Unbeaten: Rocky Marciano's Fight for Perfection in a Crooked World

I have been a fight fan for over fifty-years. I started watching fights as a child on TV with my Dad… and then I went to fights with my Dad as a teenager… I went into the military and did some fighting there… I got out of the service… went to fights… had a son… and watched fights with him on TV… and then… (And still do) take him to the fights. I have read many… many… boxing books in my life… but this is one of the greatest all-around boxing books I have ever read! It has been my experience that most historical boxing books are written as if they were simply copying “play by play” from either an old sports section… or many actually come across as if they’re copied from an old tickertape printout. Most are written by sportswriters (no offense…. I read their work every day of my life) who either put their subject in a room and tape and convert their comments… or simply pound out a story like they’re meeting their weekly deadline. This book by Mike Stanton… is written by a real literary talent… so the reader is blessed with being able to be engulfed simultaneously with a story of the Rocky Marciano… the only undefeated Heavyweight Champion in the world… with all the statistics and accomplishments attached to this once in the world… people’s true undefeated champion… but at the same time… savvy readers… get the added bonus of thoroughly enjoying the written word as it was meant to be… but not often… presented… wrapped and immersed in a classic boxing story. Rocky’s entire hard scrabble life is brought to you… so you can truly understand… grasp… and feel… what made Rocky… Rocky. The hardworking Italian immigrants… the loving… protective Mother… the siblings… and the neighborhood friends… some of whom were by Rocky’s side his entire life. One of the great sub-plots of the story… is how the entire hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts… supported Marciano… both with their love and pride… and many of their paychecks… many betting every single fight of Rocky’s career. Some “pressed”…. bet after bet… and actually bought houses they could never have afforded… without taking the chance and constantly betting on every fight of their hometown hero. The author pulls no punches (Like Rocky!)… And uncovers and reports the good with the bad. As much as I knew about Marciano… I was surprised about Rocky’s trouble in the military during World War II. I never knew about his court martial and serving time for assault and robbery. Great reporting… and happily… Rocky came out better for it on the other side. Rocky’s love of baseball… and his earliest dreams was of being a Major League ballplayer. He actually went to a couple of big league tryout camps. And as every true boxing fan knows… despite the so called experts saying Rocky was too short… his arms too short… his legs too fat… and his speed too slow… Rocky became a legend that will live on forever. FORTY-NINE-FIGHTS… FORTY-THREE-KNOCKOUTS. His fights in the ring were the most visible fights… but he was constantly battling a crooked manager… and the mob that was running boxing at the time. Mike Stanton the author shows the ability to use his prose to get to your heart… soul… or gut… in every imaginable way and situation. The very opening sentence in the book… grabs you like it was created by either Ernest Hemingway… or Jim Murray…. “HE DIED WITH THE BLUNT FORCE HE HAD USED TO DISPATCH SO MANY OPPONENTS IN THE RING—SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY, IN A CORNFIELD IN THE MIDDLE OF AMERICA, THE MONTH AFTER MAN FIRST WALKED ON THE MOON.” He is just as eloquent when describing the absolute savagery that erupted immediately… or over time… in so many of his fights. Whether it was against Jersey Joe Walcott… Ezzard Charles… or Archie Moore… the gushing blood… broken and split noses… ballooning eyes… and mouths that combined both… the many broken bones… and the deep down… internal… pride… that makes a champion continue to fight on… despite the odds… the pain… the blood… and other seen and unseen obstacles… it’s also about Rocky crying after he crushed his childhood idol… Joe Louis… or when he went to church and prayed when he almost killed Carmine Vingo in the ring. The writer continues to write… and the reader continues to feel. Just as Rocky continued to throw brutal combinations with his “SUZIE-Q” terminator destroying his opponents… the author never lets up with his combinations of “feelings-facts-and-prose”… this book is a **KNOCKOUT**!

I base my review of four stars on my interest level since I am not a fan of boxing and the part of the book dealing with his initial bouts was not particularly interesting to me. Author Mike Stanton did a very commendable job in researching the life of his subject and I'm sure someone who is more of a boxing fan than myself would rate the book five stars. Rocky Marchano was the first heavyweight boxing champion that I remember and the names of Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, Archie Moore, and a few others such as Willie Pep and Kid Gavilan were familiar to me. Rocky had an unblemished record of 49 wins and no losses when he retired in 1956. Boxing was and is a vicious sport and Marciano nearly killed an opponent named Carmine Vingo that left him partially paralyzed. The book also covers the role the mob played in professional boxing with gangster Frankie Carbo being considered the boxing commissioner of the underworld. Rocky's manager was a shady character named Al Weill who Rocky felt was stealing money on him. Like several other boxers Rocky had no concept of the value of money. He'd have uncashed checks for many thousands of dollars that went unused yet he would demand payment for loans of much lesser amounts from others. Rocky's distrust of banks led him to squirrel away money in various places and forgetting where he put it. After his death his family had no idea where to look for money he had hidden from himself and others. Although there was nothing stylish about Rocky Marciano as a boxer he will always remain an iconic athlete from the 1950s. If you're a boxing fan this is a book you should have in your library. This will remain one of my five boxing books in my library The book contains eight pages of photographs.

I could not have loved this book more. I used to really love boxing, and people were usually surprised that a "girly girl" like me knew so much about it. It's sad that heavyweight boxing has somewhat been pushed into the background now, to make way for UFC and MMA, etc. What's next, GLADIATORS?? Like, REAL Gladiators? I would not be in the least bit surprised. I was astounded that I had so little knowledge about this magnificent fighter, Rocky Marciano. Granted, he died when I was VERY young...but I know about Joe Louis, James Braddock, Max Baer, Sonny Liston, even John L. Sullivan, and so many more. How Marciano got past me is a complete mystery. He was undefeated, so that's even more embarrassing! However, lucky me, I stumbled on to this INCREDIBLE book and fell into the world of heavyweight boxing's most exciting era, in my opinion. Let me say this; I can't imagine a more well written book. If I had to read a book about this great boxer and person, I'm so glad it was this one. I was literally on the edge of the couch, ready to bite my nails, just reading about Rocky fighting Jersey Joe Wolcott! I mean, I knew Rocky would win, as he was undefeated; ; but I didn't know any of the particular s about that fight. Whew! What a fight! Then again, almost all of Rocky's fights were exciting....if a spectator managed to get to his seat before Rocky landed his famous right, "the Susie Q" knocking out his opponent before the first round was over. This book is about boxing of course, but it also gives us insight into how incredibly difficult, heartbreaking, exhilarating , sad, glorious, and even scary heavyweight boxing can be. What a cast of characters are in this book! Thrilling. I learned so much about boxing. I thought I knew so much, ha! I do NOW. Rocky Marciano was two or three people in one. He was his opponent 's worst nightmare in the ring, a solitary and tenacious all or nothing boxer, who, when we read about his reach, his build, his height, his style.......He should not have been as great as he was. But of course,, that's what makes reading about his fights so exciting and interesting and fun. He was one in a million, there will never be another fighter like him. He was so incredibly well liked. I mean, he had great friends, a loving family, and he never let anyone down if he could help it. Yes, crime had their dirty hands into boxing then, and how. However, this book shows how much Rocky hated that, and stayed as far away as he could from it. His manager did not have the same scruples, and it would be difficult to find a more unlikable man . Marciano's trainer, Chalie Goldman, however, was a gem of a man; he's the one who taught Rocky all he could teach him, then just let him go and fight. Marciano had to come in low and fight like he did, as his opponents were often taller than he was, and they ALL had the reach advantage! I was amazed at Rocky's ability to take a punch. It seemed impossible to hurt him, and if he briefly went down, it's actually because he was caught off guard for a second and slipped! I loved Roland La Starza's quote " I hit him as hard as I could, and It barely faxed him. I thought I was going to break my hands! Outside of the ring, Rocky was so nice and gentlemanly, such a true friend, such a loving son, sibling, and father. I'm glad he retired when he did. It was absolutely the right thing to do. After his boxing career was over, he was in such demand. He was quirky regarding money, but I don't want to give anything away. I guess he was complicated after he quit boxing, but he was still such a great guy. Sometimes I think it was ok that he died yiung, and fast. He never knew what hit him, I'm sure. I was thinking, what else was Rocky going to conquer? Her already done what no one thought he'd ever do. He was a restless guy... fun, funny, generous (most of the time), and was always trying to improve himself in some area of his life. While I was BEYOND sad reading about his death, I guess I took comfort in reading what his opponents, friends, family...just everyone, said about him. I did cry when Joe Louis, upon hearing of Rocky's death, said " this is just so sad. It's the saddest day in the world. " READ THIS BOOK. I wish I hadn't read it so I could read it again.

Okay, maybe Rocky Marciano wasn't history's best boxer, but he had to be the toughest heavyweight to ever lace on a pair of gloves. What he lacked in pugilistic artistry, he more than made up for with strength, stamina, and determination. Had he fought some of his fights a decade or two later, the referee would have stopped the bouts and declared Rocky's opponent the winner by TKO. But referees didn't worry quite so much about cuts, blood, and such in those days, plus Rocky and his cornermen were adamant about continuing. Rocky always came through in the end, eventually retiring with a perfect 49-0 record. This book covers his early life before boxing, his early boxing years (spoiler alert: he wasn't that successful as an amateur), and all of his important fights. I've always admired Rocky and this book solidified by impressions of the man without getting too far into the hero-worship sphere. He had a few warts and problems, and this book tells about them honestly. If you like boxing and especially if you like Rocky Marciano, this book will be as much a treasure to you as it is to me.

I cut my teeth on the Hagler-Hearns-Duran-Leonard ring-wars, the greatest damned fights in history, in the golden age of middleweights post Robinson-Lamotta-Basillio; my first "big boy" book was a "History of Boxing" with Hagler on the cover. That and the Stallone Rocky flicks made up my mental universe at ten - 'natch I did not see Rocky in the theater, and IV, well, was sad. My father? He was a Ted Williams (Baseball) / Marciano man. I had my doubts. Even as a kid when aging Ali had his ass handed to him by neighbor Larry Holmes (loved Norton, and Frazier more), I believed Ali would kill Marciano on size alone, but this timely tome, along with some contrarian views from Springs Toledo (who is not a Marciano acolyte even though NO ONE saw Harry Greb fight for longer than five seconds of You-Tube that looks like it's from the time of the Dead Sea Scrolls --- these things have me wondering. As Bert Sugar points out, Marciano did most things wrong. Yet he still stood. He kept coming at you. Leave yourself open and his hits were Liston-fright-train level. Makes me wonder. Great book. A real look at the man - from letters home to his sister - to the hole left in the world when this genuinely good-hearted sportsman left it make this a boxing classic. BUY IT.

I am a huge boxing fan and very little slips by my radar. When I first heard about this book I was hesitant. I always found Marciano a topic too often covered by idol worshipers and overall a bit of a bore. The books I read on him redundant. Then I started to look at Mr. Stanton's and it intrigued me from the length ( 400 pages, serious research ) and the small segment in a sample. So I went for it. Good thing I did. The research is serious. It is a level headed account of not only an interesting career but a sociological portrait of a time period. It is packed filled with golden nuggets as well. I deeply enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

This book brought me back to a time when fathers and sons used to huddle in front of the family black and white t.v. set each week to watch ABC's Wednesday night fights and NBC's Friday night bouts. Stanton should be commended for his ability to describe the brutality of Marciano's style inside the ring and his willingness to examine his significant character deficiencies outside the ring. I found his "Note on Sources" section documenting his extensive research much less cumbersome than the footnotes used by many historians. This real life Rocky, much like the fictional Tony Soprano, is able to remain likeable despite his flaws which makes the book an enjoyable reacquaintance with a nearly forgotten sports legend.

Stanton beautifully captures the epoch of the 40s and 50s with its immigrant culture in the mill cities and industrial factory towns of the northeast. Rocky so personified that era. Anyone who was growing up then as I did will find memories that stir long ago reminiscences.

I was pleased to find that this book uncovers some new (to me, at least) information, both flattering and unflattering, to the great fighter - it is a worthwhile read for novice and historian alike.

What I liked so much about this book was the fact that even though Rocky had brutal punching power, he initially lacked the talent to take him to the top. Only by good coaching from seasoned boxing individuals and his own stubborn perseverance did he reach his goals.

I have been a fight fan for over fifty-years. I started watching fights as a child on TV with my Dad… and then I went to fights with my Dad as a teenager… I went into the military and did some fighting there… I got out of the service… went to fights… had a son… and watched fights with him on TV… and then… (And still do) take him to the fights. I have read many… many… boxing books in my life… but this is one of the greatest all-around boxing books I have ever read! It has been my experience that most historical boxing books are written as if they were simply copying “play by play” from either an old sports section… or many actually come across as if they’re copied from an old tickertape printout. Most are written by sportswriters (no offense…. I read their work every day of my life) who either put their subject in a room and tape and convert their comments… or simply pound out a story like they’re meeting their weekly deadline. This book by Mike Stanton… is written by a real literary talent… so the reader is blessed with being able to be engulfed simultaneously with a story of the Rocky Marciano… the only undefeated Heavyweight Champion in the world… with all the statistics and accomplishments attached to this once in the world… people’s true undefeated champion… but at the same time… savvy readers… get the added bonus of thoroughly enjoying the written word as it was meant to be… but not often… presented… wrapped and immersed in a classic boxing story. Rocky’s entire hard scrabble life is brought to you… so you can truly understand… grasp… and feel… what made Rocky… Rocky. The hardworking Italian immigrants… the loving… protective Mother… the siblings… and the neighborhood friends… some of whom were by Rocky’s side his entire life. One of the great sub-plots of the story… is how the entire hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts… supported Marciano… both with their love and pride… and many of their paychecks… many betting every single fight of Rocky’s career. Some “pressed”…. bet after bet… and actually bought houses they could never have afforded… without taking the chance and constantly betting on every fight of their hometown hero. The author pulls no punches (Like Rocky!)… And uncovers and reports the good with the bad. As much as I knew about Marciano… I was surprised about Rocky’s trouble in the military during World War II. I never knew about his court martial and serving time for assault and robbery. Great reporting… and happily… Rocky came out better for it on the other side. Rocky’s love of baseball… and his earliest dreams was of being a Major League ballplayer. He actually went to a couple of big league tryout camps. And as every true boxing fan knows… despite the so called experts saying Rocky was too short… his arms too short… his legs too fat… and his speed too slow… Rocky became a legend that will live on forever. FORTY-NINE-FIGHTS… FORTY-THREE-KNOCKOUTS. His fights in the ring were the most visible fights… but he was constantly battling a crooked manager… and the mob that was running boxing at the time. Mike Stanton the author shows the ability to use his prose to get to your heart… soul… or gut… in every imaginable way and situation. The very opening sentence in the book… grabs you like it was created by either Ernest Hemingway… or Jim Murray…. “HE DIED WITH THE BLUNT FORCE HE HAD USED TO DISPATCH SO MANY OPPONENTS IN THE RING—SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY, IN A CORNFIELD IN THE MIDDLE OF AMERICA, THE MONTH AFTER MAN FIRST WALKED ON THE MOON.” He is just as eloquent when describing the absolute savagery that erupted immediately… or over time… in so many of his fights. Whether it was against Jersey Joe Walcott… Ezzard Charles… or Archie Moore… the gushing blood… broken and split noses… ballooning eyes… and mouths that combined both… the many broken bones… and the deep down… internal… pride… that makes a champion continue to fight on… despite the odds… the pain… the blood… and other seen and unseen obstacles… it’s also about Rocky crying after he crushed his childhood idol… Joe Louis… or when he went to church and prayed when he almost killed Carmine Vingo in the ring. The writer continues to write… and the reader continues to feel. Just as Rocky continued to throw brutal combinations with his “SUZIE-Q” terminator destroying his opponents… the author never lets up with his combinations of “feelings-facts-and-prose”… this book is a **KNOCKOUT**!

