I don't know how realistic the simulation of two epic heavyweight fighters. For starters, the old 'they're from two different eras' is bound to come up. The other is the quality of fighters each fought. The charge is the talent available to fight Marciano was mediocre thus helping him achieve his undefeated status. Still, that's not his fault. Like all sports, your dominance is judged against your peers. In this way, Ty Cobb is still to be considered dominant just like Marciano should be. That Cobb never faced a fast-ball pitcher like Randy Johnson is not helpful nor does it impact the fact Cobb is one of the greatest hitters in the history of baseball. For his part, Ali had to deal with the likes of a thuggish Sonny Liston, and of course Joe Frazier and George Foreman - two great ferocious boxers.
Another issue, and one much more valid, is the size difference. At 6 foot 3 and 225 lbs, Ali was significantly bigger than the 5 foot 11 190lbs Marciano (like Joe Louis). They never would have met since Marciano is more like a cruiserweight by today's standards.
Ali, clearly, was a gifted boxer whereas Marciano was what we could call a 'brawler' with one of the heaviest punches in boxing history. Logically, Ali should take this fight.
Alas, logic sometimes has no place in sports where intangibles like 'determination' and 'heart' come into play. As well as the flawless execution of a game plan.
The thing about this simulation that stood out for me, given the weight and height differences, is the only strategy Marciano could employ was an "absorption" (as soccer teams sometimes do when faced with a highly efficient offense) one where he would have to take punches without giving up a major blow. For his attack, he would have to simply pound the body.
Apparently, this strategy worked according to the simulated fight:
Another issue, and one much more valid, is the size difference. At 6 foot 3 and 225 lbs, Ali was significantly bigger than the 5 foot 11 190lbs Marciano (like Joe Louis). They never would have met since Marciano is more like a cruiserweight by today's standards.
Ali, clearly, was a gifted boxer whereas Marciano was what we could call a 'brawler' with one of the heaviest punches in boxing history. Logically, Ali should take this fight.
Alas, logic sometimes has no place in sports where intangibles like 'determination' and 'heart' come into play. As well as the flawless execution of a game plan.
The thing about this simulation that stood out for me, given the weight and height differences, is the only strategy Marciano could employ was an "absorption" (as soccer teams sometimes do when faced with a highly efficient offense) one where he would have to take punches without giving up a major blow. For his attack, he would have to simply pound the body.
Apparently, this strategy worked according to the simulated fight:
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