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Rocky Marciano’s 1952 Ring Magazine ‘Fighter of the Year’ Award
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Description
On September 23, 1952, challenger Rocky Marciano took on defending champion, Jersey Joe Walcott, for the world heavyweight title. The fight started in Walcott’s favor as in the first round he connected with a left hook to Marciano’s jaw and that sent sent the Brockton Blockbuster to the canvas. It was the first time in 42 professional fights that Marciano had ever been knocked down. Eleven bloody rounds later Walcott was clearly ahead in points from the judges and the referee. With just three rounds left Marciano knew that he had no chance in taking the decision. If Marciano wanted to win this fight he had to knock Walcott out, which had not happened to Jersey Joe since his title bout loss to Joe Louis in 1948.
In the thirteenth round Marciano connected with ‘Susie Q’ to Walcott’s jaw, following with a left hook that grazed the top of Walcott’s head. Walcott crumpled to the matt, making Marciano the new world heavyweight champion, a title he successfully defended six more times in the next three years.
For his boxing feats, Marciano received the Ring Magazine "Boxer of the Year" award three times, in 1952, 1954 and 1955. Per Jenny Arceri, Rocky gave this 1952 medal to her husband Pat because Rocky could not make in to town for dinner, choosing to attend a business deal in California. Instead, he sent this postcard along with the medal to Pat as an apology gift. The postcard reads, “Sorry I couldn’t have the linguini before I left. I’ll have some with you at New York. Your Pal, Rocky.”
A note about the Ring "Boxer of the Year" Medal: this award was given to the boxer, who, during the current and previous year, earned the greatest respect of the boxing community. Consideration for the award was governed under four points. The boxer must: 1) be foremost in his contribution to the skill and the science of boxing and he need not be a champion. 2) combine with his high place in the ranking of fighters a similar position as a sportsman. 3) associate with the abilities as a fighter good public relations and a reputation for clean and moral living. 4) be recognized as an example to the growing American youth. These were all attributes that defined Rocky Marciano.
This medal is made of sterling silver and gold, with four simulated jewels surrounding the front of the pennant. The overall condition is near mint. Included in this lot is the postcard that Rocky sent to Pat along with the medal. LOAs JO Sports, Inc. (Craig Hamilton), and Jenny Arceri
In the thirteenth round Marciano connected with ‘Susie Q’ to Walcott’s jaw, following with a left hook that grazed the top of Walcott’s head. Walcott crumpled to the matt, making Marciano the new world heavyweight champion, a title he successfully defended six more times in the next three years.
For his boxing feats, Marciano received the Ring Magazine "Boxer of the Year" award three times, in 1952, 1954 and 1955. Per Jenny Arceri, Rocky gave this 1952 medal to her husband Pat because Rocky could not make in to town for dinner, choosing to attend a business deal in California. Instead, he sent this postcard along with the medal to Pat as an apology gift. The postcard reads, “Sorry I couldn’t have the linguini before I left. I’ll have some with you at New York. Your Pal, Rocky.”
A note about the Ring "Boxer of the Year" Medal: this award was given to the boxer, who, during the current and previous year, earned the greatest respect of the boxing community. Consideration for the award was governed under four points. The boxer must: 1) be foremost in his contribution to the skill and the science of boxing and he need not be a champion. 2) combine with his high place in the ranking of fighters a similar position as a sportsman. 3) associate with the abilities as a fighter good public relations and a reputation for clean and moral living. 4) be recognized as an example to the growing American youth. These were all attributes that defined Rocky Marciano.
This medal is made of sterling silver and gold, with four simulated jewels surrounding the front of the pennant. The overall condition is near mint. Included in this lot is the postcard that Rocky sent to Pat along with the medal. LOAs JO Sports, Inc. (Craig Hamilton), and Jenny Arceri