I base my review of four stars on my interest level since I am not a fan of boxing and the part of the book dealing with his initial bouts was not particularly interesting to me. Author Mike Stanton did a very commendable job in researching the life of his subject and I'm sure someone who is more of a boxing fan than myself would rate the book five stars. Rocky Marchano was the first heavyweight boxing champion that I remember and the names of Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, Archie Moore, and a few others such as Willie Pep and Kid Gavilan were familiar to me. Rocky had an unblemished record of 49 wins and no losses when he retired in 1956. Boxing was and is a vicious sport and Marciano nearly killed an opponent named Carmine Vingo that left him partially paralyzed. The book also covers the role the mob played in professional boxing with gangster Frankie Carbo being considered the boxing commissioner of the underworld. Rocky's manager was a shady character named Al Weill who Rocky felt was stealing money on him. Like several other boxers Rocky had no concept of the value of money. He'd have uncashed checks for many thousands of dollars that went unused yet he would demand payment for loans of much lesser amounts from others. Rocky's distrust of banks led him to squirrel away money in various places and forgetting where he put it. After his death his family had no idea where to look for money he had hidden from himself and others. Although there was nothing stylish about Rocky Marciano as a boxer he will always remain an iconic athlete from the 1950s. If you're a boxing fan this is a book you should have in your library. This will remain one of my five boxing books in my library The book contains eight pages of photographs.

I could not have loved this book more. I used to really love boxing, and people were usually surprised that a "girly girl" like me knew so much about it. It's sad that heavyweight boxing has somewhat been pushed into the background now, to make way for UFC and MMA, etc. What's next, GLADIATORS?? Like, REAL Gladiators? I would not be in the least bit surprised. I was astounded that I had so little knowledge about this magnificent fighter, Rocky Marciano. Granted, he died when I was VERY young...but I know about Joe Louis, James Braddock, Max Baer, Sonny Liston, even John L. Sullivan, and so many more. How Marciano got past me is a complete mystery. He was undefeated, so that's even more embarrassing! However, lucky me, I stumbled on to this INCREDIBLE book and fell into the world of heavyweight boxing's most exciting era, in my opinion. Let me say this; I can't imagine a more well written book. If I had to read a book about this great boxer and person, I'm so glad it was this one. I was literally on the edge of the couch, ready to bite my nails, just reading about Rocky fighting Jersey Joe Wolcott! I mean, I knew Rocky would win, as he was undefeated; ; but I didn't know any of the particular s about that fight. Whew! What a fight! Then again, almost all of Rocky's fights were exciting....if a spectator managed to get to his seat before Rocky landed his famous right, "the Susie Q" knocking out his opponent before the first round was over. This book is about boxing of course, but it also gives us insight into how incredibly difficult, heartbreaking, exhilarating , sad, glorious, and even scary heavyweight boxing can be. What a cast of characters are in this book! Thrilling. I learned so much about boxing. I thought I knew so much, ha! I do NOW. Rocky Marciano was two or three people in one. He was his opponent 's worst nightmare in the ring, a solitary and tenacious all or nothing boxer, who, when we read about his reach, his build, his height, his style.......He should not have been as great as he was. But of course,, that's what makes reading about his fights so exciting and interesting and fun. He was one in a million, there will never be another fighter like him. He was so incredibly well liked. I mean, he had great friends, a loving family, and he never let anyone down if he could help it. Yes, crime had their dirty hands into boxing then, and how. However, this book shows how much Rocky hated that, and stayed as far away as he could from it. His manager did not have the same scruples, and it would be difficult to find a more unlikable man . Marciano's trainer, Chalie Goldman, however, was a gem of a man; he's the one who taught Rocky all he could teach him, then just let him go and fight. Marciano had to come in low and fight like he did, as his opponents were often taller than he was, and they ALL had the reach advantage! I was amazed at Rocky's ability to take a punch. It seemed impossible to hurt him, and if he briefly went down, it's actually because he was caught off guard for a second and slipped! I loved Roland La Starza's quote " I hit him as hard as I could, and It barely faxed him. I thought I was going to break my hands! Outside of the ring, Rocky was so nice and gentlemanly, such a true friend, such a loving son, sibling, and father. I'm glad he retired when he did. It was absolutely the right thing to do. After his boxing career was over, he was in such demand. He was quirky regarding money, but I don't want to give anything away. I guess he was complicated after he quit boxing, but he was still such a great guy. Sometimes I think it was ok that he died yiung, and fast. He never knew what hit him, I'm sure. I was thinking, what else was Rocky going to conquer? Her already done what no one thought he'd ever do. He was a restless guy... fun, funny, generous (most of the time), and was always trying to improve himself in some area of his life. While I was BEYOND sad reading about his death, I guess I took comfort in reading what his opponents, friends, family...just everyone, said about him. I did cry when Joe Louis, upon hearing of Rocky's death, said " this is just so sad. It's the saddest day in the world. " READ THIS BOOK. I wish I hadn't read it so I could read it again.

Okay, maybe Rocky Marciano wasn't history's best boxer, but he had to be the toughest heavyweight to ever lace on a pair of gloves. What he lacked in pugilistic artistry, he more than made up for with strength, stamina, and determination. Had he fought some of his fights a decade or two later, the referee would have stopped the bouts and declared Rocky's opponent the winner by TKO. But referees didn't worry quite so much about cuts, blood, and such in those days, plus Rocky and his cornermen were adamant about continuing. Rocky always came through in the end, eventually retiring with a perfect 49-0 record. This book covers his early life before boxing, his early boxing years (spoiler alert: he wasn't that successful as an amateur), and all of his important fights. I've always admired Rocky and this book solidified by impressions of the man without getting too far into the hero-worship sphere. He had a few warts and problems, and this book tells about them honestly. If you like boxing and especially if you like Rocky Marciano, this book will be as much a treasure to you as it is to me.

I cut my teeth on the Hagler-Hearns-Duran-Leonard ring-wars, the greatest damned fights in history, in the golden age of middleweights post Robinson-Lamotta-Basillio; my first "big boy" book was a "History of Boxing" with Hagler on the cover. That and the Stallone Rocky flicks made up my mental universe at ten - 'natch I did not see Rocky in the theater, and IV, well, was sad. My father? He was a Ted Williams (Baseball) / Marciano man. I had my doubts. Even as a kid when aging Ali had his ass handed to him by neighbor Larry Holmes (loved Norton, and Frazier more), I believed Ali would kill Marciano on size alone, but this timely tome, along with some contrarian views from Springs Toledo (who is not a Marciano acolyte even though NO ONE saw Harry Greb fight for longer than five seconds of You-Tube that looks like it's from the time of the Dead Sea Scrolls --- these things have me wondering. As Bert Sugar points out, Marciano did most things wrong. Yet he still stood. He kept coming at you. Leave yourself open and his hits were Liston-fright-train level. Makes me wonder. Great book. A real look at the man - from letters home to his sister - to the hole left in the world when this genuinely good-hearted sportsman left it make this a boxing classic. BUY IT.

I am a huge boxing fan and very little slips by my radar. When I first heard about this book I was hesitant. I always found Marciano a topic too often covered by idol worshipers and overall a bit of a bore. The books I read on him redundant. Then I started to look at Mr. Stanton's and it intrigued me from the length ( 400 pages, serious research ) and the small segment in a sample. So I went for it. Good thing I did. The research is serious. It is a level headed account of not only an interesting career but a sociological portrait of a time period. It is packed filled with golden nuggets as well. I deeply enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

This book brought me back to a time when fathers and sons used to huddle in front of the family black and white t.v. set each week to watch ABC's Wednesday night fights and NBC's Friday night bouts. Stanton should be commended for his ability to describe the brutality of Marciano's style inside the ring and his willingness to examine his significant character deficiencies outside the ring. I found his "Note on Sources" section documenting his extensive research much less cumbersome than the footnotes used by many historians. This real life Rocky, much like the fictional Tony Soprano, is able to remain likeable despite his flaws which makes the book an enjoyable reacquaintance with a nearly forgotten sports legend.

Stanton beautifully captures the epoch of the 40s and 50s with its immigrant culture in the mill cities and industrial factory towns of the northeast. Rocky so personified that era. Anyone who was growing up then as I did will find memories that stir long ago reminiscences.

I was pleased to find that this book uncovers some new (to me, at least) information, both flattering and unflattering, to the great fighter - it is a worthwhile read for novice and historian alike.

What I liked so much about this book was the fact that even though Rocky had brutal punching power, he initially lacked the talent to take him to the top. Only by good coaching from seasoned boxing individuals and his own stubborn perseverance did he reach his goals.

I have been a fight fan for over fifty-years. I started watching fights as a child on TV with my Dad… and then I went to fights with my Dad as a teenager… I went into the military and did some fighting there… I got out of the service… went to fights… had a son… and watched fights with him on TV… and then… (And still do) take him to the fights. I have read many… many… boxing books in my life… but this is one of the greatest all-around boxing books I have ever read! It has been my experience that most historical boxing books are written as if they were simply copying “play by play” from either an old sports section… or many actually come across as if they’re copied from an old tickertape printout. Most are written by sportswriters (no offense…. I read their work every day of my life) who either put their subject in a room and tape and convert their comments… or simply pound out a story like they’re meeting their weekly deadline. This book by Mike Stanton… is written by a real literary talent… so the reader is blessed with being able to be engulfed simultaneously with a story of the Rocky Marciano… the only undefeated Heavyweight Champion in the world… with all the statistics and accomplishments attached to this once in the world… people’s true undefeated champion… but at the same time… savvy readers… get the added bonus of thoroughly enjoying the written word as it was meant to be… but not often… presented… wrapped and immersed in a classic boxing story. Rocky’s entire hard scrabble life is brought to you… so you can truly understand… grasp… and feel… what made Rocky… Rocky. The hardworking Italian immigrants… the loving… protective Mother… the siblings… and the neighborhood friends… some of whom were by Rocky’s side his entire life. One of the great sub-plots of the story… is how the entire hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts… supported Marciano… both with their love and pride… and many of their paychecks… many betting every single fight of Rocky’s career. Some “pressed”…. bet after bet… and actually bought houses they could never have afforded… without taking the chance and constantly betting on every fight of their hometown hero. The author pulls no punches (Like Rocky!)… And uncovers and reports the good with the bad. As much as I knew about Marciano… I was surprised about Rocky’s trouble in the military during World War II. I never knew about his court martial and serving time for assault and robbery. Great reporting… and happily… Rocky came out better for it on the other side. Rocky’s love of baseball… and his earliest dreams was of being a Major League ballplayer. He actually went to a couple of big league tryout camps. And as every true boxing fan knows… despite the so called experts saying Rocky was too short… his arms too short… his legs too fat… and his speed too slow… Rocky became a legend that will live on forever. FORTY-NINE-FIGHTS… FORTY-THREE-KNOCKOUTS. His fights in the ring were the most visible fights… but he was constantly battling a crooked manager… and the mob that was running boxing at the time. Mike Stanton the author shows the ability to use his prose to get to your heart… soul… or gut… in every imaginable way and situation. The very opening sentence in the book… grabs you like it was created by either Ernest Hemingway… or Jim Murray…. “HE DIED WITH THE BLUNT FORCE HE HAD USED TO DISPATCH SO MANY OPPONENTS IN THE RING—SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY, IN A CORNFIELD IN THE MIDDLE OF AMERICA, THE MONTH AFTER MAN FIRST WALKED ON THE MOON.” He is just as eloquent when describing the absolute savagery that erupted immediately… or over time… in so many of his fights. Whether it was against Jersey Joe Walcott… Ezzard Charles… or Archie Moore… the gushing blood… broken and split noses… ballooning eyes… and mouths that combined both… the many broken bones… and the deep down… internal… pride… that makes a champion continue to fight on… despite the odds… the pain… the blood… and other seen and unseen obstacles… it’s also about Rocky crying after he crushed his childhood idol… Joe Louis… or when he went to church and prayed when he almost killed Carmine Vingo in the ring. The writer continues to write… and the reader continues to feel. Just as Rocky continued to throw brutal combinations with his “SUZIE-Q” terminator destroying his opponents… the author never lets up with his combinations of “feelings-facts-and-prose”… this book is a **KNOCKOUT**!

I base my review of four stars on my interest level since I am not a fan of boxing and the part of the book dealing with his initial bouts was not particularly interesting to me. Author Mike Stanton did a very commendable job in researching the life of his subject and I'm sure someone who is more of a boxing fan than myself would rate the book five stars. Rocky Marchano was the first heavyweight boxing champion that I remember and the names of Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, Archie Moore, and a few others such as Willie Pep and Kid Gavilan were familiar to me. Rocky had an unblemished record of 49 wins and no losses when he retired in 1956. Boxing was and is a vicious sport and Marciano nearly killed an opponent named Carmine Vingo that left him partially paralyzed. The book also covers the role the mob played in professional boxing with gangster Frankie Carbo being considered the boxing commissioner of the underworld. Rocky's manager was a shady character named Al Weill who Rocky felt was stealing money on him. Like several other boxers Rocky had no concept of the value of money. He'd have uncashed checks for many thousands of dollars that went unused yet he would demand payment for loans of much lesser amounts from others. Rocky's distrust of banks led him to squirrel away money in various places and forgetting where he put it. After his death his family had no idea where to look for money he had hidden from himself and others. Although there was nothing stylish about Rocky Marciano as a boxer he will always remain an iconic athlete from the 1950s. If you're a boxing fan this is a book you should have in your library. This will remain one of my five boxing books in my library The book contains eight pages of photographs.

