Boxing officials to tour Brockton, inspect Marciano statue site

(Globe File Photo)

Marciano and his wife, Barbara, were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd at a playground in Brockton in 1951. He had beaten Joe Louis two weeks earlier.

By Milton Valencia, Globe Staff

World Boxing Council officials will arrive in Brockton next week to discuss plans for a bronze statue to be erected in honor of famed heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano, who is a hometown hero in the city.

The WBC will send representatives Michael George, Gabriel Peņagaricano, and Dick Flaherty to meet with Mayor James Harrington Oct. 6 to update him on the crafting of the bronze statute of Marciano. They expect to have the statue completed by the end of the year.

The officials will view the site near City Hall that Harrington has designated for the statue.

Marciano, known as the "Brockton Blockbuster," was raised in a working-class family in the city. He was undefeated in 49 professional fights, with 43 knockouts. He reigned as world champ from when he knocked out Jersey Joe Walcott in Philadelphia in September 1952 to April 1956, when he retired. He died Aug. 31, 1969.

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