Mayweather vs. Marciano: By the Numbers

Mayweather vs. Marciano: By the Numbers

By: Patrick Mascoe

It’s funny how we boxing fans get so consumed with numbers. The idea that Floyd Mayweather could break Rocky Marciano’s record by fighting a 0-0 fighter has many fight fans refusing to give Floyd the recognition he is due. The name Rocky Marciano is iconic in the world of boxing. He reigned as the World Heavyweight Champion from 1952 – 1956, at a time when that truly meant something. During the peak of his career, Marciano was a living legend. He was renowned for his punching power (43 of his 49 wins came by way of KO), stamina, and rock-solid chin. He remains the only heavyweight champion to ever retire undefeated.

The problem with comparing athletes from different generations is that there are just too many intangibles to keep track of. In the 1950’s, corruption in boxing was much more prevalent than it is today. Numerous boxers were directly connected to, or controlled by, organized crime. They were not protected to the degree that fighters are today. At that time, the world only recognized one champion per weight division. Unlike nowadays, when anyone who has ever put on a pair of boxing gloves seems to hold some kind of title.

Today’s athletes are bigger, stronger, and faster than the athletes of yesterday. On May 6th, 1954, Sir Roger Bannister was the first human being to ever run a mile in under four minutes. Now, hundreds of track athletes run the sub-four-minute mile every year, and the same trend can be seen across almost all sports.

Swimmers swim faster, jumpers jump higher, throwers throw farther. Year after year, people continue to break records. That doesn’t necessarily mean that today’s athletes are better. Training, coaching, advances in technique and equipment have also vastly improved. Also, today’s athletes are compensated as entertainers allowing them the financial freedom to train full-time. This in turn has created a larger pool of athletes to draw from than in the past.

When Sir Roger Bannister broke the four-minute-mile he was a part-time athlete. His main focus at the time was Medical School. He never considered running a full-time occupation. Now, track star is a legitimate profession. Just ask Usain Bolt, who is a millionaire many times over.

To be honest, taking an athlete in his prime and comparing him to an athlete from another generation seems highly implausible. Could the 195 lb Marciano of yesterday last twelve rounds against the giants of today, like Anthony Joshua or Vladimir Klitschko? Could Floyd Mayweather at his peak follow the chaotic pace of activity that his predecessors did? Would he hold up physically and mentally if his career spanned two hundred fights like that of Sugar Ray Robinson and Archie Moore? The problem with such hypothetical questions is that they generate hypothetical answers.

So, is it possible to compare fighters from different generations? Yes! All we have to do is examine the numbers and do the math. The first significant number is zero. Both fighters ended their careers undefeated. Marciano retired at the age of thirty-two, while still in his prime. Mayweather, who has always kept himself in great shape, retired for the third time at the age of forty. Call it a draw.

Let’s examine the numbers further. During his career Rocky Marciano defeated four Hall of Fame fighters: Joe Louis, Jersey Joe Walcott, Ezzard Charles, and Archie Moore. During Floyd’s career, he defeated one Hall of Fame fighter and six others who will most likely be enshrined within the next ten years: Arturo Gatti (inducted Dec. 10, 2012) Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, Shane Mosley, Miguel Cotto, Canelo Alvarez, and Manny Pacquiao. For those keeping score: Mayweather 7 – Marciano 4. Advantage Mayweather.

If we break down these numbers even further, a lot more is revealed. Of the four Hall of Fame fighters Marciano faced, he had either an age or size advantage over all of them. He was ten years younger than both Joe Louis and Jersey Joe Walcott when they met in the ring. He also faced them literally at the end of their careers. Marciano was the last opponent that either fighter would face before retiring. In his two fights against Ezzard Charles, it was not age but size that gave him an advantage. Charles began his career as a Middleweight, moved to Light Heavyweight after the war, and then moved up to Heavyweight after failing to win the World Light Heavyweight title. Against Archie Moore, Marciano had both an advantage in age and in size. Marciano was six years younger than the thirty-eight year old Moore, who like Charles was a natural Light Heavyweight.

