Tippy Larkin


Tippy Larkin, born Antonio Pilliteri, was an American boxer from New Jersey who took the world light-welterweight boxing championship on April 29, 1946, in a twelve-round unanimous decision against Willie Joyce in Boston. From 1935 to 1946, Larkin's record was 114–9. He had Angelo Pucci as manager throughout his career, and during the nineteen bouts he had at Madison Square Garden.

Early life and career

Larkin was born on December 11, 1917, to a family of Italian heritage, in Garfield, New Jersey. He took the name Tippy from the initials for his real name Antonio Pilliteri, or Tony Pilliteri. He got the name Larkin from his older brother Frank who had boxed as Bobby Larkin.
In 1934, at the age of seventeen, the young Larkin went off to work for a camp of the Civilian Conservation Corp during America's great depression, and soon helped to start inter-camp boxing matches with his co-workers. According to the legend he scored nine straight knockouts in these first amateur bouts.
Between March 1935 and October 1936, he won twenty-nine straight fights, many by knockout. His winning record throughout his early career was remarkable.
By December 19, 1938, Larkin was rated sixth in the World among American Lightweights, with Henry Armstrong as Champion and Lou Ambers rated first.
Demonstrating he was not invincible, on March 8, 1940, Texan Lew Jenkins knocked him out in the first round at Madison Square Garden. Jenkins was considered a knockout specialist. "Tearing out with the bell, the slugger from the Southwest took command immediately. He threw both fists without a stop, finally connecting with a series of solid lefts and rights and Larkin dropped in his corner."
After an eight-month lay off to recover from an illness, Larkin stopped Joey Silva on March 13, 1941, in a fourth-round technical knockout in Jersey City, New Jersey. The bout was stopped at 1:49 into the fourth round by the referee because of a cut near Silva's eye.
In the spring of 1942, Larkin shot himself in the shoulder while cleaning his 22 rifle at home. He fought only once between February and May of that year, but was not badly injured and resumed his boxing career with considerable success by June.
In a ramp up to the NYSAC Lightweight Championship, on October 26, 1942, Larkin knocked out Abe Denner in 2:53 of the second round at Laurel Garden Arena in New Jersey. Denner had been down for a count of eight in the second round, before the knockout. Larkin weighed 137 for the bout, actually two pounds over the lightweight limit.

World Light title attempt

On December 18, 1942, he fought Beau Jack for the New York State Athletic Commission's World Lightweight Title, losing in a third-round knockout at Madison Square Garden. The bout was the first in an elimination tournament for the Lightweight Championship staged by the NYAC, after Sammy Angott had vacated the title. Larkin was knocked out by a right from Jack near a neutral corner in one minute and nineteen seconds of the third round, but had gone down for a one count in the first round. The fighting was fierce with many punches connecting, and few pauses from the constant punching by both opponents. Both boxers weighed between 133-34, in the lightweight range. A large crowd of 18,817 were on hand to see the bout at the Garden.

Loss to Henry Armstrong

[Image:Henry Armstrong.jpg|220 px|left|thumb|Henry Armstrong]
On March 9, 1943, he lost to former triple World Champion Henry Armstrong in a second-round knockout before a crowd of 8,000 in Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. Armstrong was attempting a comeback and had formerly held the record for the most consecutive defenses of the World Welterweight Title. Though Armstrong was a strong draw in his native state, the Light Welterweight division was not. Armstrong knocked out Larkin in one minute and nine seconds of the second round. Both boxers were weighed in at the light welterweight range of around 140 pounds. Losing to Armstrong was no disgrace, as the great champion Barney Ross discovered in his career ending bout with Armstrong in May 1938.

Important opponents, 1943–44

On November 15, 1943, Larkin gained a ten-round points decision over Rhode Island native Al Costa, in Providence, Rhode Island, giving "an almost perfect exhibition of boxing skill". Costa was considered a competent welterweight. Larkin was already boxing at 142 pounds, well into the welterweight range.
On December 10, 1943, Larkin knocked out "Doll" Rafferty halfway through the second round of a scheduled ten round bout at the Mechanic's Building in Boston. Larkin's weight was 136, near the top of the lightweight limit. Rafferty was down twice, once for a count of nine, before the blow which put him on the canvas for the count of ten.
On January 14, 1944, Larkin fought a rough ten-round draw against Bobby Ruffin at Madision Square Garden. A very substantial crowd of 15,323 watched the close bout at the Garden, and the bout gained a greater audience as it was one of the first widely televised boxing matches. Ruffin's manager, Maurie Waxman, was displeased with the Draw ruling.