I could not have loved this book more. I used to really love boxing, and people were usually surprised that a "girly girl" like me knew so much about it. It's sad that heavyweight boxing has somewhat been pushed into the background now, to make way for UFC and MMA, etc. What's next, GLADIATORS?? Like, REAL Gladiators? I would not be in the least bit surprised. I was astounded that I had so little knowledge about this magnificent fighter, Rocky Marciano. Granted, he died when I was VERY young...but I know about Joe Louis, James Braddock, Max Baer, Sonny Liston, even John L. Sullivan, and so many more. How Marciano got past me is a complete mystery. He was undefeated, so that's even more embarrassing! However, lucky me, I stumbled on to this INCREDIBLE book and fell into the world of heavyweight boxing's most exciting era, in my opinion. Let me say this; I can't imagine a more well written book. If I had to read a book about this great boxer and person, I'm so glad it was this one. I was literally on the edge of the couch, ready to bite my nails, just reading about Rocky fighting Jersey Joe Wolcott! I mean, I knew Rocky would win, as he was undefeated; ; but I didn't know any of the particular s about that fight. Whew! What a fight! Then again, almost all of Rocky's fights were exciting....if a spectator managed to get to his seat before Rocky landed his famous right, "the Susie Q" knocking out his opponent before the first round was over. This book is about boxing of course, but it also gives us insight into how incredibly difficult, heartbreaking, exhilarating , sad, glorious, and even scary heavyweight boxing can be. What a cast of characters are in this book! Thrilling. I learned so much about boxing. I thought I knew so much, ha! I do NOW. Rocky Marciano was two or three people in one. He was his opponent 's worst nightmare in the ring, a solitary and tenacious all or nothing boxer, who, when we read about his reach, his build, his height, his style.......He should not have been as great as he was. But of course,, that's what makes reading about his fights so exciting and interesting and fun. He was one in a million, there will never be another fighter like him. He was so incredibly well liked. I mean, he had great friends, a loving family, and he never let anyone down if he could help it. Yes, crime had their dirty hands into boxing then, and how. However, this book shows how much Rocky hated that, and stayed as far away as he could from it. His manager did not have the same scruples, and it would be difficult to find a more unlikable man . Marciano's trainer, Chalie Goldman, however, was a gem of a man; he's the one who taught Rocky all he could teach him, then just let him go and fight. Marciano had to come in low and fight like he did, as his opponents were often taller than he was, and they ALL had the reach advantage! I was amazed at Rocky's ability to take a punch. It seemed impossible to hurt him, and if he briefly went down, it's actually because he was caught off guard for a second and slipped! I loved Roland La Starza's quote " I hit him as hard as I could, and It barely faxed him. I thought I was going to break my hands! Outside of the ring, Rocky was so nice and gentlemanly, such a true friend, such a loving son, sibling, and father. I'm glad he retired when he did. It was absolutely the right thing to do. After his boxing career was over, he was in such demand. He was quirky regarding money, but I don't want to give anything away. I guess he was complicated after he quit boxing, but he was still such a great guy. Sometimes I think it was ok that he died yiung, and fast. He never knew what hit him, I'm sure. I was thinking, what else was Rocky going to conquer? Her already done what no one thought he'd ever do. He was a restless guy... fun, funny, generous (most of the time), and was always trying to improve himself in some area of his life. While I was BEYOND sad reading about his death, I guess I took comfort in reading what his opponents, friends, family...just everyone, said about him. I did cry when Joe Louis, upon hearing of Rocky's death, said " this is just so sad. It's the saddest day in the world. " READ THIS BOOK. I wish I hadn't read it so I could read it again.

Okay, maybe Rocky Marciano wasn't history's best boxer, but he had to be the toughest heavyweight to ever lace on a pair of gloves. What he lacked in pugilistic artistry, he more than made up for with strength, stamina, and determination. Had he fought some of his fights a decade or two later, the referee would have stopped the bouts and declared Rocky's opponent the winner by TKO. But referees didn't worry quite so much about cuts, blood, and such in those days, plus Rocky and his cornermen were adamant about continuing. Rocky always came through in the end, eventually retiring with a perfect 49-0 record. This book covers his early life before boxing, his early boxing years (spoiler alert: he wasn't that successful as an amateur), and all of his important fights. I've always admired Rocky and this book solidified by impressions of the man without getting too far into the hero-worship sphere. He had a few warts and problems, and this book tells about them honestly. If you like boxing and especially if you like Rocky Marciano, this book will be as much a treasure to you as it is to me.

I cut my teeth on the Hagler-Hearns-Duran-Leonard ring-wars, the greatest damned fights in history, in the golden age of middleweights post Robinson-Lamotta-Basillio; my first "big boy" book was a "History of Boxing" with Hagler on the cover. That and the Stallone Rocky flicks made up my mental universe at ten - 'natch I did not see Rocky in the theater, and IV, well, was sad. My father? He was a Ted Williams (Baseball) / Marciano man. I had my doubts. Even as a kid when aging Ali had his ass handed to him by neighbor Larry Holmes (loved Norton, and Frazier more), I believed Ali would kill Marciano on size alone, but this timely tome, along with some contrarian views from Springs Toledo (who is not a Marciano acolyte even though NO ONE saw Harry Greb fight for longer than five seconds of You-Tube that looks like it's from the time of the Dead Sea Scrolls --- these things have me wondering. As Bert Sugar points out, Marciano did most things wrong. Yet he still stood. He kept coming at you. Leave yourself open and his hits were Liston-fright-train level. Makes me wonder. Great book. A real look at the man - from letters home to his sister - to the hole left in the world when this genuinely good-hearted sportsman left it make this a boxing classic. BUY IT.

I am a huge boxing fan and very little slips by my radar. When I first heard about this book I was hesitant. I always found Marciano a topic too often covered by idol worshipers and overall a bit of a bore. The books I read on him redundant. Then I started to look at Mr. Stanton's and it intrigued me from the length ( 400 pages, serious research ) and the small segment in a sample. So I went for it. Good thing I did. The research is serious. It is a level headed account of not only an interesting career but a sociological portrait of a time period. It is packed filled with golden nuggets as well. I deeply enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

This book brought me back to a time when fathers and sons used to huddle in front of the family black and white t.v. set each week to watch ABC's Wednesday night fights and NBC's Friday night bouts. Stanton should be commended for his ability to describe the brutality of Marciano's style inside the ring and his willingness to examine his significant character deficiencies outside the ring. I found his "Note on Sources" section documenting his extensive research much less cumbersome than the footnotes used by many historians. This real life Rocky, much like the fictional Tony Soprano, is able to remain likeable despite his flaws which makes the book an enjoyable reacquaintance with a nearly forgotten sports legend.

Stanton beautifully captures the epoch of the 40s and 50s with its immigrant culture in the mill cities and industrial factory towns of the northeast. Rocky so personified that era. Anyone who was growing up then as I did will find memories that stir long ago reminiscences.

I was pleased to find that this book uncovers some new (to me, at least) information, both flattering and unflattering, to the great fighter - it is a worthwhile read for novice and historian alike.

What I liked so much about this book was the fact that even though Rocky had brutal punching power, he initially lacked the talent to take him to the top. Only by good coaching from seasoned boxing individuals and his own stubborn perseverance did he reach his goals.

I have been a fight fan for over fifty-years. I started watching fights as a child on TV with my Dad… and then I went to fights with my Dad as a teenager… I went into the military and did some fighting there… I got out of the service… went to fights… had a son… and watched fights with him on TV… and then… (And still do) take him to the fights. I have read many… many… boxing books in my life… but this is one of the greatest all-around boxing books I have ever read! It has been my experience that most historical boxing books are written as if they were simply copying “play by play” from either an old sports section… or many actually come across as if they’re copied from an old tickertape printout. Most are written by sportswriters (no offense…. I read their work every day of my life) who either put their subject in a room and tape and convert their comments… or simply pound out a story like they’re meeting their weekly deadline. This book by Mike Stanton… is written by a real literary talent… so the reader is blessed with being able to be engulfed simultaneously with a story of the Rocky Marciano… the only undefeated Heavyweight Champion in the world… with all the statistics and accomplishments attached to this once in the world… people’s true undefeated champion… but at the same time… savvy readers… get the added bonus of thoroughly enjoying the written word as it was meant to be… but not often… presented… wrapped and immersed in a classic boxing story. Rocky’s entire hard scrabble life is brought to you… so you can truly understand… grasp… and feel… what made Rocky… Rocky. The hardworking Italian immigrants… the loving… protective Mother… the siblings… and the neighborhood friends… some of whom were by Rocky’s side his entire life. One of the great sub-plots of the story… is how the entire hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts… supported Marciano… both with their love and pride… and many of their paychecks… many betting every single fight of Rocky’s career. Some “pressed”…. bet after bet… and actually bought houses they could never have afforded… without taking the chance and constantly betting on every fight of their hometown hero. The author pulls no punches (Like Rocky!)… And uncovers and reports the good with the bad. As much as I knew about Marciano… I was surprised about Rocky’s trouble in the military during World War II. I never knew about his court martial and serving time for assault and robbery. Great reporting… and happily… Rocky came out better for it on the other side. Rocky’s love of baseball… and his earliest dreams was of being a Major League ballplayer. He actually went to a couple of big league tryout camps. And as every true boxing fan knows… despite the so called experts saying Rocky was too short… his arms too short… his legs too fat… and his speed too slow… Rocky became a legend that will live on forever. FORTY-NINE-FIGHTS… FORTY-THREE-KNOCKOUTS. His fights in the ring were the most visible fights… but he was constantly battling a crooked manager… and the mob that was running boxing at the time. Mike Stanton the author shows the ability to use his prose to get to your heart… soul… or gut… in every imaginable way and situation. The very opening sentence in the book… grabs you like it was created by either Ernest Hemingway… or Jim Murray…. “HE DIED WITH THE BLUNT FORCE HE HAD USED TO DISPATCH SO MANY OPPONENTS IN THE RING—SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY, IN A CORNFIELD IN THE MIDDLE OF AMERICA, THE MONTH AFTER MAN FIRST WALKED ON THE MOON.” He is just as eloquent when describing the absolute savagery that erupted immediately… or over time… in so many of his fights. Whether it was against Jersey Joe Walcott… Ezzard Charles… or Archie Moore… the gushing blood… broken and split noses… ballooning eyes… and mouths that combined both… the many broken bones… and the deep down… internal… pride… that makes a champion continue to fight on… despite the odds… the pain… the blood… and other seen and unseen obstacles… it’s also about Rocky crying after he crushed his childhood idol… Joe Louis… or when he went to church and prayed when he almost killed Carmine Vingo in the ring. The writer continues to write… and the reader continues to feel. Just as Rocky continued to throw brutal combinations with his “SUZIE-Q” terminator destroying his opponents… the author never lets up with his combinations of “feelings-facts-and-prose”… this book is a **KNOCKOUT**!

I base my review of four stars on my interest level since I am not a fan of boxing and the part of the book dealing with his initial bouts was not particularly interesting to me. Author Mike Stanton did a very commendable job in researching the life of his subject and I'm sure someone who is more of a boxing fan than myself would rate the book five stars. Rocky Marchano was the first heavyweight boxing champion that I remember and the names of Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, Archie Moore, and a few others such as Willie Pep and Kid Gavilan were familiar to me. Rocky had an unblemished record of 49 wins and no losses when he retired in 1956. Boxing was and is a vicious sport and Marciano nearly killed an opponent named Carmine Vingo that left him partially paralyzed. The book also covers the role the mob played in professional boxing with gangster Frankie Carbo being considered the boxing commissioner of the underworld. Rocky's manager was a shady character named Al Weill who Rocky felt was stealing money on him. Like several other boxers Rocky had no concept of the value of money. He'd have uncashed checks for many thousands of dollars that went unused yet he would demand payment for loans of much lesser amounts from others. Rocky's distrust of banks led him to squirrel away money in various places and forgetting where he put it. After his death his family had no idea where to look for money he had hidden from himself and others. Although there was nothing stylish about Rocky Marciano as a boxer he will always remain an iconic athlete from the 1950s. If you're a boxing fan this is a book you should have in your library. This will remain one of my five boxing books in my library The book contains eight pages of photographs.

I could not have loved this book more. I used to really love boxing, and people were usually surprised that a "girly girl" like me knew so much about it. It's sad that heavyweight boxing has somewhat been pushed into the background now, to make way for UFC and MMA, etc. What's next, GLADIATORS?? Like, REAL Gladiators? I would not be in the least bit surprised. I was astounded that I had so little knowledge about this magnificent fighter, Rocky Marciano. Granted, he died when I was VERY young...but I know about Joe Louis, James Braddock, Max Baer, Sonny Liston, even John L. Sullivan, and so many more. How Marciano got past me is a complete mystery. He was undefeated, so that's even more embarrassing! However, lucky me, I stumbled on to this INCREDIBLE book and fell into the world of heavyweight boxing's most exciting era, in my opinion. Let me say this; I can't imagine a more well written book. If I had to read a book about this great boxer and person, I'm so glad it was this one. I was literally on the edge of the couch, ready to bite my nails, just reading about Rocky fighting Jersey Joe Wolcott! I mean, I knew Rocky would win, as he was undefeated; ; but I didn't know any of the particular s about that fight. Whew! What a fight! Then again, almost all of Rocky's fights were exciting....if a spectator managed to get to his seat before Rocky landed his famous right, "the Susie Q" knocking out his opponent before the first round was over. This book is about boxing of course, but it also gives us insight into how incredibly difficult, heartbreaking, exhilarating , sad, glorious, and even scary heavyweight boxing can be. What a cast of characters are in this book! Thrilling. I learned so much about boxing. I thought I knew so much, ha! I do NOW. Rocky Marciano was two or three people in one. He was his opponent 's worst nightmare in the ring, a solitary and tenacious all or nothing boxer, who, when we read about his reach, his build, his height, his style.......He should not have been as great as he was. But of course,, that's what makes reading about his fights so exciting and interesting and fun. He was one in a million, there will never be another fighter like him. He was so incredibly well liked. I mean, he had great friends, a loving family, and he never let anyone down if he could help it. Yes, crime had their dirty hands into boxing then, and how. However, this book shows how much Rocky hated that, and stayed as far away as he could from it. His manager did not have the same scruples, and it would be difficult to find a more unlikable man . Marciano's trainer, Chalie Goldman, however, was a gem of a man; he's the one who taught Rocky all he could teach him, then just let him go and fight. Marciano had to come in low and fight like he did, as his opponents were often taller than he was, and they ALL had the reach advantage! I was amazed at Rocky's ability to take a punch. It seemed impossible to hurt him, and if he briefly went down, it's actually because he was caught off guard for a second and slipped! I loved Roland La Starza's quote " I hit him as hard as I could, and It barely faxed him. I thought I was going to break my hands! Outside of the ring, Rocky was so nice and gentlemanly, such a true friend, such a loving son, sibling, and father. I'm glad he retired when he did. It was absolutely the right thing to do. After his boxing career was over, he was in such demand. He was quirky regarding money, but I don't want to give anything away. I guess he was complicated after he quit boxing, but he was still such a great guy. Sometimes I think it was ok that he died yiung, and fast. He never knew what hit him, I'm sure. I was thinking, what else was Rocky going to conquer? Her already done what no one thought he'd ever do. He was a restless guy... fun, funny, generous (most of the time), and was always trying to improve himself in some area of his life. While I was BEYOND sad reading about his death, I guess I took comfort in reading what his opponents, friends, family...just everyone, said about him. I did cry when Joe Louis, upon hearing of Rocky's death, said " this is just so sad. It's the saddest day in the world. " READ THIS BOOK. I wish I hadn't read it so I could read it again.

