On this day in 1956, the boxing world was shocked when Rocky Marciano, the reigning heavyweight champion, announced his retirement. At just 31 years old, Marciano walked away from the sport with an unblemished record, an unprecedented achievement. This decision took fans and sportswriters by surprise. What made his retirement particularly historic was his record: 49 wins, zero losses, with 43 of those victories coming by knockout. To this day, Marciano remains the only heavyweight champion in history to retire undefeated.

Born Rocco Francis Marchegiano, Marciano rose from working-class roots in Brockton, Massachusetts, to become one of boxing’s most feared and respected competitors. Known for his relentless fighting style, incredible stamina, and devastating right hand, Marciano captured the heavyweight title in 1952 after defeating Jersey Joe Walcott. Over the next four years, he successfully defended his title six times, facing opponents such as Ezzard Charles, Roland La Starza, and Archie Moore. Despite his dominance in the ring, Marciano cited his desire to spend more time with his family and concerns about the physical toll of boxing as his reasons for retiring.

Though he was offered enormous sums to return, Marciano never fought professionally again. His spotless record has since become the gold standard for boxing greatness.

Fun Fact:

• Marciano held the heavyweight title from 1952 to 1956.
• He retired at age 31 with a perfect 49-0 record.
• 43 of his 49 wins came by knockout.
• He never once lost or drew a professional match.
• He passed away in a tragic plane crash in 1969, one day before his 46th birthday.
• Marciano’s 49-0 record stood as the best in boxing history for decades, only matched in perfection, but not in heavyweight ranks, by Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the modern era.