Rocky Marciano ~ 'A Fight Between Cassius Clay and Me Would Have Been Horrible'

[Bill Paxtom]

Rocky Marciano

There is no way that Cassius could hit me. He was too tall, and I was way down here.

He would only be able to peck out with light left-jabs, and his right-hand would have been
neutralized.

If he came in too close, I would be able to deliver my 'ball-smashers' just under his
belt-line.

[THE THIRD MAN]

The problem Marciano would've had against Ali would be 'Cuts', Ali would cut fighters up. I think the Frazier/Marciano comparison gives leeway to thinking Rocky might've got some shots in, but his strength was the right hand and the only two times Ali was seriously hurt was when he got caught flush by "Enry's 'Ammer" and when Smokin' Joe caught him in the first fight in round 15. Both LEFT hooks!

[Max Power]

The problem Marciano would've had against Ali would be 'Cuts', Ali would cut fighters up. I think the Frazier/Marciano comparison gives leeway to thinking Rocky might've got some shots in, but his strength was the right hand and the only two times Ali was seriously hurt was when he got caught flush by "Enry's 'Ammer" and when Smokin' Joe caught him in the first fight in round 15. Both LEFT hooks!

I think the young 60's Clay has a good chance to stop Marciano on cuts or otherwise win by decision is the most likely scenario.

Sure, he was hit by his opponents as soon as they got in range, and sure if Cooper could spark him, so could Rocky.

But aside from punchers chance, the young Clay's speed and his massive range advantage would allow Clay to basically pick the little plodder apart.

If scrawny big mouth Clay could hold up against Sonny Liston, I could not bring myself to bet on Marciano.