I never knew much about him other than his trilogy aginst Tony Zale. I've heard that he was one of the hardest punching middleweight champs, even floored SRR. I haven't read the book or seen the movie Somebody Up there Likes Me, it seems that he was only champ for a short time but was a very popular fighter . I've also heard that Rocky and Jake LaMotta never fought because they were very close friends. Thought please?
Not very if you are questioning his status among the super elite. Big punch, lotta heart, no defense. Made his rep on a lot of big welters and a fully shopworn Zale. Great character who never claimed to be more than what he was.
In all fairness to a lot of boxers who fought in the early 40's . Their prime was interrupted by World War 2. They all lost 4 yrs .
He was a great attraction. Rocky Graziano made $ and he brought alot of excitement. Well managed and with the right complexion he got a shot at the title 3 times. In a fair world I don`t believe he would have been champion. There were other middleweights many of them black who would have whipped his ass. Also LaMotta could have taken him out at any point in their careers. Seamus nailed it. He was great at KOing Welterweights in over the weight fights.
Hand Rockys sister Petrella beat up boxed ears one day in the clink for wearing flowered paisley spats oin the wrong section of Bay Village.
