Coley Wallace - The Man Who Defeated Marciano

A look back at the life & career of Coley Wallace. His amateur and professional career saw him face legendary fighters like Rocky Marciano and Ezzard Charles. Beyond boxing, Wallace ventured into acting, portraying Joe Louis in a film and earning praise for his performance.

[@stephenarrigo5679]

I have a great Coley Wallace story...I met Mr. Wallace in the 90's at the Villa Roma resort in Callicoon, NY at a State boxing Symposium hosted by Randy Gordon and the State Athletic Commission...We had a great conversation and I shared I was a fight film collector and I had his fight with Ezzard Charles on VHS...He had NEVER seen it nor did he no there was a copy circulating...I promised to mail him a VHS cassette of the fight and he was overjoyed...Weeks later I received a thank you letter...He watched the fight with his family including grandchildren and they were in awe...He lost but fought very well...I was so happy to gift it to him!!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

That's a great story, Stephen, thanks.

[@michaelmoran2691]

Great memories Thanks for sharing,Ed C and all 🥊🥊🍀

[@quintinfranklin9168]

Wow, that's a great experience for you, & I can tell that you are a respectful being! Peace!

[@AdolfsGirl]

did he tell you about rocky

[@LetitGolazziter-uk9xi]

I remember watching the movie where he portrayed Joe, didn't know he was a real boxer.

[@alcatraz_444]

Damn i saw that vid on IG reels and watched the movie immediately. Never knew it was him

[@genekostron7998]

You beat me to it brotha, yes I have the same video cassette!

[@rstokes9518]

I loved that movie

[@AngelaKing-m5j]

I thought that was JOE LOUIS playing himself

[@yotamdude5866]

What is the movie name?

[@tomtoss2463]

The old were not on steroids like modern fighters.

[@ScottHendrix-yz3du]

Yep, they didn't believe in working out and they dieted almost religiously to be as light as possible.

[@quintinfranklin9168]

Thank you for sharing this history, I'm 63 & never heard of this gentleman, really enjoyed!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Quintin.

[@SteveWildasin]

Marciano was 55-5 in the Army. So he lost 5 fights as an amateur.

[@achilles704]

Most boxing fans ain't dodo. Booing a man risking his life to entertain you is low

[@No85Limits]

booing a bad decision is perfectly fine. stop that nonsense

[@KyleKay-gn3gj]

Marciano was undefeated. Wallace was not. No one cares about the amateur ranks.

[@TJ-kk5zf]

What the hell? Marciano was undefeated

[@user-wi9se5ll3j]

This is the man that made Marciano so good, the man who knocked Marciano down so bad that he would make a vow never to lose again.

[@user-wi9se5ll3j]

@@nastybastardatlive For the time yes, as for becoming champ I'm not sure. He must have destroyed Marciano so bad because Marciano ended up beating guys 40 to 70 pounds bigger then himself.

[@enigma9971]

Rocky got gassed out and vowed to never let it happen again

[@stanleyjackson6087]

What's even more astonishing no whitey beat Ali, Frazier, Michael Spinks and Floyd Mayweather. But every white has been beat by blacks lmao

[@AlexanderStHill]

In the amateurs , Ricky never lost as a pro

[@neilfraser2349]

Its a shame that there are always many who just have to put down great, successful stars. They revel to see great men defeated, just so they can say "see, he aint so great". And when they can't find a way to discount the achievements, well facts be damned, lets make something up. Those trolls LOVE the old claim that the fighters ducked those who could beat them and only fought nobodies. RUBBISH! Jersey Joe, Ezzard Charles, Joe Louis, Archie Moore, La Stanza, Lowry. These were all the top boxers at that time. Nobodies? Rocky retired in Sep 1955. At that time, Liston was not a big contender to be ducked. He was only 12 and 1 loss vs no big name fighters yet. He only became a name in 1959 with his first big name wins and rising record, winning the title in 1962. All LONG after Rocky was gone. THOSE are the facts. By the way (disclaimer, i didnt see the fight) are you aware that the whole stadium booed and rioted the close split decision, because they all said that Rocky was robbed in that fight. Wallace was just an average fighter, hyped just because of his resemblence to Joe Louis, and later, by alleged mob backing. Rocky was a great champion who did what no other heavyweight did since then. He NEVER lost a professional fight.