Win over LuLu Constantino

On February 9, 1944, Larkin easily won a ten-round points decision against LuLu Constantino, considered an important opponent, at Madison Square Garden. A crowd of 11,535 watched the bout. Tippy boxed at just under 140 pounds, and took a penalty for not being able to make 137. Using his longer reach, he landed solidly, and rocked Constantino in the fourth, sixth, seventh, and eighth rounds.

Win over Allie Stoltz

On March 23, 1944, he defeated Allie Stolz, a well rated lightweight, at Madison Square Garden. Stoltz had the better of the bout in the first two rounds, then overconfident and taunting in the third, he took two hard rights to the chin spaced apart, going down for both before the referee stopped the bout. Larkin was slightly over the lightweight limit at 137 pounds, and into light welterweight territory. The bout was fought before 15,373 fans at the Garden, a sizable crowd. Larkin would have trouble staying within the lightweight and later junior welterweight limit in his career.
On June 2, 1944, Larkin achieved an eighth-round technical knockout over Freddie Archer at Madison Square Garden. He stopped Archer with a very strong straight right arm and the fight eventually ended when the referee stopped the fight one minute and twenty four seconds into the eighth round. Archer was briefly unconscious on the ropes after the blow, and was hospitalized overnight.
Larkin appeared on the cover of The Ring magazine in July 1944, gaining recognition as an up-and-coming boxer who was a candidate for the Lightweight championship.

World Light Welter champ, 1945

Larkin first met Joyce on August 3, 1945, in a ten-round unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden. The bout was described by one source as "one of the best fights of his career". In front of a crowd of over 13,000, Larkin defeated Joyce, though he was a slight underdog in the betting. Larkin had taken an entire year off from boxing prior to the bout to work in a war plant. Both boxers took some serious blows in the bout, with Larkin's left eye blackened.
On March 22, 1946, Larkin outpointed Nick Moran in ten rounds, at Madison Square Garden. Larkin weighed just over 140 for the bout, again fighting as a welterweight.
In their second meeting, Larkin took the World Light-Welterweight championship on April 29, 1946, in a twelve-round Unanimous Decision over Willie Joyce in Boston. Larkin was ruled to have won ten of the twelve rounds in what was considered a small crowd of under 8,000 for the championship fight at the Garden. Though Joyce had Larkin down three times for eight counts in the third round, Larkin came back for the remaining nine rounds and won the bout in the end.

World Light Welter defenses

In a rematch with Joyce, Larkin successfully defended the Light-welterweight championship only once on September 13, 1946, in Madison Square Garden in a twelve-round Unanimous Decision. Sometime after the bout, most likely unable to consistently maintain the restrictive weight, Larkin vacated the Light Welterweight championship. The division was discontinued for several years after Larkin held it, until he was succeeded by Carlos Ortiz thirteen years later.
On February 14, 1947, Charlie Fusari knocked out Larkin in the ninth round at Madison Square Garden, putting him on the canvas a total of nine times in the rather one-sided fight. A crowd of 18, 494 packed the Garden to see the bout. Larkin was down on the mat in the first, second, seventh, and eight rounds. On October 21, 1948, Larkin would lose again to Fusari at the Armory in New Jersey, in a sixth-round technical knockout. Fusari was considered at one time a top contender for the World Welterweight Championship.
On March 21, 1947, Larkin defeated Billy Graham, a highly rated welterweight before a crowd of 14, 054 at Madison Square Garden. Larkin easily won a unanimous ten-round decision by the judges. In the first two rounds, Graham forced the fighting landing squarely in the first, and leaving a considerable gash on Larkin's nose in the second that later required stitches. From the third round on, Larkin effectively counterpunched Graham and gain a lead on points in every successive round. Graham only threatened in the seventh with a left hook to the chin that connected, but from which Larkin recovered. The judges gave Graham no more than two rounds in the bout.
On June 20, 1947, Larkin was knocked out by Ike Williams, NBA Lightweight Champion, in the fourth round of a non-title fight at Madison Square Garden. Larkin had been down once in the important bout for a count of nine in the fourth, before resuming the fight, and later being down and counted out later in the round.
Larkin's last fight would be loss by fourth-round technical knockout on December 29, 1952, against Steve Marcello, in Providence, Rhode Island. Larkin's manager immediately announced he would retire after the bout.

