Rocky Marciano was born Rocco Francis Marchegiano on September 1, 1923, in Brockton, Massachusetts, to Italian immigrant parents.
Marciano is the only heavyweight champion in boxing history to retire with an undefeated record of 49 wins, 0 losses, and 43 knockouts.
Before becoming a professional boxer, Rocky Marciano briefly pursued a career in baseball and tried out for the Chicago Cubs as a catcher.
Marciano won the heavyweight title on September 23, 1952, by defeating Jersey Joe Walcott with a 13th-round knockout, despite being knocked down in the first round.
Known for his relentless fighting style and incredible stamina, Marciano often wore down his opponents with constant pressure and powerful punches.
Marciano's knockout-to-win ratio of 87.76% remains one of the highest in heavyweight boxing history.
Rocky Marciano defended his heavyweight title six times, including victories over boxing legends such as Ezzard Charles, Archie Moore, and Joe Louis.
Marciano's final fight was on September 21, 1955, when he knocked out Archie Moore in the 9th round, solidifying his legacy as an undefeated champion.
Marciano was known for his brutal training regimen, which included running up hills, hitting a heavy bag for hours, and sparring extensively to build endurance and power.
Rocky Marciano was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, cementing his place among the sport's all-time greats.
In 1976, Marciano's life and career were loosely adapted into the Academy Award-winning film 'Rocky,' starring Sylvester Stallone, which became one of the most iconic sports films of all time.
Marciano was known for his granite chin, having only been knocked down twice in his entire career, both times rising to win the fight.
After retiring, Rocky Marciano briefly worked as a television boxing commentator and made guest appearances on various TV shows.
Marciano was tragically killed in a plane crash on August 31, 1969, the day before his 46th birthday, leaving behind a legacy of unmatched excellence in boxing.
Rocky Marciano's influence extends beyond boxing, as he is often cited as an inspiration for athletes and individuals seeking to overcome the odds and achieve greatness.
