Rocky Marciano

Rocco Francis Marchegiano, better known by his ring name Rocky Marciano, was an American professional boxer and world heavyweight champion. He is the only heavyweight boxing champion to have retired undefeated and won an unrivaled 49 straight fights.

Described as a crude stylist, he was known for his relentless approach to boxing and possessed formidable punching power. Despite being smaller than most of his opponents, Rocky Marciano perfected his technique to make it unmatchable. His unending stamina and a surprisingly durable chin turned him into a merciless brawler whose appetite for destruction was never sated. His knockout-to-win percentage of 87.76% remains one of the highest in heavyweight boxing history. Truly one of the legends, he is considered as one of the, if not the greatest.

The extremely popular Rocky movie series featuring Sylvester Stallone was inspired by him and was shown in the movie as the idol for the protagonist Rocky Balboa.

Rocky Marciano Background

Born to Italian parents who had immigrated to the United States, Rocky Marciano had humble beginnings as his father worked at a shoe factory. At the age of 18 months, he was afflicted with pneumonia and was extremely lucky to have survived. However, as he grew up, he overcame any such problems and had a lively youth. Apart from boxing, Rocky Marciano also took an active interest in baseball and football. He trained at home with whatever resources he had there, as he practiced with a stuffed mail bag in his backyard.

Rocky Marciano dropped out of school after finishing tenth grade and pursued local odd jobs such as a chute man, ditch digger, and shoemaker. In March 1943, Marciano was drafted into the United States Army for a term of two years.

Debut

After a part-disappointing, part-successful amateur career where he also represented the US Army, Rocky Marciano made his professional boxing debut on July 12, 1948, against Harry Bilazarian. Not only did he win his first match with finesse, but he also went on to win his first 16 bouts by knockout, with all of them being before the fifth round and nine of them being before the first round ended.

Rocky Marciano Rise to Glory

Rocky Marciano shot into fame after winning the heavyweight championship against Jersey Joe Walcott on September 23, 1952. In the match, he was being completely dominated by the champion who was leading on all scorecards 8–4, 7–5, and 7–4. However, while attempting his trademark feint and right hook, Marciano landed his ‘Suzie Q’ first, a powerful right hook that knocked Walcott motionless for several minutes even after the count out.

After his championship wins, his six title defenses were against Jersey Joe Walcott, Roland La Starza, Ezzard Charles (twice), Don Cockell and Archie Moore, with only La Starza coming close to ever beating The Rock from Brockton, losing out on a supplementary point.

Retirement

Rocky Marciano announced his retirement on April 27, 1956, aged 32. He finished his career at 49–0. After his retirement, Marciano entered into the world of television, appearing as a wrestling referee and a boxing commentator. His business ventures, on the other hand, included a San Francisco-based franchise company, Papa Luigi Spaghetti Dens, and investments in casinos and vending machines.

On August 31, 1969, the eve of his 46th birthday, Rocky Marciano was killed in a tragic plane crash.

People also ask



Is Rocky Balboa based off of Rocky Marciano?

While he is loosely based on Chuck Wepner, a one-time boxer who fought Muhammad Ali and lost on a TKO in the 15th round, the inspiration for the name, iconography and fighting style came from boxing legend Rocky Marciano.

How did Rocky Marciano die ?

Aviation accident and incident

Who Defeated Rocky Marciano?

Marciano captured the heavyweight crown in Philadelphia on September 23, 1952, when he scored a knockout against defending champ Jersey Joe Walcott in the 13th round. Marciano faced Walcott again in Chicago on May 15, 1953, and defeated him in a first-round knockout.

Was Marciano knocked down?

In his professional career, he was only knocked down twice.

When did Rocky Marciano die?

31 August 1969