Rocky Marciano announced his retirement on this date 64 years ago. One of the most remarkable aspects of his remarkable career is that he never returned.
Marciano was heavyweight champion and only 32 when he walked away from the sport at the height of his earning power. Why did he do it? He said he wanted to spend more time with his family but then traveled extensively. Maybe it was his ire over the percentage of his purses claimed by manager Al Weill. Or maybe he simply wanted to preserve what he had built.
“I thought it was a mistake when Joe Louis tried a comeback,” Marciano said. “No man can say what he will do in the future. But, barring poverty, the ring has seen the last of me,” Marciano said, according to The New York Times.
“I am comfortably fixed, and I am not afraid of the future. Barring a complete and dire emergency, you will never see Rocky Marciano make a comeback.”
So what legacy did Marciano preserve? Depends who you talk to.
He’ll forever been known for his final record, 49-0 (43 KOs). No other heavyweight – and few fighters in any division – have retired with a perfect ledger.
He also is remembered for his unusual punching power for a man his size, 5-foot-10½ and around 185 to 190 pounds. His percentage of victories that came by knockout is almost exactly the same as that of legendary puncher Mike Tyson.
And those who followed him closely marveled at his work ethic and resulting stamina and durability. Rocky was a rock.
At the same time, he has critics. They cite his relatively crude skill set even though he was able to overcome every challenge. They point out close calls – a controversial decision over Roland LaStarza comes to mind – even though all great fighters have benefited from questionable decisions.
And, of course, they say his opposition was so-so at best even though foes Jersey Joe Walcott, Ezzard Charles and Archie Moore (his final opponent) were still formidable when he fought them and all are Hall of Famers.
Was Marciano the greatest heavyweight of all time? No. That distinction usually goes to Muhammad Ali or Joe Louis. Was he a special heavyweight who deserves our respect? Absolutely.
“His streak doesn’t make him a greater fighter,” TV analyst Larry Merchant told ESPN, “but a larger figure.”
A figure that still looms over the heavyweight division.