MARCIANO, ROCKY TV SHOW SOUVENIR PENCIL

Rocky Marciano (born Rocco Francis Marchegiano; September 1, 1923 – August 31, 1969) was an American professional boxer and the World Heavyweight Champion from September 23, 1952, to April 27, 1956. Marciano is the only champion to hold the heavyweight title and go untied and undefeated throughout his career. Marciano defended his title six times. On Oct. 27, 1951, the 27 year old, Marciano, took on the 37 year old, Joe Louis. Coming into the bout, Marciano was 6½ to 5 underdog.[8] Marciano would upset the favorite, Louis, in what would be the latter's last career bout, a result that left him with mixed emotions, as Louis had been his childhood idol. After four more wins, including victories over 35 year old, Lee Savold (96–37–3) and Harry Matthews (81–3–5), Marciano got his shot at the title. Marciano, 28, faced the World Heavyweight Champion, 38-year-old Jersey Joe Walcott in Philadelphia on September 23, 1952. Walcott dropped Marciano in the first round and steadily built a points