With the exception of his bouts against an undersized Juan Manual Marquez and the worn down thirty-nine year old Shane Mosley, Floyd seemed more willing to fight his HOF worthy opponents on a more even playing field than Marciano. Against Arturo Gatti and Oscar De La Hoya, his only real advantage was his superior skill set. Unlike Marciano, Mayweather did step into the ring against younger competition. Manny Pacquio was two years younger than Floyd, Cotto three years younger and Canelo Alverez was thirteen years younger when they faced off. Once again – advantage Floyd Mayweather.

Another way to compare the two fighters is to use a timeline to examine their progress and level of competition, as they climbed the ladder to boxing supremacy.

#1 -both fighters started their careers facing opponents who like them, were fighting in their first ever professional bout. Both were victorious by knockout in the early rounds.

#18 – in Marciano’s 18th professional fight he faced Polish fighter Harry Haft. Haft entered the ring with a 13-7 record and was knocked out in the 3rd round. Floyd Mayweather’s 18th fight saw him challenge Genaro Hernandez for the WBC Super Featherweight title. Hernandez possessed a 38-1-1 record at the time, but was stopped by Mayweather in the 8th round.

#30 – victory number thirty for Marciano was a unanimous decision win over Ted Lowry; a boxer who had suffered 57 previous defeats. In comparison, Mayweather won a unanimous decision over the 35-2-2 Victoriano Sosa.

#35 – saw Floyd win by TKO in six over the 56-4 Sharmba Mitchell, while Marciano won a unanimous decision over the 11-16-2 Willis Applegate.

#39 – Floyd stops the undefeated Ricky Hatton (43-0) in ten rounds, while Marciano knocked out Lee Savold in six. Savold entered the ring with over 40 losses on his record as well as a draw against the previously mentioned Ted Lowry.

#41 – Rocky Marciano defeated Bernie Reynolds (51-9-1) in the 3rd round by knock out. In Floyd’s 41st fight he defeated Shane Mosley (46-5) by unanimous decision. Based on each fighter’s level of competition – Floyd Mayweather once again comes out on top.

Based on the math, my conclusion is this: Rocky Marciano’s legend has grown to mythical proportions over the last sixty years. However, the reality is that he built his perfect record against a number of fighters with losing records or with double-digit losses on their resume. When facing HOF level fighters, he always entered the ring with a distinct advantage. Rocky Marciano was involved in a number of mismatches throughout his career yet, every single one counted as a win on his record. Floyd was never going to lose to Connor McGregor, just as Rocky Marciano was never going to lose to a fighter with over fifty losses. Over the course of their careers, Floyd Mayweather faced a much higher level of opposition than Rocky Marciano. I’m willing to bet that those same boxing fans who refuse to acknowledge Floyd’s victory over McGregor surely would have counted the loss, had it happened. Floyd needs to be recognized and given the credit he is due. He is the new standard of excellence in boxing today. To say that he is the best of all time is debatable. To say that he is inferior to the great Marciano is not.

349 Comments

  1. EmersonEntic

    online ed drugs [url=https://drugs1st.store/#]drugs that cause ed[/url] buy ed pills online

  2. HarryPogma

    пины [url=http://biznes-fabrika.kz/#]пин ап казино онлайн[/url] пин ап казино онлайн

  3. HarryPogma

    бонусы пин ап [url=http://pinupzerkalo.fun/#]пин ап вход[/url] пин ап

  4. HarryPogma

    pin up zerkalo [url=https://pinupzerkalo.fun/#]пинко[/url] пин ап вход

  5. HarryPogma

    sweet bonanza nas?l oynan?r [url=http://sweetbonanzatr.pro/#]sweet bonanza[/url] sweet bonanza

  6. HarryPogma

    пин ап вход [url=http://pinupzerkalo.fun/#]pinco[/url] Пин Ап Казино Официальный Сайт в России

  7. Leroyaddek

    legal to buy prescription drugs from canada [url=http://pharm24.pro/#]cheap meds[/url] best ed pills at gnc

  8. Leroyaddek

    mexican rx online [url=https://mexicanpharm24.cheap/#]Legit online Mexican pharmacy[/url] medication from mexico pharmacy

  9. Leroyaddek

    world pharmacy india [url=https://indianpharm24.pro/#]India pharmacy international[/url] online shopping pharmacy india

