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Muhammad Ali Vs Rocky Marciano "The Super Fight"
beneteau
Member Posts: 8,553 ✭✭✭
Punch-by-punch details of the boxer's records during their prime were entered into an NCR 315 computer. Also their strengths, weaknesses, fighting styles and patterns and other factors and scenarios that the boxers could go through were converted into formulas. The NCR-315 with 20K of memory was supplied by SPS (Systems Programming Services), an independent service bureau in Miami Fla.
Marciano, who had been retired for almost 13 years, lost over 50 pounds and wore a toupee in order to look as he did in his prime. Even for a "fake" fight, Marciano and Ali really looked forward to meeting each other and getting back in the ring.
The two fighters sparred for about 70 to 75 rounds, which were later spliced together according to the computer's findings which had not yet been determined. Every probable scenario was filmed. The final outcome would not be revealed to anyone until the release of the film. Braddock, Louis, Schmeling, Sharkey and Walcott also recorded commentary to be used in the film. Marciano died in a plane crash three weeks after filming wrapped.
On January 20, 1970, the fight was shown only once in 1500 theaters over closed-circuit television in the United States, Canada, and throughout Europe. It grossed $5 million. The computer had determined that Marciano would knock Ali out in the 13th round and the film was edited to present that outcome. All prints of the fight except one were supposed to be immediately destroyed, per Woroner's stipulation. However, many theaters played the show long after January 20th.
After watching the film, Ali reportedly said "That computer was made in Alabama," joking that Marciano was favored because he was white.
The Super Fight
Marciano, who had been retired for almost 13 years, lost over 50 pounds and wore a toupee in order to look as he did in his prime. Even for a "fake" fight, Marciano and Ali really looked forward to meeting each other and getting back in the ring.
The two fighters sparred for about 70 to 75 rounds, which were later spliced together according to the computer's findings which had not yet been determined. Every probable scenario was filmed. The final outcome would not be revealed to anyone until the release of the film. Braddock, Louis, Schmeling, Sharkey and Walcott also recorded commentary to be used in the film. Marciano died in a plane crash three weeks after filming wrapped.
On January 20, 1970, the fight was shown only once in 1500 theaters over closed-circuit television in the United States, Canada, and throughout Europe. It grossed $5 million. The computer had determined that Marciano would knock Ali out in the 13th round and the film was edited to present that outcome. All prints of the fight except one were supposed to be immediately destroyed, per Woroner's stipulation. However, many theaters played the show long after January 20th.
After watching the film, Ali reportedly said "That computer was made in Alabama," joking that Marciano was favored because he was white.
The Super Fight
Comments
Marciano had little short arms, and was essentially a thug in a boxing ring.
Hard to imagine Ali letting Marciano get in close enough to do serious damage.
Marciano retired undefeated...Cassius Clay was a good fighter,but I will always believe Sonny Liston took a dive...A guy I grew up with in my neighborhood ,fought Cassius twice in the light heavy weight division Golden Gloves.....He came very close to beating him...he was tall and rangy like Clay...long arms as well and a stiff jab...but,he never had the training Clay had.....he fought him again as a professional in a box-off to see who would meet Liston....you know who won...but Jeff Davis, with what knowledge and training showed up and gave a good credit of himself...Clay the best? Maybe, but other fighters were good also...I always liked Clay,because boxing was dead until came he out with his mouth, and I knew he would persevere.People went to see him beat...
Percy Price, a Marine boxer beat him prior to his Olympic debut. Two other Marines beat him as well. Still, he was my favorite heavyweight.