[@Lightningslick]

I saw Coley Wallace at The Felt Forum, part of Madison Square Garden, back in the mid-late 80s. I believe he was official time keeper that evening. R.I.P. Coley Wallace.

[@miganpereira2000]

Rocky Marciano se retiró invicto en el profesionalismo con 49 peleas 43 por KO y seis defensas a la corona y se retiró a pedido de su querida esposa. No se porque inventan mentiras de que ese Coley Wallace lo venció si fué en el amateurismo es otra historia la palabra mismo dice amateurs o sea que esta empezando a boxear.Hasta la actualidad Marciano es el unico campeon mundial peso pesado de la historia que se retiró invito

[@nyquil762]

Wow, I've never heard of this guy. Great video Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, nyquil.

[@tylerross9706]

i watched him vs ezzard Charles! this is cool that i get to learn more about this boxer. i also gathered that he was a boxer turned actor

[@brentcarterandfriends]

One thing not mentioned, he was a really kind, soft spoken man. He lived in East Harlem. You would never know that he had starred in movies. Really sweet guy. The last time I saw him in person was at my grandmother's funeral in 2000., a genuinely kind human being. He is missed

[@CopperAboriginies]

I live in Detroit, back in the very early 70's, Joe Louis told us as children about Coley Wallace as the Joe Louis fist was being unveiled in Down Town Detroit at Heart Plaza on Jefferson and Woodward. Joe spoke highly of Coley Wallace. Joe said! Corley was his twin...

[@ezsmith3765]

4:00 Wow a sports announcer from PRE 1965 who DOESNT talk nasally, annoying and 300 mph.

[@vestibulate]

@ezsmith3765 I believe that's Bill Coren (or Koren), prominent in the forties and fifties. I can't seem to find him through Google, but I'm fairly sure of the name.

[@juanjuan799]

Coley Wallace, was a total Gentleman. I saw him at the Olympic Auditorium in 1965, And again in 1968. Outside on 18th and grand ave, near Downtown los Angeles. The First time, he was talking to Elien Eaton. The second time, In the corner of 18th, and grand. My step dad knew him After the 2nd world war, in Philadelphia.

[@lordburlap4514]

Defeated Rocky?……hardly.

[@blackknight5339]

Why hardly? It's factual.

[@joep8787]

At :44, there's an article about Wallace Kayos blue blood Peter Fuller. I remember Fuller from Boston. He owned a Cadillac dealership in the 1960s.

[@chuckstuart]

Peter Fuller also owned the 1968 Kentucky Derby winner, Dancer's Image. Which was subsequently disqualified 3 days after the race for, what is still considered to be controversial, supposedly banned drug usage.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Interesting.

[@whip57]

Thanks for this, always interesting to see some of the older, less known boxers.🥊👏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, gmac.

[@beeandceeworld6042]

Coley Wallace did not beat Marciano Marciano never lost

[@elnick1000]

I knew he had been a boxer, and had portrayed Joe Louis in that movie. But thanks for the information regarding his being Joe Louis when Jake Lamota played by Robert Diniro in Raging Bull. When I saw the movie, I thoiught that this must be JOe Louis, but did not know it was Wallace playing that role. In the audio commentaries for that film, never mentioned. Like GODFATHER PART 3, never mentioned about Vito Antofuermo playing a body guard.

[@fredjonestowns4213]

He scored fights like me, a lot of draw rounds. I just think you have to "clearly" win a round to get a point. Just my opinion.

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the amazing video Rich ❤

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, John.

