I think Marciano would eventually find Ali over 15 rounds

[ICB]

I made a topic ages ago, comparing George Chuvalo to Rocky Marciano. I think Rocky Marciano/Muhammad Ali fight would resemble George Chuvalo/Muhammad Ali. I don't think Rocky Marciano gets destroyed like so many people think. But i think he loses but i also think he would give Muhammad Ali a serious run for his money. George Chuvalo gave Muhammad Ali fits especially in there 2nd fight.

[brocktonblockbust]

I agree Cassius Clay was perhaps unbeatable. Watching those early fights I am astounded at the footwork and hand speed and sharp punching power.

Not sure if Marciano could catch Cassius Clay. But Clay would have to come to Rocky. THAT would be the time for Rocky to get so low Ali would have to hit him on the back of the head. I say Rocky comes up from the floor with some devastating uppercuts and body shots.

[Master]

I agree Cassius Clay was perhaps unbeatable. Watching those early fights I am astounded at the footwork and hand speed and sharp punching power.

Not sure if Marciano could catch Cassius Clay. But Clay would have to come to Rocky. THAT would be the time for Rocky to get so low Ali would have to hit him on the back of the head. I say Rocky comes up from the floor with some devastating uppercuts and body shots.

And Clay comes in with fast jabs, right hands and left hooks. I was surprised at how aggressive he was against Liston in the first round in their first fight.

[greynotsoold]

But Ali was far from unbeatable- even early on, as Clay. Keep in mind that when he came up, nobody was in awe of him, nobody was calling him the greatest (except himself), in fact, the consensus was that he was very fast and basically unschooled. Keep in mind... guys like Ray Arcel and Eddie Futch did not, to their dying day, consider Ali the best heavyweight of all time. They both thought Joe Louis would beat him, and Arcel thought Dempsey would as well. Ali had great reflexes, was always in tremendous shape, and had an incredible will to win. Those attributes covered up a lot of flaws.
Basic things...Every time he jabbed, his right hand flared out. A slightly better than good Kenny Norton exploited that by jabbing when Ali jabbed. He dropped his hands to punch, so Frazier stayed low and hooked every time Ali threw an uppercut. Charley Goldman was every bit as astute and observant and boxing smart as Eddie Futch. They'd surround Ali's jab and make him either move into Marciano's right, or to his (Ali's) own right, and Ali didn't like to fight going to his right (the 2nd Liston fight and that one notwithstanding).
Marciano had greater stamina than Frazier, and he would take fewer punches than Frazier did from Ali. He'd trap Ali in enough corners and on the ropes enough to win a pretty clear cut decision.

[Master]

Ali may not be technically brilliant but his heart, conditioning, reflex, courage, speed, stamina, mentality, mind games, confidence etc made up for it. At his best he was the best.

[Freedom]

Ali before the layoff wasn't unbeatable. Let's not forget he was KOed by Henry Cooper and saved by the bell.

[imp]

Ali may not be technically brilliant but his heart, conditioning, reflex, courage, speed, stamina, mentality, mind games, confidence etc made up for it. At his best he was the best.

Brilliant post!!!!

[brocktonblockbust]

great posts seriously dudes. Its intriguing. All that Ali had will to win etc I think Marciano had a greater will to win. I agree with Grey that Goldman would find the way for Marciano to force Ali to his right---Marciano ALWAYS moved left---you couldnt get him to move any other way than to his left. HE forced the action remember Ali cannot effectively force any action he is basically a counter puncher and capitalizing on errors. His leadoff punches are few and far between and quite flaewed as Grey points out---Ali always drifting his right hand whilst jabbing and that shitty slapping leadoff left hook----shitty indeed---he could not get away with that with Marciano. Ali would not land a single left hook on Rocky in 15 rounds. And if he threw one he would pay dearly to the body especially.