Reckless driving in 1957

On September 18, 1957, Larkin was arrested for drunken driving, and driving without a license or registration in New York.
On October 25, 1957, Larkin suffered a broken left leg and several broken ribs in a head on car accident which was later determined to have been his fault. Larkin was driving South in the Northbound lane. In early 1958 as a result of the October accident, he was sentenced to one to three years and jailed for causing death by reckless driving. His attorney claimed he was also a victim in the automobile crash that caused the unfortunate death of the New Jersey driver whose car he struck, but could not prevent Larkin's sentence.

Death

Larkin retired from boxing in 1952.
He died on December 10, 1991, in Passaic, New Jersey, of kidney failure. He was buried on December 14 in Clifton, New Jersey.
Larkin was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.

Professional boxing record

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec, unless otherwise stated.

Official record

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRoundDateLocationNotes
151LossSteve MarcelloTKO4 Dec 29, 1952 Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
150Win131–12–1 Maurice JenkinsUD8Dec 11, 1952 Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
149Win130–12–1 Maurice JenkinsUD10Oct 23, 1952 Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
148Loss129–12–1 Joey LupoRTD1 Mar 6, 1952 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
147Win129–11–1 Alfredo La GruttaUD8Nov 29, 1951 Broadway Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
146Win128–11–1 Manouk MarkarianPTS8Nov 6, 1951 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
145Win127–11–1 Humberto SierraPTS8Oct 16, 1951 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
144Loss126–11–1 Bernard DocusenRTD5 Dec 7, 1949 Municipal Auditorium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
143Win126–10–1 Aldo MinelliPTS10Oct 24, 1949 Sports Arena, Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
142Win125–10–1 Hy MeltzerKO2 Sep 26, 1949Eastern Parkway Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
141Win124–10–1 Al EvansPTS8Aug 22, 1949Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
140Win123–10–1 Aldo MinelliPTS8Jun 27, 1949Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
139Win122–10–1 Al GuidoPTS10Jun 13, 1949Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
138Win121–10–1 Giacomo BoderoneTKO4 May 2, 1949Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
137Loss120–10–1 Charley FusariTKO6 Oct 21, 1948Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
136Win120–9–1 Ruby KesslerPTS8Aug 31, 1948Twin City Bowl, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
135Win119–9–1 Willie BeltramTKO5 Aug 5, 1948Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
134Win118–9–1 Joe LucignanoUD10Jul 26, 1948Queensboro Arena, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
133Win117–9–1 Ruby KesslerUD10May 10, 1948Eastern Parkway Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
132Win116–9–1 Joe LucignanoPTS10Apr 20, 1948Jersey City Gardens, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
131Win115–9–1 Billy KearnsUD10Apr 13, 1948Salem Arena, Salem, Massachusetts, U.S.
130Win114–9–1 Joe DiMartinoUD10Jan 26, 1948Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
129Win113–9–1 Pete ManchioUD10Dec 29, 1947Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
128Win112–9–1 Ernie PetroneTKO5 Dec 18, 1947Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
127Loss111–9–1 Ike WilliamsKO4 Jun 20, 1947Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
126Win111–8–1 Lou FortunaTKO6 Jun 4, 1947Pierce Memorial Field, East Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
125Win110–8–1 Billy GrahamUD10Mar 21, 1947Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
124Loss109–8–1 Charley FusariTKO9 Feb 14, 1947Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
123Win109–7–1 Tommy MillsTKO4 Nov 21, 1946Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
122108–7–1 Johnny JonesNC1 Nov 5, 1946Recreation Center, Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
121Win108–7–1 Willie JoyceUD12Sep 13, 1946Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.Retained NYSAC and NBA light-welterweight titles
120Win107–7–1 Bobby McIntirePTS10Aug 21, 1946Arcadia Club, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
119Win106–7–1 Bobby ClausKO5 Aug 1, 1946Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
118Win105–7–1 Willie JoyceUD12Apr 29, 1946Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.Won vacant NYSAC and NBA light-welterweight titles
117Win104–7–1 Nick MoranUD10Mar 22, 1946Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
116Win103–7–1 Bobby McIntireUD10Mar 6, 1946Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
115Win102–7–1 Solomon StewartKO3 Feb 20, 1946Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
114Win101–7–1 Nick MoranUD10Nov 16, 1945Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
113Win100–7–1 Willie JoyceUD10Aug 3, 1945Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
112Win99–7–1 Joey GambaroKO2 Jul 17, 1944Sargent Field, New Bedford, New Jersey, U.S.
111Win98–7–1 Jackie PetersKO2 Jun 29, 1944Carney Auditorium, Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
