Thought for today
"As a child, my all-time boxing hero was Rocky Marciano (born Rocco Francis Marchegiano; 1/9/23 to 31/8/69). Rocky was the World Heavyweight Champion from September, 1952 to April, 1956. He is the only person to hold the heavyweight title and remain undefeated throughout his career. Rocky Marciano defended his title six times, against Jersey Joe Walcott, Roland LaStarza, Ezzard Charles (twice), Don Cockell, and Archie Moore.
Despite his magnificent record as a world champion, he was far from being the best boxer there has ever been. Far from being refined in the ring or particularly graceful out of it, it was his indomitable spirit of just being able to carry on fighting and fighting long after his opponent had thrown in the towel which I will remember him best for. He was undoubtedly a fighter from the old school who refused to ever stay down if ever knocked down! Whenever I see anyone take a knock-back in their life today, I always recall the unbreakable will power and sheer determination of Rocky to keep on fighting.
The world is full of 'Rockys', but sadly like the great prize fighter who was and shall always remain world renown, we will not know their names or how they arrived at their knock-down in life. What we do know about them however, whether they be autistic, mentally challenged, physically mutilated or limbless, is that they are all as great a champion as was the great Rocky Marciano." William Forde: February 8th, 2014.
"As a child, my all-time boxing hero was Rocky Marciano (born Rocco Francis Marchegiano; 1/9/23 to 31/8/69). Rocky was the World Heavyweight Champion from September, 1952 to April, 1956. He is the only person to hold the heavyweight title and remain undefeated throughout his career. Rocky Marciano defended his title six times, against Jersey Joe Walcott, Roland LaStarza, Ezzard Charles (twice), Don Cockell, and Archie Moore.
Despite his magnificent record as a world champion, he was far from being the best boxer there has ever been. Far from being refined in the ring or particularly graceful out of it, it was his indomitable spirit of just being able to carry on fighting and fighting long after his opponent had thrown in the towel which I will remember him best for. He was undoubtedly a fighter from the old school who refused to ever stay down if ever knocked down! Whenever I see anyone take a knock-back in their life today, I always recall the unbreakable will power and sheer determination of Rocky to keep on fighting.
The world is full of 'Rockys', but sadly like the great prize fighter who was and shall always remain world renown, we will not know their names or how they arrived at their knock-down in life. What we do know about them however, whether they be autistic, mentally challenged, physically mutilated or limbless, is that they are all as great a champion as was the great Rocky Marciano." William Forde: February 8th, 2014.
