Thread: R.I.P. Roland LaStarza

Roland LaStarza

From IBRO:

Former heavyweight title challenger Roland E. LaStarza, 82, of Port Orange, Florida died Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at the Hospice Care Center, Port Orange.

Mr. LaStarza, an Army veteran of World War II, was born in Bronx, New York and moved to the area in 1973 from Los Angeles, California. He enjoyed acting and appeared in several episodes of the television show The Gallant Men. He also enjoyed flying, playing pool and reading.

Survivors include one son, Mark LaStarza, M.D. of Ormond Beach; one daughter, Amy Farmwald of Port Orange and five grandchildren.

LaStarza fought 66 professional bouts from July 7, 1947 to May 8, 1961. He won 57 of the fights, 27 by knockout. The most important fight of LaStarza’s career was a world heavyweight championship bout, and a rematch, against Rocky Marciano on September 24, 1953. La Starza fought Marciano on even terms for the first six rounds but began to tire afterwards. Referee Ruby Goldstein stopped the fight in an eleventh round TKO as Marciano battered La Starza relentlessly. This was La Starza’s first fight (out of 53) when he was stopped.

After his boxing career LaStarza appeared on television in a number of stereotypical tough-guy roles. His biggest break was a regular role as Pvt. Ernie Lucavich on the short-lived World War II series The Gallant Men. He also did guest appearances on various shows including 77 Sunset Strip, The Wild Wild West and Perry Mason. He even showed up in a couple episodes of the campy Batman series of the 1960s, and appeared in a few movies such as Point Blank (1967) and The Outfit (1973).

Note: I was lucky enough to have seen him fight and he was one helleva fighter. Gave The Rock a great fight in their first encounter.

Mna, apologies for the mispelling. I just had my eyes dilated.

Sad to read this...
May he R.I.P.


Actually I have both La Starza-Marciano fights.
He gave Marciano fits in the first fight. It was a really close fight.
The 1st few rds. we're back and forth then the middle a bit more Rocky but LaStarza got the late ones.
A fight that was contraversial in it's time. I guess each would have to see it for their own to judge it.

The 2nd fight was brilliant it was the 1953 FOTY and one for the ages.
The Polo Grounds what a special place it holds in Sports history.
LaStarza boxed well early LaStarza did well with the lead left followed by a right also he got some really good uppercuts and hooks in but Marciano got him in the end. Marciano was the aggressor but it wasn't too effective however he wore LaStarza down.


Rest in peace champ...

He had a good career with some epic fights, now every warriors must come to a rest at some point. It's his turn now. No worries brother, your name will be remembered for the years to come, have a good rest.

Rip Champ.

I always relate to LaStarza as one of my earliest Boxing Memories...

Back when i was 13/14 years old I used to collect these Boxing Magazine/ VHS collectors series called 'BOXERS', i think Marciano was number 4 or 5 in the series.

I remember being really excited about finally getting to learn about Rocky Maricano (The REAL Rocky ).

It.s funny because after reading it, the name that stuck out in my mind was Roland LaStarza. It could be my memory failing me but i'm sure i'd read that Roland actually won the fight

Either way, it's a testament to the guys ability. R.I.P