Who has a better legacy? Larry Holmes or Rocky Marciano

[Parody]

Who do you guys think has a better legacy in Boxing? Larry Holmes or Rocky Marciano? In my opinion its Larry Holmes...I thought he was disrespectful when he said "Marciano could'nt carry my jockstrap" but I will post here reasons why I think Holmes is greater, and why most boxing experts and sources have Holmes greater.

First of all Holmes ducked no one, he fought whoever was available at his time and he called out Foreman a lot of times, I have even got a video from youtube of Holmes saying Foreman ducked him. I think Holmes was a very skilled fighter and he is in my Top 5 alltime for Heavyweights.

Marciano fought whoever was available as well, so you cant fault him.

Marciano beat an out of Prime Joe Louis which was his best win, and Holmes beat an out of Prime Muhammad Ali which was his best win. Marciano set a record of 49-0 at Heavyweight while Holmes set a record for being a champion for most years at Heavyweight (9 years) and defending his title 21 times in the process. Holmes was also about to break Marciano's record when the judges beat him in the Spinks fight.

They both are in my Top 10 Alltime list but I rate Holmes above him.

Your thoughts?

[Terry A]

That's a good question Parody.

By "legacy", I'm thinking you mean how will each of them finally be remembered when all is said and done and so, who will be more highly thought of?

In that case, more people (including casual boxing fans) know that Rocky Marciano retired undefeated. Most don't know what his record was, only that he never lost and "dad" or "granpap" says he was the greatest ever.

But I think the hard core boxing fan will have to admit that Larry Holmes would have been able to beat The Rock had they ever fought in their respective primes. 6'3" and 220 lbs usually beats 5'10" 188 lbs. Throw in Holmes' jab and boxing ability, his ability to withstand the bombs of Earnie Shavers, his ability to fight thru pain (beating Norton w/ a torn bicep), it's not hard to envision Holmes winning a unanimous decision over the game Marciano. At least that's how I would see that fight play out.

Holmes rankled a lot of people in boxing, while Marciano came accross as a much nicer man. Rocky fought who was available in his day, as did Holmes, maybe with the exception of Greg Page, Mike Dokes and Gerrie Coetzee.

All being said, I think Marciano's legacy will be better because that 49-0 record endures the test of time so far. But I think Holmes was the better fighter and ranks higher on the all time great heavyweight champions list than the Rock does.

[Ironside]

It's pretty hard to say, I pick Marciano because is the only man to retire undefeated. That is the main thing that has him up there. Although in a head to head matchup I'd pick Holmes based on size, height and that jab.

[moofo]

They both beat the best of their era's.
Which were both pretty poor.
Joe Louis is on record by the way saying he would have never beaten Rocky in his prime never mind at the time they fought.
He said he just had the style to beat him.
So I would give them equal respect perhaps leaning to Marciano who didn't have the physical attributes that Holmes had but still managed to find a way to win.
One thing for sure...they are already in the History books.
Respect to them both.

[AntonTheMeh]

these guys to me are crossroad champs.i almost started a thread about it but i didn't know enough of each fighter.

[steptwome]

........................Shadows indeed

[Benny Leonard]

{Original post}

I like Larry. Marciano had shadows that followed him.

........................Shadows indeed

[GERONIMO]

i'll go with marciano.he never lost.

[BROOKLYN CESAR]

They both beat the best of their era's.
Which were both pretty poor.
Joe Louis is on record by the way saying he would have never beaten Rocky in his prime never mind at the time they fought.
He said he just had the style to beat him.
So I would give them equal respect perhaps leaning to Marciano who didn't have the physical attributes that Holmes had but still managed to find a way to win.
One thing for sure...they are already in the History books.
Respect to them both.

I think maybe rocky is the better but holmes is to be respected!!! Joe wouldve beat Rocky in his prime in IMO!!! I think cause they were mates he mayve said what he did!!! Joe was awesome in his prime!!!

[SpeedKillz]

i go with holmes. i cant explain why, as i love both the guys and think they are both absolutely great, but i chose holmes!