  10. Leroyaddek

    п»їbest mexican online pharmacies [url=https://mexicanpharm24.cheap/#]mexico pharmacy[/url] buying prescription drugs in mexico online

  11. Leroyaddek

    mexican rx online [url=http://mexicanpharm24.cheap/#]mexico pharmacy cheap[/url] mexican mail order pharmacies

  12. Leroyaddek

    best ed drugs [url=http://pharm24.pro/#]cheap drugs[/url] herbal ed

  13. Leroyaddek

    best online pharmacy india [url=https://indianpharm24.pro/#]Pharmacies in India that ship to USA[/url] indianpharmacy com

  14. Leroyaddek

    buy prescription drugs online without [url=http://pharm24.pro/#]buy drugs[/url] ed doctors

  15. Brandonedush

    reputable mexican pharmacies online: mexican pharmacy – п»їbest mexican online pharmacies

  16. Larryeroro

    Casino Siteleri [url=https://casinositeleri.win/#]Casino Siteleri[/url] casino siteleri win

  17. Larryeroro

    ultrabet bonus [url=https://ultrabet-tr.online/#]ultrabet guncel[/url] ultrabet giris

  18. Larryeroro

    matadorbet.bid [url=http://matadorbet.bid/#]matadorbet.bid[/url] matadorbet

  19. Larryeroro

    deneme bonusu veren siteler mycbet.com [url=https://denemebonusuverensiteler.top/#]deneme bonusu veren siteler[/url] deneme bonusu veren siteler betturkey

  20. Larryeroro

    deneme bonusu veren siteler 2024 [url=http://denemebonusuverensiteler.top/#]deneme bonusu veren yeni siteler[/url] deneme bonusu veren siteler mycbet.com

  21. Curtispam

    buy rybelsus [url=https://rybpharm.com/#]buy rybelsus online usa[/url] rybpharm canada

  22. Curtispam

    ED meds online [url=http://erepharm.com/#]best ed pills online[/url] ed pills

  23. Curtispam

    kampharm.shop [url=https://kampharm.shop/#]kamagra oral jelly[/url] kamagra

  24. Curtispam

    cheapest Kamagra Kam Pharm [url=http://kampharm.shop/#]buy kamagra oral jelly Kam Pharm[/url] kamagra

  25. Curtispam

    cheapest ed pills ere pharm [url=https://erepharm.com/#]ED pills non prescription[/url] ED meds online

  26. DennisBlast

    Buy gabapentin for humans: gabapentin – cheapest Gabapentin GabaPharm

  27. Curtispam

    kamagra [url=https://kampharm.shop/#]kamagra oral jelly[/url] kampharm.shop

  28. My Firefox stopped working saying the server wasn’t found but Internet Explorers still works. I used to use firefox all the time but only recently it stopped working. I already checked the firewall and it allows firefox so i don’t know what’s wrong..

  29. Glennson

    india pharmacy mail order [url=https://indianpharmacyeasy.com/#]Indian online pharmacy ship to usa[/url] top 10 online pharmacy in india

  30. StevenDuamb

    cost of prednisone: prednisone – where can i order prednisone 20mg

  31. Brandenbor

    get generic clomid tablets: rexpharm – can i buy generic clomid without rx

  32. Bernardbex

    stromectol price uk [url=https://iverfast.com/#]buy Ivermectin online[/url] minocycline 50 mg tablets

  33. Bernardbex

    п»їcytotec pills online [url=http://cytpremium.com/#]cyt premium[/url] buy cytotec pills

  34. Albertjoibe

    buy cytotec over the counter: cyt premium – buy misoprostol over the counter

  35. Bernardbex

    Lisinopril 1st [url=https://lisinopril1st.com/#]buy lisinopril online no prescription india[/url] lisinopril prinivil zestril

  36. Bernardbex

    clopidogrel bisulfate 75 mg [url=https://plavixclo.com/#]buy Plavix Clo[/url] Clopidogrel 75 MG price

  37. Henrynaw

    вавада казино онлайн [url=https://vavada-kazi.ru/#]vavada-kazi.ru[/url] vavada-kazi.ru

