I just rewatched what tape exists of the fight, and I'm stunned. Two of the top heavyweight technicians both in the twilight of their careers, to see two of the greatest with a penultimate amount of experience. Walcott's power is on display here as much as their previous fight and his future one with Marciano, Louis recuperative powers and beautiful combinations are showcased extensively, Walcott and Louis dichotomous footwork contrasts the slick with the ergonomic perfectly. Both fought with granite chins and iron wills and in the end Louis outgunned Walcott. I love this fight.
i still feel a 34 year Louis is not very shot, would you mind explaining a little? How would you rate this Walcott vs the one who fought Marciano.
Louis was out of the ring “officially” 4 years with the war. The guy that came back wasn’t the same and had a minimum of 94 exhibition fights during the war years. That’s a lot of mileage on Joe. During an era where guys aged out a little faster than today. His reflexes look slow, and his feet slower than ever. Walcott retained his physical prime longer, each fighter ages at their own pace. Walcott had more left in the tank for Marciano even if his age was more advanced than Louis was here
