The Brockton Blockbuster

I recently watched a VCD on the true story of Rocky Marciano. His life inspired me & he became one who will always be remembered in Italian history.

On Sept. 1, 1923 Mr. and Mrs. Pierino Marchegiano of Brockton, Massachusetts became the proud parents of an extraordinarily robust baby boy. The twelve pound child was christened Rocco Marchegiano, but the world would one day know him as the legendary boxer Rocky Marciano. When "bambino Rocco" was 18 months of age, he contracted pneumonia. Even though the infection nearly killed him - his doctor claimed that his remarkably strong constitution enabled him to survive without impairment.

As a child, Rocky relished his mother's Italian cooking so much he often bordered on being a bit stocky, which was underscored by his relatively short but muscular arms and legs. However, even at this tender age, his overall bearing suggested he possessed unusual physical strength....

Meanwhile, Rocky's father, Pierino - who was nowhere near as established as most of the unionized immigrants who had long preceded him to Brockton - was struggling to hold on to his non-union job at the local Stacey Adams Shoe Factory.

Failing to succeed as a shoemaker, as well as other attempts at several other jobs at different places, Rocky decided to go into a career in boxing, where he became the heavyweight champion of the world on September 23, 1952, when he defeated Jersey Joe Walcott.

Holding a remarkable & truly amazing record of 49 consecutive professional wins, many believe that this will probably never be exceeded ever in history.

Today, the Marciano room at the Brockton Historical Society features the boxing gloves and the shoes he wore while winning the Walcott fight. Also included in this fascinating exhibit, are numerous magazines, newspapers, video clips, photos, and boxing statistics.

Sadly, Rocky was killed in a tragic small plane crash on August 31, 1969... but he is & will always be warmly remembered and held in high esteem by all sports fans in Brockton.

Full details of his bibliography can be found at this website -
http://www.rockymarciano.com/story.htm