Okay, maybe Rocky Marciano wasn't history's best boxer, but he had to be the toughest heavyweight to ever lace on a pair of gloves. What he lacked in pugilistic artistry, he more than made up for with strength, stamina, and determination. Had he fought some of his fights a decade or two later, the referee would have stopped the bouts and declared Rocky's opponent the winner by TKO. But referees didn't worry quite so much about cuts, blood, and such in those days, plus Rocky and his cornermen were adamant about continuing. Rocky always came through in the end, eventually retiring with a perfect 49-0 record. This book covers his early life before boxing, his early boxing years (spoiler alert: he wasn't that successful as an amateur), and all of his important fights. I've always admired Rocky and this book solidified by impressions of the man without getting too far into the hero-worship sphere. He had a few warts and problems, and this book tells about them honestly. If you like boxing and especially if you like Rocky Marciano, this book will be as much a treasure to you as it is to me.

I cut my teeth on the Hagler-Hearns-Duran-Leonard ring-wars, the greatest damned fights in history, in the golden age of middleweights post Robinson-Lamotta-Basillio; my first "big boy" book was a "History of Boxing" with Hagler on the cover. That and the Stallone Rocky flicks made up my mental universe at ten - 'natch I did not see Rocky in the theater, and IV, well, was sad. My father? He was a Ted Williams (Baseball) / Marciano man. I had my doubts. Even as a kid when aging Ali had his ass handed to him by neighbor Larry Holmes (loved Norton, and Frazier more), I believed Ali would kill Marciano on size alone, but this timely tome, along with some contrarian views from Springs Toledo (who is not a Marciano acolyte even though NO ONE saw Harry Greb fight for longer than five seconds of You-Tube that looks like it's from the time of the Dead Sea Scrolls --- these things have me wondering. As Bert Sugar points out, Marciano did most things wrong. Yet he still stood. He kept coming at you. Leave yourself open and his hits were Liston-fright-train level. Makes me wonder. Great book. A real look at the man - from letters home to his sister - to the hole left in the world when this genuinely good-hearted sportsman left it make this a boxing classic. BUY IT.

I am a huge boxing fan and very little slips by my radar. When I first heard about this book I was hesitant. I always found Marciano a topic too often covered by idol worshipers and overall a bit of a bore. The books I read on him redundant. Then I started to look at Mr. Stanton's and it intrigued me from the length ( 400 pages, serious research ) and the small segment in a sample. So I went for it. Good thing I did. The research is serious. It is a level headed account of not only an interesting career but a sociological portrait of a time period. It is packed filled with golden nuggets as well. I deeply enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

This book brought me back to a time when fathers and sons used to huddle in front of the family black and white t.v. set each week to watch ABC's Wednesday night fights and NBC's Friday night bouts. Stanton should be commended for his ability to describe the brutality of Marciano's style inside the ring and his willingness to examine his significant character deficiencies outside the ring. I found his "Note on Sources" section documenting his extensive research much less cumbersome than the footnotes used by many historians. This real life Rocky, much like the fictional Tony Soprano, is able to remain likeable despite his flaws which makes the book an enjoyable reacquaintance with a nearly forgotten sports legend.

Stanton beautifully captures the epoch of the 40s and 50s with its immigrant culture in the mill cities and industrial factory towns of the northeast. Rocky so personified that era. Anyone who was growing up then as I did will find memories that stir long ago reminiscences.

I was pleased to find that this book uncovers some new (to me, at least) information, both flattering and unflattering, to the great fighter - it is a worthwhile read for novice and historian alike.

What I liked so much about this book was the fact that even though Rocky had brutal punching power, he initially lacked the talent to take him to the top. Only by good coaching from seasoned boxing individuals and his own stubborn perseverance did he reach his goals.

I have been a fight fan for over fifty-years. I started watching fights as a child on TV with my Dad… and then I went to fights with my Dad as a teenager… I went into the military and did some fighting there… I got out of the service… went to fights… had a son… and watched fights with him on TV… and then… (And still do) take him to the fights. I have read many… many… boxing books in my life… but this is one of the greatest all-around boxing books I have ever read! It has been my experience that most historical boxing books are written as if they were simply copying “play by play” from either an old sports section… or many actually come across as if they’re copied from an old tickertape printout. Most are written by sportswriters (no offense…. I read their work every day of my life) who either put their subject in a room and tape and convert their comments… or simply pound out a story like they’re meeting their weekly deadline. This book by Mike Stanton… is written by a real literary talent… so the reader is blessed with being able to be engulfed simultaneously with a story of the Rocky Marciano… the only undefeated Heavyweight Champion in the world… with all the statistics and accomplishments attached to this once in the world… people’s true undefeated champion… but at the same time… savvy readers… get the added bonus of thoroughly enjoying the written word as it was meant to be… but not often… presented… wrapped and immersed in a classic boxing story. Rocky’s entire hard scrabble life is brought to you… so you can truly understand… grasp… and feel… what made Rocky… Rocky. The hardworking Italian immigrants… the loving… protective Mother… the siblings… and the neighborhood friends… some of whom were by Rocky’s side his entire life. One of the great sub-plots of the story… is how the entire hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts… supported Marciano… both with their love and pride… and many of their paychecks… many betting every single fight of Rocky’s career. Some “pressed”…. bet after bet… and actually bought houses they could never have afforded… without taking the chance and constantly betting on every fight of their hometown hero. The author pulls no punches (Like Rocky!)… And uncovers and reports the good with the bad. As much as I knew about Marciano… I was surprised about Rocky’s trouble in the military during World War II. I never knew about his court martial and serving time for assault and robbery. Great reporting… and happily… Rocky came out better for it on the other side. Rocky’s love of baseball… and his earliest dreams was of being a Major League ballplayer. He actually went to a couple of big league tryout camps. And as every true boxing fan knows… despite the so called experts saying Rocky was too short… his arms too short… his legs too fat… and his speed too slow… Rocky became a legend that will live on forever. FORTY-NINE-FIGHTS… FORTY-THREE-KNOCKOUTS. His fights in the ring were the most visible fights… but he was constantly battling a crooked manager… and the mob that was running boxing at the time. Mike Stanton the author shows the ability to use his prose to get to your heart… soul… or gut… in every imaginable way and situation. The very opening sentence in the book… grabs you like it was created by either Ernest Hemingway… or Jim Murray…. “HE DIED WITH THE BLUNT FORCE HE HAD USED TO DISPATCH SO MANY OPPONENTS IN THE RING—SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY, IN A CORNFIELD IN THE MIDDLE OF AMERICA, THE MONTH AFTER MAN FIRST WALKED ON THE MOON.” He is just as eloquent when describing the absolute savagery that erupted immediately… or over time… in so many of his fights. Whether it was against Jersey Joe Walcott… Ezzard Charles… or Archie Moore… the gushing blood… broken and split noses… ballooning eyes… and mouths that combined both… the many broken bones… and the deep down… internal… pride… that makes a champion continue to fight on… despite the odds… the pain… the blood… and other seen and unseen obstacles… it’s also about Rocky crying after he crushed his childhood idol… Joe Louis… or when he went to church and prayed when he almost killed Carmine Vingo in the ring. The writer continues to write… and the reader continues to feel. Just as Rocky continued to throw brutal combinations with his “SUZIE-Q” terminator destroying his opponents… the author never lets up with his combinations of “feelings-facts-and-prose”… this book is a **KNOCKOUT**!

I base my review of four stars on my interest level since I am not a fan of boxing and the part of the book dealing with his initial bouts was not particularly interesting to me. Author Mike Stanton did a very commendable job in researching the life of his subject and I'm sure someone who is more of a boxing fan than myself would rate the book five stars. Rocky Marchano was the first heavyweight boxing champion that I remember and the names of Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, Archie Moore, and a few others such as Willie Pep and Kid Gavilan were familiar to me. Rocky had an unblemished record of 49 wins and no losses when he retired in 1956. Boxing was and is a vicious sport and Marciano nearly killed an opponent named Carmine Vingo that left him partially paralyzed. The book also covers the role the mob played in professional boxing with gangster Frankie Carbo being considered the boxing commissioner of the underworld. Rocky's manager was a shady character named Al Weill who Rocky felt was stealing money on him. Like several other boxers Rocky had no concept of the value of money. He'd have uncashed checks for many thousands of dollars that went unused yet he would demand payment for loans of much lesser amounts from others. Rocky's distrust of banks led him to squirrel away money in various places and forgetting where he put it. After his death his family had no idea where to look for money he had hidden from himself and others. Although there was nothing stylish about Rocky Marciano as a boxer he will always remain an iconic athlete from the 1950s. If you're a boxing fan this is a book you should have in your library. This will remain one of my five boxing books in my library The book contains eight pages of photographs.

I could not have loved this book more. I used to really love boxing, and people were usually surprised that a "girly girl" like me knew so much about it. It's sad that heavyweight boxing has somewhat been pushed into the background now, to make way for UFC and MMA, etc. What's next, GLADIATORS?? Like, REAL Gladiators? I would not be in the least bit surprised. I was astounded that I had so little knowledge about this magnificent fighter, Rocky Marciano. Granted, he died when I was VERY young...but I know about Joe Louis, James Braddock, Max Baer, Sonny Liston, even John L. Sullivan, and so many more. How Marciano got past me is a complete mystery. He was undefeated, so that's even more embarrassing! However, lucky me, I stumbled on to this INCREDIBLE book and fell into the world of heavyweight boxing's most exciting era, in my opinion. Let me say this; I can't imagine a more well written book. If I had to read a book about this great boxer and person, I'm so glad it was this one. I was literally on the edge of the couch, ready to bite my nails, just reading about Rocky fighting Jersey Joe Wolcott! I mean, I knew Rocky would win, as he was undefeated; ; but I didn't know any of the particular s about that fight. Whew! What a fight! Then again, almost all of Rocky's fights were exciting....if a spectator managed to get to his seat before Rocky landed his famous right, "the Susie Q" knocking out his opponent before the first round was over. This book is about boxing of course, but it also gives us insight into how incredibly difficult, heartbreaking, exhilarating , sad, glorious, and even scary heavyweight boxing can be. What a cast of characters are in this book! Thrilling. I learned so much about boxing. I thought I knew so much, ha! I do NOW. Rocky Marciano was two or three people in one. He was his opponent 's worst nightmare in the ring, a solitary and tenacious all or nothing boxer, who, when we read about his reach, his build, his height, his style.......He should not have been as great as he was. But of course,, that's what makes reading about his fights so exciting and interesting and fun. He was one in a million, there will never be another fighter like him. He was so incredibly well liked. I mean, he had great friends, a loving family, and he never let anyone down if he could help it. Yes, crime had their dirty hands into boxing then, and how. However, this book shows how much Rocky hated that, and stayed as far away as he could from it. His manager did not have the same scruples, and it would be difficult to find a more unlikable man . Marciano's trainer, Chalie Goldman, however, was a gem of a man; he's the one who taught Rocky all he could teach him, then just let him go and fight. Marciano had to come in low and fight like he did, as his opponents were often taller than he was, and they ALL had the reach advantage! I was amazed at Rocky's ability to take a punch. It seemed impossible to hurt him, and if he briefly went down, it's actually because he was caught off guard for a second and slipped! I loved Roland La Starza's quote " I hit him as hard as I could, and It barely faxed him. I thought I was going to break my hands! Outside of the ring, Rocky was so nice and gentlemanly, such a true friend, such a loving son, sibling, and father. I'm glad he retired when he did. It was absolutely the right thing to do. After his boxing career was over, he was in such demand. He was quirky regarding money, but I don't want to give anything away. I guess he was complicated after he quit boxing, but he was still such a great guy. Sometimes I think it was ok that he died yiung, and fast. He never knew what hit him, I'm sure. I was thinking, what else was Rocky going to conquer? Her already done what no one thought he'd ever do. He was a restless guy... fun, funny, generous (most of the time), and was always trying to improve himself in some area of his life. While I was BEYOND sad reading about his death, I guess I took comfort in reading what his opponents, friends, family...just everyone, said about him. I did cry when Joe Louis, upon hearing of Rocky's death, said " this is just so sad. It's the saddest day in the world. " READ THIS BOOK. I wish I hadn't read it so I could read it again.

Okay, maybe Rocky Marciano wasn't history's best boxer, but he had to be the toughest heavyweight to ever lace on a pair of gloves. What he lacked in pugilistic artistry, he more than made up for with strength, stamina, and determination. Had he fought some of his fights a decade or two later, the referee would have stopped the bouts and declared Rocky's opponent the winner by TKO. But referees didn't worry quite so much about cuts, blood, and such in those days, plus Rocky and his cornermen were adamant about continuing. Rocky always came through in the end, eventually retiring with a perfect 49-0 record. This book covers his early life before boxing, his early boxing years (spoiler alert: he wasn't that successful as an amateur), and all of his important fights. I've always admired Rocky and this book solidified by impressions of the man without getting too far into the hero-worship sphere. He had a few warts and problems, and this book tells about them honestly. If you like boxing and especially if you like Rocky Marciano, this book will be as much a treasure to you as it is to me.

