U.S. #3187k
33¢ Rocky Marciano Undefeated
Celebrate the Century – 1950s
Issue Date: May 26, 1999
City: Springfield, MA
Printing Method: Lithographed, engraved
Perforations: 11.5
Color: Multicolored
Born Rocco Francis Marchegiano in Brockton, Massachusetts, Rocky Marciano (1923-1969) began boxing while serving in World War II with the U.S. Army. He had his first professional fight in 1947.
At 5 feet 10 1/2 inches tall, the stocky Marciano’s appearance wasn’t intimidating, but he is considered one of the hardest punchers in boxing history. He pummeled opponents with as many punches as he could throw, often not taking aim or placing shots. Few boxers lasted all 15 rounds with “The Brockton Blockbuster” – only six of his 49 professional bouts went the distance – and of those 49 victories, 43 were knockouts.
Marciano ended former world champion Joe Louis’ comeback in 1951 with a knockout in the eighth round. This win put him in line for a title fight. Marciano won the world heavyweight boxing championship in 1952 by knocking out Jersey Joe Walcott in the 13th round. Defending his title eight months later, Marciano again knocked out Walcott, this time in the first round. He successfully defended his title five more times.
In April of 1956, Marciano announced his retirement. He is the only world heavyweight champion to complete his career undefeated, and to never attempt a comeback. Rocky Marciano died in a plane crash near Newton, Iowa.