  38. DarioFut

    vavada kazi: vavada – вавада казино онлайн

  39. Henrynaw

    вавада казино онлайн [url=https://vavada-kazi.ru/#]вавада казино зеркало[/url] vavada kazi

  40. Jamesshush

    пин ап зеркало: pinup – пин ап вход

  41. CurtisReard

    vavada kazi: vavada kazi – вавада казино онлайн

  42. Henrynaw

    pinup-kazi.kz [url=http://pinup-kazi.kz/#]pin up казино[/url] pinup-kazi.kz

  43. Henrynaw

    pinup kazi [url=https://pinup-kazi.ru/#]pinup[/url] pinup

  44. Thomasvot

    ed medications comparison [url=http://canadianpharm1st.com/#]canadianpharm1st[/url] ed and diabetes

  45. Thomasvot

    Online medicine home delivery [url=http://indianpharmstar.com/#]IndianPharmStar.com[/url] online pharmacy india

  46. Adolfosaulk

    buying prescription drugs in mexico: Mexican Pharm – mexico pharmacies prescription drugs

  47. Thomasvot

    mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa [url=http://mexicanpharmeasy.com/#]mexicanpharmeasy.com[/url] buying prescription drugs in mexico

  48. Adolfosaulk

    buying from online mexican pharmacy: Pharm Easy – reputable mexican pharmacies online

  49. Thomasvot

    mexico pharmacies prescription drugs [url=https://mexicanpharmeasy.com/#]Mexican Pharm[/url] mexican online pharmacies prescription drugs

  50. Carlosred

    mexico pharmacies prescription drugs: mexican pharmacy – mexico pharmacies prescription drugs

  51. Adolfosaulk

    mexico pharmacies prescription drugs: mexican pharm easy – mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa

  52. Thomasvot

    mexico drug stores pharmacies [url=http://mexicanpharmeasy.com/#]MexicanPharmEasy[/url] mexican pharmaceuticals online

  53. Thomasvot

    pharmacy website india [url=https://indianpharmstar.com/#]IndianPharmStar[/url] indian pharmacies safe

  54. Carlosred

    buying prescription drugs in mexico: Mexican Pharm – mexico pharmacies prescription drugs

  55. Thomasvot

    online pharmacy india [url=https://indianpharmstar.com/#]indian pharmacy[/url] mail order pharmacy india

  56. EdwardMax

    ivermectin buy [url=https://ivermectinpharm.store/#]Ivermectin Pharm[/url] cost of ivermectin lotion

  57. EdwardMax

    paxlovid pharmacy [url=https://paxlovid.ink/#]Paxlovid.ink[/url] Paxlovid.ink

  58. Clintondox

    https://paxlovid.ink/# Paxlovid buy online
    generic gabapentin [url=http://gabapentinpharm.com/#]neurontin cap 300mg[/url] Gabapentin Pharm

  59. EdwardMax

    Paxlovid.ink [url=http://paxlovid.ink/#]paxlovid pill[/url] Paxlovid.ink

  60. Matthewicody

    https://ciprofloxacin.cheap/# buy cipro no rx
    cost of generic clomid pill [url=https://clomid.store/#]where can i get cheap clomid price[/url] can i buy generic clomid without rx

  61. JaimeDubop

    get cheap clomid no prescription [url=https://clomid.store/#]where buy generic clomid without rx[/url] where buy cheap clomid no prescription

  62. JaimeDubop

    lisinopril best price [url=https://lisinoprilus.com/#]lisinopril 20 mg best price[/url] prinivil coupon

  63. Matthewicody

    http://cytotec.top/# buy cytotec pills
    cytotec online [url=https://cytotec.top/#]purchase cytotec[/url] cytotec abortion pill

  64. JaimeDubop

    prinivil 2.5 mg [url=https://lisinoprilus.com/#]lisinopril 25 mg cost[/url] lisinopril 20 mg for sale

  65. Matthewicody

    https://ciprofloxacin.cheap/# п»їcipro generic
    can i buy cheap clomid without dr prescription [url=http://clomid.store/#]where to buy cheap clomid without prescription[/url] can i purchase clomid tablets

  66. JaimeDubop

    buy cipro without rx [url=http://ciprofloxacin.cheap/#]ciprofloxacin generic price[/url] antibiotics cipro

