He was Frank Sinatra's favorite fighter. Tami Mauriello started fighting professionally when he was 17 years old, as a light heavyweight. After two loses to Gus Lesnevich for that title, he moved up to the heavyweight division. In 1943, Sinatra paid $10,000 to buy an interest in his fellow Italian American. Sinatra sang the National Anthem before one of his fights. Eleven straight wins set up his title shot with Louis on September 18, 1946, in Yankee Stadium. This incredible photo shows the first round knockout. Mauriello ended his career with an 82 - 13 record. He later appeared in the movie classic, On The Waterfront, with fellow heavyweights Tony Galento and Abe Simon.
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82 wins, 13 losses.
ReplyDeleteA record, I am quite certain, any self-respecting MLB pitcher, NFL quarterback or NBA coach would certainly be more than proud to claim as their own.
Sinatra's favorite fighter in the lightweight division was Washington, Pa's own champion Sammy Angott. My mother had many stories of her childhood years when the Chairman of the Board would visit her Bronx apartment with her uncle Sammy.
ReplyDeleteI love your old boxing pieces. Thanks.