Prime Joe Louis Beats Rocky Marciano --- Convince Me

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by PetethePrince, Jul 6, 2009.


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  1. PetethePrince

    PetethePrince Slick & Redheaded Full Member

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    Most people say Louis would've beaten Marciano in his prime. A lot of people think this way because of what Joe Louis was and represented to people and America. A lot of people were upset when Marciano beat Joe. Now, over 50 years later a lot his changed. People still think Joe Louis would've beat Marciano if he were in his prime. I've always felt that in terms of a 15 round fight Marciano would've won. As most know, I'm a big fan of Marciano. In this case, I'm not saying Marciano is better than Louis, I have Louis rated #2 among my ATG Heavyweight list. I just think, stylistically that's not a good match for Louis. Louis had some trouble with swarmers but he usually handled them, especially in rematches. Louis won a split decision against Arturo Godoy but had some trouble. It's true, however, that most felt it was a fair decision. Most reporters had it for Louis somewhat decisively.

    Joe Louis stylistically also had trouble with movers and great boxers, as we saw against Billy Conn. But, Louis had some trouble with swarmers/sluggers too. Louis said he had a hidden secret in his career that he didn't like being crowded, he also said that he felt even in his prime he couldn't have won. Obviously Joe was very humble man & fighter but I agree with him. He spoke highly of Rocky, and even in radio calls thought Rocky would beat all the fighters he was matched against. I'm open-minded because Joe had a heck of a punch and was the most accurate puncher in heavyweight history. However, his weakness of being crowded and the accumulation of Marciano for 15 rounds make me think that he would take it (This being a prime Marciano). For what it's worth I think Joe would most likely beat him in a 12 round fight via close decision. Also, if it means anything I think Frazier would beat Joe Louis also. For mostly the same reasons mentioned here, and Frazier being even more of an inside fighter. Rocky might do it in better fashion though.

    I made this because I haven't seen this question ever been discussed or asked around here. So how does ESB thinks a prime Joe Louis vs Prime Marciano fight goes?
     
    PetethePrince, Jul 6, 2009
    PetethePrince, Jul 6, 2009
    #1
  2. Dempsey1238

    Dempsey1238 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I think prime for prime Louis wins, BUT Rocky could always take Louis out with a time punch like he did with Walcott.
     
    Dempsey1238, Jul 6, 2009
    Dempsey1238, Jul 6, 2009
    #2
  3. WhataRock

    WhataRock Loyal Member Full Member

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    WhataRock, Jul 6, 2009
    WhataRock, Jul 6, 2009
    #3
  4. PetethePrince

    PetethePrince Slick & Redheaded Full Member

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    PetethePrince, Jul 6, 2009
    PetethePrince, Jul 6, 2009
    #4
  5. Dempsey1238

    Dempsey1238 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    One thing that relly worrys me for Rocky is Louis's short powerful punchings. Louis would have the edge in the infighting here. Rocky is going to get hurt when he walks in.
     
    Dempsey1238, Jul 6, 2009
    Dempsey1238, Jul 6, 2009
    #5
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  6. Mega Lamps

    Mega Lamps Well-Known Member Full Member

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    It could go either way, I could see both winning. I do not think that Frazier beats Louis though.
     
    Mega Lamps, Jul 6, 2009
    Mega Lamps, Jul 6, 2009
    #6
  7. Duodenum

    Duodenum Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I don't see Rocky prevailing against the Louis of the Godoy rematch.
     
    Duodenum, Jul 6, 2009
    Duodenum, Jul 6, 2009
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  8. Rock0052

    Rock0052 Loyal Member Full Member

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    Rock0052, Jul 6, 2009
    Rock0052, Jul 6, 2009
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  9. Hydraulix

    Hydraulix Left Hook From Hell.. Full Member

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    Joe would have to take Rocky out pretty early in the fight. Otherwise, Rocky's bone crushing body shots would eventually lead to a late stoppage.
     
    Hydraulix, Jul 7, 2009
    Hydraulix, Jul 7, 2009
    #9
  10. itrymariti

    itrymariti Cañas! Full Member

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    itrymariti, Jul 7, 2009
    itrymariti, Jul 7, 2009
    #10
  11. RockyJim

    RockyJim Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Charlie Goldman said that if a prime Marciano met a prime Joe Louis that the fight would have been shorter then their fight in October 1951. Goldman said a prime Louis would have come at Marciano....said Charlie"You don't come at Rocky Marciano!"
     
    RockyJim, Jul 7, 2009
    RockyJim, Jul 7, 2009
    #11
  12. Minotauro

    Minotauro Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I think it would be the other way round you don't come to Louis. Louis was an excellent counterpuncher far more accurate, quicker and a great finisher. I think Louis would stop Rocky in 8 a prime Louis is a bad match for Marciano.
     
    Minotauro, Jul 7, 2009
    Minotauro, Jul 7, 2009
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  13. slicksouthpaw16

    slicksouthpaw16 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Louis had more power than Marciano and was far more precise with his punches. I think Louis would exploit every defense lap that Rocky had and early. This fight would not last long IMO.
     
    slicksouthpaw16, Jul 7, 2009
    slicksouthpaw16, Jul 7, 2009
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  14. Bokaj

    Bokaj Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Very even match-up IMO. Louis was of course the superior boxer, but Marciano's awkward, swarming style would trouble him - as it does for pure boxers. Could end on cuts, early/mid rounds KO or late TKO. Flip a coin.

    For my money, Marciano is a nightmare opponent for anyone who cannot overpower him. And few, possibly no one before 1970, could do that. Guys I would make pretty clear favourites over Marciano are mainly powerful men like Foreman, Tyson, Lewis, Bowe and possibly Liston.
     
    Bokaj, Jul 7, 2009
    Bokaj, Jul 7, 2009
    #14
  15. fists of fury

    fists of fury Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Perhaps too much is being made of Louis' so-called 'weakness' against swarmers. He fought a shitload of fighters of various styles and won against all but three, only one of which was against a swarmer type opponent and he was old to boot.

    Simply because one or two guys gave him a few problems doesn't necessarily mean he had a weakness against a swarming style. Maybe he didn't enjoy fighting them, but to call it an actual weakness is stretching things, imo.

    Rocky is a great swarmer though, especially the Rocky of later years, so there is definitely a chance he could beat Louis. He was a great fighter.

    I'd still lean in a bit Louis' direction though. As a faded fighter he was doing alright against The Rock, and his jab opened cuts around Rocky's eyes.
    I can only see a prime Louis doing much better.
     
    fists of fury, Jul 7, 2009
    fists of fury, Jul 7, 2009
    #15
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