70 years ago today, the heavyweight division saw a classic changing of the guard, of the torch being passed from the former champ to the new star of the division. An unbeaten, 27 year old Rocky Marciano, already an impressive 37-0 with 32 KO’s, met former long-reigning king Joe Louis at Madison Square Garden in New York. Louis – who had been forced to come out retirement the previous year in an effort to get out from under the clutches of the seemingly unconscionable IRS, who had apparently forgotten all about Joe’s enormous generosity during the war years – was 37 years of age and significantly faded.
The current heavyweight champion was Jersey Joe Walcott (who had twice lost to Louis as “The Brown Bomber” lodged up his final wins as champ) and Marciano had to get past Louis in an order to get his shot. Rocky admired Joe a lot and he didn’t want to fight him. There was, however, great interest in the fight. Louis had lodged up eight straight wins since losing a wide 15-round decision to Ezzard Charles (who would lose the title to Jersey Joe via stunning KO) and the fight with Marciano attracted a huge Madison Square Garden crowd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXBuJkXnnTQ
As much as fans liked Marciano and his rough and tough, exciting style, most fans were hoping the great Louis could roll back the years and get the win. And for a few rounds, as faded as he was, as much as he was fighting purely for the money, Louis gave Marciano a good fight. But Rocky would not be denied, his sheer strength and desire, combined with his crippling punching power eventually catching up with Louis as the heavier, older man wore down. For a few sessions, Louis’ still-formidable jab scored points, but Marciano was coming on strong.
The ending came in stunning fashion, the images soon to be legendary. “The Rock” decked Louis with a left hook to the head in round-eight. Joe, never, ever a fighter who was short on courage, hauled himself upright but he was then finished off in brutal fashion. Rocky’s monstrous right hand slamming into Louis’ head, sending him down and out and clean through the ropes. For Louis worshippers it was agony to see. Even Marciano himself shed tears after doing what he quite simply had to do.
Marciano was made to wait some time before he got his shot at Jersey Joe (this in September of the following year), but Rocky made the most of his chance when he got it; scoring yet another unforgettable KO after a sensational battle, his “Suzy Q” again serving him well. Louis never fought again after losing to Marciano, this just the second KO defeat of his incredible career.
Today in Brockton, Massachusetts, the Marciano-Louis fight will be celebrated, with fans able to visit West Middle School in the city to watch the full fight. Mayor Robert F. Sullivan will pay tribute to Rocky and to members of the Marciano family; some of whom will attend the tribute and will host a discussion on the fight.
The event is free and open to the public.
Rocky Marciano and Joe Louis: two great, great fighting men.
Rocky was the best no one will ever retire undefeated like rock did but the most under rated boxer which deserves respect held the title for years and could knock you out with a his jab give it up to THE EASTERN ASSASSIN “LARRY HOLMES ” he deserves respect God watch over you Larry you will always be the CHAMP!
Legends never die.
Joe Louis the Brown Bomber well past his prime went out like the true champion he was. Not on his stool like Sonny Liston. Joe arguably top 3 heavy of all time. Held title 11 years. Only beaten 3 times. Two defeats past his peak.
Both were great fighters
49 wins 43 by KO 0 losses. What is left to say. Rocky Marciano a legend indeed.
Him fighting joe was a sad day in boxing
THE GREATEST
I would still have Joe Louis over Marciano in my top ten despite this fight
Joe over all of them. Class. Loved the Rock but Joe always
the champ.
THE GREATEST
Rocky Marciano what a legend, no heavyweight has ever had a undefeated record like Rocky is my understanding. Love to hear that many other Fighters have had that chance but kept going on only two get beaten up in a embarrassing loss. I would love to see the fight. Jeff V of California.
It’s on YouTube.
And win he did. Great fight indeed!
Well written article….
Joe has heard rumblings that ROCKY did not want to fight Joe which prompted Joe to call ROCKY and say. “ROCKY, what’s this talk I hear you don’t want the fight”. Well Joe you’re my friend and you know how I regard you….. ROCKY, please stop said Joe, I gotta have this fight. I need the money…. ROCKY was well aware that he had to take the fight however he wanted it on the record that he didn’t wanna have to do it. Another tid bit. A day prior to the fight my father Louis “Sonny” Marciano younger (10 years) brother of the MAN is walking down the street in NYC and he says ROCK, how ya feelin, you’re gunna face Joe Louis tomorrow, ROCKY knew where his brother was going. He was showing concern, after all it was the GREAT JOE LOUIS, ROCKY snapped back don’t you ever doubt me, I won’t ever loose, so you need me. I am ready and I will win.
Rocky was the best no one will ever retire undefeated like rock did but the most under rated boxer which deserves respect held the title for years and could knock you out with a his jab give it up to THE EASTERN ASSASSIN “LARRY HOLMES ” he deserves respect God watch over you Larry you will always be the CHAMP!