OTD: Marciano Retires 49-0

[HomicideHenry]

It was blamed on recurring back problems, but it was in fact because Marciano found out his manager Al Weil stole large amounts of his money throughout his career--- and since the contract was still good for a few more years, Marciano figured he could unretire at a later date and make more money than he ever did. He almost did against Ingemar Johansson.

Had he not retired its certain he'd of been 50-0-0 at least. There was simply nobody around in 1955-1956 who could have beaten him. Bob Baker, Nino Valdes, Earl Walls, Bob Satterfield, Tommy Jackson, etc couldn't beat him.

Some will try to say Floyd Patterson but it's difficult to imagine it being done when the one-dimensional power puncher Ingemar Johansson kayoed Patterson, and far lesser men dropped the light heavyweight turn heavyweight.

[oogiebe]

I thought he was tired of training and wanted to keep his 0 intact. He got fat pretty soon after retirement and I've never heard of the back issues.

[funso banjo baby]

i read years ago that he complained of headaches

[oogiebe]

i read years ago that he complained of headaches

I never heard that either, but considering the punishment he took, I wouldn't doubt it.

[BitPlayer]

I'd be surprised since he did consider a comeback.

[cfang]

If Rocky had stayed fit and hungry, hed have probably been champ for the next year or two. I cant Patterson being robust enough although he'd have given rocky some trouble. Rocky would have made another couple of defences. If he was still around by 1958 then Liston comes on the scene and that's not a good match up for him at all.

[Controversial]

He got out at the right time

[Contendeh]

1. He had to work extremely hard to get down to that 185ish weight. 2. His manager was a thief. 3. He had back issues 4. 32-3 isn’t young for a swarmer 5. Most of all...he could make more money as a celebrity than he could fighting.