Three years before he became the heavyweight champion of the world, Rocky Marciano was busy trying to make a name for himself. “The Brockton Blockbuster” from Massachusetts – as he would become known – was the owner of a 12-0 record (six KO) and readying himself for fight No. 13 against journeyman heavyweight Johnny Pretzie from Watertown, New York. Still a relative unknown, this would mark yet another step on Marciano’s march to the heavyweight title.
The date was March 21, 1949, and the bout was held at the Rhode Island Auditorium in Providence. Pretzie entered the fight with a record of 9-5. The scheduled 10-rounder lasted until 1:46 of the fifth round at which time Marciano was declared the winner by technical knockout. Thought Pretzie defended himself well during the first four rounds, he lacked the stamina and punch needed to cope with Marciano’s fury. Pretzie was floored once in Round 4 and three times in Round 5 before the referee stopped the fight. In front of 3,595 fans, Marciano had earned his 13th straight victory and seventh TKO.
The lot offered here is the actual pair of fight-worn Everlast boxing gloves that the legendary Marciano used to take care of Pretzie. The aged, six-ounce Everlast boxing gloves are certainly well-worn but in remarkably good condition. Both gloves sport the faded “EVERLAST” manufacturer’s tag on the back of either wrist and the original laces remain intact. Though the fight took place inside of Marciano’s first full year of professional boxing, the site of the bout was significant for another reason. As it turns out, Rocky changed the spelling of his original last name “Marchegiano” because the ring announcer in Providence, Rhode Island, could not pronounce it. Marciano's handler, Al Weill, suggested they create a pseudonym. Weill’s first suggestion was “Rocky Mack,” which Marciano rejected. Ultimately they decided to go with the more Italian-sounding "Marciano."
Includes LOA from Marciano Family.