Tragically, as surely all fight fans know, the great Rocky Marciano lost his life at the young age of just 45, this on this day back in 1969. Perishing in a plane crash, Rocky died the day before what would have been his 46th birthday. Indeed, it was 100 hundred years ago today, September 1st, when the man plenty of historians say deserves to be ranked as THE greatest heavyweight champion ever was born.

Perfect at 49-0 when walking away as unbeaten champion, Marciano’s reign as heavyweight king lasted four years, during which time “The Brockton Blockbuster,” to refer to Rocky by one of his two nicknames – “The Rock” being the other – made six title retentions.