Was Archie Moore a Heavyweight world champion? (Explanation below)

I'm not sure about that. Marciano was clear that he wanted to fight twice in 1955, which he did, and there was very little talk of retirement until 1956. Indeed, most people expected him to go for his 50th win until he had such a hard battle with Moore. Indeed, as late as January 1956 the press were speculating about a Marciano - Patterson fight in September 1956, following Marciano defending against either Moore, Baker or Sattersfield.

Jan 1955 - Al Weill (Rocky's Manager): "First Rocky will take a couple of exhibitions to see how the nose is. Then we'll make some definite plans. If it's all right, I'd like to have him fight twice this year".

Mar 1955 - Rocky Marciano, the heavyweight champion, says he is ready for two title defences this year - and that's how sure he is of his nose. "My nose is ok now - I've boxed close to 90 rounds and several times have been hit hard on it without the cut breaking open", said Rocky, who was in Chicago en route to San Francisco to open training for his title scrap with England's Don Cockell May 16. The champion said that if he beat Cockell without further injury to his nose he hopes to meet the Archie Moore - Nino Valdes winner next fall.

May 1955 - Moore beats Valdes, Marciano beats Cockell

Sep 1955 - Marciano beats Moore

Jan 1956 - Floyd Patterson may have his wish to meet Rocky Marciano. It's to be in September in Los Angeles. Though the match is not signed, sealed and delivered, it's about as definite as can be for a championship title go. Marciano will meet either Archie Moore, Bob Baker or Bob Sattersfield in June before he crosses Patterson's path. Floyd on the other hand will get a tuneup too but he's confident that he will stand up well against "The Rock".

 

Marciano continuing to fight was apparently posturing on the managers part who wanted him to keep fighting. Marciano was done with boxing in 1955. Moore had to campaign to fight Marciano. Google says his team sent over 400 letters to sports editors and commissioned a poll. If Moore didn't do that Marciano would have retired and Moore would have been his clear successor. The Marciano loss prevented this and instead you had a convoluted 6 man tournament the following summer.

 

I give it as much authority as I give alphabet champs today. So no I don’t think he was ever champion lol. I don’t think Dubois is a champ nor was anyone else who was just alphabet. Have to beat the man period.