Rocky Marciano
Rocco Francis Marchegiano grew up in Brockton, Massachusetts, and turned to boxing after Army service in World War II. A relentless puncher, he drew national attention in 1951 by knocking out an aging Joe Louis. He became champion in 1952, winning the heavyweight title with a dramatic come-from-behind knockout of Jersey Joe Walcott.
The Brockton Blockbuster
Rocco Marchegiano was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, in 1923 to Italian immigrant parents. After serving in the Army during World War II, he took up boxing seriously and turned professional in 1947. Shortened to 'Rocky Marciano,' his name soon became feared in the heavyweight ranks.
Perfect Champion
Marciano's relentless pressure and devastating right hand, nicknamed the 'Suzie Q,' overwhelmed opponents. He knocked out Joe Louis in 1951 and won the title from Jersey Joe Walcott in 1952. Over four years as champion he turned back every challenger, including Ezzard Charles and Archie Moore.
Undefeated and Gone Too Soon
Marciano retired in 1956 with a flawless 49-0 record, 43 of those wins by knockout, the only heavyweight champion ever to go out unbeaten. He was inducted into boxing's Hall of Fame in 1959. He died in a plane crash near Newton, Iowa, in 1969 at age 45.
Career Timeline
- 1923Born Rocco Marchegiano in Brockton, Massachusetts
- 1947Begins professional boxing career
- 1951Knocks out aging legend Joe Louis
- 1952Beats Jersey Joe Walcott for heavyweight title
- 1953Knocks out Walcott in first-round rematch
- 1953Defends title against Roland LaStarza
- 1954Wins two bouts with Ezzard Charles
- 1955Stops Archie Moore in title defense
- 1956Retires undefeated at 49-0
- 1959Inducted into The Ring Boxing Hall of Fame
- 1969Dies in a plane crash near Newton, Iowa
Biggest Hits
- He is the only world heavyweight champion to retire with a perfect, undefeated record of 49 wins and no losses.
- He died in a small-plane crash near Newton, Iowa, on the eve of his 46th birthday in 1969.
Portrait: Unknown author · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons