Which 33+ year old fighters could defeat Rocky Marciano in his prime?

Not saying that I would pick any of the following over a prime Marciano, but these are the ones that come to mind as having the best chance:

Jersey Joe Walcott - at 38 almost did the trick. Maybe the 34-year old Walcott of the first Louis fight in 1947.

Bob Fitzsimmons - a unique fighter with freakish punching power. Had many impressive victories over the best heavyweights of his era after age 33.

Jack Johnson - he was 32 in his signature win over Jeffries in 1910 and 34 in his easy title victory over Fireman Jim Flynn. He still carried a lot of skill in Havana when he fought Willard at age 37. I picture a lot of clinching in this fight. Could actually turn out to be a boring fight to watch.

Jess Willard - I may stand alone in giving Big Jess a chance but although I would pick the Rock, I do not believe it would be an easy victory. Jess himself was 33 when he took the title from Johnson in Havana, but he was big, strong, and durable with a mean right uppercut that could work well against a smaller, forward-moving, crouching man. When Dempsey fought Willard, he first boxed him, waiting for the right opening for his explosive punches. I don't see Rocky boxing Willard so much as boring in. I believe it would be a real bruising fight.

The Joe Louis of the Walcott rematch in 1948 might have a chance. When they met for real in 1951, Louis was doing well in the early part of the fight, and all Joe really had in that fight was a left hand. After six rounds he was still in the fight and still had a chance of pulling out a decision victory in the ten-rounder. The Louis of 1948 had more going for him. Can't see him stopping Marciano, but a decision is possible.

 

Lewis
End of list. I’m sure plenty of others could have given him problems. Might pick Usyk when all is said and done. I think he will be discussed w the greats if he can whoop Fury.

 

Larry Holmes, Sonny Liston, Ali , 42 year old Foreman, Vitali + Wlad K. , Lewis, Wilder. As JW Soats posted 34 year old Walcott has a fairly good shot, along with Jess Willard and a younger less worn Louis.

 

I can definitely go along with Liston, Ali, Foreman and Lewis before entertaining other possibilities. I understand Foreman and Lennox were post deemed start for roid era - I’ll just say I don’t think either were using.

 

Bob Fitzsimmons, I think he had all the tools to beat Rocky and he peaked at HW at old age.

 

Not many. Jersey Joe was a special kind of older gent. Not many his age could be beating a tank like Marciano for 12 and a bit rounds.

 

The Larry Holmes of the Cobb fight was pre-85 and age 33. He's my pick here.

 

Holmes of the Witherspoon fight was 33 I believe. I'd pick him to beat Marciano.

 

Ali, Holmes, Liston, possibly the younger Walcott.

 

But they used juice in the 70s…. Undeniably

 

Great fight. If Holmes loses, Marciano gets to carry his jockstrap.

 

Ron Lyle is a decent name I haven't seen mentioned. Rock never fought his type so the unknown quantity is kind of guiding my pick.

 

Lol