Tony Morgano

Tony Morgano (August 19, 1913 – February 2, 1984) was an American professional boxer, iron worker, politician and boxing trainer'

Tony Morgano
Statistics
Weight(s)135 lb (61 kg)
Height5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
NationalityAmerican
Born(1913-08-19)August 19, 1913
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
DiedFebruary 2, 1985(1985-02-02) (aged 71) [1]
StanceSouthpaw
Boxing record
WinsAt Least 55
Wins by KO25
Losses11
Draws5

During the 1930's Morgano was a left-handed professional boxer who defeated Freddie Miller, Baby Arizmendi, Tommy Paul, Lew Feldman, and Johnny Jadick in non-title fights.

After his retirement from boxing, Morgano worked as an iron worker. He later served as a Republican committeeman in the Ninth Division of the 26th Ward of Philadelphia.

Morgano provided training to approximately 1,250 young boxers, and assisted many retired fighters

Early years

Morgano was born and raised in Philadelphia on Montrose Street, to Paul and Concetta Morgano. Morgano had four brothers - Robert, Paul, Sam, and Edward and two sisters - Anne and Grace. His father Paul was an immigrant painter who died when he was five.

Morgano started working after finishing the third grad. He spent his leisure time watching boxers train at the Olympic gym at Broad and Bainbridge streets.

Amateur career

When Morgano started boxing at age 12, he only weighed 88 pounds. According to the rules, all boxers had to weigh at least 100 lbs. In response, Morgano would fill his shoes with lead weights so that he could weigh in at 105 lbs.

In his first year, Morgano won the Middle Atlantic AAU flyweight title. In the next three years, he won 21 fights. Whenever Morgano won a bout, he was awarded a Walton watch.

In order to help his mother support his family, after winning a bout, he would be awarded "a Walton watch. He would then sell the watch to someone at ringside for $2 or $3 dollars and bring the money home to his mother.

Morgano went undefeated as an amateur defeating 22 fighters.

Professional career

Still a teenager, Morgano's professional career started when a promoter in Camden, New Jersey offered him $25 to be a stand-in boxer against Pee Wee Ross, an experienced fighter. On January 15, 1929, Morgano defeated Ross. He kept $5 dollars and gave $20 to his mother. Telegraphs revealed that much of his prize money in later fights would be sent home.

When it became known that Morgano had fought for pay, his amateur days were done. At 15, he signed a contract with Max "Boo Boo" Hoff, a local promoter. Prior to going with Hoff, Morgano was managed by Vincent "Jimmy" Barbieri who at the age of 102 told stories of "his boy" Tony.

Morgano boxed in the Philadelphia area until the age of 21, accumulating approximately 51 victories. He then teamed up with Frankie Caris, a middleweight, and traveled the nation boxing. While in California, Morgano became popular with many Hollywood celebrities. He defeated Georgie Hansford, Tommy Paul, and Lew Feldman taking 9 out of 10 rounds on April 5, 1935. His only loss was against Jimmy Christy. In a later rematch, the two boxer had a draw.

In 1935 Morgano participated in Gold Diggers of 1935, a film with Mae West, and a Western.

Upon his return to Philadelphia, Morgano won 13 fights and lost one (to Billy Maher). Morgano had entered the Maher fight with two broken ribs and a fractured ankle. Morgano then defeated Tommy Speigal on September 27, 1940 for lightweight title. However, because Morgano had come into the fight overweight, he was stripped of the title. Later in 1940, Morgano retired from boxing because of a shattered hand.

Morgano finished his boxing career with 55 victories, 11 defeats and at 25 kos.[2]

After Boxing

During World War II, Morgano worked as a welder at the New York Shipyard in Camden. After the war he became an ironworker and worked on several major projects. He married a young woman by the name of Patricia and had three sons, Kevin, Tony and Michael.

Morgano became active in Republican Party politics serving as a committeeman in the Ninth Division of the 26th Ward. He ran unsuccessfully for the Philadelphia City Council and for the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Morgano worked in South Philadelphia, with young boxers at the Police Athletic League and the Southside Boys club. Ge trained some 1,250 boxers over 30 years. His Southside Boys club competed for and won on several occasions the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves tournament.

Morgano served as longtime president of the Veteran's Boxing Association, and worked to better the lives of many ex boxers. Often staging events to support them.

