Thanx GreatA http://tv4u.com/show-large-video.asp?cid=6&sid=167&vid=1026&t=Bucceroni vs. Slade&cat=Sports Bucceroni defeats the talented Slade on Points. Bucceroni was rated # 3 in the world in 1953 and came close to a title shot against Marciano in 1953. Bucceroni was a tough Philly fighter, Tall at 6'2, and considered a hard puncher with both hands. He had two battles with Roland Lastarza. What's your thoughts on Dan Bucceroni as a fighter? his style? how do you think he would have done against Marciano?
Lanky kid, good battle, Slade was a slick fighter with a lot of good wins in his career. Dan went to the body nice but Slade made him look bad at times.. Nice find Suzie Dan was dragging his right foot...Norton like...Ha Ha
Bucceroni had something of a strange career. He spoiled the winning streak of Roland LaStarza, but was then himself spoiled by a very uncharacteristic performance by LaStarza in their rematch. After that, Bucceroni went on to establish himself as a leading contender for Marciano's title, and reportedly had a guaranteed $100,000 shot at Marciano all lined up when he decided to take a "warm up" fight against an up-and-coming Hurricane Jackson. Jackson gave him a surprise thrashing and he pretty much went downhill afterward. As far as what would've happened if Bucceroni had gotten his shot at Marciano, I think the Jackson fight answered that.
Dan Bucceroni impresses me as a solid plodder--a pretty good boxer, a pretty good puncher, decent defense, without being really outstanding at anything. He was a fair sized heavy for the era 6' 2", 190 lbs. He fought to form consistently, with the exception of the first LaStarza fight. He defeated the second-tier men--Slade, Harrison, Parker, Wilson, Bascom, Ten Hoff, Nardico when Bucceroni had grown into a heavy and had a ten pound pull, plus an upset of LaStarza when he hurt Roland in the second round and Roland responded by becoming very cautious and allowing Bucceroni to build up a big lead. A strong LaStarza rally proved too little too late. LaStarza dropped Bucceroni five times in the rematch to win a wide decision. Dan had earlier been destoyed by Bob Murphy. I think Bucceroni was clearly a second-tier contender, not a top man. He would have been destroyed by Marciano, as well as Moore and Charles. I also think he was a solid notch below Layne and Matthews, or Henry. My impression is that Bucceroni was extremely well-managed to get so close to a title shot, in rather stark contrast to the "throw 'em to the wolves" handling of Layne and Henry which derailed both.
