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
Sports History On This Day: April 27
April 27, 1983 – Houston Astros ace Nolan Ryan became the MLB leader in strikeouts with the
Sports History On This Day: April 26
April 26, 1966 – The legendary Red Auerbach retired as the Boston Celtic’s head coach.
1975 Dallas Cowboys Draft Class (Was It the Best Ever?)
1975 was supposed to be a season of rebuilding for the Cowboys. Veterans Bob
Horween Brothers: Their Lasting NFL Impact
In professional sports, there have been numerous examples of brothers leading their teams to
Sports History On This Day: April 25
April 25, 1901 – In what has gone down in history as one of the
Sports History On This Day: April 24
April 24, 1901 – The first game ever played in baseball’s American League occurred
Sports History On This Day: April 23
April 23, 1950 – A very historic evening occurred as the first Major League day
Sports History On This Day: April 22
April 22, 1876 – Here is a big anniversary for you! The very first official