so basically rocky had no chance against a prime joe

[Barn]

Not arguing your prediction GJC but your logic in that Walcott was beating Marciano comfortably so Louis could is flawed. I believe it was 3 rounds Marciano fought blind, in the first fight against Walcott.

Walcott was 38 for that fight though.

[GJC]

Walcott was 38 for that fight though.

Fair point, though Walcott was one of those BHOP/Archie Moore freaks.

[Holtol]

Marciano you're right certainly had his vision problems in that fight but Walcott did fight a great fight. My point more was that I don't see Louis taking Marciano out quickly so as long as Marciano is in there with his great stamina he has a great punchers chance. Assuming we are setting the fight in either of their eras I don't think cuts will be such a factor as nowadays and over a potential 15 rounds can you one, guarantee Louis doesn't make a mistake or Marciano gets through and two, can Louis survive if Marciano hits him with a punch like he took Walcott out with.
Like I say i'm 70/30 Louis but Marciano is a very live body in there.

I have watched quite a few Louis fights but I still don't know Louis good enough, I have watched Marciano closer and more. Like I said I am not arguing your prediction you could very well be right.

I just wanted to make it known that Marciano was blind for a good portion of the fight, some people might not know that. It is something that should be taken into account if judging Marciano's performance in the fight.

[Holtol]

Walcott was 38 for that fight though.

Marciano would of likely put on a better performance if his vision was good during the fight.

[StarshipTrooper]

Rocky has a punchers chance but odds are he doesn't make it past the 7th round. His chin is too good to hear a 10 count but as I see it he gets beaten up to the point where even the permissive refs of the era would be forced to wave off the carnage. Louis had quite possibly the finest offense I've ever laid eyes on and Marciano shipped a ton of punishment in practically every fight he was in. Not a good mix. He could get away with it against a past-it Light-Heavy in Charles but NOT against Louis.

Poet

[Wild Blue Yonda]

Fair point, though Walcott was one of those BHOP/Archie Moore freaks.

To an extent yes, but Walcott had nonetheless seen better days. The version of five or six years earlier, who pushed an ageing Louis so, was snappier all-round.

Even a prime Walcott lost at least one fight to a washed-up Louis. He wasn't in the young Louis' class, & either was Marciano, who I don't give much hope to here at all. He would take a licking like he's never felt before.

[Cardinalfang]

I remember reading a book about Rocky and his manager was addressing that same question. He said maybe rocky might have gotten to Louis even earlier if they'd have fought in Louis's prime and you can make a case for that/

However, when you look at how shot Louis was and how he actually messed Rocky up a bit with his jab in the fight, it's got to be an 80% chance Louis takes rocky out. He was a greater fighter with a better record after all.