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Marciano,
Rocky (1923-1969), American
boxer, who retired as the only
undefeated heavyweight champion
in boxing history. Born Rocco
Francis Marchegiano in Brockton,
Massachusetts, he began boxing in
the United States Army in 1943
and continued fighting under an
assumed name, Rocky Mack, to
preserve his amateur status.
Marciano
turned professional in 1947, and
in 1951 he wept after knocking
out his boyhood hero, former
world champion Joe Louis. In
September 1952, Marciano knocked
out Jersey Joe Walcott to win the
heavyweight championship in one
of his most memorable fights.
Trailing on the judges'
scorecards at the time of the
knockout, Marciano displayed his
power, tenacity, and will to win
when he scored the 13th-round
knockout.
He
successfully defended his title
six times between 1953 and
1955.
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