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
FIFA World Cup Finals: Which Is the Greatest Ever?
A World Cup final is a rare event that happens only once every four
Mike Listro’s Weightlifting Legacy: Strength, Determination, and Breaking Records
Mike Listro began lifting weights in his basement at thirteen after watching the movie
George Pjura: American Weightlifting Ageless Wonder
Few sports fans have heard of George Pjura. One reason is that Olympic Weightlifting
The New York Yankees in 1980: A Tale of Determination
After winning back-to-back World Series in 1977 & 1978, the New York Yankees had
Two Safeties From The Miami Dolphins “No Name Defense”
During the first half of the 1970s, the Miami Dolphins had a couple of
Century For Stripes: From Billy Jeffrey to Fraser Kershaw
In the chronicles of American soccer history, one name stands out as a symbol
1970s Baltimore Colts (An Up and Down Decade)
The 1970s was an up-and-down decade for the Baltimore Colts. After a disappointing 8–5–1
Harlon Hill: From Florence State to the NFL
Stories about unknown or undrafted collegiate players making it big in the NFL, are