Both could upset him, but I'll pick Marciano who had two-fisted power and a better chin. Let's be honest here, some lesser skilled men floored or hurt Louis, so could Rocky. Louis himself said he'd never beat Marciano due to his style that gave him trouble.
This "quote" is exaggerated ,what Louis said and it is on film ,was in response to the question would he have beaten Marciano, had he been prime? His response was, rather different to what you are saying . Louis, in his autobiography called Marciano [at the time that he met him,]a street fighter. Before you argue that Louis said what you say he did ,show me the verified primary source. Otherwise I would stop repeating it. FYI The so called "quote originated from an interview concerning the Murray Woroner Computer Heavyweight Tournament.Here are Louis's actual words transcribed from the tape. Interviewer:" Joe, what about a fight between Joe Louis and Rocky Marciano?" Joe Louis:" Well, I could say that very easily. Marciano beat me . . ". Interviewer (interupts):" Oh, yeah, now that wasn't when you were at your best. I'm talking about when you were at your best, twenty-eight years old." Joe Louis: " Oh, I don't know. Marciano's the type of fighter I think is good enough and strong enough and takes a good enough punch to fight anybody. I don't think that no one, (unclear word) either Dempsey or me, could say "I could beat Marciano". I think the fight could be . . . It's close, it'd have to be a close fight, because he's too strong, and he could take a good punch, and he just . . . you just can't say that I could beat him. I'd like to say that I'd fight him, alright, but who would win, I wouldn't know; but I'd like the pay for the fight -- I think it would draw money, though." That's a bit different to your"interpretation" of it!LOL Guilalah posted the transcript on this forum onAugust 17th 2008.
Joe had A LOT of respect for Rocky from the interviews that I've seen. Especially after their fight. Whether certain people want to admit it or not... Marciano was a killer inside that ring.
Yes he did and why not? Ive read Louis' comments on Rocky in his autobiography,I'm up to speed with them. Rocky had a lot of respect for him! In passing ,ever seen an interview with Louis when he disparages one of his old opponents? He was a sportsman and a gentleman inside the ring. I'm just correcting a " quote" that is being deliberately mis- quoted by a certain poster to foster his agenda.
Oh I hear ya! Yeah Louis seemed like a down to earth and humble guy from most of what I've read. Did his time honorably in the service without even a gripe and was never a major trash talker. Just did his thing and was a BEAST at his best. And yes Rocky had MAJOR respect for him.
None of those beat peak Louis tho. Scmeling probably beat the best version tho his technical deficiency and quite ordinary training camp are pretty well documented.