Rocky Marciano—born Rocco Francis Marchegiano—is one of the greatest fighters of all time. He never lost a bout, and posted a career record of 49 wins, including 43 knockouts. He was known for his "relentless fighting style," "iron chin", and stamina. His nearly 90 percent win-to-knockout ratio remains one of the highest ever, and he successfully defended his heavyweight title six times. Below is a listing of his perfect career record.
Racking Up Knockouts
Marciano scored knockouts in 23 of his first 25 professional fights during a three-year period.
1947
- March 17 - Lee Epperson, Holyoke, Massachusetts - KO 3
1948
- July 12 - Harry Balzerian, Providence, Rhode Island - KO 1
- July 19 - John Edwards, Providence - KO 1
- Aug. 9 - Bobby Quinn, Providence - KO 3
- Aug. 23 - Eddie Ross, Providence - KO 1
- Aug. 30 - Jimmy Weeks, Providence - KO 1
- Sept. 13 - Jerry Jackson, Providence - KO 1
- Sept. 20 - Bill Hardeman, Providence - KO 1
- Sept. 30 - Gil Cardione, Washington, D.C. - KO 1
- Oct. 4 - Bob Jefferson, Providence - KO 2
- Nov. 29 - Patrick Connolly, Providence - KO 1
- Dec. 14 - Gilley Ferron, Philadelphia - KO 2
1949
- March 21 - Johnny Pretzie, Providence - KO 5
- March 28 - Artie Donator, Providence - KO 1
- Apr 11 - James Walls, Providence - KO 3
- May 2 - Jimmy Evans, Providence - KO 3
- May 23 - Don Mogard, Providence - W 10
- July 18 - Harry Haft, Providence - KO 3
- Aug. 16 - Pete Louthis, New Bedford, Massachusetts - KO 3
- Sept. 26 - Tommy Giorgio, Providence - KO 4
- Oct. 10 - Ted Lowry, Providence - W 10
- Nov. 7 - Joe Domonic, Providence - KO 2
- Dec. 2 - Pat Richards, New York - KO 2
- Dec. 19 - Phil Muscato, Providence - KO 5
- Dec. 30 - Carmine Vingo, New York - KO 6
Wins Title
Marciano won the world heavyweight title in 1952 and defended it several times until his retirement in 1956.
1950
- March 24 - Roland LaStarza, New York - W 10
- June 5 - Eldridge Eatman, New York - KO 3
- July 10 - Gino Buonvino, Boston - KO 10
- Sept. 18 - Johnny Shkor, Providence - KO 6
- Nov. 13 - Ted Lowry, Providence - W 10
- Dec. 18 - Bill Wilson, Providence - KO 1
1951
- Jan. 29 - Keene Simmons, Providence - KO 8
- March 20 - Harold Mitchell, Hartford, Connecticut - KO 2
- March 26 - Art Henri, Providence - KO 9
- April 30 - Red Applegate, Providence - W 10
- July 12 - Rex Layne, New York - KO 6
- Aug. 27 - Freddie Beshore, Boston - KO 4
- Oct. 26 - Joe Louis, New York - KO 8
1952
Marciano took the title in a September bout against Jersey Joe Walcott.
- Feb. 13 - Lee Savold, Philadelphia - KO 6
- April 21 - Gino Buonvino, Providence - KO 2
- May 12 - Bernie Reynolds, Providence - KO 3
- July 28 - Harry Matthews, New York - KO 2
- Sept. 23 - Jersey Joe Walcott, Philadelphia - KO 13
Title Defenses
Marciano defended the title twice in 1953 and twice each year for the next two years. He knocked out his challengers in every bout.
1953
- May 15 - Jersey Joe Walcott, Chicago - KO 1
- Sept. 24 - Roland LaStarza, New York - KO 11
1954
- June 19 - Ezzard Charles, New York - W 15
- Sept. 17 - Ezzard Charles, New York - KO 8
1955
- May 16 - Don Cockell, San Francisco - KO 9
- Sept. 21 - Archie Moore, New York - KO 9
1956
Marciano announced his retirement in April with a perfect 49-0 record.