FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-069

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (April 27, 2026) – This edition of Fun with Maps recognizes the end of boxing career of a great heavyweight boxing champion – The Rock!

THE ROCK FROM BROCKTON

Rocky Marciano retired at the age of 32 on April 27, 1956 – 50 years ago today.

At the time of his retirement, Marciano had been the world heavyweight champion since 1952.  He left the boxing ring undefeated with a record of 49-0.  Of his 49 wins, 43 were knockouts.

Marciano started his boxing career after his service in the Army during World War II.  Initially he had hoped for a career in baseball and tried out for the Chicago Cubs.

Known for his intense training routine and powerful punches, he was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1980.  

The statue of him in his hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts is the largest statue of a sports star in the world.

Ruth White’s pictorial map of Massachusetts from 1938 is presented here.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.