Is Rocky Marciano relevant today...

[El Kabong]

Plenty of greats get overrated look at Ali for fucks' sake! When people never question his spot as "The Greatest of All-Time" (a nickname he gave HIMSELF ) it makes me sick because HANDS DOWN Joe Louis was the greatest heavyweight ever...it's not even close!

As for Marciano and his power? Rocky had great stamina, he was awkward, and rugged. Rocky would wear guys down, it's true, but for being a shade under 190 he had very good power. Would he lose vs bigger slicker boxers like Beanflicker described, perhaps, would he get mowed down by Foreman? More than likely. But I wouldn't put it past Rocky to handle Shavers (Tex Cobb beat him for Heaven's sake) or Floyd Patterson, and if he lasted past 5 vs Tyson I'd favor Marciano to come from behind and stop him...let's be honest 'Iron' Mike didn't have an iron will in the ring and Rocky wasn't one to get scared by anybody.

I think Marciano draws the most praise and ire of boxing fans because of his record, his opponents, his race, his background. He didn't CHOOSE his era, nobody gets to do that, he was a great heavyweight (in my top 3), he's a record holder, and he was a quality champion. Whether or not he would be an effective heavyweight today is an erroneous point, he was effective in his era and retired on top....it's all you can say. If Rocky was the same size and fighting these days with the advances in health care, fitness, and training he'd be a light heavyweight and I doubtless say he would clean house at 175 to Cruiserweight vs current competition. Marciano is a legend of the heavyweight division 49 (43 KO)-0-0 ...he fought through adversity, pain, and he had heart, that's what people will always remember about The Rock, he had big heart.

[Dia bando]

Plenty of greats get overrated look at Ali for fucks' sake! When people never question his spot as "The Greatest of All-Time" (a nickname he gave HIMSELF ) it makes me sick because HANDS DOWN Joe Louis was the greatest heavyweight ever...it's not even close!

As for Marciano and his power? Rocky had great stamina, he was awkward, and rugged. Rocky would wear guys down, it's true, but for being a shade under 190 he had very good power. Would he lose vs bigger slicker boxers like Beanflicker described, perhaps, would he get mowed down by Foreman? More than likely. But I wouldn't put it past Rocky to handle Shavers (Tex Cobb beat him for Heaven's sake) or Floyd Patterson, and if he lasted past 5 vs Tyson I'd favor Marciano to come from behind and stop him...let's be honest 'Iron' Mike didn't have an iron will in the ring and Rocky wasn't one to get scared by anybody.

I think Marciano draws the most praise and ire of boxing fans because of his record, his opponents, his race, his background. He didn't CHOOSE his era, nobody gets to do that, he was a great heavyweight (in my top 3), he's a record holder, and he was a quality champion. Whether or not he would be an effective heavyweight today is an erroneous point, he was effective in his era and retired on top....it's all you can say. If Rocky was the same size and fighting these days with the advances in health care, fitness, and training he'd be a light heavyweight and I doubtless say he would clean house at 175 to Cruiserweight vs current competition. Marciano is a legend of the heavyweight division 49 (43 KO)-0-0 ...he fought through adversity, pain, and he had heart, that's what people will always remember about The Rock, he had big heart.

Yes Lyle.

[greynotsoold]

Plenty of greats get overrated look at Ali for fucks' sake! When people never question his spot as "The Greatest of All-Time" (a nickname he gave HIMSELF ) it makes me sick because HANDS DOWN Joe Louis was the greatest heavyweight ever...it's not even close!

As for Marciano and his power? Rocky had great stamina, he was awkward, and rugged. Rocky would wear guys down, it's true, but for being a shade under 190 he had very good power. Would he lose vs bigger slicker boxers like Beanflicker described, perhaps, would he get mowed down by Foreman? More than likely. But I wouldn't put it past Rocky to handle Shavers (Tex Cobb beat him for Heaven's sake) or Floyd Patterson, and if he lasted past 5 vs Tyson I'd favor Marciano to come from behind and stop him...let's be honest 'Iron' Mike didn't have an iron will in the ring and Rocky wasn't one to get scared by anybody.

I think Marciano draws the most praise and ire of boxing fans because of his record, his opponents, his race, his background. He didn't CHOOSE his era, nobody gets to do that, he was a great heavyweight (in my top 3), he's a record holder, and he was a quality champion. Whether or not he would be an effective heavyweight today is an erroneous point, he was effective in his era and retired on top....it's all you can say. If Rocky was the same size and fighting these days with the advances in health care, fitness, and training he'd be a light heavyweight and I doubtless say he would clean house at 175 to Cruiserweight vs current competition. Marciano is a legend of the heavyweight division 49 (43 KO)-0-0 ...he fought through adversity, pain, and he had heart, that's what people will always remember about The Rock, he had big heart.

Well said. Good stuff.