Rocco "Rocky" Marciano received an extortion letter through his father advising him that his wife and child would be harmed unless he allowed Ezzard Charles beat him in the June 17, 1954, title fight. Rocky Marciano himself received a couple more letters and telephone calls advising him to lose the fight. An investigation revealed that the person writing the letters may be mentally retarded as letters were sent to some young girls living in the area of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The extortionist was identified and arrested. Charges were dropped and subject not prosecuted.
|