110Win97–7–1 Freddie ArcherTKO8 Jun 2, 1944Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
109Win96–7–1 Allie StolzTKO3 Mar 23, 1944Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
108Win95–7–1 Lulu CostantinoUD10Feb 9, 1944Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
107Draw94–7–1 Bobby RuffinPTS10Jan 14, 1944Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
106Win94–7 Gene WardKO4 Dec 20, 1943Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
105Win93–7 Doll RaffertyKO2 Dec 10, 1943Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
104Win92–7 Al CostaUD10Nov 15, 1943Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
103Win91–7 George DotyRTD4 Oct 29, 1943Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
102Win90–7 Johnny JonesPTS8Oct 16, 1943Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
101Win89–7 Patsy SpataroPTS10Sep 15, 1943Twin City Bowl, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
100Win88–7 Harry TeaneyUD10Aug 20, 1943Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
99Win87–7 Ruby GarciaPTS8Aug 17, 1943MacArthur Stadium, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
98Win86–7 Johnny JonesPTS8Jul 20, 1943Twin City Bowl, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
97Win85–7 Bobby McIntireTKO5 Jun 23, 1943Twin City Bowl, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
96Win84–7 Joe De JesusTKO5 Jun 17, 1943Mooers Field, Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
95Loss83–7 Henry ArmstrongKO2 Mar 8, 1943 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
94Loss83–6 Beau JackKO3 Dec 18, 1942Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.For vacant NYSAC lightweight title
93Win83–5 Freddie ArcherPTS10Nov 16, 1942Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
92Win82–5 Abe DennerKO2 Oct 26, 1942Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
91Win81–5 Charley 'Dixie' DavisRTD7 Oct 19, 1942St. Nicholas Arena, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
90Win80–5 Charley 'Dixie' DavisPTS10Oct 5, 1942Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
89Win79–5 Billy DavisPTS10Jun 23, 1942Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
88Win78–5 Carmine FattaPTS8Jun 9, 1942MacArthur Stadium, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
87Win77–5 Leo RodakPTS10Jun 3, 1942Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
86Win76–5 Jerry MooreUD10Apr 13, 1942Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
85Win75–5 Chester RicoPTS8Jan 30, 1942Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
84Win74–5 Tommy CrossTKO6 Jan 12, 1942Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
83Win73–5 Carmine FattaPTS8Dec 22, 1941Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
82Win72–5 Tommy SpeigalPTS8Dec 16, 1941Grotto Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
81Win71–5 Joey ZoddaKO4 Sep 16, 1941Belmont Park, Garfield, New Jersey, U.S.
80Win70–5 George ZengarasPTS10Aug 8, 1941High School Field, Asbury Park, New Jersey, U.S.
79Win69–5 Ray BontiTKO1 Jul 18, 1941Lodi Stadium, Lodi, New Jersey, U.S.
78Win68–5 Freddie ArcherTKO1 Jun 16, 1941Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
77Win67–5 Abe CohenKO2 May 5, 1941Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
76Win66–5 Norman RahnTKO3 Mar 24, 1941Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
75Win65–5 Joey SilvaTKO4 Mar 13, 1941Grotto Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
74Win64–5 Maxie FisherPTS10Aug 12, 1940Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
73Win63–5 Johnny RohrigPTS10Jun 25, 1940Belmont Park, Garfield, New Jersey, U.S.
72Win62–5 Frankie WallaceKO4 Jun 3, 1940Belmont Park, Garfield, New Jersey, U.S.
71Win61–5 Jimmy LancasterTKO3 May 7, 1940Grotto Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
70Loss60–5 Lew JenkinsKO1 Mar 8, 1940Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
69Loss60–4 Al 'Bummy' DavisKO5 Dec 15, 1939Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
68Win60–3 Joey GrebPTS8Dec 7, 1939Armory, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
67Win59–3 Steve HalaikoTKO2 Nov 27, 1939Kanter's Auditorium, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
66Loss58–3 Jack 'Kid' BergPTS10Jun 6, 1939Belmont Park, Garfield, New Jersey, U.S.
65Win58–2 Billy BeauhuldPTS10Apr 10, 1939Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
64Win57–2 George ZengarasPTS8Feb 3, 1939Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
63Win56–2 Billy BeauhuldTKO10 Jan 6, 1939Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
62Win55–2 Jackie SavinoKO3 Dec 26, 1938Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
61Win54–2 Charley BurnsPTS8Dec 19, 1938Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
60Win53–2 Freddie 'Red' CochranePTS15Aug 29, 1938Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
59Win52–2 Frankie WallacePTS10Aug 15, 1938Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
58Win51–2 Eddie ZivicKO1 Aug 2, 1938Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
57Win50–2 Freddie 'Red' CochranePTS10Jul 5, 1938Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
56Win49–2 Johnny RohrigPTS10Jun 8, 1938Wessington Stadium, Clifton, New Jersey, U.S.
55Win48–2 Julio GonzalesPTS8May 23, 1938Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
