Rocky Marciano’s First Defense Against Ezzard Charles
On a warm June night in 1954, the iconic Yankee Stadium in New York City played host to a heavyweight title bout that would go down in the annals of boxing history. Rocky Marciano, the unbeaten champion, faced Ezzard Charles, a former titleholder with a wealth of experience. The first round was a brutal baptism for Marciano, who found himself on the receiving end of Charles’s sharp, chopping rights. These potent blows did more than just sting; they opened a cut above Marciano’s left eye, a harbinger of the rough journey ahead. By the fourth round, Marciano was wiping away blood, a testament to the severity of the situation. Despite his body taking a severe beating, Marciano’s legendary toughness shone through. His granite jaw withstood everything Charles threw at him, and he fought back with a resilience that defined his career.
Mid-Fight Turnaround
As the fight progressed, the dynamic began to shift. Charles, known for his in-fighting skills, continued to push Marciano when they were in clinches, but Marciano’s resolve was unwavering. A precise uppercut from Marciano in the middle rounds sent Charles reeling, and a left hook soon after caused Charles’s mouth to spit blood. These moments marked a turning point. Charles, visibly tiring, struggled to maintain his early dominance. Marciano, on the other hand, remained as solid as a rock, his relentless pursuit of victory becoming more evident with each passing round. By the tenth round, the tide had decisively turned. Charles, now more concerned with staying on his feet than advancing, clung to Marciano in close range. Marciano’s relentless attack continued, and for the first time in fifteen rounds, Charles was backed against the ropes, a clear sign of his exhaustion.
The Final Round and Decision
The final round was a crucible of determination. Marciano, aware that Charles had dominated the first half of the fight, knew that this round could be the deciding factor. He pressed the attack, hoping to secure a knockout that would leave no doubt about his superiority. Charles, fighting to avoid a devastating end, clung to Marciano in a desperate attempt to stay in the bout. Despite his efforts, it was clear that Charles was running on fumes. The decision was announced, and the scores reflected a close but decisive victory for Marciano: 8-6-1, 8-5-2, and 9-5-1. Rocky Marciano retained his title, solidifying his status as the world’s heavyweight champion and showcasing his ability to turn the tide even in the most challenging circumstances.
The Rematch: Marciano’s Comeback
In September, the two fighters faced off again at Yankee Stadium, this time in the Bronx. The rematch was even more dramatic. Marciano managed to knock Charles down in the second round, an early sign of his improved tactics and physical condition. However, in the seventh round, Marciano suffered a severe blow to his nose, which began to bleed profusely. The ring physician, concerned for the champion’s safety, informed him that he had only one more round to finish the fight or it would be stopped. Undeterred, Marciano delivered a powerful right to Charles’s chin in the next round, a blow that altered the trajectory of the bout. Charles, clearly out of shape and unable to withstand the relentless assault, went down for the count. Marciano’s comeback in this rematch was nothing short of spectacular, demonstrating his ability to adapt and overcome adversity.
Marciano’s Tussle with ‘Jersey’ Joe Walcott
Rocky Marciano’s career was punctuated by several such comebacks. Another notable example was his fight against ‘Jersey’ Joe Walcott in September 1950. Walcott, a seasoned veteran, had the upper hand in the first half of the fight. He was leading after rounds 4-7, 4-8, and 5-7 by the end of the twelfth round. Marciano, however, was far from finished. In the thirteenth round, he landed a devastating right to Walcott’s chin, a blow that transformed the course of the fight. Walcott, who had shown signs of fitness issues, was unable to withstand the impact. The champion once again emerged victorious, putting Walcott down for the count and reaffirming his place at the top of the heavyweight division.
A Persistent Champion: The LaStarza Bouts
In September 1950, Marciano faced Roland LaStarza at Madison Square Garden in a fight that would have long-lasting implications. The bout was a split decision, with judges scoring it 5-5, 4-5, and 5-4. By New York’s scoring system, the referee’s decision of 9-6 gave Marciano the win. LaStarza was down in the fourth round, but Marciano lost a point in the eighth for a low blow, adding a layer of controversy to the victory. Three years later, in September 1953, they met again, and this time Marciano was in full command. Leading by scores of 5-1 and 6-1, he delivered a knockout blow in the eighth round, effectively silencing any lingering doubts about his dominance. These bouts against LaStarza further illustrated Marciano’s persistence and resilience, qualities that would define his legacy as an undefeated heavyweight champion.
