Rocky Marciano (born Rocco Francis Marchegiano; September 1, 1923 – August 31, 1969) was an American professional boxer and the World Heavyweight Champion from September 23, 1952, to April 27, 1956. Marciano is the only person to hold the heavyweight title and go untied and undefeated throughout his career. Marciano defended his title six times, against Jersey Joe Walcott, Roland La Starza, Ezzard Charles (twice), Don Cockell, and Archie Moore.
Concetta Marchegiano, Louis Marchegiano, Alice Marchegiano, Peter Marchegiano, Elizabeth Marchegiano
Awards
1946 Amateur Armed Forces boxing tournament, The Ring titles, World heavyweight titles (1952-1956), Sugar Ray Robinson Award
Nominations
International Boxing Hall of Fame, World Boxing Hall of Fame, "10th greatest Heavyweight Champion" (Ring magazine)
Movies
"The Super Fight" (1970), "The Superfight: Marciano vs. Ali" (1969), "Combat!: Masquerade" (1961)
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Fact
1
A good all around athlete as a kid, he played Football and Baseball. He was known for his enthusiastic and intense pre-bout training. His early conditioning would be considered unorthodox for Boxing. He favored multiple sets of push-ups, chin-ups and extensive barbell training (which was considered strictly taboo in the conventional boxing wisdom of the day). He even was an exponent and graduate of the famous Charles Atlas Dynamic Tension mail order course. From: The Ring Magazine.
2
His right hand knockout punch against Rex Layne sent Layne's mouthpiece 10 feet across the ring and sheared off 4 of Layne's front teeth at the gum line.
3
Inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 1976.
4
Won his first 16 fights by knockout.
5
Wanted to be a professional baseball player.
6
Knocked out Muhammad Ali in a controversial fantasy "Computer" super-fight in 1969. Ali complained that the computer was made in Georgia.
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