I've been watching Marciano vs. Moore and I was thinking to myself "What would happen if the Rock fought a "pure technician", a thinker, a guy who studied his opponent and looked for openings." I think that a thinker with quick feet who didn't stand toe to toe with Marciano would eventually beat him, probably on points however. Opinions?
I agree. Tunney would constantly be on the move while pumping a jab in Rocky's face. Rocky never faced a fighter quite like Gene who was an excellent exponent of the modern style of boxing. Kind of a smaller version of Ali...Stick and move,right hand behind the jab, get the hell out of there. Rocky was used to fighting guys who pretty much stood in front of you the whole time. I don't think enough credit is given to Tunney. He may have been the most scientific boxer to ever hold the HW belt and he was a tough SOB to boot. I'm not saying that it's a sure bet that Gene would win but it is'nt out of the question to suggest that he could by decision or maybe a stoppage on cuts.
I can see Rocky winning it as early as 8 or 9, but if the match were only 10 rounds long the advantage has to go to Tunney. The problem is, as adept as Tunney was playing boxer, he also liked to momentarily linger on the inside. Over 12, I'd put serious money on Marciano. If it's a mere 10-rounder, I wouldn't be comfortable placing money either way
Well if Tunney stands toe to toe as much as Charles did yeah, it probably would be. But I think Tunney's smart enough not to do that.
Charles really didn't stand toe-to-toe either (at least not in the first fight) Tunney wouldn't be able to hurt Marciano in any way, so Marciano would just wear his frail 175lb body and stop him late.:good
That describes most of his top opponents to be honest. Certainly Tunney could plausibly win but then so could Walcott and Charles. They nearly did. I pick Marciano but with the reservations that acompanied most of his top fights.
I have picked Marciano here but understand one thing. Tunney was not some frail 175 pounder. He filled out into a natural cruiserwight who fought at 190 lbs. He was probably bigger than Marciano.
I think Marciano was excellent against movers/boxers. Tunney lacks the power to keep Rocky off and while he'll win most of the early rounds, Marciano will go in topgear in the later rounds and pour on the pressure. Tunney lost 1 (arguably 2) to a much smaller pressure fighter, Greb. I think Marciano beats him, by late knockout or a decision.
