There was talk of Baker facing heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano in early 1956. However, even though Baker defeated Nino Valdez on December 7, 1955, the championship bout never materialized. The bout against Valdez was a rematch of a bout fought in May 1953 and both were won by Baker by unanimous decisions.
There were conversations about Baker facing heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano in early 1956. However, despite Baker's win over Nino Valdez on December 7, 1955, the championship fight never materialized. The bout against Valdez was a rematch of a contest fought in May 1953 and both were won by Baker by unanimous decisions.