Welcome to another edition of What If?, where our heavyweight tournament for the ages moves into the first week of group stage match-ups. We begin with some notes to remember: Last week, we introduced the combatants and the rules of the game. Over the next 12 episodes, we'll be moving through the group stage, with each installment featuring one old-time (1910-1940) group … [Read more...]
Heavyweight Boxing – All Nobility Gone
Nobility is an oft-misused word, generally confined to tales of ancient Greek or Roman origin, to refer to deeds done in subjugation of the individual ego in favour of the greater good. Hercules performs 12 tasks to save a nation; Jason battles for the Fleece to preserve the future for his people. I used to use the word in the seventies to refer to heavyweight boxers. It … [Read more...]
What if Rocky Marciano Fought On?
by Fox Doucette Welcome to What If, a new series in which we answer what-if questions from boxing history: Floyd Mayweather often tries to compare himself to Rocky Marciano, the legendary heavyweight champ who retired undefeated after 49 straight wins, 43 by knockout, including a ninth-round stoppage of Archie Moore in his final professional fight on September 21, 1955. … [Read more...]