Read on Twitter
If you can't be bothered reading: Yes and no.
If you all care to read, I'll give my thoughts below. https://twitter.com/BellRin31894628/status/1347309468548268033
If you all care to read, I'll give my thoughts below. https://twitter.com/BellRin31894628/status/1347309468548268033
Let's start with discussing builds.
I actually think there's an argument to be made for modern heavies being "too big". I'd rather be an athletic 6'3" than a monstrous 6'5" with a poor work rate.
Though Marciano was only 5'10", he was a fit, muscular, strong 5'10".
I actually think there's an argument to be made for modern heavies being "too big". I'd rather be an athletic 6'3" than a monstrous 6'5" with a poor work rate.
Though Marciano was only 5'10", he was a fit, muscular, strong 5'10".
If we think about there being three 'tiers' of heavyweight - the small (in build, not just stature), medium (Ali, etc.) and super heavy (Lennox Lewis etc.): I think it's no question that Marciano is competitive with all the "medium" heavies.
Important to notice the difference between height and build here. While Mike Tyson is a similar height to Marciano, I would say he is a 'medium' heavy (in his prime) on account of his ox-like, cabled stocky physique.
As a general rule of thumb, the 'small' heavies trade power, and (debatably) punch resistance for better endurance and conditioning. Super heavies do the opposite. Medium heavies have a mix of both.
The problem is, against the super heavies, I just don't believe the endurance advantage is often enough to circumvent the power/durability disparity - especially early doors. If you're flattened early, what difference does the extra gas in the tank make?
This is, of course, a case by case basis. as is so much in boxing. I think Marciano would get unequivocally flattened by Lennox Lewis, but Joshua is a more interesting story - especially given his ability to tie up leaves a lot to be desired.
