What if Marciano..........

patterson would have beaten rocky in 1956 hands down, too much speed for him at this time, (i dont buy the typical history " patterson had a glass chin, rocky had brutal power blaBLABLA, IF YOU CAN´T HIT A GUY CLEANLY BECAUSE YOU ARE OLD AND SLOW DOES NOT MATTER IF YOU ARE A BRUTAL PUNCHER, PLUS PATTERSON COULD DROP AND HURT ROCKY SERIOUSLY FOR SURE TOO,ingo would have been stylistically an easier dog to beat at this time

 

This one crops up from time to time, and there are usually two camps.

One camp says that he looses to Patterson, while the other says that he beats Patterson and remains champion until Liston comes along.

I don't really fit into either camp. I think he would beat Patterson, but loose before Liston came along. I actually think that the person who would most likely have taken the title from him is Eddie Machen.

I don't need to tell you that if I am right, the timeline gets mangled somewhat.

 

I see a lot of similarities between Marciano and Danny Garcia.

Both have underrated footwork that let them send out clubbing blows without being left off balance or needing to reset.
Having their mitts cocked after throwing and always being ready to unload is what makes them so dangerous.

Both also got iron beards and a great ability to follow through with an exchange right after being tagged hard.

Thats what done-in Khan against Garcia, his timing and waiting to punch with Khan and not against him.

I see Rocky v FP going a similar way. Rocky calmly seeking and walking him down, landing single shots that take a toll on FP before being trapped and knocked out for the count.

 

Almost certainly wouldn't have happened before 1960, or 1959 at the earliest.

 

Out of the three possible opponents posed, I think Rocky would've had the best chance against Johannson. Patterson may have been too fast and Liston too much reach and power for the late 50's version of Marciano. Ingo could punch with his right but not much else and he would be there to hit. Plus his dedication to the sport was lacking. He liked being a champion but didn't like to train. After realizing that Rocky wouldn't fold when hit he would become discouraged. Against Patterson and Liston, the late 50's early 60's Marciano would have more problems. His body was beginning to betray him, particularly his back which was a major factor in his retiring when he did. His last fight was a tough bout against Archie Moore who stepped up to heavyweight to take him on and dropped Rocky early and hurt him before succumbing to Rocky's relentless pressure later on. The signs were there and Marciano was smart enough to see them and leave boxing on top. If he stuck around for a few more years he wouldn't have retired as an undefeated champion.

 

For whatever it is worth, his next opponent was likley going to be Willie Pastrano.

Marciano dosn't seem to have fought up and coming fighters, who he thought were on their way to the top. He was prety consistent in fighting whoever the #1 contender was. This means that he probably would not have met trouble half way, where Liston was concerned.

 

Rockys more of a swarmer, but slow. With AMAZING Stamina.

 

I can see him beating Patterson and Johansson, but Liston? No chance. Not in his prime, and certainly not as an older man.

 

Why? Liston had heart problems. Rocky makes him Sir on his stool.

 

Rocky would have been 37 by the time he likley faces Liston.

 

Marciano's performance vs Moore IMO was excellent...he perfected a methodical, relentless approach...almost a patient approach with the faith that the inevitability of that steady, again, RELENTLESS attack wold pay off. However, Rocky was wise to bow out after that fight, as his style wouldn't have permitted many more successful results..and a defeat would loom.