Carnera entered the rematch determined to erase the memory of his unanimous decision loss to Sharkey two years earlier. The challenger was already one of the sport’s most recognizable figures because of his extraordinary size, weighing more than 260 pounds at a time when most heavyweights barely topped 200. His immense popularity among Italian immigrants contrasted with widespread skepticism from critics who questioned both his boxing ability and the powerful interests guiding his career.
Sharkey, known as “The Boston Gob,” was regarded as the superior technician. He had captured the heavyweight championship in 1932 with a disputed split decision over Max Schmeling and viewed the Carnera rematch as an opportunity to strengthen his standing as champion. Early on, Sharkey looked well on his way to doing exactly that.
Using his sharper jab, quicker footwork, and greater experience, the defending champion controlled the opening rounds. Contemporary newspaper reports had Sharkey comfortably ahead through five rounds as he repeatedly beat the slower Carnera to the punch while avoiding prolonged exchanges. The momentum changed dramatically in the sixth.
Carnera backed Sharkey to the ropes before uncorking a series of heavy punches. After briefly knocking the champion off balance without drawing a count, Carnera stepped in and landed a crushing right uppercut to Sharkey’s chin. The blow sent the champion sprawling to the canvas, where referee Arthur Donovan counted him out at 2:27 of the round.
Sharkey was still badly dazed after the count and had to be helped back to his corner.
The upset immediately became one of boxing’s biggest talking points. Because of persistent allegations surrounding organized crime’s influence over Carnera’s career, many observers questioned whether Sharkey had intentionally lost. Others maintained that Carnera had simply landed the decisive punch, arguing the right uppercut was enough to knock Sharkey out.
Sharkey consistently rejected claims that he had taken a dive. Throughout the remainder of his life, he insisted Carnera’s punch was real and maintained that he had simply been caught by a perfectly timed shot after controlling most of the contest.
Carnera’s reign proved brief. He successfully defended the heavyweight championship once before losing the title to Max Baer in June 1934. Even so, his victory over Sharkey remains one of the defining moments in Italian sporting history and one of heavyweight boxing’s most enduring controversies.
Nearly a century later, the knockout still divides historians. Some see it as a genuine upset produced by one perfectly landed punch. Others remain convinced the circumstances surrounding the fight will forever leave an unanswered question hanging over one of boxing’s most famous championship changes.