[@martingray702]

Interesting I have never heard from of Mr.. Wallace

[@mider-spanman5577]

Wow! In the beginning of the video I was thinking how he looks like a mixture of Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali! I'm going to have to watch that movie The Joe Louis Story! It looks quite good actually.

[@exnihilio89]

A good watch, you'll like it

[@JoeBuck-uc3bl]

I didn’t even know there was such a movie, nice, I’ll check it out too. I was disappointed with the George Foreman movie.

[@johnreidy2804]

@@JoeBuck-uc3bl I was disappointed in Will Smith's portrayal of Mohammed Ali. All Smith did was walk around slapping everyone...when they were not ready

[@liecrusher3506]

It's s pretty decent movie.

[@jonjones7137]

​@johnreidy2804 seriously?

[@2383Scorpio]

Good video on Coley Wallace. One factcheck there. Jimmy Bivins was 32 not 37 when he KO Coley Wallace in September 1952. Anyways, had Wallace fought Rocky Marciano in the pro ranks, it would be a different outcome as Marciano would wear Wallace down with body punches before setting him up with left hooks and right hands to knock Wallace cold imo. Anyways, keep it up Rich.

[@oncall21]

Excellent video Rich. I've been watching all of your recent ones and although I haven't been able to comment they are made at a nice short length and I love how you bring these lesser/unknown heroes of yesteryear to the attention of today. Thanks for sharing!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Always a pleasure, oncall21.

[@ItsBenRoyboy]

Great job

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, beefcake.

[@dorgenois100]

They must’ve threw more haymakers in those days than any era in boxing.

[@kidmack3556]

I think that is Wallace in "Raging Bull" in one the scenes. He's wearing a mustache, and a suit or sports coat congratulating Deniro (Jake LaMotta) in the ring. [Self Edit] I commented before watching your presentation... Ha haha! Rich, you covered that "cameo" in your video. I should've known that you would.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Haha, I don't include every detail but glad you caught it.

[@docrobinson703]

Amateur is not classed as professional the Rock never lost a professional fight

[@rickdearing3204]

Bull stories

[@paulhaig2467]

Fascinating story Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Paul.

[@darthwizzywizard]

Feel bad for the guy. Kind of a sad story. Hopefully he had a lot of good times.

[@JohnOwenBanks]

When Marciano was age 4, my father nearly KO'd him: Rocky fell over his crib, but got up in 1 second then KO'd my old man w/that Suzie-Q overhand right of his. So, I guess Rocky's record really ought to be: 50-0 w/44 KO's...!

[@blackknight5339]

Maybe it should be majority of Marciano big fights were against fighters past their primes Ezzard Charles, Joe Louis, Archie Moore and Joe Walcott 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@JohnOwenBanks]

@@blackknight5339They were all "old men" comin' out of WWII. Rocky started later than most, but still defeated them all. It's a fight, not just pro boxing. The best fighter won every pro bout he ever fought. RIP Champ ~

[@blackknight5339]

@@JohnOwenBanks He was the best at beating up old fighters and era where the heavyweight division was weak. He came along at the right time and at the right place. That's saying if Tyson Fury goes undefeated some will say he's the greatest. Look at how boxing is weak today.

[@JohnOwenBanks]

@@blackknight5339 Hey, black-eyed knight...troll somewhere else. Professionals know the truth...not you.

[@blackknight5339]

@user-qk5oi7xg1y The truth hurts, doesn't it?

[@alanleemaxwell831]

Absolutely great upload! Thank you 🙏😢🥊❤️

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Alan.

[@johnny5805]

By all accounts he gave an excellent performance as Joe Louis. So, it's strange that he was barely offered any other roles after that.

[@mdmcdd1117]

He did and it was a good movie

[@Boxingsmart]

It was in the amateurs and it was a rigged decision

[@Misterr-T]

49-0.

[@risboturbide9396]

Thank you, Rich! Could you do a video about Orlando Zulueta? 🍻

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Risbo. I'll add in Zulueta to the list.

