The City of Champions will celebrate hometown hero Rocky Marciano in a slate of activities that culminate in the unveiling of a 20-foot statue commemorating one of the famed boxer’s biggest wins.
The unveiling of the statue will coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Brockton Blockbuster’s epic championship fight against Jersey Joe Walcott, in which Marciano knocked Walcott out in the 13th round. The statue depicts Marciano landing the knockout punch against Walcott in the epic 1952 match.

The statue arrived in Brockton Thursday, Sept. 13th. Delivered by truck from Mexico, the 20-foot tall, two-ton statue was shipped in six pieces.

A team of sculptors will arrive in the City of Champions on Monday, Sept. 17th. Assembly of the will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 18th, weather permitting.

Rocky Marciano was born in Brockton in 1923 and was reigning heavyweight champion of the world from September 23, 1952 to April 27, 1956. Beloved by a generation of Brocktonians for his work ethic and unwillingness to quit, Marciano learned to box while serving in the United State Army in World War II. A member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Marciano’s career statistics bear the test of time: 49 straight wins, 43 by knock out – an impressive accomplishment. Marciano died in a plane crash just shy of his 46th birthday in 1969. In 1971, the city named the football stadium at its brand new high school after the late boxer who played for Brockton High School in the 1940s.

To commemorate the homecoming of the Rocky Marciano Statue, a number of events celebrating the life and legacy of the Brockton Blockbuster have been planned.

Monday, Sept. 17th
Team of sculptors arrives in Brockton

Tuesday, Sept. 18th
Construction of the statue begins at Champion Park at Marciano Stadium (weather permitting)
Friday, Sept. 21st

World Boxing Council (WBC) reception, 4:30 p.m., George’s Café, 228 Belmont St. –free and open to the public, refreshments provided, cash bar

Brockton High School varsity football vs. Xaverian Brothers High School, 7 p.m., Rocky Marciano Stadium, 470 Forest Ave., featuring a spectacular half-time show by award-winning Brockton High School Marching Band, color guard, and half-time dancers– open to the public, admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children age 12 and under.

Saturday, Sept. 22nd
Run Like a Champ Road Race, 10 a.m., D.W. Field Park, 330 Oak St. run the same course Rocky Marciano did during his training sessions with Allie Colombo. There is a 2.2-mile fun run and a 3.5 mile course for more serious runners. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at Tower Hill. There is a $15 registration fee per runner and covers the cost of a commemorative Rocky Marciano t-shirt.

In Rocky’s Footsteps – Historic Bus Tour, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., departs from Brockton High School, 470 Forest Ave. every hour, on the hour – free and open to the public

A Tribute to Rocky Marciano Boxing Tournament, 12 p.m. – meet and greet, 1 p.m. Boxing Event, Campanelli Stadium, 1 Feinberg Way (use 470 Forest Ave. for GPS directions) – tickets are $10 for general admission $5 for children under age 12.

Rocky Marciano Dinner Reception, 7 p.m., Massasoit Conference Center, 770 Crescent St. – invitation only

Sunday, Sept. 23rd
Rocky Marciano Statue Dedication, 1 p.m., Rocky Marciano Stadium, Brockton High School, 470 Forest Ave. – free and open to the public

Statue Dedication Reception, 2:30 p.m., Campanelli Stadium, 1 Feinberg Way (use 470 Forest Ave. for GPS directions) – free and open to the public

For more information about Rocky Marciano Statue Dedication weekend, visit www.rockystatue.org or call the Mayor’s Office at (508) 580-7123.