I too don't believe Rocky was the greatest heavyweight champion ever. However, he is one of the greatest. He fought at primarily a light heavyweight weight of about 185 lbs. His knockout percentage is the highest ever and some of his opponents had very good records. In fact, some of his opponents were ahead on score cards until Rocky knocked them out. Also, Rocky scored the only knockdown in the 1st LaStarza fight. Keep in mind that Rocky had one of the most powerful punches ever and that he fought (as an example) 8 fights between 1949 and 1951, two of which took place just 3 weeks apart. It was a different era when there was a strong element of humility, appreciation, and overall decency present in sports figures and he is remembered for those characteristics as much as his boxing prowess.