[@TstanDa-Man]

Little story… I grew up one street over from the house Rocky Marciano grew up in and met Marvelous Marvin Hagler when I was 7 two houses down from Rocky’s when in 1987 he happened to be driving by and I chased his car on my bike and he pulled over to shake my hand and talk to me. Brockton Legends

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Awesome, I've heard nothing but good things about Hagler.

[@marquismorris1548]

Beautiful fighter great timing infighting skills. Boxing purists say 90% of boxing is mental which makes up for less physical talent.

[@vinniedixon1140]

If he fought Marciano again he'd have have lost without a doubt

[@Ken_Frazer-619]

Nope he would smash him like the first time as he's not a can or old

[@smokestack763]

If rocky and Wallace had fought again, Wallace would have hit rocky so hard that he(rocky) would've thought a plane had hit him.

[@Boxrec297]

@@Ken_Frazer-619 You don't have a clue. Cody Wallace was a decent amateur, and a lousy pro. Marciano would have destroyed the faker.

[@blackknight5339]

I agree Marciano had a thing for beating up mediocre fighters and old fighters past their primes his career was filled with that.

[@EverettBurger]

I wish he was a judge today. I have no issues with rounds being scored even

[@elnick1000]

For me the problem was when they had too many even rounds. The first Leonard-Duran fight case in point. one judge having it 2-1-12. The other judges were also not far behind. There was even a match back over a hundred years ago, where it was a 25 round match I believe. The referee, the sole judge, had every round even except one.

[@barryobee1544]

Great video, keep them coming please!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Barry, will do.

[@johnreidy2804]

@@RichtheFightHistorian Yes, keep them coming. We don't care if you make any money at it, we just want free content because we are a spoiled generation Thanks

[@thelog86]

Boi, he had a hard right

[@jaydebeer7251]

Marciano was a great fighter in his era. But no way he beats linston or a younger Joe Louis! Joe came put of retirement to fight Marciano. Marciano was very upset at having to fight and beat his hero.

[@Boxrec297]

Louis did not come out of retirement to fight Marciano. Joe Louis came out of retirement to fight Ezzard Charles.

[@bigglilwayne7050]

If where talking "what if's" Liston would've gotten destroyed if he was lined up across from Big George....

[@jaydebeer7251]

@@Boxrec297 I stand corrected he came out of retirement to regain the title! And marciano ended his comeback. So he was past his prime yes! Now a prime Louis v a prime marciano? Louis wins . Easily

[@Boxrec297]

@@jaydebeer7251 A very tough fight to call. Louis never fought anyone of the formidability of Rocky Marciano, even in Joe's prime. On the other hand, Rocky never fought anyone of the formidability of prime Joe Louis. Personally, I give Joe Louis the edge, personally, I think Joe Louis is the GOAT. But if you think Joe beats Rocky easy, you're out of your mind.

[@jimso771]

@@jaydebeer7251 Not a hope in hell’s chance of him beating Marciano, the fact is some people can’t handle the fact that Rocky was the greatest heavyweight fighter in history and he was not black.

[@bronysimpson3250]

400th like.

[@Robert-qm5so]

Another good video by you Doc Rich 👌

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Robert.

[@TEAMTALIAN187]

How do Did he defeat Rocky?

[@tomglorius8869]

Do one on the hawk aryon pryor of cincinnati..ohio😊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I have one on Pryor, it's a few videos back.

[@Jeff-f5x2g]

It's in the record book's so it must be so.. they were both soldiers in the Army. Wallace (US Army champ 46-47 ) RIP..🫡 🙏

[@LAR-hs2qt]

I also vaguely remember an old Movie of the Joe Lewis story--good actor. Obviously, a rarely seen educated boxer to go with his other multiple talents, Wallace's story is as amazing as it was bittersweet.

