On the 21 September 1955, professional boxer Rocky Marciano  (1923-1969), KO’d light-heavyweight Archie Moore, in the 9th round of his last fight at Yankee Stadium, NYC.

Marciano held the world heavyweight title from 1952 to 1956, and is the only Heavyweight champion to retire undefeated after 49 professional fights .

He had a 12-fight career as an amateur during which he won the New England Golden Gloves title before losing to Coley Wallace in the Eastern Championships. His last defeat inside a boxing ring.

He turned pro with a third-round knockout win over Lee Epperson in March, 1947 in Massachusetts. Marciano was smaller and slower than most heavyweights, but had power, desire and a solid chin.

One day before his 46th birthday, on August 31, 1969, Marciano died tragically in a plane crash near Newton, Iowa, en route to a birthday party.

21 September, 2019