The Superfight - Marciano vs. Ali

The premise here is commonplace decades later, but using a computer to simulate fantasy boxing matches must have seemed like science fiction at the time, not only enticing radio listeners, but eventually audiences in movie theaters. Rocky Marciano would win the fantasy boxing tournament and that garnered a lot of attention, some of which was negative, as Muhammed Ali was displeased he lost before he even reached the finals. Ali would sue the producer for defamation and out of that court case, The Super Fight was born. Marciano and Ali would have their chance in the ring, both in the computer simulation and in a sparring session, to determine the ultimate greatest. The two would meet in the ring and the presentation was if the two were really boxing, but they’re just sparring and that is pretty evident. It is still wild to see the two legends square off like this and thanks to the simulation, it is at least a fairly accurate look at what might have been.The distribution concept here was quite remarkable, as the program was shown once in theaters, then the prints were collected and destroyed. Some owners tried to hang on to the prints to further cash in, but that didn’t last. The Super Fight was also shown once on ABC’s Wide World of Sports, then never shown in public again and the last surviving print was turned over to the Library of Congress, where it remained until 2005. Now fans can revisit or experience this curio for the first time, as Marciano and Ali put on a little clinic for the audience. The entire fight is available, complete with between round run downs by the computer simulation and after the main event, you can watch a feature length documentary on how this interesting premise was realized. The disc release also has 15 hours of the original radio broadcasts on the fantasy matches and some boxing expert interviews. This is a very interesting curio that has interest even beyond the squared circle’s fans, so it is well recommended.

Wow, this is a great two disc set and a must have for any boxing fan! These two legends really go at it and it is a rather intrigueing event. At first it seems impossible that a fighter like Marciano could defeat Ali because of his quick speed, reflexes, and being a technician of the ring and dynamics involved as far as lateral movement, slashing combinations, and ability to take punishment as he proved through his entire career. But, as one watches, they see a Marciano (who surprisingly showed up in great shape for this event) who is able to turn his physical disadvantages into advantages. As the fight progresses, the tide slowly starts to turn to Marciano's advantage (a lot having to do with his unyielding determination). His awkward style really begins to throw off some of Ali's timing, and ability to use his left jab and lean on an opponent. This fight (with all punches to the body being real, and the head punches only pulled back at times) was really a precursor to the first Ali-Frazier fight in many ways. Yet, unlike Frazier, Marciano does't bob up and down in front, where Ali nailed Frazier easily to the head, Marciano is clever by ducking underneath to his own right shoulder to avoid many punches. Anyway, this two disc set also features footage of each fighter during their times, and opinions from others who knew them. It also has reproductions of posters inside (albeit small), but is great to see this extravaganza issued so nicely on DVD! Let's face it, Ali and Marciano were two of the best to ever live, buy it and enjoy a hypothetical dream fight! If only there were more dream fights like this.

I opened the DVD this Christmas morning, just finished watching it and all I can say is, AWESOME!! This entire film is what Boxing was all about back in it's "Golden Age." Two Undefeated Heavyweight Champions with very different styles meeting to see who was the greatest of all time. The entire film was very informative of both Marciano and Ali in their fighting styles and dedication to the sport, along with old clips of each fighter training and rare interviews before the fight takes place. The actual "fight" itself was way more real than I was led to believe. I know the head punches were supposed to be pulled but in a few rounds it looks as if they both actually got in more than their share of real head shots, making the fight even better. Most people disagree with the outcome of Marciano defeating Ali but I think the computer did get it right. Marciano was willing to take a beating in early rounds just to wear down his opponents with bone crushing body shots and go in for the kill! The later the fight went on, the more dangerous Rocky became and it showed. This is truly a MUST SEE for anyone out there who loves or even likes Boxing.

The famous "Superfight" between Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali was the brain child of Maury Woroner. After inputting countless descriptions of each boxer's style, strengths, weaknesses, etc. into a computer, Maury convinced the two legends to spar in an undisclosed location while being filmed. Different outcomes were made and the results are captured here. The original film was shown only once in theaters and once on ABC's Wide World of Sports in 1970. I saw the film in 1970 and jumped at the chance to own a piece of boxing history. Also included are the recreations of radio broadcasts of boxing matches between other great champions in a single elimination tournament to determine the ultimate heavyweight champion. The price for the dvds is very acceptable and the quality is excellent!