Whose retirement "timing" is better; Lennox Lewis or Rocky Marciano?

Better??? As in more ‘convenient’??

Absolutely ‘The Lion’ Lewis!! Promising Vitali a rematch and then backing out after seeing Vitali smoke two guys that Lewis was heavily rooting for. Jibber jabbering in the post fight press conference of his fight against Vitali… “Rematch?? Yeahhh no problem. I’ll just bust up the other side of his face!” Suuuure you will. Reality is Lewis landed probably the most perfectly timed nastiest uppercut in his life and Vitali just fired right back at him. And that spooked the **** outta Lewis. Also didn’t like the fact Vitali was physically stronger than him. Decided to call it a day! “Well… my mom really wants me to stop boxing now” LMAO!! Ohhh I bet she did!! Mr Vitali made her real concerned for her son and the gravy train I’m sure.

Rocky had way more balls and integrity to do that. Rocky retired with NOTHING else to prove. Badass fighter all the way.

 

Legacy wise, Rocky was undefeated and left not much controversies(atleast at the time of his retirement.)

 

Both got out and the right time.
Neither had anything left to prove.

 

Lewis left a sour taste in many people's mouths for not rematching Vitali.

Marciano waited for a standout lead contender to emerge after the Moore fight, but none really did.

 

Marciano since Patterson came along who may have been his toughest opponent had he fought him at 33.

 

He’d have run Patterson over IMO, there was a reason Floyd didn’t move up till Marciano had left the building.

 

This! both guys did it at the best time.

 

Marciano fans - never an inappropriate moment to take a shot at Floyd Patterson.

 

I think both retirements were perfect and shows they both had alot more common sense than most fighters who carry on too long and end up ruining their legacy and becoming punch drunk.

Marciano/Lewis were both healthy finicially set and happy when they retired other fighters should take note.

 

When was Vitali's rematch with Byrd? lol
Lewis' resume shits all over Vitali's.
Integrity? Balls?
Champ Vitali fought 13 title fights only 4 of his challengers were Ring ranked.
Champ Lewis fought 16 title fights 13 were Ring ranked!

Did Lewis ever quit in a fight?

 

Marciano didn't leave the building after squeaking a win in a fight where he was losing for most of the fight, promising a rematch and then vanishing like smoke in the wind after trying to fight lesser fighters. Lewis did. Very convenient timing.

 

Marciano was not 37 years old ,and had not been in16 title fights 13 of them against Ring ranked contenders.
Marciano left the building after beating a 41 years old Lhy who floored him.
Marciano NEVER faced a modern sized heavyweight of any class who was anywhere near his prime.
How many heavyweight top end punchers did he face?
How many men of class who were 200lbs+?
How many of his challengers were prime?
How many of them would make a mark in the heavyweight division today?
Want to match Marciano's challengers with Lewis?
Cockell, how many rounds does he go with Lennox?
38 years old Walcott ditto?
Lastarza ditto?
Past prime Charles?
41 years old Moore ditto?

 

In general, any retirement that takes - first time - is best. No comebacks for either Lewis or Marciano. So, the timing must have suited them both nicely.

I prefer Lewis's final fight before exiting stage left. Beating the face of the pretender to his throne must have been most satisfying and probably carries more impact than did Marciano's win over Archie Moore.

Vitali's fans are still shedding tears over the loss, to this day.

 

McVey is gonna shoot Marciano for having lived in the 50s lol