Rocky Marciano vs. Ezzard Charles 'I' ~ June 17, 1954

[Bill Paxtom]

June 17, 1954

Rocky Marciano - 45-0-0 {40 KO's} ~ 5' 10 1/2" ~ Reach; 68" ~ 187 lbs. ~ {Age; 30 years, 9 months}
vs.
Ezzard Charles - 85-10-1 {48 KO's} ~ 6' 0" ~ Reach; 73" ~ 185 lbs. ~ {Age; 32 years, 10 months}

~ The Skinny ~

Rocky Marciano

{Age; 30 years, 9 months} was already suffering from lower-back pain, and there were talks that he might retire.

Rocky had last defended his Championship 9-Months earlier {September 24, 1953} when he stopped {TKO 11}
classy-boxer Roland LaStarza.

While Rocky could still fire 'The Hammer', he was slowing down in movement, and the lower-back was really taking
its toll now.

[Bill Paxtom]

~ 1954 ~

Ring Magazine ~ Is It The Last Year For Rocky

[Bill Paxtom]

February 6, 1954

Jersey Joe Walcott >

I think that Ezzard has a good chance to 'upset' Rocky. If he has his legs, he
can give Marciano a lot of problems.

You have to keep Rocky busy, by using 'quick-punches' and moving. You must
keep him off-balance, by presenting angles.

Rocky needs time to set up before he punches. He can punch real hard, but only
if you're right in front of him. You can't trade with him, or you will pay dearly.

I'll check out both fighters at their Training Camps in April to see how they look.