Some will say that Baer's length will do it. But he's also quicker than Marciano. While both attributes are considered advantages in their own way, sometimes people are so damn quick that it actually negates their own advantages in length. I don't think you really need anymore analysis than that.
Good discussion. I wish we could see this. It would be a great fan fight just for the pure action and display of will power it would bring. Two guys who hit like trucks and had rock iron chins. Both capable of going fifteen rounds if absolutely need be ( though I’m not sure this one would go that long. ) Neither were defensive masters but I think Marciano gave less openings than Baer did and of course had far more upper body movement… To be honest I’m not certain enough to choose a victor. But I’d probably cheer for Rocky. And needless to say the crowd would get its money’s worth regardless of who won.
I think I'll take Marciano. Crazy as it may sound, I think he has a technical edge and does enough little cute things to have an edge. Baer is bigger and stronger and let's be fair here, Marciano's style of boring straight in will suit him just fine. Baer already ripped up one great fighter that did just this in Schmeling. However Schmeling was more of a boxer-puncher whereas Rocky is a pure slugger and stamina machine. I'm not going to count Baer out by any means, but I will say that he will have to do some serious damage early or I think he will get ground down later in an absolute slobberknocker of a fight.
I don’t think Baer would be intimidated by Rocky the way he was of Louis were he seemed to freeze. Rocky was type of guy Baer had brawls with and was a stud very hard to hurt. I think Rocky survives on toughness but Baer hurts him several times and gets the nod. Baer was very vulnerable vs a tall boxer with skill and speed.
Baer always had the power to make it interesting, but Marciano's work rate and awkward punching make it difficult for Max to go on the offensive. Marciano's pace gets to Max about the 4th-5th round and Marciano finds some clean openings and takes Max out about the 5th round - clean KO
