Rocky Marciano: Who does he fare best against?

Even 60's Ali was susceptible to the left hook, he wasn't susceptible to big rights until Shavers? And didn't Ali actually cut Marciano pretty bad when they were just dinking around with the computer fight thing, Ali had Frazier swelling plenty but he wasn't as sliceable as Marciano

38 yr old Walcott floored Marciano with a left hook that was lackluster in every way compared to what FOTC Frazier was putting out

 

The reason Rocky is 49-0 is the time and place in which he fought.

I respect what he accomplished against the people who were across the ring from him, that's why I rank him fifth on my ATG list.

But there are at least 15 other ATGs who in a head-to-head matchup ... my ATG rankings aren't based on who'd win head to head, let me make that clear ... who would whip Rocky and a few of them would whip him very badly to the point of leaving him insensible and convulsing on the canvas in his own blood if not other bodily fluids.

I know that's not a pretty picture for his acolytes to whom he'll be forever the man who whipped all comers ...

 

Reach, the fact that he wouldn't be fueled by hatred as Frazier was which helped him turn it up a notch against Ali.

IMO the Ali who fought Cleveland Williams and Ernie Terrell would have had his way with Frazier and there never would have been a rivalry. But it didn't work out that way.

 

It is not extremely important to me if you agree with my opinions or I yours. It's okay bud.

 

Marciano knocks them all out. They didn't have that 1950's grit. He'd find a way with a punch like an armour piercing bullet. If Cooper dropped Ali, Marciano would detach his head. Frazier had only one punch. Foreman would gas.

 

This is how I see it. If (keyword) Marciano manages to make it to the 2nd half without any serious cuts or swelling, it would be an interesting fight and Ali would have his hands full. I'd say of the 3 top 70's boxers, Marciano's best chances are with Ali, because his style of non-stop close quarters pressure and high volume disrupts Ali's stick and move outside style. Unlike the other two, Ali doesn't have enough power to keep Marciano off of him for long, but Ali's power is enough to get Marciano's respect stinging him and can cause cuts with his sharp punches. There'd probably be several close rounds and constant changes of momentum. On the other hand, Ali's speed, height, unorthodox techniques, and quick wit would still be an issue regardless as that's something Marciano never dealt with (he mostly fought light heavy to cruiser size guys and few prime athletic opponents in general).

Frazier is basically a coin toss since both have many similarities. That's a dangerous fight and Marciano could end up on the wrong end of a decision or gets stopped due to Frazier's advantages in hand speed and defense while being able to match Marciano in stamina and grit. Marciano does have edges in raw power and possibly chin, so he may have a slight edge but I envision a rough and tough, back and forth close fight.

Foreman would be a complete disaster and I see no chance for Marciano at all. I don't see him making it past the 3rd.

 

Rocky would defeat any HW in history except for Floyd Patterson, who was a literal God in the ring.

Just thought I'd drop that tidbit in here.