Frank Battaglia (boxer)
Frank Battaglia (September 13, 1910 – December 17, 1971) was a Canadian boxer. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He competed in the men's lightweight event at the 1928 Summer Olympics.[1]
As a young teenager, Battaglia was attracted to boxing following a chance meeting with then World Heavyweight Champion Jack Dempsey at the Fort Garry Hotel.
As an amateur boxer, he represented Canada as a lightweight at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games. He lost on points to Robert Charles Smith of South Africa.
As a professional boxer, he compiled a record of 82 wins (KO 59) + 18 losses (KO 3) + 6 draws = 106. On January 13, 1933, in Madison Square Garden New York, Battaglia fought Ben Jeby for the World Middleweight Championship. Battaglia lost to Jeby in the 12th round by KO.[2] On May 11, 1937, in Seattle Washington Civic Auditorium, Battaglia fought Freddie Steele for the World Middleweight Championship. Battaglia lost to Steele in the 3rd round by KO.[3][4]
After his boxing career ended, Battaglia became a dog breeder in Minnesota, and later owned a farm in Wisconsin.
References
- "Frank Battaglia Bio, Stats, and Results". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 2020-04-18. Retrieved 2018-03-25.
- "Middleweight Mayhem at Madison Square Garden - The Ring". The Ring. 2017-03-14. Retrieved 2018-03-25.
- "STEELE KEEPS TITLE, STOPPING BATTAGLIA; Knocks Out Challenger in the Third Round of Middleweight Battle on Coast". The New York Times. 1937-05-12. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2018-03-25.
- "Steele Finishes Battaglia — Madera Tribune 26 May 1937 — California Digital Newspaper Collection". cdnc.ucr.edu. Retrieved 2018-03-25.