Marciano never showed real interest in becoming a professional fighter in his youth, although he was regarded as a tough kid, one who could, if pushed, fight, fight hard, and win.

It was not until he was called up to the service of his country in 1943, and an event occurred that he would try his best to forget, that he joined the boxing team at the base he was assigned near the end of his time in the forces, from here it was an almost natural progression onto the path that would lead him to the professional ranks.

His rise is captured in this first volume in as much depth as it has been possible to do in order to present the most complete account of the life of the remarkable Rocky Marciano.