  67. Matthewicody

    https://clomid.store/# where to buy generic clomid prices
    buy generic clomid no prescription [url=https://clomid.store/#]can i order clomid tablets[/url] order generic clomid no prescription

  68. JaimeDubop

    clomid without prescription [url=https://clomid.store/#]clomid cost[/url] can i order cheap clomid without rx

  69. JaimeDubop

    generic zithromax 500mg india [url=https://azithromycinus.com/#]how to buy zithromax online[/url] zithromax 250mg

  70. Matthewicody

    http://lisinoprilus.com/# lisinopril 10mg
    where can you buy zithromax [url=https://azithromycinus.com/#]zithromax 250mg[/url] how to get zithromax over the counter

  71. JaimeDubop

    Cytotec 200mcg price [url=http://cytotec.top/#]buy cytotec online fast delivery[/url] cytotec pills buy online

  72. JaimeDubop

    where buy clomid [url=https://clomid.store/#]cheap clomid pills[/url] can you get cheap clomid online

  73. Matthewicody

    https://lisinoprilus.com/# lisinopril 10 mg for sale without prescription
    buy cytotec pills online cheap [url=https://cytotec.top/#]buy cytotec in usa[/url] buy cytotec over the counter

  74. JaimeDubop

    can you get clomid without a prescription [url=http://clomid.store/#]how to buy cheap clomid online[/url] where buy cheap clomid no prescription

  75. CoreyKam

    cheapest cenforce [url=https://cenforce.icu/#]Purchase Cenforce Online[/url] Buy Cenforce 100mg Online

  76. CoreyKam

    cheapest ed pills [url=http://edpills.men/#]erectile dysfunction drugs online[/url] ed online meds

  77. TravisSox

    casino bonusu veren siteler: casinombet – casino bonanza gГјncel giriЕџ

  78. RobertErymn

    slot oyunlar? [url=https://slottr.top/#]en cok kazand?ran slot oyunlar?[/url] slot tr online

  79. RobertErymn

    пин ап зеркало [url=http://pinup2025.com/#]pinup2025.com[/url] пин ап зеркало

  80. RobertErymn

    slot oyunlar? puf noktalar? [url=http://slottr.top/#]slot tr online[/url] en cok kazand?ran slot oyunlar?

  81. Matthewdit

    mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa [url=https://mexicanpharmi.com/#]mexican pharmi[/url] medication from mexico pharmacy

  82. Matthewdit

    buy prescription drugs from india [url=http://indiapharmi.com/#]Best Indian pharmacy[/url] indianpharmacy com

  83. Matthewdit

    medication from mexico pharmacy [url=https://mexicanpharmi.com/#]mexican pharmacy[/url] purple pharmacy mexico price list

  84. Robertsoype

    can i buy amoxicillin over the counter: generic amoxicillin – where can you buy amoxicillin over the counter

  85. Kennethbut

    amoxicillin 30 capsules price [url=https://amoxstar.com/#]AmoxStar[/url] buy amoxil

  86. Robertsoype

    how can i get cheap clomid without insurance: clomid on pharm – can i purchase generic clomid without dr prescription

  87. Kennethbut

    amoxicillin cephalexin [url=http://amoxstar.com/#]amoxicillin 500 mg purchase without prescription[/url] buy amoxicillin 250mg

  88. Robertsoype

    purchase amoxicillin online: AmoxStar – can you buy amoxicillin over the counter canada

  89. Kennethbut

    where to buy generic clomid now [url=http://clomidonpharm.com/#]cost of generic clomid without insurance[/url] buy clomid no prescription

  90. Robertsoype

    amoxicillin 500mg capsule buy online: Amox Star – amoxicillin generic brand

  91. Robertsoype

    prednisone without rx: PredniBest – prednisone canada prescription

  92. Robertsoype

    can you buy cheap clomid now: clomidonpharm – can i get cheap clomid no prescription

  93. DarrenBix

    пинап казино [url=http://gramster.ru/#]gramster.ru[/url] пин ап казино официальный сайт

