What if Rocky Marciano had fought on into the early 60s?

Patterson and Ingo he'd wipe out. I don't know about Liston. I think that would have been his end.

 

By that stage I think Patterson would have been way to fast for Rocky. He'd have made him look like a butcher's window.

 

Patterson would have torn Rocky apart.

Rocky had zero quicks, no twitch but slow. A good little plugger.

 

Rocky Marciano as great as he was would be facing a new crop of fighters in the 1960's. Also I would point out that the referees would almost be quick to halt his bouts due to his propensity to cut, especially following the tragic death of Benny Kid Paret. No longer could Al Weill talk the referee into giving Rocky one more round as the boxing commissions were under a microscope. I believe that Cus D Amato would have devised a strategy for Floyd Patterson to use his speed of hand against the worn aging Rocky Marciano.

 

He would've permanently disabled his back in some training camp before reaching the 60s, part of the reason he retired was because of a herniated disk

That being said, if a prime, 185, 1951-1954 Marciano steps in the ring with any of those you listed he would crush them

Interesting to note you didnt mention Oscar Bonavena, whom i think would give Marciano a more difficult fight than anyone you listed purely stylistically

 

I think that Oscar Ringo Bonavena would pose problems for Rocky Marciano because he was awkward and could hit as well. He decked Joe Frazier twice on Sept 21 1966, in losing a split decision to Joe.

 

Marciano would cave in all their ribs and leave em out in the cold.

 

Liston would end Rocky in 2 rounds.

 

In 1959? I’m uncertain that he would have beaten Johansson at that point. In his prime ? Sure.

 

Why? Ingo was a pretty smart fighter. He knew what a weapon his right hand was and he fought in a Manor to set that punch up. I believe Rocky would have beaten him for sure prime for prime but I'm curious why you detest him? His series with Patterson was great! Have you ever seen his fight with Machen? Ingo was no bum.

 

Just out of curiosity, why ?

 

The element of luck in Rocky's run to 49-0 is universally overlooked but was in fact significant. Any more fights and that good fortune was sure to ebb in the other direction.