The Relentless Rocky Marciano
Rocky Marciano, born Rocco Francis Marchegiano, was a professional American boxer who competed from 1947 to 1956. Barely over 5'10" and between 183–189 pounds, Marciano should have been too short, too light, and too awkward to be a world heavyweight champion. With a determined heart and brute stamina, he took and defended the title six times. To this day, Marciano is the only heavyweight champion to hold a perfect record: 49 wins in 49 professional bouts.
The Baseball Player Turned Boxer
As a teenager growing up in Brockton, Mass., Marciano excelled at football and baseball, and dreamed of being a major league catcher. Oddly enough, he was cut from a Chicago Cubs’ farm team for not having a strong enough arm. Marciano first put on boxing gloves while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. According to reports, he only boxed to get out of kitchen duty and other unpleasant jobs. The future phenom didn't think of boxing as a career, but began training following his military discharge in 1946. He boxed under the amateur name Rocky Mack for one year before turning pro.
From Amateur to Unbeatable Legend
In his first professional bout, Marciano defeated Lee Epperson with a third-round knockout. He went on to knock out his next 15 opponents. In the early 1950s, the "Brockton Blockbuster" became a true contender by facing off against Joe Louis. He then took the heavyweight crown from Jersey Joe Wolcott with one of the most powerful knockout punches in boxing history. After successfully defending the title against the likes of Roland La Starza, Ezzard Charles, Don Cockell, and Archie Moore, Marciano and his devastating right fist retired from the ring at age 32. He died in a small plane crash a day before his 46th birthday.