54Win47–2 Tommy GradyTKO3 May 5, 1938Armory, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
53Win46–2 Pedro NievesTKO5 Mar 24, 1938Armory, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
52Win45–2 Charley BadamiPTS8Mar 15, 1938New York Coliseum, Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
51Win44–2 Pete MasciaTKO2 Mar 10, 1938Armory, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
50Win43–2 Jackie StewartTKO6 Feb 10, 1938Armory, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
49Win42–2 Mickey DucaPTS8Jan 31, 1938Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
48Win41–2 Lew MasseyPTS10Dec 14, 1937Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
47Win40–2 Maxie FisherPTS10Nov 15, 1937Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
46Win39–2 Maxie FisherPTS10Oct 25, 1937Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
45Win38–2 Johnny MasonKO3 Sep 3, 1937Ocean View A.A., Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
44Win37–2 Maxie FisherPTS10Jul 13, 1937Ollemar Field, Irvington, New Jersey, U.S.
43Win36–2 Freddie 'Red' CochranePTS10Jul 2, 1937Ocean View A.A., Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
42Win35–2 Jimmy CogmanTKO4 Jun 18, 1937Ocean View A.A., Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
41Win34–2 Freddie 'Red' CochranePTS10May 24, 1937Ollemar Field, Irvington, New Jersey, U.S.
40Win33–2 Freddie 'Red' CochranePTS9Mar 22, 1937Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
39Win32–2 Jimmy CogmanPTS8Mar 15, 1937Amusement Academy, Plainfield, New Jersey, U.S.
38Loss31–2 Mickey DucaPTS8Mar 1, 1937Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
37Win31–1 Tony MarengoTKO4 Feb 8, 1937Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
36Win30–1 Chang ColluraNWS6Jan 18, 1937Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
35Win30–1 Jimmy CogmanPTS8Dec 29, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
34Win29–1 Meyer AlperPTS8Dec 14, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
33Win28–1 George CarloPTS8Nov 6, 1936Kanter's Auditorium, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
32Win27–1 Chang ColluraPTS6Oct 30, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
31Loss26–1 Chang ColluraPTS6Oct 16, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
30Win26–0 Dick McClintickKO1 Sep 28, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
29Win25–0 Jimmy QuinnPTS6Sep 23, 1936Rutherford City Field, Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S.
28Win24–0 Young BuckeyPTS6Sep 15, 1936Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
27Win23–0 Walter ChapmanTKO4 Sep 11, 1936Boardwalk Arena, Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
26Win22–0 Al SimmonsPTS6Aug 31, 1936Meadowbrook Field, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
25Win21–0 Andre SarillaNWS6Aug 11, 1936Braddock Bowl, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
24Win21–0 Jackie CorcoranNWS6Jul 31, 1936Ocean View A.A., Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
23Win21–0 Sammy MillerTKO2 Jul 17, 1936Boardwalk Arena, Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
22Win20–0 Jimmy DonatoTKO2 Jul 3, 1936Boardwalk Arena, Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
21Win19–0 Teddy AdamsKO2 Jun 29, 1936Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
20Win18–0 Eddie CapanaKO3 Jun 5, 1936Boardwalk Arena, Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
19Loss17–0 Johnny ScibelliNWS6Jun 2, 1936Braddock Bowl, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
18Win17–0 Tommy MankinTKO1 May 11, 1936Columbia Park, North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.
17Win16–0 Dominic PasqualeKO2 May 4, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
16Win15–0 Lew FascioPTS6Apr 13, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
15Win14–0 Pete StewartKO2 Mar 9, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
14Win13–0 Phil BufatoKO1 Mar 3, 1936Braddock Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
13Win12–0 Eddie CapanaKO2 Feb 24, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
12Win11–0 Joe TimpanaroKO3 Feb 10, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
11Win10–0 Eddie CapanaPTS4Jan 27, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
10Win9–0 Lew FascioPTS4Jan 6, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
9Win8–0 Eddie CapanaKO2 Dec 23, 1935Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
8Win7–0 Nunzio BisognoTKO1 Dec 16, 1935Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
7Win6–0 Al GianettiKO1 Nov 7, 1935Music Hall, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
6Win5–0 Johnny GajaKO3 Oct 24, 1935Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.Exact date and location uncertain
5Win4–0 Tony CaprioPTS4Sep 23, 1935Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.Exact date and location uncertain
4Win3–0 Dominic PasqualePTS4Sep 16, 1935Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.Exact date and location uncertain
3Win2–0 Pete FlashTKO3 Jul 7, 1935Mueller's Grove, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
2Win1–0 Johnny FioreKO2 Mar 21, 1935Music Hall, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
1Loss0–0 Ed McGillickNWS3Mar 14, 1935Music Hall, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.

