On Sept. 23, 1952, at 43 seconds of the 13th round with an atomic right to the jaw, Rocky Marciano knocked out reigning heavyweight champ, Jersey Joe Walcott, to claim the World Heavyweight title in an epic bout named 'Fight of the Year.' Born on Sept. 1, 1923, in Brockton, Mass., Marciano became the only heavyweight champion with a perfect professional record, undefeated in 49 fights, who successfully defended his title six times before retiring on April 27, 1956. Arguably the best knockout puncher in boxing history, he won 43 of his pro bouts by knockouts. Marciano died on Aug. 31, 1969, in a small plane crash near Des Moines, Iowa, the day before his 46th birthday.

Originally Published: September 22, 2022 at 4:17 AM EDT

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