[@uthmaanpacsa7259]

Rocky Marciano would've easily lost to Larry Holmes 😊

[@mikemilliken3596]

That was amateur when rock did,nt have much experience and people say rock got robbed, i did,nt see it, however in a fifteen round fight nobody could beat rock. All this could,ve would,ve should,ve bullshit. Rock was the toughest roughest best conditioned heavyweight ever.rock may have permanently hurt him too.

[@williamca7067]

I’m sorry I completely disagree. Marciano was undefeated that fight that he had there’s no footage. Marciano should’ve won it. It was an amateur means nothing.

[@Oldtimerman]

Reminds me about Joe Louis, almost a twin brother

[@TheeRealJesus]

Losing every round to the Light-Heavyweight G.O.A.T. isn't the worst thing that could happen to a fighter.

[@yotamdude5866]

He defeated Rocky in the Emateurs lol Muhammad Ali and Joe Louis also lost back then because they were Emateurs

[@CharlesBetancourt-iq9oe]

They box and look in better shape than toys heavyweights.

[@merccadoosis8847]

Outstanding video. I watched the movie and remain amazed at the resemblance to the Brown Bomber. Up to now, however, I had not seen any of his fights & was not aware of his amateur background. Sad that his career was not rewarded as it should have been.

[@NachoLibre76]

Had to go to the Golden Gloves to find a guy that beat Marciano by controversial decision?? The title of this video tells u just how great Rocky was.

[@Gigantore-u4z]

Coley Wallace beat Marciano as an amateur. So what? It's not the only amateur bout the Rock lost.

[@junedeas84]

If this video make it big I'm sure you will receive plenty of hate speech

[@Grizzlied555]

It was just an amateur bout and Wallace got a gift decision.

[@banacek8675]

Thanks for another great video rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, banacek.

[@JosephMiller-hu7bq]

He played joe louis in a movie but he may have looked like Joe but the body or muscles he may not trained as hard.

[@ronaldlevao8251]

A great documentary. So many on the web are recycled, familiar stuff, but this has more actual footage of Wallace than I've ever seen. (The Joe Louis Story, a dull yet essential film for fans, uses paradoxical insertions of real Louis footage in the boxing segments.) Even the newspaper photo of Wallace vs. Marciano was new to me. Great work

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks very much, Ronald.

[@whitneywilliams317]

Didn't he play Joe louis?

[@montybennett5220]

Oh shit he played Joe Louis in the Joe Louis story (movie)

[@arronhaggerty8426]

No wonder why so many boxers died back in the day.

[@towers950]

top class as usual Rich ! thanks buddy

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Kim.

[@johnnydavis9494]

This dude look like Muhammad Ali right here

[@trillwallace4717]

In the matures he beat Rocky

[@cedricliggins7528]

Rich you should docu on Nino Valdes. I know you would do it justice

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I'll add him to the list, thanks.

[@christophercox936]

Those gloves looked small, like mma gloves.

[@daweilee1986]

He did an amazing job in the movie, I've got it on dvd. Some great boxing training scenes in there too of Joe being taught how to box. Thanks for another brilliant video.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Dawei.

[@liecrusher3506]

And of course, "Chappie".

[@serenityinside1]

Rich TFH: the man who doesn’t sleep - more postings than my mailman …and we’re delighted that’s so 😊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Haha, thanks for the support serenityinside1.

[@americatalkliveLA]

Always the best of boxing history from you Rich. Great content and much appreciated. #loveyourchannel

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks very much, americatalkliveLA.

[@ronaldcanzoni9400]

And how about Tiger TED LOWRY ??? Went TWICE THE DISTANCE WITH ROCKEY, PRO, you never hear about him.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I do get a fair amount of references to Lowry on some of the Marciano themed videos on the channel.

[@AbdulRashid-ii9xz]

Rocky Marciano had 49 fights and retired undefeated in 1956 the best boxer ever.

[@abelpagan7874]

Marciano was a bum who did he fought Walcott please...

[@Gigantore-u4z]

@@abelpagan7874 Marciano was not a bum. He is an ATG Boxing Hall of Famer and former World Heavyweight Champion.

