What was Marciano's best performance?

[generalbulldog]

Retiring at the right time. Because I'm pretty sure Sonny Liston would have whipped him.

[brocktonblockbust]

from 1953 (Liston's 1st fight) til Marciano retired, Sonny Liston fought opponents with a combined record of 131-77-23. I wouldnt call that great enough competition to be able to deal with the Rock. Then from 1956 til the end of 1958 (Marciano would never have fought beyond Fall 1956/Spring 1957) Sonny Liston's opponents' records were 153-89-12. He didnt fight anybody decent until April 1959 in Cleveland Williams. So if he had fought Marciano say in Spring 1956, he would have had a very poor chance of winning. He wasn't ready to face the Rock, nor was Floyd Patterson.

[CutMeMick]

For my likings the 1st LaStarza fight was amazing.

[brocktonblockbust]

yeah some people swear Roland won it.

[CutMeMick]

yeah some people swear Roland won it.

It was pretty damn close...
I felt Rocky closed off the fight slightly better than LaStarza.

[rjj tszyu]

from 1953 (Liston's 1st fight) til Marciano retired, Sonny Liston fought opponents with a combined record of 131-77-23. I wouldnt call that great enough competition to be able to deal with the Rock. Then from 1956 til the end of 1958 (Marciano would never have fought beyond Fall 1956/Spring 1957) Sonny Liston's opponents' records were 153-89-12. He didnt fight anybody decent until April 1959 in Cleveland Williams. So if he had fought Marciano say in Spring 1956, he would have had a very poor chance of winning. He wasn't ready to face the Rock, nor was Floyd Patterson.

Liston VS Marciano could have been great BUT, I think too many read too much into Liston from his domination of Patterson. Patterson was tailor made for Liston and I think he would have been the same for Rocky too. I think Rockys ability to take a shot would have broken Listons heart and I think his power would have hurt Liston too.

I remember seeing an old clip of Liston on Rockys old TV program and it looked like they were on the verge of scrapping on the set. Rock certainly didn't look in the slightest bit worried about Liston like many of his opponents seemed to be.

[brocktonblockbust]

would have loved to see that man. I say if Ali could smoke Liston with that backward-moving anchor punch, then Marciano would KILL him with even a glancing Suzie-Q!!

[rjj tszyu]

would have loved to see that man. I say if Ali could smoke Liston with that backward-moving anchor punch, then Marciano would KILL him with even a glancing Suzie-Q!!

I don't know about you but I think Tyson and Liston had similarities in the fact that when things were going well for them they seemed virtually invincible, but if a talented fighter stood up to them and showed they weren't afraid they just seemed to fold as the fight went on.

[brocktonblockbust]

absolutely, rjj tszyu. I agree. Its called the Bully Syndrome. Once you crack their delicate ego, they collapse like the WTC buildings which, by the way, WAS AN INSIDE JOB.

The Rock would take Liston's shots and return fire. Sonny would be puzzled for sure, I can see him in the 3rd or 4th round start to mentally unravel. Rocky would devastate him to the body. Marciano KO5. For a short bit it may have been a precursor to Foreman/Lyle.

[Master]

I heard the rumour that Rocky could have carried on but wanted to retire because of contractual issues, wife nagging and not the bad back.