Unofficial record

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRoundDateLocationNotes
151LossSteve MarcelloTKO4 Dec 29, 1952 Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
150Win134–14–1 Maurice JenkinsUD8Dec 11, 1952 Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
149Win133–14–1 Maurice JenkinsUD10Oct 23, 1952 Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
148Loss132–14–1 Joey LupoRTD1 Mar 6, 1952 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
147Win132–13–1 Alfredo La GruttaUD8Nov 29, 1951 Broadway Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
146Win131–13–1 Manouk MarkarianPTS8Nov 6, 1951 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
145Win130–13–1 Humberto SierraPTS8Oct 16, 1951 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
144Loss129–13–1 Bernard DocusenRTD5 Dec 7, 1949 Municipal Auditorium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
143Win129–12–1 Aldo MinelliPTS10Oct 24, 1949 Sports Arena, Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
142Win128–12–1 Hy MeltzerKO2 Sep 26, 1949Eastern Parkway Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
141Win127–12–1 Al EvansPTS8Aug 22, 1949Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
140Win126–12–1 Aldo MinelliPTS8Jun 27, 1949Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
139Win125–12–1 Al GuidoPTS10Jun 13, 1949Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
138Win124–12–1 Giacomo BoderoneTKO4 May 2, 1949Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
137Loss123–12–1 Charley FusariTKO6 Oct 21, 1948Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
136Win123–11–1 Ruby KesslerPTS8Aug 31, 1948Twin City Bowl, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
135Win122–11–1 Willie BeltramTKO5 Aug 5, 1948Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
134Win121–11–1 Joe LucignanoUD10Jul 26, 1948Queensboro Arena, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
133Win120–11–1 Ruby KesslerUD10May 10, 1948Eastern Parkway Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
132Win119–11–1 Joe LucignanoPTS10Apr 20, 1948Jersey City Gardens, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
131Win118–11–1 Billy KearnsUD10Apr 13, 1948Salem Arena, Salem, Massachusetts, U.S.
130Win117–11–1 Joe DiMartinoUD10Jan 26, 1948Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
129Win116–11–1 Pete ManchioUD10Dec 29, 1947Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
128Win115–11–1 Ernie PetroneTKO5 Dec 18, 1947Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
127Loss114–11–1 Ike WilliamsKO4 Jun 20, 1947Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
126Win114–10–1 Lou FortunaTKO6 Jun 4, 1947Pierce Memorial Field, East Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
125Win113–10–1 Billy GrahamUD10Mar 21, 1947Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
124Loss112–10–1 Charley FusariTKO9 Feb 14, 1947Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
123Win112–9–1 Tommy MillsTKO4 Nov 21, 1946Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
122111–9–1 Johnny JonesNC1 Nov 5, 1946Recreation Center, Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
121Win111–9–1Willie JoyceUD12Sep 13, 1946Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.Retained NYSAC and NBA light-welterweight titles
120Win110–9–1Bobby McIntirePTS10Aug 21, 1946Arcadia Club, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
119Win109–9–1Bobby ClausKO5 Aug 1, 1946Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
118Win108–9–1Willie JoyceUD12Apr 29, 1946Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.Won vacant NYSAC and NBA light-welterweight titles
117Win107–9–1Nick MoranUD10Mar 22, 1946Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
116Win106–9–1Bobby McIntireUD10Mar 6, 1946Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
115Win105–9–1Solomon StewartKO3 Feb 20, 1946Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
114Win104–9–1Nick MoranUD10Nov 16, 1945Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
113Win103–9–1Willie JoyceUD10Aug 3, 1945Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
112Win102–9–1Joey GambaroKO2 Jul 17, 1944Sargent Field, New Bedford, New Jersey, U.S.
111Win101–9–1Jackie PetersKO2 Jun 29, 1944Carney Auditorium, Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
110Win100–9–1Freddie ArcherTKO8 Jun 2, 1944Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
109Win99–9–1Allie StolzTKO3 Mar 23, 1944Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
108Win98–9–1Lulu CostantinoUD10Feb 9, 1944Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
107Draw97–9–1Bobby RuffinPTS10Jan 14, 1944Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
106Win97–9Gene WardKO4 Dec 20, 1943Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
105Win96–9Doll RaffertyKO2 Dec 10, 1943Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
104Win95–9Al CostaUD10Nov 15, 1943Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
