Battling Battalino

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Battling Battalino (February 18, 1908–July 25, 1977) was the former world featherweight boxing champion. Battalino engaged in 87 bouts during his career, of which he won 57 (23 KOS), lost 26, drew 3 and he fought 1 No Contest.

Battalino was born Christopher Battaglia in Hartford, Connecticut, and in 1927 he won the National AAU featherweight championship. Later that same year he turned professional and within two years would become world champion.

His first big win came on July 26, 1929 when he upset bantamweight champion "Panama" Al Brown on a 10-round decision. The fight made him a contender and garnered him a title match with featherweight champion Andre Routis. The 21-year old Battalino made the most of his opportunity and defeated Routis over 15 rounds to win the world title.

During the next two years he successfully defended his crown by defeating Ignacio Fernandez, Bud Taylor, Hall of Famer Kid Chocolate, Earl Mastro and Hall of Famers Fidel La Barba and Freddie Miller.

In 1932 Battalino lost the crown when he dropped a controversial decision to Ray Miller. He vacated the belt and moved up in weight to campaign as a lightweight. As a lightweight, he lost bouts with Hall of Famers Billy Petrolle (TKO by 12, L10) and Barney Ross (L10) and continued to box until 1940.