[@StizzyDaWZR]

Dam that Short right 😮

[@johnaugsburger6192]

Thanks

[@Garry-d3d]

Actually folks watching the fight said Marciano won the fight, but truth be told Marciano would have lost a lot of fights if they were only 3 rounds.. To stay in the square circle for 15 rounds with Marciano was a totally different story ... Most of the trainers of Marciano's era said that he was a freak when it came to conditioning, he could throw 100 punches a round for the full 15 or more if needed, with knockout power in both hands and had a iron chin! That combination is a nightmare for 99% of Boxers.. Famous Trainer Don Turner said , Marciano was the hardest puncher with both hands that has ever fought and his punches did not have to travel far either ... He said when Marciano landed a solid punch he would turn and head to a neutral corner and his opponent would never be the same fighter again....

[@Grizzlied555]

Marciano had 23 of his 43 knockouts in the first three rounds.

[@BruceJackson-lx2dw]

A sad story.

[@marcedwards2464]

H nice

[@ezsmith3765]

Great MINI-doc

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Ez.

[@davidmcdonald9374]

I believe that Wallace and Joe Lewis was Brothers Because they look almost just alike

[@MrMLD1972]

👍🏾

[@cedricliggins7528]

Thanks Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Cedric.

[@Free_J_ghasta]

"Drop that club and get into that bed!"😂😂 Watch the movie

[@davepowell7168]

A brutally honest period of pugilism before widespread use of performance enhancing drugs became standard for some? Perhaps my memory is rose tinted though..

[@NemeanLion-]

Nice video. I wouldn’t be surprised that he beat Rocky early. Marciano was a different fighter before the first Walcott fight imo. He took a beating trying to crudely exchange with Walcott. Once he started to use a controlled attack, he started showing poise in the ring. I think that translated to the rest of his fights.

[@Xx-po1fu]

Him and Joe Louis look like they are brothers.

[@victorrvelazquez8700]

WWhen did that fight took place and where?

[@kasherimilkong1036]

He s as cute as Ali and Louis and he looks like em , no wonder the sexual assault as a youngster . Very insightful and refreshing video for history buffs like this Nigerian who fell in live with Boxing in the President J. F Kennedy library in Ahmadu Bello University,Zaria Northern Nigeria via the Encyclopedia Americana bcs of Muhd Ali. I hated it as a kid growing up even when I saw it onTV back in the 70s. By 1991 as a 20/ 21 year old in ABU, I saw those glossy pictures and read every frigging article, fight report and annual archives . I had a fascination about the chronicle of champions, their reign , height , weight, various weight categories etc. You can imagine my excitement at coming across this channel whc churns out old school historical boxing. Kindly do us a video on my favourite jolly good clowning but credible title contender, the Two Ton Tony Galento👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Kasheri. I had a video on Galento but had to take it down because of copyright issues.

[@kasherimilkong1036]

Noted sir. What about my country men, champions in the 50s and 60s, Dick Tiger and Hogan "Kid" Bassey? You ve got me as a subscriber anyway.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

@@kasherimilkong1036 I did a video on Dick Tiger awhile back. I'll have to see about adding Bassey to the to-do list.

[@AlamoCityCello]

Hey Rich, thanks for introducing me to Wallace. Good stuff there!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, John.

[@jamesmonroe6]

A great video

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, James.

[@stephaniekearse9647]

My grandfather said there was only one man who beat Rocky I was baffled because the only 2 men who came close was Ezzard Charles and Jersey Joe Walcott until he hit Joe with the Suzy Q great find Rich 🥊👍

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Stephanie.

[@gordonmorris6359]

THANKS for a great informative documentary on Coley Wallace, whom I saw portray Joe Louis (whom I met) when I was a kid, always a fan of Joe & Rocky (and many others), I never knew Coley decisioned Rocky in his amateur Golden Gloves phase, or the saga of Coley's life.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Gordon.