Giant Rocky Marciano statue unveiled in Brockton

BROCKTON, Mass. (WHDH) -- A gigantic Rocky Marciano statue was unveiled in Brockton Sunday afternoon, 60 years to the day from when he earned the title of heavyweight champ.

“I wish my father was here today, because I know this would be his proudest moment of his lifetime,” said Rocky Marciano, Jr.

The legendary boxer, who died in 1969, can still draw a crowd. More than 7,000 people attended the dedication at Brockton High School, including some of the sport’s heavy-hitters.

“Make me feel right at home, think I want to buy a house up in here tomorrow,” said former heavyweight champion, Larry Holmes.

Another Massachusetts boxer, Mickey Ward, also attended the unveiling.

“A lot of kids looked up to him. It's just great that the city of Brockton has a statue like this you know, it's incredible,” said Ward.

“Rocky did not discriminate, he knocked out white and black alike,” said Don King, legendary boxing promoter.

Critics used to say Marciano was too small. He was five feet, 11 inches tall. Now standing at 22.5 feet, this is now the world largest statue of an athlete.

“The big name people who went out of their name to be here and that tells you a lot about the person they're coming to pay tribute to,” said Rocky’s brother, Peter Marciano.

The statue weighs two tons and cost $300 thousand dollars to make. It stands tall over Marciano Stadium at his alma mater, as a long-lasting reminder of his legacy; a boxing career that never saw a single loss.

“This statue is something that in such grandeur and magnificence is recognizing my father in a way I didn’t dream about. It makes a son who grew up proud of his father more proud than ever before,” said Rocky Marciano Junior.