1951

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP

ROCKY MARCIANO

vs

JOE LOUIS

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN

$2.00

"THE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY"

• A crowd of 17,241 produced a gross gate of $152,845. Another $185,000 came from the sale of radio and TV rights.
• Louis received a purse of $132,000, and Marciano got $44,000.
• Louis was a 6 to 5 betting favorite.
• Louis was knocked down by a left hook in the eighth round. He got to one knee at the count of three and took an eight-count before getting up. Marciano moved in for the kill and ended the fight with a right that sent Louis through the ropes and onto the ring apron.