I cut my teeth on the Hagler-Hearns-Duran-Leonard ring-wars, the greatest damned fights in history, in the golden age of middleweights post Robinson-Lamotta-Basillio; my first "big boy" book was a "History of Boxing" with Hagler on the cover. That and the Stallone Rocky flicks made up my mental universe at ten - 'natch I did not see Rocky in the theater, and IV, well, was sad. My father? He was a Ted Williams (Baseball) / Marciano man. I had my doubts. Even as a kid when aging Ali had his ass handed to him by neighbor Larry Holmes (loved Norton, and Frazier more), I believed Ali would kill Marciano on size alone, but this timely tome, along with some contrarian views from Springs Toledo (who is not a Marciano acolyte even though NO ONE saw Harry Greb fight for longer than five seconds of You-Tube that looks like it's from the time of the Dead Sea Scrolls --- these things have me wondering. As Bert Sugar points out, Marciano did most things wrong. Yet he still stood. He kept coming at you. Leave yourself open and his hits were Liston-fright-train level. Makes me wonder. Great book. A real look at the man - from letters home to his sister - to the hole left in the world when this genuinely good-hearted sportsman left it make this a boxing classic. BUY IT.

I am a huge boxing fan and very little slips by my radar. When I first heard about this book I was hesitant. I always found Marciano a topic too often covered by idol worshipers and overall a bit of a bore. The books I read on him redundant. Then I started to look at Mr. Stanton's and it intrigued me from the length ( 400 pages, serious research ) and the small segment in a sample. So I went for it. Good thing I did. The research is serious. It is a level headed account of not only an interesting career but a sociological portrait of a time period. It is packed filled with golden nuggets as well. I deeply enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

This book brought me back to a time when fathers and sons used to huddle in front of the family black and white t.v. set each week to watch ABC's Wednesday night fights and NBC's Friday night bouts. Stanton should be commended for his ability to describe the brutality of Marciano's style inside the ring and his willingness to examine his significant character deficiencies outside the ring. I found his "Note on Sources" section documenting his extensive research much less cumbersome than the footnotes used by many historians. This real life Rocky, much like the fictional Tony Soprano, is able to remain likeable despite his flaws which makes the book an enjoyable reacquaintance with a nearly forgotten sports legend.

Stanton beautifully captures the epoch of the 40s and 50s with its immigrant culture in the mill cities and industrial factory towns of the northeast. Rocky so personified that era. Anyone who was growing up then as I did will find memories that stir long ago reminiscences.

I was pleased to find that this book uncovers some new (to me, at least) information, both flattering and unflattering, to the great fighter - it is a worthwhile read for novice and historian alike.

What I liked so much about this book was the fact that even though Rocky had brutal punching power, he initially lacked the talent to take him to the top. Only by good coaching from seasoned boxing individuals and his own stubborn perseverance did he reach his goals.

This is the way a bio of a boxer should be done. It's quite a story including Rocky's personal demons, great insight to almost every bout, and the mob's control of the game with its infamous figures. Nothing is glossed over and the narrator is perfect for the story.

A long life for an under dog. It shows that anyone can turn their life around. I am recommending this to my WOMEN friends

Fantastic. Thoroughly detailed and researched. The only unbeaten heavyweight. Rocky is the true champion.

Very clear and fluid biography of The Rock. I've read several earlier biographies of Marciano. This is the most thorough and concise, both in and out of the ring!

Straightforward reporters style bio which, like it's subject, gets right to the point in each chapter. Enjoyed reading about a boyhood hero of mine!

Great Book, brings back memories and vivid images of the times. Well Done

I thought that the book added many details of Rocky’s life that haven’t been revealed before (Army Court marshal, illegitimate son, etc.) Overall it was a compelling biography!

I loved this book. Growing up in the same neighborhood and knowing so much about Rocky made this book enjoying. The insight the author gives about Rocky makes this book a masterpiece.

This biography was well written and fun to read. Marciano was a modern Roman Gladiator. He was Italian Pride personified. He was a crude fighter who obtained sensational results. Read this book.

A professional treatment of the Rock. A pleasant, informative read.

I have been a fight fan for over fifty-years. I started watching fights as a child on TV with my Dad… and then I went to fights with my Dad as a teenager… I went into the military and did some fighting there… I got out of the service… went to fights… had a son… and watched fights with him on TV… and then… (And still do) take him to the fights. I have read many… many… boxing books in my life… but this is one of the greatest all-around boxing books I have ever read! It has been my experience that most historical boxing books are written as if they were simply copying “play by play” from either an old sports section… or many actually come across as if they’re copied from an old tickertape printout. Most are written by sportswriters (no offense…. I read their work every day of my life) who either put their subject in a room and tape and convert their comments… or simply pound out a story like they’re meeting their weekly deadline. This book by Mike Stanton… is written by a real literary talent… so the reader is blessed with being able to be engulfed simultaneously with a story of the Rocky Marciano… the only undefeated Heavyweight Champion in the world… with all the statistics and accomplishments attached to this once in the world… people’s true undefeated champion… but at the same time… savvy readers… get the added bonus of thoroughly enjoying the written word as it was meant to be… but not often… presented… wrapped and immersed in a classic boxing story. Rocky’s entire hard scrabble life is brought to you… so you can truly understand… grasp… and feel… what made Rocky… Rocky. The hardworking Italian immigrants… the loving… protective Mother… the siblings… and the neighborhood friends… some of whom were by Rocky’s side his entire life. One of the great sub-plots of the story… is how the entire hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts… supported Marciano… both with their love and pride… and many of their paychecks… many betting every single fight of Rocky’s career. Some “pressed”…. bet after bet… and actually bought houses they could never have afforded… without taking the chance and constantly betting on every fight of their hometown hero. The author pulls no punches (Like Rocky!)… And uncovers and reports the good with the bad. As much as I knew about Marciano… I was surprised about Rocky’s trouble in the military during World War II. I never knew about his court martial and serving time for assault and robbery. Great reporting… and happily… Rocky came out better for it on the other side. Rocky’s love of baseball… and his earliest dreams was of being a Major League ballplayer. He actually went to a couple of big league tryout camps. And as every true boxing fan knows… despite the so called experts saying Rocky was too short… his arms too short… his legs too fat… and his speed too slow… Rocky became a legend that will live on forever. FORTY-NINE-FIGHTS… FORTY-THREE-KNOCKOUTS. His fights in the ring were the most visible fights… but he was constantly battling a crooked manager… and the mob that was running boxing at the time. Mike Stanton the author shows the ability to use his prose to get to your heart… soul… or gut… in every imaginable way and situation. The very opening sentence in the book… grabs you like it was created by either Ernest Hemingway… or Jim Murray…. “HE DIED WITH THE BLUNT FORCE HE HAD USED TO DISPATCH SO MANY OPPONENTS IN THE RING—SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY, IN A CORNFIELD IN THE MIDDLE OF AMERICA, THE MONTH AFTER MAN FIRST WALKED ON THE MOON.” He is just as eloquent when describing the absolute savagery that erupted immediately… or over time… in so many of his fights. Whether it was against Jersey Joe Walcott… Ezzard Charles… or Archie Moore… the gushing blood… broken and split noses… ballooning eyes… and mouths that combined both… the many broken bones… and the deep down… internal… pride… that makes a champion continue to fight on… despite the odds… the pain… the blood… and other seen and unseen obstacles… it’s also about Rocky crying after he crushed his childhood idol… Joe Louis… or when he went to church and prayed when he almost killed Carmine Vingo in the ring. The writer continues to write… and the reader continues to feel. Just as Rocky continued to throw brutal combinations with his “SUZIE-Q” terminator destroying his opponents… the author never lets up with his combinations of “feelings-facts-and-prose”… this book is a **KNOCKOUT**!

I base my review of four stars on my interest level since I am not a fan of boxing and the part of the book dealing with his initial bouts was not particularly interesting to me. Author Mike Stanton did a very commendable job in researching the life of his subject and I'm sure someone who is more of a boxing fan than myself would rate the book five stars. Rocky Marchano was the first heavyweight boxing champion that I remember and the names of Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, Archie Moore, and a few others such as Willie Pep and Kid Gavilan were familiar to me. Rocky had an unblemished record of 49 wins and no losses when he retired in 1956. Boxing was and is a vicious sport and Marciano nearly killed an opponent named Carmine Vingo that left him partially paralyzed. The book also covers the role the mob played in professional boxing with gangster Frankie Carbo being considered the boxing commissioner of the underworld. Rocky's manager was a shady character named Al Weill who Rocky felt was stealing money on him. Like several other boxers Rocky had no concept of the value of money. He'd have uncashed checks for many thousands of dollars that went unused yet he would demand payment for loans of much lesser amounts from others. Rocky's distrust of banks led him to squirrel away money in various places and forgetting where he put it. After his death his family had no idea where to look for money he had hidden from himself and others. Although there was nothing stylish about Rocky Marciano as a boxer he will always remain an iconic athlete from the 1950s. If you're a boxing fan this is a book you should have in your library. This will remain one of my five boxing books in my library The book contains eight pages of photographs.

I could not have loved this book more. I used to really love boxing, and people were usually surprised that a "girly girl" like me knew so much about it. It's sad that heavyweight boxing has somewhat been pushed into the background now, to make way for UFC and MMA, etc. What's next, GLADIATORS?? Like, REAL Gladiators? I would not be in the least bit surprised. I was astounded that I had so little knowledge about this magnificent fighter, Rocky Marciano. Granted, he died when I was VERY young...but I know about Joe Louis, James Braddock, Max Baer, Sonny Liston, even John L. Sullivan, and so many more. How Marciano got past me is a complete mystery. He was undefeated, so that's even more embarrassing! However, lucky me, I stumbled on to this INCREDIBLE book and fell into the world of heavyweight boxing's most exciting era, in my opinion. Let me say this; I can't imagine a more well written book. If I had to read a book about this great boxer and person, I'm so glad it was this one. I was literally on the edge of the couch, ready to bite my nails, just reading about Rocky fighting Jersey Joe Wolcott! I mean, I knew Rocky would win, as he was undefeated; ; but I didn't know any of the particular s about that fight. Whew! What a fight! Then again, almost all of Rocky's fights were exciting....if a spectator managed to get to his seat before Rocky landed his famous right, "the Susie Q" knocking out his opponent before the first round was over. This book is about boxing of course, but it also gives us insight into how incredibly difficult, heartbreaking, exhilarating , sad, glorious, and even scary heavyweight boxing can be. What a cast of characters are in this book! Thrilling. I learned so much about boxing. I thought I knew so much, ha! I do NOW. Rocky Marciano was two or three people in one. He was his opponent 's worst nightmare in the ring, a solitary and tenacious all or nothing boxer, who, when we read about his reach, his build, his height, his style.......He should not have been as great as he was. But of course,, that's what makes reading about his fights so exciting and interesting and fun. He was one in a million, there will never be another fighter like him. He was so incredibly well liked. I mean, he had great friends, a loving family, and he never let anyone down if he could help it. Yes, crime had their dirty hands into boxing then, and how. However, this book shows how much Rocky hated that, and stayed as far away as he could from it. His manager did not have the same scruples, and it would be difficult to find a more unlikable man . Marciano's trainer, Chalie Goldman, however, was a gem of a man; he's the one who taught Rocky all he could teach him, then just let him go and fight. Marciano had to come in low and fight like he did, as his opponents were often taller than he was, and they ALL had the reach advantage! I was amazed at Rocky's ability to take a punch. It seemed impossible to hurt him, and if he briefly went down, it's actually because he was caught off guard for a second and slipped! I loved Roland La Starza's quote " I hit him as hard as I could, and It barely faxed him. I thought I was going to break my hands! Outside of the ring, Rocky was so nice and gentlemanly, such a true friend, such a loving son, sibling, and father. I'm glad he retired when he did. It was absolutely the right thing to do. After his boxing career was over, he was in such demand. He was quirky regarding money, but I don't want to give anything away. I guess he was complicated after he quit boxing, but he was still such a great guy. Sometimes I think it was ok that he died yiung, and fast. He never knew what hit him, I'm sure. I was thinking, what else was Rocky going to conquer? Her already done what no one thought he'd ever do. He was a restless guy... fun, funny, generous (most of the time), and was always trying to improve himself in some area of his life. While I was BEYOND sad reading about his death, I guess I took comfort in reading what his opponents, friends, family...just everyone, said about him. I did cry when Joe Louis, upon hearing of Rocky's death, said " this is just so sad. It's the saddest day in the world. " READ THIS BOOK. I wish I hadn't read it so I could read it again.

Okay, maybe Rocky Marciano wasn't history's best boxer, but he had to be the toughest heavyweight to ever lace on a pair of gloves. What he lacked in pugilistic artistry, he more than made up for with strength, stamina, and determination. Had he fought some of his fights a decade or two later, the referee would have stopped the bouts and declared Rocky's opponent the winner by TKO. But referees didn't worry quite so much about cuts, blood, and such in those days, plus Rocky and his cornermen were adamant about continuing. Rocky always came through in the end, eventually retiring with a perfect 49-0 record. This book covers his early life before boxing, his early boxing years (spoiler alert: he wasn't that successful as an amateur), and all of his important fights. I've always admired Rocky and this book solidified by impressions of the man without getting too far into the hero-worship sphere. He had a few warts and problems, and this book tells about them honestly. If you like boxing and especially if you like Rocky Marciano, this book will be as much a treasure to you as it is to me.

I cut my teeth on the Hagler-Hearns-Duran-Leonard ring-wars, the greatest damned fights in history, in the golden age of middleweights post Robinson-Lamotta-Basillio; my first "big boy" book was a "History of Boxing" with Hagler on the cover. That and the Stallone Rocky flicks made up my mental universe at ten - 'natch I did not see Rocky in the theater, and IV, well, was sad. My father? He was a Ted Williams (Baseball) / Marciano man. I had my doubts. Even as a kid when aging Ali had his ass handed to him by neighbor Larry Holmes (loved Norton, and Frazier more), I believed Ali would kill Marciano on size alone, but this timely tome, along with some contrarian views from Springs Toledo (who is not a Marciano acolyte even though NO ONE saw Harry Greb fight for longer than five seconds of You-Tube that looks like it's from the time of the Dead Sea Scrolls --- these things have me wondering. As Bert Sugar points out, Marciano did most things wrong. Yet he still stood. He kept coming at you. Leave yourself open and his hits were Liston-fright-train level. Makes me wonder. Great book. A real look at the man - from letters home to his sister - to the hole left in the world when this genuinely good-hearted sportsman left it make this a boxing classic. BUY IT.

