BoxRec

15 rounds.

Cooney's size and power would have his moments hurting Marciano with body punches and left hooks in the early rounds, but Marciano's chin would manage to survive Cooney's power and wearing him down with body punches in the middle rounds, then he would stop Cooney in the twelfth round after knocking him down with a big left hook and right hand.

If Marciano knocked Cooney out, it would be in the early rounds. The cruel truth is that Gerry lacked durability and was easy to hit. If Mike Spinks could hurt Cooney, Marciano would have laid him out cold. Possibly a one-punch knockout too.

But there's a problem for Rocky.

Given Gerry's overwhelming advantages in height, reach, and weight, on top of his powerful left-hook - which could ice anyone - would Rocky be able to score a punch? Think about it. In the opening rounds, Cooney might clip Marciano with a few bombs as Rocky's trying to move inside.

It's not out of the question that Marciano might have taken the ten count, or been dazed, reeling, and out on his feet when saved by the referee. That is, if - and only if - Cooney lands his explosive hook early, multiple times.

But I wonder if Gerry could even hit Marciano, given the latter's crab-like body movement and constant ducking tactics. All of Cooney's hooks might swing over Rocky's head, fanning the air.

Bottom line: I can't figure this one out.

I'm not so sure Spinks beats the Cooney who fought Holmes.