Rocky Graziano, born Thomas Rocco Barbella in New York City (1 January 1919 - May 22, 1990), was an outstanding italian-american boxer. Graziano was considered one of the greatest knockout artists in boxing history, often displaying the capacity to take his opponent out with a single punch. He was ranked 23rd on Ring Magazines (The Ring (magazine)) list of the greatest punchers of all time.

He was the son of a boxer, known as Fighting Nick Bob, and was born in Brooklyn. He later moved to Little Italy (Little Italy, Manhattan) in New Yorks Lower East Side. He grew up as a street fighter and learned to look after himself before he could read or write. He spent years in reform school, jail, and Catholic protectories.