May 15, 1953 – Legendary boxer Rocky Marciano stepped into the ring in defense of his world heavyweight title for the first time in Chicago Stadium. This real Rocky took on former Champ Jersey Joe Walcott and it was no competition for the belt holder.
Marciano knocked Jersey Joe onto his keister, and the confused Walcott sat there as the referee did the count. The fight was over by Knock Out just after 2:25 in the first round. Many fight experts that witnessed the march said the Champ came out with much faster combinations and more energy than they had seen him in past fights.
Marciano remains the only boxer to have defeated every opponent he ever faced for the world heavyweight title, and holds the highest knockout-to-win ratio in world heavyweight title fights.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Monday Night Football Early Years (1985 – 1991)
Before we jump into Monday Night Football from 1985 thru 19991, if you haven’t
Jets vs Bills: Comparing Season Stats Before Week 18
Week 18 puts a familiar AFC East matchup under a different lens. Buffalo plays
Which Team “Could” Have Beaten the 1972 Dolphins?
The 1972 Miami Dolphins established a standard that has not been equaled since. They
Monday Night Football Early Years (1979 – 1984)
Before we jump into Monday Night Football from 1979 thru 1984, if you haven’t
Monday Night Football Early Years (1974 – 1978)
Before we jump into Monday Night Football from 1974 thru 1978, if you haven’t
Monday Night Football Early Years (1970 – 1973)
On September 21, 1970, the first Monday Night Football game featured the 1964 NFL
John Henry Johnson and the Million Dollar Backfield
Once, during a Super Bowl halftime interview, the legendary Jim Brown said that this
When Athletes Fall from Grace: Understanding Public Perception and Redemption in Sports
Sports heroes occupy unique positions in popular culture, admired for extraordinary physical achievements and