103Win94–9George DotyRTD4 Oct 29, 1943Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
102Win93–9Johnny JonesPTS8Oct 16, 1943Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
101Win92–9Patsy SpataroPTS10Sep 15, 1943Twin City Bowl, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
100Win91–9Harry TeaneyUD10Aug 20, 1943Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
99Win90–9Ruby GarciaPTS8Aug 17, 1943MacArthur Stadium, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
98Win89–9Johnny JonesPTS8Jul 20, 1943Twin City Bowl, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
97Win88–9Bobby McIntireTKO5 Jun 23, 1943Twin City Bowl, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
96Win87–9Joe De JesusTKO5 Jun 17, 1943Mooers Field, Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
95Loss86–9Henry ArmstrongKO2 Mar 8, 1943 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
94Loss86–8Beau JackKO3 Dec 18, 1942Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.For vacant NYSAC lightweight title
93Win86–7Freddie ArcherPTS10Nov 16, 1942Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
92Win85–7Abe DennerKO2 Oct 26, 1942Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
91Win84–7Charley 'Dixie' DavisRTD7 Oct 19, 1942St. Nicholas Arena, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
90Win83–7Charley 'Dixie' DavisPTS10Oct 5, 1942Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
89Win82–7Billy DavisPTS10Jun 23, 1942Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
88Win81–7Carmine FattaPTS8Jun 9, 1942MacArthur Stadium, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
87Win80–7Leo RodakPTS10Jun 3, 1942Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
86Win79–7Jerry MooreUD10Apr 13, 1942Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
85Win78–7Chester RicoPTS8Jan 30, 1942Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
84Win77–7Tommy CrossTKO6 Jan 12, 1942Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
83Win76–7Carmine FattaPTS8Dec 22, 1941Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
82Win75–7Tommy SpeigalPTS8Dec 16, 1941Grotto Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
81Win74–7Joey ZoddaKO4 Sep 16, 1941Belmont Park, Garfield, New Jersey, U.S.
80Win73–7George ZengarasPTS10Aug 8, 1941High School Field, Asbury Park, New Jersey, U.S.
79Win72–7Ray BontiTKO1 Jul 18, 1941Lodi Stadium, Lodi, New Jersey, U.S.
78Win71–7Freddie ArcherTKO1 Jun 16, 1941Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
77Win70–7Abe CohenKO2 May 5, 1941Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
76Win69–7Norman RahnTKO3 Mar 24, 1941Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
75Win68–7Joey SilvaTKO4 Mar 13, 1941Grotto Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
74Win67–7Maxie FisherPTS10Aug 12, 1940Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
73Win66–7Johnny RohrigPTS10Jun 25, 1940Belmont Park, Garfield, New Jersey, U.S.
72Win65–7Frankie WallaceKO4 Jun 3, 1940Belmont Park, Garfield, New Jersey, U.S.
71Win64–7Jimmy LancasterTKO3 May 7, 1940Grotto Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
70Loss63–7Lew JenkinsKO1 Mar 8, 1940Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
69Loss63–6Al 'Bummy' DavisKO5 Dec 15, 1939Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
68Win63–5Joey GrebPTS8Dec 7, 1939Armory, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
67Win62–5Steve HalaikoTKO2 Nov 27, 1939Kanter's Auditorium, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
66Loss61–5Jack 'Kid' BergPTS10Jun 6, 1939Belmont Park, Garfield, New Jersey, U.S.
65Win61–4Billy BeauhuldPTS10Apr 10, 1939Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
64Win60–4George ZengarasPTS8Feb 3, 1939Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
63Win59–4Billy BeauhuldTKO10 Jan 6, 1939Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
62Win58–4Jackie SavinoKO3 Dec 26, 1938Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
61Win57–4Charley BurnsPTS8Dec 19, 1938Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
60Win56–4Freddie 'Red' CochranePTS15Aug 29, 1938Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
59Win55–4Frankie WallacePTS10Aug 15, 1938Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
58Win54–4Eddie ZivicKO1 Aug 2, 1938Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
57Win53–4Freddie 'Red' CochranePTS10Jul 5, 1938Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
56Win52–4Johnny RohrigPTS10Jun 8, 1938Wessington Stadium, Clifton, New Jersey, U.S.
55Win51–4Julio GonzalesPTS8May 23, 1938Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
54Win50–4Tommy GradyTKO3 May 5, 1938Armory, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
53Win49–4Pedro NievesTKO5 Mar 24, 1938Armory, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
52Win48–4Charley BadamiPTS8Mar 15, 1938New York Coliseum, Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