I am a huge boxing fan and very little slips by my radar. When I first heard about this book I was hesitant. I always found Marciano a topic too often covered by idol worshipers and overall a bit of a bore. The books I read on him redundant. Then I started to look at Mr. Stanton's and it intrigued me from the length ( 400 pages, serious research ) and the small segment in a sample. So I went for it. Good thing I did. The research is serious. It is a level headed account of not only an interesting career but a sociological portrait of a time period. It is packed filled with golden nuggets as well. I deeply enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

This book brought me back to a time when fathers and sons used to huddle in front of the family black and white t.v. set each week to watch ABC's Wednesday night fights and NBC's Friday night bouts. Stanton should be commended for his ability to describe the brutality of Marciano's style inside the ring and his willingness to examine his significant character deficiencies outside the ring. I found his "Note on Sources" section documenting his extensive research much less cumbersome than the footnotes used by many historians. This real life Rocky, much like the fictional Tony Soprano, is able to remain likeable despite his flaws which makes the book an enjoyable reacquaintance with a nearly forgotten sports legend.

Stanton beautifully captures the epoch of the 40s and 50s with its immigrant culture in the mill cities and industrial factory towns of the northeast. Rocky so personified that era. Anyone who was growing up then as I did will find memories that stir long ago reminiscences.

I was pleased to find that this book uncovers some new (to me, at least) information, both flattering and unflattering, to the great fighter - it is a worthwhile read for novice and historian alike.

What I liked so much about this book was the fact that even though Rocky had brutal punching power, he initially lacked the talent to take him to the top. Only by good coaching from seasoned boxing individuals and his own stubborn perseverance did he reach his goals.

Bought this for my son. He hasn’t read it yet but is excited to. Great quality

I gave it an easy 5 stars for how well the book tells the story of Rocky. I liked all the detailed accounts of the fights we never saw, as well as his battles with his own demons. I'd recommend this book to any sports fan or history buff looking for a great read.

This is a good read. A lot of information about the champ.

good book

My husband like it

Great book Italians have been discriminated against for years and with the assault on Columbus need books like this, my child was being forced to read about Ali but Marciano was unbeaten

Tells the story of Rocky's life from childhood through his career and to his death.

Liked endless details

A well done biography.

great insight into the boxing game

I have been a fight fan for over fifty-years. I started watching fights as a child on TV with my Dad… and then I went to fights with my Dad as a teenager… I went into the military and did some fighting there… I got out of the service… went to fights… had a son… and watched fights with him on TV… and then… (And still do) take him to the fights. I have read many… many… boxing books in my life… but this is one of the greatest all-around boxing books I have ever read! It has been my experience that most historical boxing books are written as if they were simply copying “play by play” from either an old sports section… or many actually come across as if they’re copied from an old tickertape printout. Most are written by sportswriters (no offense…. I read their work every day of my life) who either put their subject in a room and tape and convert their comments… or simply pound out a story like they’re meeting their weekly deadline. This book by Mike Stanton… is written by a real literary talent… so the reader is blessed with being able to be engulfed simultaneously with a story of the Rocky Marciano… the only undefeated Heavyweight Champion in the world… with all the statistics and accomplishments attached to this once in the world… people’s true undefeated champion… but at the same time… savvy readers… get the added bonus of thoroughly enjoying the written word as it was meant to be… but not often… presented… wrapped and immersed in a classic boxing story. Rocky’s entire hard scrabble life is brought to you… so you can truly understand… grasp… and feel… what made Rocky… Rocky. The hardworking Italian immigrants… the loving… protective Mother… the siblings… and the neighborhood friends… some of whom were by Rocky’s side his entire life. One of the great sub-plots of the story… is how the entire hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts… supported Marciano… both with their love and pride… and many of their paychecks… many betting every single fight of Rocky’s career. Some “pressed”…. bet after bet… and actually bought houses they could never have afforded… without taking the chance and constantly betting on every fight of their hometown hero. The author pulls no punches (Like Rocky!)… And uncovers and reports the good with the bad. As much as I knew about Marciano… I was surprised about Rocky’s trouble in the military during World War II. I never knew about his court martial and serving time for assault and robbery. Great reporting… and happily… Rocky came out better for it on the other side. Rocky’s love of baseball… and his earliest dreams was of being a Major League ballplayer. He actually went to a couple of big league tryout camps. And as every true boxing fan knows… despite the so called experts saying Rocky was too short… his arms too short… his legs too fat… and his speed too slow… Rocky became a legend that will live on forever. FORTY-NINE-FIGHTS… FORTY-THREE-KNOCKOUTS. His fights in the ring were the most visible fights… but he was constantly battling a crooked manager… and the mob that was running boxing at the time. Mike Stanton the author shows the ability to use his prose to get to your heart… soul… or gut… in every imaginable way and situation. The very opening sentence in the book… grabs you like it was created by either Ernest Hemingway… or Jim Murray…. “HE DIED WITH THE BLUNT FORCE HE HAD USED TO DISPATCH SO MANY OPPONENTS IN THE RING—SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY, IN A CORNFIELD IN THE MIDDLE OF AMERICA, THE MONTH AFTER MAN FIRST WALKED ON THE MOON.” He is just as eloquent when describing the absolute savagery that erupted immediately… or over time… in so many of his fights. Whether it was against Jersey Joe Walcott… Ezzard Charles… or Archie Moore… the gushing blood… broken and split noses… ballooning eyes… and mouths that combined both… the many broken bones… and the deep down… internal… pride… that makes a champion continue to fight on… despite the odds… the pain… the blood… and other seen and unseen obstacles… it’s also about Rocky crying after he crushed his childhood idol… Joe Louis… or when he went to church and prayed when he almost killed Carmine Vingo in the ring. The writer continues to write… and the reader continues to feel. Just as Rocky continued to throw brutal combinations with his “SUZIE-Q” terminator destroying his opponents… the author never lets up with his combinations of “feelings-facts-and-prose”… this book is a **KNOCKOUT**!

I base my review of four stars on my interest level since I am not a fan of boxing and the part of the book dealing with his initial bouts was not particularly interesting to me. Author Mike Stanton did a very commendable job in researching the life of his subject and I'm sure someone who is more of a boxing fan than myself would rate the book five stars. Rocky Marchano was the first heavyweight boxing champion that I remember and the names of Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, Archie Moore, and a few others such as Willie Pep and Kid Gavilan were familiar to me. Rocky had an unblemished record of 49 wins and no losses when he retired in 1956. Boxing was and is a vicious sport and Marciano nearly killed an opponent named Carmine Vingo that left him partially paralyzed. The book also covers the role the mob played in professional boxing with gangster Frankie Carbo being considered the boxing commissioner of the underworld. Rocky's manager was a shady character named Al Weill who Rocky felt was stealing money on him. Like several other boxers Rocky had no concept of the value of money. He'd have uncashed checks for many thousands of dollars that went unused yet he would demand payment for loans of much lesser amounts from others. Rocky's distrust of banks led him to squirrel away money in various places and forgetting where he put it. After his death his family had no idea where to look for money he had hidden from himself and others. Although there was nothing stylish about Rocky Marciano as a boxer he will always remain an iconic athlete from the 1950s. If you're a boxing fan this is a book you should have in your library. This will remain one of my five boxing books in my library The book contains eight pages of photographs.

I could not have loved this book more. I used to really love boxing, and people were usually surprised that a "girly girl" like me knew so much about it. It's sad that heavyweight boxing has somewhat been pushed into the background now, to make way for UFC and MMA, etc. What's next, GLADIATORS?? Like, REAL Gladiators? I would not be in the least bit surprised. I was astounded that I had so little knowledge about this magnificent fighter, Rocky Marciano. Granted, he died when I was VERY young...but I know about Joe Louis, James Braddock, Max Baer, Sonny Liston, even John L. Sullivan, and so many more. How Marciano got past me is a complete mystery. He was undefeated, so that's even more embarrassing! However, lucky me, I stumbled on to this INCREDIBLE book and fell into the world of heavyweight boxing's most exciting era, in my opinion. Let me say this; I can't imagine a more well written book. If I had to read a book about this great boxer and person, I'm so glad it was this one. I was literally on the edge of the couch, ready to bite my nails, just reading about Rocky fighting Jersey Joe Wolcott! I mean, I knew Rocky would win, as he was undefeated; ; but I didn't know any of the particular s about that fight. Whew! What a fight! Then again, almost all of Rocky's fights were exciting....if a spectator managed to get to his seat before Rocky landed his famous right, "the Susie Q" knocking out his opponent before the first round was over. This book is about boxing of course, but it also gives us insight into how incredibly difficult, heartbreaking, exhilarating , sad, glorious, and even scary heavyweight boxing can be. What a cast of characters are in this book! Thrilling. I learned so much about boxing. I thought I knew so much, ha! I do NOW. Rocky Marciano was two or three people in one. He was his opponent 's worst nightmare in the ring, a solitary and tenacious all or nothing boxer, who, when we read about his reach, his build, his height, his style.......He should not have been as great as he was. But of course,, that's what makes reading about his fights so exciting and interesting and fun. He was one in a million, there will never be another fighter like him. He was so incredibly well liked. I mean, he had great friends, a loving family, and he never let anyone down if he could help it. Yes, crime had their dirty hands into boxing then, and how. However, this book shows how much Rocky hated that, and stayed as far away as he could from it. His manager did not have the same scruples, and it would be difficult to find a more unlikable man . Marciano's trainer, Chalie Goldman, however, was a gem of a man; he's the one who taught Rocky all he could teach him, then just let him go and fight. Marciano had to come in low and fight like he did, as his opponents were often taller than he was, and they ALL had the reach advantage! I was amazed at Rocky's ability to take a punch. It seemed impossible to hurt him, and if he briefly went down, it's actually because he was caught off guard for a second and slipped! I loved Roland La Starza's quote " I hit him as hard as I could, and It barely faxed him. I thought I was going to break my hands! Outside of the ring, Rocky was so nice and gentlemanly, such a true friend, such a loving son, sibling, and father. I'm glad he retired when he did. It was absolutely the right thing to do. After his boxing career was over, he was in such demand. He was quirky regarding money, but I don't want to give anything away. I guess he was complicated after he quit boxing, but he was still such a great guy. Sometimes I think it was ok that he died yiung, and fast. He never knew what hit him, I'm sure. I was thinking, what else was Rocky going to conquer? Her already done what no one thought he'd ever do. He was a restless guy... fun, funny, generous (most of the time), and was always trying to improve himself in some area of his life. While I was BEYOND sad reading about his death, I guess I took comfort in reading what his opponents, friends, family...just everyone, said about him. I did cry when Joe Louis, upon hearing of Rocky's death, said " this is just so sad. It's the saddest day in the world. " READ THIS BOOK. I wish I hadn't read it so I could read it again.

Okay, maybe Rocky Marciano wasn't history's best boxer, but he had to be the toughest heavyweight to ever lace on a pair of gloves. What he lacked in pugilistic artistry, he more than made up for with strength, stamina, and determination. Had he fought some of his fights a decade or two later, the referee would have stopped the bouts and declared Rocky's opponent the winner by TKO. But referees didn't worry quite so much about cuts, blood, and such in those days, plus Rocky and his cornermen were adamant about continuing. Rocky always came through in the end, eventually retiring with a perfect 49-0 record. This book covers his early life before boxing, his early boxing years (spoiler alert: he wasn't that successful as an amateur), and all of his important fights. I've always admired Rocky and this book solidified by impressions of the man without getting too far into the hero-worship sphere. He had a few warts and problems, and this book tells about them honestly. If you like boxing and especially if you like Rocky Marciano, this book will be as much a treasure to you as it is to me.

I cut my teeth on the Hagler-Hearns-Duran-Leonard ring-wars, the greatest damned fights in history, in the golden age of middleweights post Robinson-Lamotta-Basillio; my first "big boy" book was a "History of Boxing" with Hagler on the cover. That and the Stallone Rocky flicks made up my mental universe at ten - 'natch I did not see Rocky in the theater, and IV, well, was sad. My father? He was a Ted Williams (Baseball) / Marciano man. I had my doubts. Even as a kid when aging Ali had his ass handed to him by neighbor Larry Holmes (loved Norton, and Frazier more), I believed Ali would kill Marciano on size alone, but this timely tome, along with some contrarian views from Springs Toledo (who is not a Marciano acolyte even though NO ONE saw Harry Greb fight for longer than five seconds of You-Tube that looks like it's from the time of the Dead Sea Scrolls --- these things have me wondering. As Bert Sugar points out, Marciano did most things wrong. Yet he still stood. He kept coming at you. Leave yourself open and his hits were Liston-fright-train level. Makes me wonder. Great book. A real look at the man - from letters home to his sister - to the hole left in the world when this genuinely good-hearted sportsman left it make this a boxing classic. BUY IT.

I am a huge boxing fan and very little slips by my radar. When I first heard about this book I was hesitant. I always found Marciano a topic too often covered by idol worshipers and overall a bit of a bore. The books I read on him redundant. Then I started to look at Mr. Stanton's and it intrigued me from the length ( 400 pages, serious research ) and the small segment in a sample. So I went for it. Good thing I did. The research is serious. It is a level headed account of not only an interesting career but a sociological portrait of a time period. It is packed filled with golden nuggets as well. I deeply enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

This book brought me back to a time when fathers and sons used to huddle in front of the family black and white t.v. set each week to watch ABC's Wednesday night fights and NBC's Friday night bouts. Stanton should be commended for his ability to describe the brutality of Marciano's style inside the ring and his willingness to examine his significant character deficiencies outside the ring. I found his "Note on Sources" section documenting his extensive research much less cumbersome than the footnotes used by many historians. This real life Rocky, much like the fictional Tony Soprano, is able to remain likeable despite his flaws which makes the book an enjoyable reacquaintance with a nearly forgotten sports legend.

Stanton beautifully captures the epoch of the 40s and 50s with its immigrant culture in the mill cities and industrial factory towns of the northeast. Rocky so personified that era. Anyone who was growing up then as I did will find memories that stir long ago reminiscences.

I was pleased to find that this book uncovers some new (to me, at least) information, both flattering and unflattering, to the great fighter - it is a worthwhile read for novice and historian alike.

What I liked so much about this book was the fact that even though Rocky had brutal punching power, he initially lacked the talent to take him to the top. Only by good coaching from seasoned boxing individuals and his own stubborn perseverance did he reach his goals.

Couldn't be more satisfying reading this great bio on the only ever undefeated heavyweight

and very well written story about Rocky.

