Rocky Marciano: Biography of a First Son

Everett M. Skehan did a comprehensive, thoroughly professional biography on a great champion long deserving such attention. Rocky Marciano's soft spoken demeanor prompted him to stay away from media opportunities and let his fists do the talking for him. His incredible record of 49 consecutive professional victories with 43 knockouts serves as a glittering testimonial to his skills.With his quiet demeanor, often to the point of preferring to stay in the background, Marciano would more than likely led an unobtrusive life in his native Brockton, Massachusetts and never missed the publicity had it not been for the fact that he was endowed with a rock hard body and the kind of stamina that brings back memories of boxing's only 3 time champion of the thirties, Hammering Henry Armstrong. Marciano had the shortest reach of any heavyweight titlist, but made up for it with a swarming style that smothered opponents, along with a solid punch that eliminated them.Skehan's life reveals a major point of irony in life, the relativity of great talents. Marciano had one of the solidest constitutions of any fighter in ring history, possessing awesome power, yet, when he sought to pursue his first love as a boy growing up, baseball, by trying out for the Chicago Cubs s a catcher, he was thwarted. Marciano had the same kind of stolid, stocky build as all-time catching great Yogi Berra of the Yankees. When he tried out for the Cubs, however, he was rejected for not having a strong enough throwing arm. The short term loss proved to be his long term gain since, unless he had ability to rise to the level of a Berra and become a Hall of Famer, Marciano's accomplshments would have diminished compared to his boxing achievements as one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time.Marciano was a tireless worker, as this biography reveals. He was able to resist temptation in his determination to reach the top of the fight game in a career that spanned less than a decade, from 1948 to his retirement in 1955 with his celebrated 9th round knockout of Archie Moore, the world light heavyweight champion. Even while on his honeymoon in Miami Beach, Marciano would faithfully rise each morning to do his roadwork on the hotel golf course. On occasions when temptation beckoned and a beautiful woman would be available, Marciano bypassed the momentary pleasure to stay in shape during his fight career. As a result, when he did retire Marciano loaded up on calories and tasted delights of the flesh in rapid scale fashion, seeking to make up for lost time. While understanding the reason behind Muhammad Ali's "I am the greatest" media campaign, which he acknowledged with the words, "He's trying to build a gate," he also let it be known that he did not appreciate such public relations tactics. He was a quieter sort and such a demeanor was inconsistent with his being and perhaps his understanding.Skehan also carves out interesting sketches of Marciano's trainer Charlie Goldman

A great book about the life of one the must underated and greatest boxing champions of all time. A most for any boxing fan or boxing historian.

From early obscurity to the king of the heavyweights,we are able to gain an insight into what drove Rocky to be the best.We see how Rocky almost made it at baseball before turning to boxing where he became the only undefeated heavyweight champion.Skehan uses interviews with family members to obtain quotes and discussions which took place between them and Rocky.This gives further insight through those who are closest to him.The boxing action is second to none,no punch is spared.A highly detailed,absorbing and inspiring book.

If you're looking for one of the best biographies ever written about anyone then I highly recommend Everett Skehan's - Rocky Marciano: Biography of a First Son.This book has it all and it's really a tough book to put down once you begin. When you're finished with this one you will really have the complete story of Rocky Marciano from humble beginnings as the son of a shoemaker to Heavyweight Championship to the tragic end.Skehan's work on Rocky reads like a novel. It's a great subjective, totally honest and entertaining account of Rocco Francis Marcheigiano - the one and only Rocky who retired undefeated blazing his way to a record of 49-0 (43)KO to become the only undefeated Heavyweight Boxing Champion in history.This book really leaves no stone of the Rock's life uncovered. From boyhood aspiring baseball player of Italian immigrant parents in Brockton, Massachussetts, to struggling contender, to Heavyweight Champion, to a family life after fighting, right up until the tragic last rainy night that would end in Iowa cornfield.It has all the details of all of Rocky's major fights and the machinations of behind the scenes promoters and managers. Skehan has talked to all of Marciano's business partners, boyhood friends, family members and takes the reader back to Rocky's hometown of Brockton, Massachussetts so one gets a true feeling of what it was like when Rocky was "Champ".This book is the true undefeated champion of boxing biographies and once a person puts it down they'll feel like they know the man they simply called "The Rock". It's a knockout read!

An engrossing tale of "The Rock". From his early, humble beginings in a one industry town, to his altimate goal of the worlds heavyweight championship. A truly indepth look into the man: his fears,goals and dreams. A winner!!