Why did Marciano retire soo abruptly after achieving 49-0?

[shinobi108]

The heavyweight division was heating up for the first time since Louis Schmeling, You had Floyd Patterson as the champ, Sonny Liston waiting in the wings. Within 5years of Marcianos retirement already Cassius Clay was one of the most famous athletes in north america. How come Marciano didn't atleast fight Floyd Patterson who was the no.1 contender before his retirement and was considered the only truly great prime heavyweight around at the time of Marciano's retirement?

[SlySlickSmooth]

Patterson would of probably lost on points if anything with that chin of his.

[Johnwoo8686]

Some people say Marciano retired because the talent level in the heavyweight division was beginning to heat up.

[shinobi108]

Patterson would of probably lost on points if anything with that chin of his.

That's the least likely scenario, Rocky probably wouldve won by KO but Patterson was Mike Tyson version 1.0 by Cus D'mato. He was the prototype which Mike Tyson ended up becoming later down the line. He was however a far better boxer and possessed a way better jab than Tyson. He wouldve given Rocky a hell of a fight which he had atleast a 35-40% chance of winning

[Redd Foxx]

Because, after 49 fights the body is usually done. Especially with the gear and medicine available back then. Is it better to get battered like Ali? The guy had an incredible career, it's cheap to say that wasn't good enough. There is no nobility in getting destroyed once your body has stated to wear. If he retired in his 20's, maybe you'd have an argument.

[nathan_nall]

The heavyweight division was heating up for the first time since Louis Schmeling, You had Floyd Patterson as the champ, Sonny Liston waiting in the wings. Within 5years of Marcianos retirement already Cassius Clay was one of the most famous athletes in north america. How come Marciano didn't atleast fight Floyd Patterson who was the no.1 contender before his retirement and was considered the only truly great prime heavyweight around at the time of Marciano's retirement?

I think he was an "old" young person. Marciano had crazy short arms and always took a lot of punishment working his way inside. Maybe he started to feel the wear and tear.

[shinobi108]

Because, after 49 fights the body is usually done. Especially with the gear and medicine available back then. Is it better to get battered like Ali? The guy had an incredible career, it's cheap to say that wasn't good enough. There is no nobility in getting destroyed once your body has stated to wear. If he retired in his 20's, maybe you'd have an argument.

But his prime was sort of stuck in between two era's, the guys he was facing were nearly all of out of their primes, Marciano came right at the end of one era and didn't take on the start of a new era which began whilst he was still champion. He really came between the two golden generations and realistically everybody knew his biggest risks were ahead at the time of his retirement in the form of Patterson and the other rising stars at the time.

[SN!PER]

If I remember correctly, he said that he didn't want to put his body through any more punishment, wanted to settle down with his family, etc.

He was one of the highest paid athletes, as boxing was very popular at the time. I imagine he had more than enough wealth to live comfortably.

[Robbie Barrett]

Because, after 49 fights the body is usually done. Especially with the gear and medicine available back then. Is it better to get battered like Ali? The guy had an incredible career, it's cheap to say that wasn't good enough. There is no nobility in getting destroyed once your body has stated to wear. If he retired in his 20's, maybe you'd have an argument.

I'd guess he took the most clean punches to the head out of all HW champs. He knew when to call it quits, good for him.

[Daddy T]

he had a lot of tension building up with his manager and I think was just a bit burnt out. He made a good call as his best was probably behind him