Professional Record

Below represents a partial list of Morgano's professional bouts. Due to the incomplete record keeping of the time the list is unfinished and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Result Opponent Type Date Location Notes
Loss Aldo Spoldi Decision 06-19-1941 Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Buck Streator Decision 05-08-1941 Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Tommy Spiegal Unanimous Decision 09-26-1940 Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US Was for title, Morgano would have been awarded had he not come in over weight
Loss Billy Maher 05-24-1940 Metropolitan Opera House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US lost in 8th round, in a previous fight with Maher, Morgano lost in the 5th had Novocaine injections, had two broken ribs and fractured ankle from training
Win Lew Feldman 04-11-1940 Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Jimmy Lancaster 02-08-1940 Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Lou Fortuna 01-18-1940 Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Jackie Sheppard 12-25-1939 Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Two year layoff
Win Johnny Dube 10-11-1937 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Snag Trowbridge 08-16-1937 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Young Raspi 08-02-1937 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Al Dunbar TKO in 2nd 07-19-1937 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Freddie Cochrane 06-28-1937 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Bruce Flowers 03-13-1937 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US Paper noted that Morgano easily defeated Flowers
Win Dave Finn Decision 10-28-1936 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Loss Lew Massey 10-01-1936 Decision Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Johnny Jadick 01-16-1936 Decision Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US Defeated Former junior welterweight champion
Loss Joey Ferrando 12-25-1935 Decision Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US Morgano later went on to say this was the toughest fight of his career
Win Jackie Willis 11-14-1935 TKO 4th round Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Draw Johnny Craven 10-04-1395 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Loss Eddie Cool 09-19-1935 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US Also had a win and a draw against Cool Morgano told interviewers that Cool was the best fighter he ever competed against
Loss Harry Serody Decision 09-11-1935 Baker Bowl, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Lew Feldman Unanimous Decision 04-05-1935 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, US Morgano won 9 out of 10 rounds
Draw Jimmy Christy 03-08-1935 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, US
Loss Jimmy Christy Decision 02-08-1935 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, US
Win Tommy Paul 12-28-1934 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, US Ex featherweight champion
Win Georgie Hansford 11-16-1934 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, US
Win Georgie Gibs 1934 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US Exact date unknown, victory mentioned in article in Philadelphia Inquirer
Win Eddie Shea 04-09-1934 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Vincent Reed 02-22-1934 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Bobby Dean 01-18-1934 Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, IS
Win Harry Blitman TKO 11-03-1932 Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Tony Loftus TKO 10-06-1932 Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US Loftus suffered a badly cut eye
Loss Jackie Willis TKO 7th round 03-03-1932 Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US Morgano suffered a badly cut right eye
Win Midget Fox 02-08-1932 Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
Win Ernie Caesar TKO 3rd 01-28-1932 Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Jimmy Stewart 11-26-1931 Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Jimmy Donato 11-16-1931 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, US
Win Timmy Murphy KO in 52 seconds of 1st round 10-12-1931 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Draw Lew Lafferty 08-29-1931 Atlantic City Auditorium, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
Win Georgia Goldberg TKO 7th 08-14-1931 Atlantic City Auditorium, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
Win Steve Smith TKO 6th round 06-29-1931 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Young Johnny Brown TKO 3rd 05-11-1931 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Lew Lafferty Decision 04-2-1931 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Johnny Erickson TKO 3rd round 04-13-1931 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Al Mason KO 2nd 03-30-1931 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Billy Britton TKO 4th round 02-23-1931 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Griffie Kenbine TKO 2nd 02-02-1931 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Sammy Novia TKO 2nd 01-12-1931 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Billy Kelly KO 2nd 2 minutes 17 seconds 12-08-1930 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Matty White 11-24-1930 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Tommy Maroon 10-02-1930 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Jimmy Savino KO in 1st 08-18-1930 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Eddie Cool 04-25-1930 Norristown, Pennsylvania, US
Loss Danny Taub Decision 04-03-1930 Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Ray Stinger Ko in 2nd 03-21-1930 Norristown, Pennsylvania, US
Win Jose Allano 03-0-1930 Auditorium, Norristown, Pennsylvania, US
Win Al Coulon Ko 4th round 02-21-1930 Norristown, Pennsylvania, US
Win Al Coulon Ko 2nd round 01-31-1930 Auditorium, Norristown, Pennsylvania, US
Win Jack Stanley Ko in 3rd round 12-12-1929 Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Loss Bobby Dechter Decision 10-28-1929 Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
Win Sammy Penzi 10-14-1929 North Side Boxing Club, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
Win Johnny Bendon Ko in 3rd 09-23-1929 North Side Boxing Club, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
Loss Jimmy Dugan 04-18-1929 Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Kid McCalsland TKO 04-04-1929 Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Billy Richards KO in 1st 03-13-1929 Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Danny Sheffsky KO in 1st 02-28-1929 New Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Win Herb Lewis 1929 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US Exact Date unknown
Draw Pee Wee Ross 01-22-1929 South Jersey A.A., Camden, New Jersey, US First fight as a pro

References

  1. Date of Death phillyboxinghistory.com. Retrieved March 2011
  2. Tony Morgano boxrec.com. Retrieved March 2011
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