Rocky Marciano vs Ezzard Charles

On June 17, 1954, an audience of 47,585 spectators assembled at the Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York, to witness a superb heavyweight title bout. This contest, the third defense by reigning heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano against challenger Ezzard Charles generated a gross gate of $543,002.

The fight started with Charles seemingly dominating the first four rounds. Despite being the underdog at 18-5 and weighing in at 185½ pounds, Charles boxed beautifully. However, the tables were gradually turning and Marciano, who was bleeding profusely from a significant gash over his left eye, started to regain control from the fifth round.

The sixth round saw Marciano, the unbeaten 29-year-old from Brockton, Massachusetts, nearly overpower Charles, with the relentless aggression that was a signature of his fighting style. He pulled slightly ahead by the tenth round. His bulldozing style continued to shake Charles in the later rounds, in which he managed to significantly batter the worn-down challenger.

There was little dispute when it came to the final decision, as Marciano won by unanimous decision, with scores standing at 8-5, 9-5, and 8-6. For Marciano, this was the first time he was taken the 15-round distance and one of the few times he failed to floor his opponent.

Following the match, both fighters underwent medical attention, with Marciano's cut requiring 10 stitches, and Charles' swollen features also needing treatment. The financial stakes were high in this bout, with Marciano's purse standing at around $275,691 and Charles taking home approximately $137,980. This sum included their share of the gate and the broadcast revenues from 61 theaters in 45 cities, along with the $35,000 from the network radio broadcast.

The aftermath saw both fighters expressing their sentiments about the gruelling match. Marciano acknowledged Charles' formidable challenge, stating that he deserved a rematch if he wanted one. Charles, despite his condition, echoed the sentiment for a rematch, declaring, "I thought I won. I think I came closer to knocking him out than he did me. The next time it will be different."