51Win47–4Pete MasciaTKO2 Mar 10, 1938Armory, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
50Win46–4Jackie StewartTKO6 Feb 10, 1938Armory, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
49Win45–4Mickey DucaPTS8Jan 31, 1938Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
48Win44–4Lew MasseyPTS10Dec 14, 1937Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
47Win43–4Maxie FisherPTS10Nov 15, 1937Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
46Win42–4Maxie FisherPTS10Oct 25, 1937Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
45Win41–4Johnny MasonKO3 Sep 3, 1937Ocean View A.A., Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
44Win40–4Maxie FisherPTS10Jul 13, 1937Ollemar Field, Irvington, New Jersey, U.S.
43Win39–4Freddie 'Red' CochranePTS10Jul 2, 1937Ocean View A.A., Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
42Win38–4Jimmy CogmanTKO4 Jun 18, 1937Ocean View A.A., Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
41Win37–4Freddie 'Red' CochranePTS10May 24, 1937Ollemar Field, Irvington, New Jersey, U.S.
40Win36–4Freddie 'Red' CochranePTS9Mar 22, 1937Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
39Win35–4Jimmy CogmanPTS8Mar 15, 1937Amusement Academy, Plainfield, New Jersey, U.S.
38Loss34–4Mickey DucaPTS8Mar 1, 1937Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
37Win34–3Tony MarengoTKO4 Feb 8, 1937Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
36Win33–3Chang ColluraNWS6Jan 18, 1937Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
35Win32–3Jimmy CogmanPTS8Dec 29, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
34Win31–3Meyer AlperPTS8Dec 14, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
33Win30–3George CarloPTS8Nov 6, 1936Kanter's Auditorium, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
32Win29–3Chang ColluraPTS6Oct 30, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
31Loss28–3Chang ColluraPTS6Oct 16, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
30Win28–2Dick McClintickKO1 Sep 28, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
29Win27–2Jimmy QuinnPTS6Sep 23, 1936Rutherford City Field, Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S.
28Win26–2Young BuckeyPTS6Sep 15, 1936Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
27Win25–2Walter ChapmanTKO4 Sep 11, 1936Boardwalk Arena, Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
26Win24–2Al SimmonsPTS6Aug 31, 1936Meadowbrook Field, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
25Win23–2Andre SarillaNWS6Aug 11, 1936Braddock Bowl, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
24Win22–2Jackie CorcoranNWS6Jul 31, 1936Ocean View A.A., Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
23Win21–2Sammy MillerTKO2 Jul 17, 1936Boardwalk Arena, Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
22Win20–2Jimmy DonatoTKO2 Jul 3, 1936Boardwalk Arena, Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
21Win19–2Teddy AdamsKO2 Jun 29, 1936Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
20Win18–2Eddie CapanaKO3 Jun 5, 1936Boardwalk Arena, Long Branch, New Jersey, U.S.
19Loss17–2Johnny ScibelliNWS6Jun 2, 1936Braddock Bowl, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
18Win17–1Tommy MankinTKO1 May 11, 1936Columbia Park, North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.
17Win16–1Dominic PasqualeKO2 May 4, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
16Win15–1Lew FascioPTS6Apr 13, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
15Win14–1Pete StewartKO2 Mar 9, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
14Win13–1Phil BufatoKO1 Mar 3, 1936Braddock Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
13Win12–1Eddie CapanaKO2 Feb 24, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
12Win11–1Joe TimpanaroKO3 Feb 10, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
11Win10–1Eddie CapanaPTS4Jan 27, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
10Win9–1Lew FascioPTS4Jan 6, 1936Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
9Win8–1Eddie CapanaKO2 Dec 23, 1935Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
8Win7–1Nunzio BisognoTKO1 Dec 16, 1935Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
7Win6–1Al GianettiKO1 Nov 7, 1935Music Hall, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
6Win5–1Johnny GajaKO3 Oct 24, 1935Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.Exact date and location uncertain
5Win4–1Tony CaprioPTS4Sep 23, 1935Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.Exact date and location uncertain
4Win3–1Dominic PasqualePTS4Sep 16, 1935Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.Exact date and location uncertain
3Win2–1Pete FlashTKO3 Jul 7, 1935Mueller's Grove, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
2Win1–1Johnny FioreKO2 Mar 21, 1935Music Hall, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
1Loss0–1Ed McGillickNWS3Mar 14, 1935Music Hall, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.