Tami Mauriello

Stefano "Tami" Mauriello (September 18, 1923 – December 3, 1999) was an American professional boxer and actor of Italian descent who was world ranked in two divisions during the 1940s. He thrice challenged for world titles, fighting Gus Lesnevich (twice) and Joe Louis for the world's Light-Heavyweight and Heavyweight titles, respectively. Mauriello's nickname was "The Bronx Barkeep".

Tami Mauriello made his professional boxing debut with a first round knockout of Gilberto Ramirez Vazquez at Queensboro Arena, Long Island City, Queens, New York. Mauriello went undefeated in his first 24 fights, with 15 knockout wins. He lost his condition as an undefeated prospect when he faced future NYSAC world Middleweight champion Billy Soose, who himself had come off a close split decision victory over Ken Overlin and a unanimous decision victory against Tony Zale. Mauriello-Soose took place on January 3, 1941 at the Madison Square Garden in New York. The event marked the third time that Mauriello boxed as a professional in the arena. Tami Mauriello lost a razor-thin, split decision after ten rounds, one judge scoring the bout 6-4 in rounds for him (Boxing fights in New York were scored on a per-round basis instead of a "must system" as they get scored in modern times) while the other judge and the referee, Frank Fullam, scored the bout for Soose, 6-4 also.

Mauriello proceeded by taking on tough Bill McDowell (119-60-22) barely 5 weeks after the defeat to Soose, on February 11, 1941 at the New York Coliseum in the Bronx. Mauriello won by a sixth round knockout. By this time, he was becoming known for his powerful right hand punch.

Two fights later, Mauriello fought young veteran (36-5-1 coming in) Steve Belloise on March 14, 1941. Belloise had twice fought Ken Overlin for the NYSAC's version of the world Light-Heavyweight championship and had lost both times by close fifteen round decisions. Mauriello knocked Belloise out at 2:59 of the first round. Wins over 'Wildcat' O'Connor, Charlie Williams, Jimmy O'Boyne, Tony Cisco and Steve Mamakos followed, setting Mauriello up for his first world title challenge.

Tami Mauriello then fought Gus Lesnevich, who was the National Boxing Association's Light-Heavyweight champion of the world, for the NBA's and the vacant NYSAC's version of the championship. The first encounter between Mauriello and Lesnevich was held August 26, 1941 at the Madison Square Garden. It was a close affair thorough, lasting the 15 rounds. In the end, Lesnevich was given a close, somewhat controversial split decision, judge John Potter scoring it 8-7 and judge Bill Healy 8-6-1 in rounds, respectively, for the champion, while referee Eddie Joseph had the fight 10-5 for Mauriello.

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