Rocky Marciano vs. Jersey Joe Walcott (1952) In one of boxing’s most dramatic turnarounds, undefeated Rocky Marciano captured the heavyweight title by knocking out veteran champion Jersey Joe Walcott with a single, looping right hand—“Suzie Q”—in Round 13. Walcott had dominated early, dropping Marciano in Round 1 and boxing masterfully for 12 rounds. But Marciano’s relentless pressure and granite chin kept him in range. When the opening came, his punch landed flush, sending Walcott unconscious. The knockout is immortalized in slow-motion footage and remains among the most sudden, shocking finishes in championship history. Marciano became the only heavyweight champ to retire undefeated (49–0), while Walcott’s valiant effort earned universal respect. The fight exemplifies boxing’s core truth: as long as you’re standing, one punch can change everything.
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