I'm pretty sure everyone ( including yourself ) would pick the Rock to dispatch Ocasio inside 3 rounds or less.
I don't, Ocasio went into the 7th with Holmes, the 8rd distance with young versions of Lewis and Mercer, into the 11th with Holyfield. and 10rds with Qawi. Rocky wins ,but he doesn't blow Ocasio out in 3rds.
He also lost to Dokes in One round. But your point about him going many rounds with other formidable men is duly noted.
I think Ocasio could possibly clinch and smother and spoil his way into the middle or late rounds of a 12-rounder... but it would probably be far less painful for him to get knocked inside the 3.
Rocky would run over Ocasio. Ossie had a vast experience advantage which he used to last with green Lewis and Mercer. Holmes wa a boxer who took his time. the 7th round KO of Ocasio is one of his shorter title defenses. Ocasio moved a way from Holyfield and didn't win a round. He fought out of shape, slow Qawi post Qawi/Holyfield. None of these guys would go after Ocasio like prime Rocky. Ocasio would move for awhile but Rocky would employ a body attack, then trap Ocasio on the ropes around the 5th round for the KO.
That's what I was thinking too.. It looks good on paper to say that he beat Qawi and went rounds with Mercer, Lewis, and Holyfield.. But at a closer glance, Evander had what 15 fights? Mercer and Lewis had maybe a dozen a piece ? Qawi was past prime and fighting above his traditional best class. Not exactly a relevant comparison to the fully developed professional who KO'd Walcott in one round in the rematch.
After beating on him for 13 rds in their previous fight. How about taking 9 rds to stop ancient Archie and 9 to stop ****ell? Both fights after the Walcott one?