Easy to read!!

Nice

Awesome book. Very detailed and well written.

Well researched and well written.

Great book if you like nostalgia this is a this is a must read

VERY EASY TO READ. CAPTURES ROCKY'S LIFE.

Stanton is a terrific writer whose extensive research is blended with an in-depth understanding of the significance of boxing in the 40s and 50s when boxing captured the imagination of so many youngsters. The culture of New England and the role that Marciano played in Italian-American life comes alive in this book. Rather than just describe particular fights, Stanton reveals what transpired before and after the bouts. Marciano, although flawed, emerges as an engaging and decent person. I think this is well worth the reader's time!

This is a near-perfect or maybe perfect biography of the late Rocky Marciano, a boxer whose crude-but-effective style, brutal punching power, and limitless workrate makes him a continued source of fascination among boxing fans more than half a century after his reign, and almost as long since his death. Rocky's easy, genteel manner outside of the ring was at odds with the ferocious brute people paid good money to see slaughter more finessed boxers in Madison Square Garden, but something about the contrasts and contradictions made the man embody his era, the way earlier fighters like Jack Dempsey embodied the tramping, restless energy of the Depression, or a later fighter like Mike Tyson was the darkened mirror obverse of the Reagan years, the consequences of the Great Society gone bust and exploding in the Crack Boom. "The Rock" was a working class hero when the American working-class was doing as well as it ever would, a son of immigrants who stressed the "American" half of the "Italian-American" label. Mike Stanton's book is straightforward, entertaining, and gets both the broad strokes and the details right. Mr. Stanton is an excellent writer with a flair when it's called for (especially when doing blow-by-blow recounting fights), who also knows how to get out of the way and let his subject remain center-stage when that's what's needed. The author gets the man and the myth right, neither shying away from Rocky's shadowy side nor lingering on the darkness too long. This isn't "Raging Bull," and it's not Stanton's intent to bury Caesar, but neither does the biographer shy away from stains on either the soul or the official record (49-0) of the "Brockton Blockbuster." This deft handling is probably best encapsulated in the stories (legendary now) of Rocky's supposed ability to pinch a penny until it unwound into copper wire. I remember reading years ago in the bio of George Chuvalo, for instance (a perennial heavyweight contender) how Rocky offered to manage him early in his career in exchange for ninety-percent (!) of the fighter's purses. The Rock's act seemed unconscionable to me before reading "Unbeaten." Now, in context and in hindsight, I can't say I blame the Boy from Brockton for his ultra-frugal ways. A book that can correct such misconceptions is worth recommending. A book that does it with such style and (seeming) effortlessness is quite rare. Highest recommendation.

I have been a fight fan for over fifty-years. I started watching fights as a child on TV with my Dad… and then I went to fights with my Dad as a teenager… I went into the military and did some fighting there… I got out of the service… went to fights… had a son… and watched fights with him on TV… and then… (And still do) take him to the fights. I have read many… many… boxing books in my life… but this is one of the greatest all-around boxing books I have ever read! It has been my experience that most historical boxing books are written as if they were simply copying “play by play” from either an old sports section… or many actually come across as if they’re copied from an old tickertape printout. Most are written by sportswriters (no offense…. I read their work every day of my life) who either put their subject in a room and tape and convert their comments… or simply pound out a story like they’re meeting their weekly deadline. This book by Mike Stanton… is written by a real literary talent… so the reader is blessed with being able to be engulfed simultaneously with a story of the Rocky Marciano… the only undefeated Heavyweight Champion in the world… with all the statistics and accomplishments attached to this once in the world… people’s true undefeated champion… but at the same time… savvy readers… get the added bonus of thoroughly enjoying the written word as it was meant to be… but not often… presented… wrapped and immersed in a classic boxing story. Rocky’s entire hard scrabble life is brought to you… so you can truly understand… grasp… and feel… what made Rocky… Rocky. The hardworking Italian immigrants… the loving… protective Mother… the siblings… and the neighborhood friends… some of whom were by Rocky’s side his entire life. One of the great sub-plots of the story… is how the entire hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts… supported Marciano… both with their love and pride… and many of their paychecks… many betting every single fight of Rocky’s career. Some “pressed”…. bet after bet… and actually bought houses they could never have afforded… without taking the chance and constantly betting on every fight of their hometown hero. The author pulls no punches (Like Rocky!)… And uncovers and reports the good with the bad. As much as I knew about Marciano… I was surprised about Rocky’s trouble in the military during World War II. I never knew about his court martial and serving time for assault and robbery. Great reporting… and happily… Rocky came out better for it on the other side. Rocky’s love of baseball… and his earliest dreams was of being a Major League ballplayer. He actually went to a couple of big league tryout camps. And as every true boxing fan knows… despite the so called experts saying Rocky was too short… his arms too short… his legs too fat… and his speed too slow… Rocky became a legend that will live on forever. FORTY-NINE-FIGHTS… FORTY-THREE-KNOCKOUTS. His fights in the ring were the most visible fights… but he was constantly battling a crooked manager… and the mob that was running boxing at the time. Mike Stanton the author shows the ability to use his prose to get to your heart… soul… or gut… in every imaginable way and situation. The very opening sentence in the book… grabs you like it was created by either Ernest Hemingway… or Jim Murray…. “HE DIED WITH THE BLUNT FORCE HE HAD USED TO DISPATCH SO MANY OPPONENTS IN THE RING—SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY, IN A CORNFIELD IN THE MIDDLE OF AMERICA, THE MONTH AFTER MAN FIRST WALKED ON THE MOON.” He is just as eloquent when describing the absolute savagery that erupted immediately… or over time… in so many of his fights. Whether it was against Jersey Joe Walcott… Ezzard Charles… or Archie Moore… the gushing blood… broken and split noses… ballooning eyes… and mouths that combined both… the many broken bones… and the deep down… internal… pride… that makes a champion continue to fight on… despite the odds… the pain… the blood… and other seen and unseen obstacles… it’s also about Rocky crying after he crushed his childhood idol… Joe Louis… or when he went to church and prayed when he almost killed Carmine Vingo in the ring. The writer continues to write… and the reader continues to feel. Just as Rocky continued to throw brutal combinations with his “SUZIE-Q” terminator destroying his opponents… the author never lets up with his combinations of “feelings-facts-and-prose”… this book is a **KNOCKOUT**!

I base my review of four stars on my interest level since I am not a fan of boxing and the part of the book dealing with his initial bouts was not particularly interesting to me. Author Mike Stanton did a very commendable job in researching the life of his subject and I'm sure someone who is more of a boxing fan than myself would rate the book five stars. Rocky Marchano was the first heavyweight boxing champion that I remember and the names of Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, Archie Moore, and a few others such as Willie Pep and Kid Gavilan were familiar to me. Rocky had an unblemished record of 49 wins and no losses when he retired in 1956. Boxing was and is a vicious sport and Marciano nearly killed an opponent named Carmine Vingo that left him partially paralyzed. The book also covers the role the mob played in professional boxing with gangster Frankie Carbo being considered the boxing commissioner of the underworld. Rocky's manager was a shady character named Al Weill who Rocky felt was stealing money on him. Like several other boxers Rocky had no concept of the value of money. He'd have uncashed checks for many thousands of dollars that went unused yet he would demand payment for loans of much lesser amounts from others. Rocky's distrust of banks led him to squirrel away money in various places and forgetting where he put it. After his death his family had no idea where to look for money he had hidden from himself and others. Although there was nothing stylish about Rocky Marciano as a boxer he will always remain an iconic athlete from the 1950s. If you're a boxing fan this is a book you should have in your library. This will remain one of my five boxing books in my library The book contains eight pages of photographs.

I could not have loved this book more. I used to really love boxing, and people were usually surprised that a "girly girl" like me knew so much about it. It's sad that heavyweight boxing has somewhat been pushed into the background now, to make way for UFC and MMA, etc. What's next, GLADIATORS?? Like, REAL Gladiators? I would not be in the least bit surprised. I was astounded that I had so little knowledge about this magnificent fighter, Rocky Marciano. Granted, he died when I was VERY young...but I know about Joe Louis, James Braddock, Max Baer, Sonny Liston, even John L. Sullivan, and so many more. How Marciano got past me is a complete mystery. He was undefeated, so that's even more embarrassing! However, lucky me, I stumbled on to this INCREDIBLE book and fell into the world of heavyweight boxing's most exciting era, in my opinion. Let me say this; I can't imagine a more well written book. If I had to read a book about this great boxer and person, I'm so glad it was this one. I was literally on the edge of the couch, ready to bite my nails, just reading about Rocky fighting Jersey Joe Wolcott! I mean, I knew Rocky would win, as he was undefeated; ; but I didn't know any of the particular s about that fight. Whew! What a fight! Then again, almost all of Rocky's fights were exciting....if a spectator managed to get to his seat before Rocky landed his famous right, "the Susie Q" knocking out his opponent before the first round was over. This book is about boxing of course, but it also gives us insight into how incredibly difficult, heartbreaking, exhilarating , sad, glorious, and even scary heavyweight boxing can be. What a cast of characters are in this book! Thrilling. I learned so much about boxing. I thought I knew so much, ha! I do NOW. Rocky Marciano was two or three people in one. He was his opponent 's worst nightmare in the ring, a solitary and tenacious all or nothing boxer, who, when we read about his reach, his build, his height, his style.......He should not have been as great as he was. But of course,, that's what makes reading about his fights so exciting and interesting and fun. He was one in a million, there will never be another fighter like him. He was so incredibly well liked. I mean, he had great friends, a loving family, and he never let anyone down if he could help it. Yes, crime had their dirty hands into boxing then, and how. However, this book shows how much Rocky hated that, and stayed as far away as he could from it. His manager did not have the same scruples, and it would be difficult to find a more unlikable man . Marciano's trainer, Chalie Goldman, however, was a gem of a man; he's the one who taught Rocky all he could teach him, then just let him go and fight. Marciano had to come in low and fight like he did, as his opponents were often taller than he was, and they ALL had the reach advantage! I was amazed at Rocky's ability to take a punch. It seemed impossible to hurt him, and if he briefly went down, it's actually because he was caught off guard for a second and slipped! I loved Roland La Starza's quote " I hit him as hard as I could, and It barely faxed him. I thought I was going to break my hands! Outside of the ring, Rocky was so nice and gentlemanly, such a true friend, such a loving son, sibling, and father. I'm glad he retired when he did. It was absolutely the right thing to do. After his boxing career was over, he was in such demand. He was quirky regarding money, but I don't want to give anything away. I guess he was complicated after he quit boxing, but he was still such a great guy. Sometimes I think it was ok that he died yiung, and fast. He never knew what hit him, I'm sure. I was thinking, what else was Rocky going to conquer? Her already done what no one thought he'd ever do. He was a restless guy... fun, funny, generous (most of the time), and was always trying to improve himself in some area of his life. While I was BEYOND sad reading about his death, I guess I took comfort in reading what his opponents, friends, family...just everyone, said about him. I did cry when Joe Louis, upon hearing of Rocky's death, said " this is just so sad. It's the saddest day in the world. " READ THIS BOOK. I wish I hadn't read it so I could read it again.

Okay, maybe Rocky Marciano wasn't history's best boxer, but he had to be the toughest heavyweight to ever lace on a pair of gloves. What he lacked in pugilistic artistry, he more than made up for with strength, stamina, and determination. Had he fought some of his fights a decade or two later, the referee would have stopped the bouts and declared Rocky's opponent the winner by TKO. But referees didn't worry quite so much about cuts, blood, and such in those days, plus Rocky and his cornermen were adamant about continuing. Rocky always came through in the end, eventually retiring with a perfect 49-0 record. This book covers his early life before boxing, his early boxing years (spoiler alert: he wasn't that successful as an amateur), and all of his important fights. I've always admired Rocky and this book solidified by impressions of the man without getting too far into the hero-worship sphere. He had a few warts and problems, and this book tells about them honestly. If you like boxing and especially if you like Rocky Marciano, this book will be as much a treasure to you as it is to me.

I cut my teeth on the Hagler-Hearns-Duran-Leonard ring-wars, the greatest damned fights in history, in the golden age of middleweights post Robinson-Lamotta-Basillio; my first "big boy" book was a "History of Boxing" with Hagler on the cover. That and the Stallone Rocky flicks made up my mental universe at ten - 'natch I did not see Rocky in the theater, and IV, well, was sad. My father? He was a Ted Williams (Baseball) / Marciano man. I had my doubts. Even as a kid when aging Ali had his ass handed to him by neighbor Larry Holmes (loved Norton, and Frazier more), I believed Ali would kill Marciano on size alone, but this timely tome, along with some contrarian views from Springs Toledo (who is not a Marciano acolyte even though NO ONE saw Harry Greb fight for longer than five seconds of You-Tube that looks like it's from the time of the Dead Sea Scrolls --- these things have me wondering. As Bert Sugar points out, Marciano did most things wrong. Yet he still stood. He kept coming at you. Leave yourself open and his hits were Liston-fright-train level. Makes me wonder. Great book. A real look at the man - from letters home to his sister - to the hole left in the world when this genuinely good-hearted sportsman left it make this a boxing classic. BUY IT.

I am a huge boxing fan and very little slips by my radar. When I first heard about this book I was hesitant. I always found Marciano a topic too often covered by idol worshipers and overall a bit of a bore. The books I read on him redundant. Then I started to look at Mr. Stanton's and it intrigued me from the length ( 400 pages, serious research ) and the small segment in a sample. So I went for it. Good thing I did. The research is serious. It is a level headed account of not only an interesting career but a sociological portrait of a time period. It is packed filled with golden nuggets as well. I deeply enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

This book brought me back to a time when fathers and sons used to huddle in front of the family black and white t.v. set each week to watch ABC's Wednesday night fights and NBC's Friday night bouts. Stanton should be commended for his ability to describe the brutality of Marciano's style inside the ring and his willingness to examine his significant character deficiencies outside the ring. I found his "Note on Sources" section documenting his extensive research much less cumbersome than the footnotes used by many historians. This real life Rocky, much like the fictional Tony Soprano, is able to remain likeable despite his flaws which makes the book an enjoyable reacquaintance with a nearly forgotten sports legend.

Stanton beautifully captures the epoch of the 40s and 50s with its immigrant culture in the mill cities and industrial factory towns of the northeast. Rocky so personified that era. Anyone who was growing up then as I did will find memories that stir long ago reminiscences.

I was pleased to find that this book uncovers some new (to me, at least) information, both flattering and unflattering, to the great fighter - it is a worthwhile read for novice and historian alike.

