Could Eddie Machen had defeated Rocky Marciano around 1956/1957?

[jrosales13]

If Marciano wouldn't had retired in 1955 after beating Archie Moore. Could Eddie Machen had defeated him? In 1956 was already a top contender in the HW division. He was a bit raw but scored a couple of good wins in 1956 against former HW contender over former Nino Valdez.



Marciano IMO was already slippin a little bit by 1955. He was already 33-34 years old. But, he did say he had 2 or 3 great fight lefts after he retired.

How would Marciano-Mechan played out?

[Obama]

Prime Machen schools Rocky. Ingo Bingo fight was a fluke accident.

[jrosales13]

Prime Machen schools Rocky. Ingo Bingo fight was a fluke accident.

Thanks for your response. But, what was fluke and accidental about this



Johansson almost took Machen head off with those uppercuts.

[TheGreatA]

Machen started out as more of a puncher than an elusive boxer. I think Rocky would have been in good form in 1956 and would have beaten young aggressive Eddie Machen in a surprisingly tough bout, comparable to the fights Larry Holmes had against inexperienced, but well prepared opponents.

Machen was crushed in the first round by Johansson, but that had a lot to do with under-estimating Johansson's power and walking into his right in the very first round. Other than that, Machen showed a rock-solid chin in all his bouts as well as solid defensive ability. I imagine he would be more wary of Marciano's power. Rocky also wasn't quite as accurate as Johansson could be. It usually took him until the late rounds to find the chin of his tiring opponent, while having consistently beaten them to the body.

[Obama]

The officiating in the fight was a disgrace. The man was hit with like 15 punches that had no business being thrown. He was down (essentially sitting on the ropes), yet the ref let the action keep going. Arthur Abraham hits Andre Dirrell with just one of those heavy shots and the man didn't know what the hell happened for hours.

[boxing boy]

Joe Frazier was very impressed with a"past prime" Eddie Machen.

Frazier said he had more moves than a moving company,Lol

Frazier also said that he could punch.He said Machen was a brilliant boxer,who could also punch.

I think this would be a great fight.I believe Marciano would have to stop Machen to win the fight.Or wear down Machen to the point that he would win the last 5 rounds to win a decision.

[TheGreatA]

Frazier would know. Machen shook him up in the 8th round, although otherwise he took a terrible beating.

[Obama]

Machen had 2 feet in the grave when he fought Frazier. It was a miracle he lasted so long.

[Tiozzo]

Thanks for your response. But, what was fluke and accidental about this



Johansson almost took Machen head off with those uppercuts.

disgusting ref job, Machen took about 10-12 unnecessary punches

[GJC]

Think Rocky would have had enough in the tank.
Can't see Machen KO'ing Marciano, you needed to have your head cut off to get a fight stopped on cuts back then so Machen has got to be elusive for 15 rounds to get the decision.
Rocky would have caught up with him IMO