most of the old fighters are overhyped

[Dynamite Kid]

Many actually rank Lewis over Marciano.

The reason you don't see Vitali on any lists is because he achieved nothing compared to the heavyweight greats. His greatest win was his loss to Lennox Lewis, other than that he beat mediocre opposition (Peter, Sanders, Hide, K. Johnson).

VK he has not achieved as much NO but he gives Marciano a beating and he gives most of those great HW a helluva fight and he beats his fair share imo

a guy as big a durable as VK would give anybody trouble

[dans]

Actually, Grant Hill was a great player. Bill Walton is considered great and how often did he play in the NBA?

But no one would ever argue that he's an all time great or better than Scottie Pippen or someone else that was healthy, he may have been more skilled and yes in the right conditions may have been a better player for a time, but we're talking historically. Bill Walton is remembered more for his college career, that's apples and oranges.

[Benny Leonard]

Lets face it Vitali has a 9 inch height, 65 lb weight advantage over Rocky.

Marciano wouldn't win but in his era he did greater than Vitali did in his. You don't rank fighters based on how they would do in imaginary match-up's. You rank them based on what they actually did.

5-10 lbs less and Marciano would've been a light heavyweight.

Yeah, but it is kind of unfair to compare only their eras as well: Marciano was "lucky "to go up against the likes of a shot Joe Louis, past prime Charles, Walcott and Moore.

Just look at how many fights they had; how long they had been fighting; how many times they were knocked down, knocked out, in tough battles, etc. That's Mental and Physical wear and tear.


Plus, the names I mentioned above, all under 200 pounds. Moore and Charles were known as light-heavyweights who started below that. Walcott; a journeyman.

And it's not like Marciano knocked them out in 1.

[Benny Leonard]

But no one would ever argue that he's an all time great or better than Scottie Pippen or someone else that was healthy, he may have been more skilled and yes in the right conditions may have been a better player for a time, but we're talking historically. Bill Walton is remembered more for his college career, that's apples and oranges.

Yeah, I know, but damn, remember Grant Hill when he was healthy...miss him; all class.

[Grand Champ]

you also got remember what modern day fighters like Holyfield and Lewis have achieved they would not have a good shot at beating the likes of Marciano they would beat him as fas as im concerned

They would probably be alot more technical and skilled in the ring, yes. but that doesn't make Marciano hyped at all. He still beat the best of his era just like Lewis and Holyfield did/almost did. weather or not Marciano would win or lose a fight with a modern fight is subjective and something that can only be played out in our fantasy. What we CAN look at is how well did manage to perform during their era, and the old ATG performed as well as life allowed'em to do, beating the best of their time. If you think that's a hyped fighter then we don't see eye to eye

[dans]

Yeah, I know, but damn, remember Grant Hill when he was healthy...miss him; all class.

True. What a shame.

[Dynamite Kid]

They would probably be alot more technical and skilled in the ring, yes. but that doesn't make Marciano hyped at all. He still beat the best of his era just like Lewis and Holyfield did/almost did. weather or not Marciano would win or lose a fight with a modern fight is subjective and something that can only be played out in our fantasy. What we CAN look at is how well did manage to perform during their era, and the old ATG performed as well as life allowed'em to do, beating the best of their time. If you think that's a hyped fighter then we don't see eye to eye

as far as im concerned Holy,Lewis resume stands upto Marciano's and they were better fighters period because they both would of beaten him

that is how i see it anyway

[GreatestIam]

Marciano was rough and rugged and could knock you down, he'd defintly be a contender this era and the one before... His record is a testiment to that, while his body of work or fights or style may not be.. He wouldnt just get KOd by Lewis or for that matter Dominate Holyfield... Who the **** knows how those fights would turn out.. With that said its ok to speculate but to announce is rude and inaccurate! Marciano is a ATG Lewis top 50 Holyfield top 30!

[sitai]

yeah but you really can't compare era's... it's unfair

in most of the sports that i watch the athletes of today are far superior to those of the past...
bigger, stronger, fitter and technically better.

there's obviously a reason for that

[larryx]

Lewis, yes. Holyfield...NO WAY!

come on man ..holyfield would beat the **** outta marciano