The big stone guy in Oolitic was the 1940's Mario

 

 In September 1948, a limestone Joe Palooka statue (in a flowing cape) was erected on a hill overlooking Indiana State Road 37. In 1984, the nine-foot high, ten-ton statue and its base were moved and rededicated to the Town Hall in Oolitic, Indiana. 

Did you know that he was somewhat of a old world gaming mascot? He's a little forgotten here in the US aside from a STILL running IDW comic book:

 

It apparently has seen a Japanese translation and according to some friends there was even a four episode Anime that was produced in the early 90s

 

 

The Palooka pinball machine, released by Williams Electronic Games in April 1964, is themed around boxing and was designed by Steve Kordek, with artwork by Art Stenholm. It was inspired by the popular Joe Palooka comic strip, which followed the adventures of a heavyweight boxing champion.

 

In magazines they sold a fitness kit, marketed at kids, my dad admitted he had one in his early teens:

 The bop bag!

 

He also had a fighting game (Sorry for the terrible pictures)  It was even single player!

 

 

I am still in search of the Anime produced with Joe as the star and intend on finding more if any more modern instances of him popping up in pop culture. The next time you are in Oolitic, paying your water bill or going to the Dollar General, so give ol' Joe a hug (don't get arrested by the Marshall)