Rocky Marciano vs Ernie Shavers

This is more than reasonable. At no point were you suggesting Rocky is hopeless or that Shavers should be favored to win. But it's an irrefutable fact Rocky didn't face many big punchers. Even the ones he did face weren't that large by modern standards and were on the older side with lots of mileage. That isn't a knock on Rocky or an accusation that he was a cherry picker, he fought damn near the whole division and fought with tremendous heart. But it's a fact.

So pointing out Shavers is a live underdog bringing tremendous power to the table (some regard him as #1), combined with Rocky's smaller size, tendency to start slow, and leaky defense isn't "hating", it's a simple observation of basic facts and common sense. This would be a dangerous but winnable fight for Rocky, and it would by no means be a sure thing or walk in the park.

 

I have been pondering on this for three days.

Ernie Shavers had power enough to cold-**** the Rock or anyone else in the first round.

He wouldn't. The Rock in 5 or 6.

 

I think Shavers ,if he is to lose ,would last longer than 5 or 6 rounds.Marciano packed a hell of a punch, but he wasn't the most accurate of punchers.If Rocky takes Shavers into the later rounds,his chances improve dramatically imo.

We know Ernie had stamina problems and we know Rocky carried his power the whole length of a fight.

 

Agree with you mostly. It could go a bit longer but we're all just speculating here LOL. We'll never know.

 

I might be deep minority here, which I am used to, living intermittently in Poland, but, I don't even think it necessarily boils down to stamina or chin. I think Marciano is actually far, far more sophisticated than ordinarily credited for, and so much more than Acorn.

Shavers is only a walking puncher's chance with most greats and the most likely scenario is a prime Frazier, Dempsey, Marciano, Louis, they smash through him, utilizing many more tools than just a hammer, before that chance becomes a reality. They are more likely to take the damage than he is, despite him being able to land a big shot a little harder, because they have a lot more game.

 

*Earnie

 

I also say Marciano inside the distance, Rocky had a jaw that was definitely better than Ernie and he could take a lot, see the first match with Walcott. But someone like Shavers always has the 'puncher chance', I feel like saying that.

 

Ernie has a slight puncher's chance, and not much more.

 

This all pretty much aligns with my thoughts. Shavers will probably give him some good jolts early, and The Rock may even have to climb off the canvas but he’ll outlast Shavers and break him down I believe. I’ll take The Rock TKO or KO 8.