This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/11/2001.
In more ways than one, Rocky Marciano was a champ who went out on top. On September 23, 1952, the "Brockton Blockbuster" knocked out Jersey Joe Walcott in round 13 to win the heavyweight crown. After defending the title 6 times and winning 49 straight fights, 43 by KO, the Rock quit as the only undefeated champ in history. In retirement, his popularity endured and he was a pitchman for various companies including the Coal Operators Casualty Company, which sent out this 8" x 10" autographed promotional piece that features a photo of Rocky plastering Walcott in their fight. Marciano signed in black marker and wrote, "To Ray, Keep Punching," along with the date of 3/9/65, four years before he died in a plane crash at age 46. The signature is big and bold as a Marciano right hook, rating a near-perfect 10.