he fought. But it could be an option. Bert Cooper and Norris were competitive. Tyson was dominant.

 

And James Toney.

 

Yes but then it was not the first 60 years of the last century when Calzaghe fought was it?

if Calzaghe can dominate the heavyweight division weighing 185lb or so in an earlier era, a big if, then I guess you would have to consider his chances taking on 220lb heavyweights whilst giving away 30lb.

 

No a dominant 1950s heavyweight Calzaghe doesn’t need to get any heavier than Jack Dempsey or Gene Tunney to be given a chance against fighters up to 220. If he was that dominant below 190, he can give away weight at heavyweight. If he’s already dominant he can do it.