The victory turned Carnera from one of boxing’s all-time favorites to heavyweight champion, although debate over the legitimacy of the result would continue for decades.
Carnera entered the rematch determined to erase the memory of his unanimous decision loss to Sharkey two years ago. The competitor was already one of the most prominent figures in the sport due to his incredible size, weighing over 260 pounds at a time when most heavyweights never reached 200. His immense popularity among the Italian diaspora was matched by widespread skepticism from powerful critics who questioned his impressive boxing skills and prowess.
Sharkey, known as “The Boston Gob,” was considered a top professional. He had captured the heavyweight championship in 1932 with a controversial decision over Max Schmeling and saw the Carnera rematch as an opportunity to cement his position as champion. At first, Sharkey looked to be on his way to doing just that.
Using his sharp jab, quick footwork, and great experience, the defending champion dominated the opening rounds. Newspaper reports at the time had Sharkey comfortably ahead through five rounds as he repeatedly pounded the slow Carnera to the top while avoiding lengthy exchanges. The momentum changed dramatically in the sixth.
Carnera backed Sharkey into the ropes before unleashing a series of heavy punches. After taking out the champion for a while without drawing a score, Carnera came in and landed a right uppercut to Sharkey’s chin. The blow sent the champion to the canvas, where referee Arthur Donovan counted him out at 2:27 of the round.
Sharkey was still very confused after the count and had to be helped back to his corner.
The upset quickly became one of boxing’s biggest talking points. Due to ongoing allegations of organized crime influence in Carnera’s career, many observers questioned whether Sharkey lost on purpose. Others argue that Carnera just landed the last punch, saying that a right uppercut was enough to knock Sharkey out.
Sharkey has always denied allegations that he drowned. For the rest of his life, he insisted that Carnera’s punch was real and maintained that he was simply caught by a well-timed shot after controlling most of the contest.
Carnera’s reign was short. He successfully defended the heavyweight championship once before losing the title to Max Baer in June 1934. Nevertheless, his victory over Sharkey remains one of the most important moments in Italian sporting history and one of heavyweight boxing’s most enduring controversies.
Nearly a century later, the knock still divides historians. Others see it as the real rage produced by one well-placed punch. Some are still convinced that the circumstances surrounding the fight will leave an unanswered question hanging over boxing’s most popular tournament.
