Who was the better fighter - Ricardo Lopez or Rocky Marciano?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by McGrain, Nov 6, 2008.


  1. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

    113,407
    48,814
    Mar 21, 2007
    Neither lost, and although Rocky has victories over ATG fighters on his ledger, he's often criticised for picking on "old men", or at least great fighters who were past their best.

    In many ways the two are opposites. Lopez is a near perfect tecnhician who does everything very very well, a prescice puncher who is capable of altering punches mid-flight. Rocky has near limitless stamina and throws for the opponent, often, rather than a specific target. Louis talks about "being unable to move his arms for weeks" after his fight with Marciano because Rocky liked hitting at the arms fro they were an easy target. Not technically great, Rocky had the raw goods and was moulded.

    Who do you think was better at boxing? Overall, not boxing as in on your toes, being a boxer, who was better at doing this sport? Is it even reasonable to compare them, coming, as they do, from completely different weights and styles?

    Some footage:

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=[yt]2YU2bXqXlyc[/yt]

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=[yt]khitSUOqQrw&feature=related[/yt]

    Try to think of this independent of resume.
     
  2. fists of fury

    fists of fury Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    19,297
    7,049
    Oct 25, 2006
  3. DINAMITA

    DINAMITA Guest

    Ricardo Lopez. His resume is not as good as Marciano's, but he was a better fighter all-round. Marciano was good at what he did but he was very limited. This is not the case with Lopez, who had more to give than he ever had to give. If only he had fought Carbajal and Gonzalez...
     
  4. Manassa

    Manassa - banned

    7,766
    94
    Apr 6, 2007
    I think I can safely say Marciano would hammer Lopez into the ground like a tent peg.
     
  5. heehoo

    heehoo TIMEXICAH! Full Member

    3,763
    13
    Feb 16, 2008
    Lopez. Flawless technique, power, footwork, speed, conditioning, chin, defense, heart.
     
  6. Sweet Pea

    Sweet Pea Obsessed with Boxing banned

    27,199
    94
    Dec 26, 2007
    Marciano was the greater fighter. As far as who was more effective, too many variables to take into consideration.
     
  7. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

    43,740
    13,117
    Apr 1, 2007
    Depends on what you like and admire in a fighter I suppose. Really factors into where you rank both of them.

    Marciano is the ultimate example of will over skill. Few fighters get as far as him with little physical, natural tools. Antofurmo and some others come to mind, but beyond those rare fighters?
     
  8. OLD FOGEY

    OLD FOGEY Boxing Junkie Full Member

    7,670
    98
    Feb 18, 2006
    Marciano fought men who were much bigger than himself. I think that gives him an edge. I have no idea how many good fighters there really are at 108 lbs.
     
  9. SuzieQ49

    SuzieQ49 The Manager Full Member

    37,077
    3,747
    Sep 14, 2005
    i dont know what some of you are thinking but marciano to be on film looks very skilled for his style....certainly just as effective as lopez. I think marciano proved himself alot more than lopez, especially against bigger fighters.


    even ali, the king of critisism who hates on white dudes, commented on how much skilled rocky was out of his crouch avoiding the jab than he thought...that was a 46 year old rock
     
  10. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

    97,849
    29,295
    Jun 2, 2006
    I like Lopez by dec.
     
  11. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

    43,740
    13,117
    Apr 1, 2007
    Plenty.
     
  12. Sweet Pea

    Sweet Pea Obsessed with Boxing banned

    27,199
    94
    Dec 26, 2007
    Not that Lopez fought though.
     
  13. OLD FOGEY

    OLD FOGEY Boxing Junkie Full Member

    7,670
    98
    Feb 18, 2006

    I should have put that better. What I meant is that Lopez fought in a very restricted weight class while Marciano was in an unlimited weight class. I would expect at any time to find more good fighters at 175 on up than at 108, give or take a pound or two.
     
  14. RockyJim

    RockyJim Boxing Addict Full Member

    5,249
    2,445
    Mar 26, 2005
    The Rock was the better "fighter"....too many guns...