This is my third blog in the series ‘Mythical Matchups’. The imaginary bout I’m writing about is between two Heavyweight Champions, Joe Frazier and Rocky Marciano. My mythical bouts all take place in Las Vegas at the Caesar’s Palace outdoor arena, with the great Mills Lane as the referee.
Joe Frazier was born on January 12, 1944, and won a gold medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. He was the heavyweight champion from 1968 until 1973, when he was knocked out by George Foreman. He is probably best remembered for his trilogy with Muhammad Ali, but his defeat of Ali in March of 1971 was his finest performance as a professional. ‘Smokin’ Joe had a relentless style, bobbing and weaving as he chugged forward. His left hook was also one of the best in heavyweight history. At roughly 5’11” tall, Joe was not a big heavyweight, but usually weighed over 210 pounds. His style however, made him big enough to handle even the taller heavyweights of his era.
Rocky Marciano was born on September 1, 1923 and began his pro career at age 25. He won his first pro bout on July 12, 1948 at 25, then put together a record of 16-0, all by knockout. He knocked out Jersey Joe Walcott on September 23, 1952 in Philadelphia to win the heavyweight title at age 29. He made six title defenses, before retiring in 1955 after his knockout of Archie Moore. He retired with a record of 49-0, the only heavyweight to finish his career undefeated.
Marciano was a rough and tough fighter, who always went into the ring in superb condition. He packed a wallop in both hands, and also had a solid chin to boot.
Joe Frazier and Marciano were about the same height, but Joe held a 20 or 25 pound weight advantage. To me, a bout between them would have been a long, brutal distance affair. I give Joe the advantage in aggression, and I think he would have been too much for the lighter Marciano. I could envision both men hitting the canvas in their fight, but Frazier would have opened up cuts over Marciano’s eyes, and worn him down. Frazier by unanimous decision.
This being my blog, and my opinion, I just feel Frazier was the better fighter. He beat a better class of opponent, had the strength advantage, and was too determined and relentless for Marciano in the end. Rocky was a good champion, but Joe was just a little bit better.
Rocky Marciano died in a plane crash on August 31, 1969, while Joe Frazier died of health complications on November 7, 2011. Both were first ballot hall of famers, and two of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history.
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