Rocky Marciano vs Jack Dempsey prime

Yes but prime Dempsey … really prime Dempsey before he fell in love with the bright lights … was a frickin’ force of nature. I’m sticking with Rocky but that’s a fight that absolutely could go either way.

 

In some of the very quotes you posted, they describe him as being wild, reckless, fighting like a bull, having leaky defense, etc, but saying he made up for it with his tremendous heart and power. 2 things Dempsey had plenty of.

Dempsey having faster hands and being a faster starter isn't my opinion, that is a fact that anyone with eyes can see.

Better competition is very debatable given the fact 3 of Rocky's best opponents were old as hell with tons of mileage.

 

But the guys who ACTUALLY FOUGHT HIM talked about his deceptive defense.

Marciano had a better chin, and through more punches. Dempsey's competition did not have to be old...it was just bad.

 

The difference being that Marciano was the undefated champo who beat the best of his generation.

If you want to explain it by Dempsey being modest, go ahead...there is no evidence for that.