What I liked so much about this book was the fact that even though Rocky had brutal punching power, he initially lacked the talent to take him to the top. Only by good coaching from seasoned boxing individuals and his own stubborn perseverance did he reach his goals.

A fine history of not only Marciano’s life and career, but also a history of 1930s-1950s boxing. I remember as a kid, and a watcher of Friday Night Fights (when we had a working TV), hearing that the mob ran boxing and congressional hearings on the need for government regulation of the sport. Until reading this book I had no idea the extent to the mob’s involvement and the corruption of boxing. The mob owned the boxers, the managers, the match makers, and even the arenas. Highly recommended.

This is the first Marciano biography that I've read and it is excellent. The author spends just enough time on Rocky's early life, his early career, his home life and his championship bouts. Each one of his pro fights is covered,giving the reader a feel for his career progression. The dirty side of boxing is here as well as the fame and glory of success. Rocky's influences, the pull of his family life, his mental state as he fights on and even his disillusionment with the game are all woven together.

Good historical read. I found myself going to You Tube and watching all of Marciano's fights, as I read about them in the book. Undefeated Heavyweight Champion of the World and a man who would give you the shirt off his back. Even though he beat some fighters at the end of their careers, he is still rated as one of the best, if not the BEST. Brutal and savage in the ring. Pussycat out. Good read.

Mike Stanton has written an excellent biography of boxing legend Rocky Marciano. While it would have been easy falling into the hero worship of many such books, he has avoided that two and presented a study of Marciano that covers both the good and the bad in his life. Highly recommended.

No punches are pulled in this comprehensive biography of an iconic sports figure whose complexity is remarkable and previously hidden. Marciano was in many ways an unlikely heavyweight champion in size, reach, speed and style, all of which were eclipsed by the sheer force of his will. The Brockton Brawler will remain forever, undaunted and undefeated.

This is the biography that Rocky Marciano and his fans have always deserved. It pulls no punches. The story keeps coming at the reader, just as relentlessly as Marciano went after his opponents.

Excellent book. Plenty of stories about his childhood, his character, those closest to him and most importantly his fights in and out of the ring. AN intriguing read. Like many others I knew something of Rocky Marciano including the inspiration for the Sylvester Stallone Rocky films but after reading the book it was clear that I knew very little about him including his connection to the great Mohammad Ali, Joe Louis and celebrities such as Frank Sinatra. A memorable book!

I have been a fight fan for over fifty-years. I started watching fights as a child on TV with my Dad… and then I went to fights with my Dad as a teenager… I went into the military and did some fighting there… I got out of the service… went to fights… had a son… and watched fights with him on TV… and then… (And still do) take him to the fights. I have read many… many… boxing books in my life… but this is one of the greatest all-around boxing books I have ever read! It has been my experience that most historical boxing books are written as if they were simply copying “play by play” from either an old sports section… or many actually come across as if they’re copied from an old tickertape printout. Most are written by sportswriters (no offense…. I read their work every day of my life) who either put their subject in a room and tape and convert their comments… or simply pound out a story like they’re meeting their weekly deadline. This book by Mike Stanton… is written by a real literary talent… so the reader is blessed with being able to be engulfed simultaneously with a story of the Rocky Marciano… the only undefeated Heavyweight Champion in the world… with all the statistics and accomplishments attached to this once in the world… people’s true undefeated champion… but at the same time… savvy readers… get the added bonus of thoroughly enjoying the written word as it was meant to be… but not often… presented… wrapped and immersed in a classic boxing story. Rocky’s entire hard scrabble life is brought to you… so you can truly understand… grasp… and feel… what made Rocky… Rocky. The hardworking Italian immigrants… the loving… protective Mother… the siblings… and the neighborhood friends… some of whom were by Rocky’s side his entire life. One of the great sub-plots of the story… is how the entire hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts… supported Marciano… both with their love and pride… and many of their paychecks… many betting every single fight of Rocky’s career. Some “pressed”…. bet after bet… and actually bought houses they could never have afforded… without taking the chance and constantly betting on every fight of their hometown hero. The author pulls no punches (Like Rocky!)… And uncovers and reports the good with the bad. As much as I knew about Marciano… I was surprised about Rocky’s trouble in the military during World War II. I never knew about his court martial and serving time for assault and robbery. Great reporting… and happily… Rocky came out better for it on the other side. Rocky’s love of baseball… and his earliest dreams was of being a Major League ballplayer. He actually went to a couple of big league tryout camps. And as every true boxing fan knows… despite the so called experts saying Rocky was too short… his arms too short… his legs too fat… and his speed too slow… Rocky became a legend that will live on forever. FORTY-NINE-FIGHTS… FORTY-THREE-KNOCKOUTS. His fights in the ring were the most visible fights… but he was constantly battling a crooked manager… and the mob that was running boxing at the time. Mike Stanton the author shows the ability to use his prose to get to your heart… soul… or gut… in every imaginable way and situation. The very opening sentence in the book… grabs you like it was created by either Ernest Hemingway… or Jim Murray…. “HE DIED WITH THE BLUNT FORCE HE HAD USED TO DISPATCH SO MANY OPPONENTS IN THE RING—SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY, IN A CORNFIELD IN THE MIDDLE OF AMERICA, THE MONTH AFTER MAN FIRST WALKED ON THE MOON.” He is just as eloquent when describing the absolute savagery that erupted immediately… or over time… in so many of his fights. Whether it was against Jersey Joe Walcott… Ezzard Charles… or Archie Moore… the gushing blood… broken and split noses… ballooning eyes… and mouths that combined both… the many broken bones… and the deep down… internal… pride… that makes a champion continue to fight on… despite the odds… the pain… the blood… and other seen and unseen obstacles… it’s also about Rocky crying after he crushed his childhood idol… Joe Louis… or when he went to church and prayed when he almost killed Carmine Vingo in the ring. The writer continues to write… and the reader continues to feel. Just as Rocky continued to throw brutal combinations with his “SUZIE-Q” terminator destroying his opponents… the author never lets up with his combinations of “feelings-facts-and-prose”… this book is a **KNOCKOUT**!

I base my review of four stars on my interest level since I am not a fan of boxing and the part of the book dealing with his initial bouts was not particularly interesting to me. Author Mike Stanton did a very commendable job in researching the life of his subject and I'm sure someone who is more of a boxing fan than myself would rate the book five stars. Rocky Marchano was the first heavyweight boxing champion that I remember and the names of Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, Jersey Joe Walcott, Archie Moore, and a few others such as Willie Pep and Kid Gavilan were familiar to me. Rocky had an unblemished record of 49 wins and no losses when he retired in 1956. Boxing was and is a vicious sport and Marciano nearly killed an opponent named Carmine Vingo that left him partially paralyzed. The book also covers the role the mob played in professional boxing with gangster Frankie Carbo being considered the boxing commissioner of the underworld. Rocky's manager was a shady character named Al Weill who Rocky felt was stealing money on him. Like several other boxers Rocky had no concept of the value of money. He'd have uncashed checks for many thousands of dollars that went unused yet he would demand payment for loans of much lesser amounts from others. Rocky's distrust of banks led him to squirrel away money in various places and forgetting where he put it. After his death his family had no idea where to look for money he had hidden from himself and others. Although there was nothing stylish about Rocky Marciano as a boxer he will always remain an iconic athlete from the 1950s. If you're a boxing fan this is a book you should have in your library. This will remain one of my five boxing books in my library The book contains eight pages of photographs.

I could not have loved this book more. I used to really love boxing, and people were usually surprised that a "girly girl" like me knew so much about it. It's sad that heavyweight boxing has somewhat been pushed into the background now, to make way for UFC and MMA, etc. What's next, GLADIATORS?? Like, REAL Gladiators? I would not be in the least bit surprised. I was astounded that I had so little knowledge about this magnificent fighter, Rocky Marciano. Granted, he died when I was VERY young...but I know about Joe Louis, James Braddock, Max Baer, Sonny Liston, even John L. Sullivan, and so many more. How Marciano got past me is a complete mystery. He was undefeated, so that's even more embarrassing! However, lucky me, I stumbled on to this INCREDIBLE book and fell into the world of heavyweight boxing's most exciting era, in my opinion. Let me say this; I can't imagine a more well written book. If I had to read a book about this great boxer and person, I'm so glad it was this one. I was literally on the edge of the couch, ready to bite my nails, just reading about Rocky fighting Jersey Joe Wolcott! I mean, I knew Rocky would win, as he was undefeated; ; but I didn't know any of the particular s about that fight. Whew! What a fight! Then again, almost all of Rocky's fights were exciting....if a spectator managed to get to his seat before Rocky landed his famous right, "the Susie Q" knocking out his opponent before the first round was over. This book is about boxing of course, but it also gives us insight into how incredibly difficult, heartbreaking, exhilarating , sad, glorious, and even scary heavyweight boxing can be. What a cast of characters are in this book! Thrilling. I learned so much about boxing. I thought I knew so much, ha! I do NOW. Rocky Marciano was two or three people in one. He was his opponent 's worst nightmare in the ring, a solitary and tenacious all or nothing boxer, who, when we read about his reach, his build, his height, his style.......He should not have been as great as he was. But of course,, that's what makes reading about his fights so exciting and interesting and fun. He was one in a million, there will never be another fighter like him. He was so incredibly well liked. I mean, he had great friends, a loving family, and he never let anyone down if he could help it. Yes, crime had their dirty hands into boxing then, and how. However, this book shows how much Rocky hated that, and stayed as far away as he could from it. His manager did not have the same scruples, and it would be difficult to find a more unlikable man . Marciano's trainer, Chalie Goldman, however, was a gem of a man; he's the one who taught Rocky all he could teach him, then just let him go and fight. Marciano had to come in low and fight like he did, as his opponents were often taller than he was, and they ALL had the reach advantage! I was amazed at Rocky's ability to take a punch. It seemed impossible to hurt him, and if he briefly went down, it's actually because he was caught off guard for a second and slipped! I loved Roland La Starza's quote " I hit him as hard as I could, and It barely faxed him. I thought I was going to break my hands! Outside of the ring, Rocky was so nice and gentlemanly, such a true friend, such a loving son, sibling, and father. I'm glad he retired when he did. It was absolutely the right thing to do. After his boxing career was over, he was in such demand. He was quirky regarding money, but I don't want to give anything away. I guess he was complicated after he quit boxing, but he was still such a great guy. Sometimes I think it was ok that he died yiung, and fast. He never knew what hit him, I'm sure. I was thinking, what else was Rocky going to conquer? Her already done what no one thought he'd ever do. He was a restless guy... fun, funny, generous (most of the time), and was always trying to improve himself in some area of his life. While I was BEYOND sad reading about his death, I guess I took comfort in reading what his opponents, friends, family...just everyone, said about him. I did cry when Joe Louis, upon hearing of Rocky's death, said " this is just so sad. It's the saddest day in the world. " READ THIS BOOK. I wish I hadn't read it so I could read it again.

Okay, maybe Rocky Marciano wasn't history's best boxer, but he had to be the toughest heavyweight to ever lace on a pair of gloves. What he lacked in pugilistic artistry, he more than made up for with strength, stamina, and determination. Had he fought some of his fights a decade or two later, the referee would have stopped the bouts and declared Rocky's opponent the winner by TKO. But referees didn't worry quite so much about cuts, blood, and such in those days, plus Rocky and his cornermen were adamant about continuing. Rocky always came through in the end, eventually retiring with a perfect 49-0 record. This book covers his early life before boxing, his early boxing years (spoiler alert: he wasn't that successful as an amateur), and all of his important fights. I've always admired Rocky and this book solidified by impressions of the man without getting too far into the hero-worship sphere. He had a few warts and problems, and this book tells about them honestly. If you like boxing and especially if you like Rocky Marciano, this book will be as much a treasure to you as it is to me.

I cut my teeth on the Hagler-Hearns-Duran-Leonard ring-wars, the greatest damned fights in history, in the golden age of middleweights post Robinson-Lamotta-Basillio; my first "big boy" book was a "History of Boxing" with Hagler on the cover. That and the Stallone Rocky flicks made up my mental universe at ten - 'natch I did not see Rocky in the theater, and IV, well, was sad. My father? He was a Ted Williams (Baseball) / Marciano man. I had my doubts. Even as a kid when aging Ali had his ass handed to him by neighbor Larry Holmes (loved Norton, and Frazier more), I believed Ali would kill Marciano on size alone, but this timely tome, along with some contrarian views from Springs Toledo (who is not a Marciano acolyte even though NO ONE saw Harry Greb fight for longer than five seconds of You-Tube that looks like it's from the time of the Dead Sea Scrolls --- these things have me wondering. As Bert Sugar points out, Marciano did most things wrong. Yet he still stood. He kept coming at you. Leave yourself open and his hits were Liston-fright-train level. Makes me wonder. Great book. A real look at the man - from letters home to his sister - to the hole left in the world when this genuinely good-hearted sportsman left it make this a boxing classic. BUY IT.

I am a huge boxing fan and very little slips by my radar. When I first heard about this book I was hesitant. I always found Marciano a topic too often covered by idol worshipers and overall a bit of a bore. The books I read on him redundant. Then I started to look at Mr. Stanton's and it intrigued me from the length ( 400 pages, serious research ) and the small segment in a sample. So I went for it. Good thing I did. The research is serious. It is a level headed account of not only an interesting career but a sociological portrait of a time period. It is packed filled with golden nuggets as well. I deeply enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

This book brought me back to a time when fathers and sons used to huddle in front of the family black and white t.v. set each week to watch ABC's Wednesday night fights and NBC's Friday night bouts. Stanton should be commended for his ability to describe the brutality of Marciano's style inside the ring and his willingness to examine his significant character deficiencies outside the ring. I found his "Note on Sources" section documenting his extensive research much less cumbersome than the footnotes used by many historians. This real life Rocky, much like the fictional Tony Soprano, is able to remain likeable despite his flaws which makes the book an enjoyable reacquaintance with a nearly forgotten sports legend.

Stanton beautifully captures the epoch of the 40s and 50s with its immigrant culture in the mill cities and industrial factory towns of the northeast. Rocky so personified that era. Anyone who was growing up then as I did will find memories that stir long ago reminiscences.

I was pleased to find that this book uncovers some new (to me, at least) information, both flattering and unflattering, to the great fighter - it is a worthwhile read for novice and historian alike.

What I liked so much about this book was the fact that even though Rocky had brutal punching power, he initially lacked the talent to take him to the top. Only by good coaching from seasoned boxing individuals and his own stubborn perseverance did he reach his goals.