When he was an infant, Rocky Marciano was diagnosed with a rare case of pneumonia. The illness was so serious that doctors felt he would not survive. If He does, it will be done through the Spirit alone.
That spirit became the defining spirit of Rocky's life. Setting the tone he would later bring to the boxing ring. As a boy, he loved sports, but his physical qualities, although he had drive, became the cornerstone of his career.
In 1943, Rocky was drafted into the Army. While in Wales, he joined a boxing program as a way to stay active and avoid boredom. There boxing gave him a sense of purpose and a target to focus on, and he plunged into the sport with the same determination during his childhood struggles.
After returning from the war, Rocky decided to resume his love for boxing. It would be the passion in these early years that would define the passion that would lay the foundation for overcoming some life-threatening illnesses to find his purpose in boxing.
Rocky's humble early experiences were a testament to his determination, qualities that would prove important early in his career. In a job featuring much longer opposition, it stood out despite its 5:10 height and reach of only 67 inches.
Rocky's awkward movements made him an unlikely candidate for greatness in the eyes of many. When he first entered the ring, his flaws were obvious. He often tripped over his feet and delivered punches that were not the part of an experienced fighter. The first coaches would fire him and write him off. One critic said that he was too short and unassuming to succeed in the heavyweight category.
While others saw his flaws, one man saw potential training in Charlie Goldman, who accepted the challenge of turning him into a formidable fighter. He determined his heart, and determination was his best characteristic.
Rocky's stature became his most important asset, allowing him to generate incredible power in his punches.
Rocky punched a heavy 270-pound bag to prepare him to penetrate his opponent's defenses by outmaneuvering and outlasting every opponent put in front of him.
Rocky's strategy was wearing them down physically and mentally. His unparalleled stamina, which had been honed through a brutal training regiment, carried him throughout the fight.
In 1950, what showed his ability to overcome adversity was against undefeated Roland Lastarza, who was known for his defensive skills and counter-punching ability. By the end of the match, La Starza suffered from damage to his arms and body, requiring surgery to repair nerve and bone damage caused by Marciano's relentless blows.
Although the fight ended in a controversial split decision in Marciano's favor, it cemented his reputation as a rising star with an unparalleled ability to break down his opponents. From his tough battles with Joe Louis and Jersey Joe Walcott to his untimely death in a plane crash, his life was heartbreaking.
Rocky's win over Lewis established him as the main title contender after ending the career of the man he idolized. On September 23, 1952, against the 38-year-old Walcott, Marciano was dropped in the first round with a perfectly timed left hook. This was the first time in his career that he had fallen. By the middle rounds, Walcott had taken the lead, but Rocky was determined, despite the cuts above his eyes, to continue his assault on Walcott. The punch that landed disfigured Walcott's face.
In Rocky's 1954 fights against former champion Ezzard Charles, his pressure proved crucial. He landed a right hand in the eighth round that knocked him out.
Against light heavyweight powerhouse Archie “Old Mongoose” Moore, Rocky was knocked down in the second round but finished the fight in the ninth. He was known as the “Blue Collar Hero.”
Rocky finished his career at 49-0 with 43 knockouts. His life ended in a plane crash.