  94. Robertdualt

    пин ап вход: gramster.ru – пин ап казино зеркало

  95. DarrenBix

    pinup 2025 [url=http://gramster.ru/#]Gramster[/url] пин ап вход

  96. DarrenBix

    пин ап казино официальный сайт [url=https://gramster.ru/#]gramster[/url] gramster.ru

  97. DarrenBix

    пин ап казино зеркало [url=https://gramster.ru/#]gramster.ru[/url] pinup 2025

  98. Robertdualt

    пин ап казино официальный сайт: gramster.ru – пин ап казино зеркало

  99. DarrenBix

    пин ап вход [url=https://gramster.ru/#]gramster.ru[/url] пин ап зеркало

  100. DarrenBix

    пин ап казино зеркало [url=https://gramster.ru/#]Gramster[/url] пин ап

  101. DarrenBix

    pinup 2025 [url=http://gramster.ru/#]gramster[/url] pinup 2025

  102. Wonderful work here! It’s really well-organized and informative. Do you have any tips for beginners interested in this topic?

  103. JamesRothe

    Online medicine order [url=https://indianpharmacy.win/#]Online medicine home delivery[/url] india online pharmacy

  104. JamesRothe

    medication from mexico pharmacy [url=https://mexicanpharmacy.store/#]buying from online mexican pharmacy[/url] buying prescription drugs in mexico

  105. JamesRothe

    mexican online pharmacies prescription drugs [url=https://mexicanpharmacy.store/#]п»їbest mexican online pharmacies[/url] pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa

  106. JamesRothe

    india online pharmacy [url=http://indianpharmacy.win/#]indian pharmacy paypal[/url] reputable indian pharmacies

  107. JamesRothe

    buy medicines online in india [url=https://indianpharmacy.win/#]mail order pharmacy india[/url] online shopping pharmacy india

  108. JamesRothe

    mexico pharmacies prescription drugs [url=https://mexicanpharmacy.store/#]mexican pharmaceuticals online[/url] mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa

  109. DonaldEnelo

    Cheap Sildenafil 100mg [url=http://fastpillsformen.com/#]cheap viagra[/url] Generic Viagra online

  110. DonaldEnelo

    Cheap Cialis [url=https://maxpillsformen.com/#]Max Pills For Men[/url] Cialis 20mg price in USA

  111. DonaldEnelo

    Generic Viagra online [url=https://fastpillsformen.com/#]cheapest viagra[/url] Cheap Sildenafil 100mg

  112. DonaldEnelo

    Tadalafil price [url=http://maxpillsformen.com/#]MaxPillsForMen.com[/url] Cheap Cialis

  113. Bradleydiela

    slot siteleri [url=https://slotsiteleri25.com/#]en cok kazand?ran slot oyunlar?[/url] en cok kazand?ran slot oyunlar?

  114. Bradleydiela

    sweet bonanza kazanma saatleri [url=http://sweetbonanza25.com/#]sweet bonanza kazanma saatleri[/url] sweet bonanza giris

  115. The information shared is of top quality which has to get appreciated at all levels. Well done…

  116. Thanks for your publication. One other thing is the fact that individual states in the United states of america have their unique laws which affect people, which makes it quite difficult for the the nation’s lawmakers to come up with the latest set of recommendations concerning property foreclosures on property owners. The problem is that each state features own legislation which may have impact in an adverse manner in terms of foreclosure guidelines.

  117. That is a great tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Short but very precise info… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read post!

  118. Your storytelling prowess is nothing short of extraordinary. Reading this article felt like embarking on an adventure of its own. The vivid descriptions and engaging narrative transported me, and I eagerly await to see where your next story takes us. Thank you for sharing your experiences in such a captivating manner.

  119. Danielplege

    Fine news for all us

  120. Jerrysoype

    At pre-eminent, I was skeptical about https://joyorganics.com/pages/wholesale-cbd , but these days I guard them in my nightstand. They’ve develop participation of my evening wont—single gummy, a cup of tea, and I’m tolerable to go. I don’t perceive treble or kinky, just serene and genial to afraid down. The flavor’s absolutely exceptionally well-behaved too, which surprised me. No eerie aftertaste like some others I’ve tried. If your brain runs a mile a in style at continually or you’re upstanding vexing to cool after farm, these are for all advantage checking out.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *