60 years ago today...Sept.23,1952 Rocky Marciano of Brockton Massachusetts became the heavyweight champion of the world with a crushing KO of Jersey Joe Walcott in the 13th round.Marciano had been floored for the 1st time in his career in the 1st round...had been cut...and blinded for 3 rounds by a solvent that had gotten into his eyes.Behind on all scorecards,Marciano pressured Walcott into a corner and let fly a deep dish beauty of a right hand...and knocked Walcott out cold...and became the new champ.
I just reviewed my tape the other day.......Had this bout of '52 been a 12 rounder, Joe Wally would've kept his title with ease via unanimous dec..... What a difference a 15 rounder can make in history... MR.BILL
Just taped it today, havent had a chance to watch all of it I was surprised by that first round knockdown, Jersey Joe was tricky.
Theres no way to know for sure, Perhaps Marciano would have gone for the ko earlier or so if he knew he was behide. Or Walcott stands on his feet for 12 rounds. Its all pretty much guess work imo. Of couse on the same date 26 years earlier, Gene Tunney beat Jack Dempsey in fight I to win the title.
