Mike Mollo
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Mike Mollo born February 11, 1980 in Oak Lawn, IL, is a professional boxer in the heavyweight division.
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[edit] Background
Born into a working class Italian family in Chicago’s south suburbs, Mollo got into numerous scuffles on the streets of his neighborhood. Already 230 pounds as a 14-year-old, he was quickly was taken to the local boxing club to hone his skills and apply his energy in a more constructive manner. [1]
[edit] Professional career
After a brief amateur career, "Merciless" Mike Mollo made his professional debut on June 25, 2000, scoring a first round knock out over Terry Coffin in Elgin, Illinois. Over the next four years, Mollo would steadily build his undefeated professional record while working fulltime as a union ironworker, high above the streets of downtown Chicago.
In April, 2006, promoter Don King signed Mollo to a promotional agreement. Under the guidance of veteran trainer Al Bonanni, Mollo has been training at King’s private compound in northeast Ohio.
Already wildly popular with Chicago fight fans, Mollo used his hard-punching, aggressive style to capture the World Boxing Council Latino heavyweight title on November 4, 2005 before a sold out, hometown crowd.
Mollo and his management team immediately looked to step up their competition and found a willing “name” heavyweight in DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson (22-4, 18 KOs). Williamson, a highly decorated amateur who had faced some of the best heavyweights in the world including Wladimir Klitschko and Chris Byrd, was known for his big over hand right. On May 6, 2006 in Worcester, MA, Mollo met that punch and lost by TKO 4.
“I wanted to step up and see what I had against a veteran,” Mollo said after the fight. “Until the fight was stopped, and I thought they stopped it prematurely, I was winning. I learned a lot in facing an experienced fighter like DaVarryl and am a better fighter for it.” [2]
Mollo returned to the ring in Chicago on August 25, 2006 and knocked out Willie Walker in the first round. Still a crowd favorite, Mollo proved that his confidence and power were still intact after the Williamson loss and that he is ready to go forward in his quest for a heavyweight crown.
On October 7, 2006 Mollo defeated Kevin McBride, best known for defeating Mike Tyson the previous year, by TKO 40 seconds into the second round. [3]
[edit] Recent fight
On January 19, 2008, Mollo fought Andrew Golota and lost by a unanimous decision after 12 rounds.
[edit] Before the fight
Mike Mollo, “I’m in as good as shape right now as I was for when I fought Kevin McBride. I could walk in the ring next week and fight.”
“Binkowski is real durable; he has a lot of heart. I think it’s hard for durability to precede talent and skill. I don’t think he’s ever been the ring with someone that can move like me, with the pop I got. He’s going to figure it out real fast after the first round.”
“I don’t plan on being a heavyweight that’s going to throw a few punches and stand there in front of the guy and wait for him to throw a few. I’m going to be in, out, I’ll be off to the side, I’m going to work his body, and he’ll be in for a real busy night.”
“My goal is to get myself in a title eliminator fight. I get that unheralded quote that they had in front of my name; unheralded Mike Mollo defeated Kevin McBride. What do I got to do to get heralded? Put me in there with somebody to get me heralded. What is that? I thought I proved myself against McBride, but it seems that everyone’s treating it like it was a fluke instead of an accomplishment from an upcoming American heavyweight.”
“After this fight, when me and my training camp find out whoever I’m fighting, we can make a plan and get into this kind of condition, shape, and training. When we execute a game plan perfectly, I don’t see how I can lose. I got a fighter’s heart.
“Keep watching me because I’m coming. I plan on putting America back in the heavyweight scene, and I know it needs it. I’m going to do everything I can to do, so keep watching.”
[edit] Influences
In addition to having the support of Don King, Mollo has gained the support of the late, great Rocky Marciano’s family.
“I understand that Mike wants to emulate Rocky both in and out of the ring,” Peter Marciano, younger brother of the “Brockton Blockbuster” said. “The Marciano family is looking forward to welcoming Mike with open arms to Massachusetts. I’m planning to personally take him on a tour of Rocky’s exhibit at the Brockton Historical Society when he arrives. I know Mike will be inspired. The Marciano family will certainly be in attendance at the DCU Center on May 6 to lend our support.”
Mollo remembers Marciano well.
“I grew up watching film of Rocky Marciano. Both of our families came from Naples, Italy, so Rocky was a hero to my family. My strength and conditioning coach Joe Wright gave me a rare book written by Rocky called The Use of the Body. Joe found this book in 1967 while he was somewhere in England. I’ve been reading it and it’s a masterpiece.”
Mollo continued, “I can’t be Rocky, but I’m truly honored to have the support of the Marciano family. I hope to make them proud.” [4]
[edit] Statistics
Born: February 11 1980, in Oak Lawn, Illinois
Height: 6’1” Weight: Heavyweight (227)
Record: 19-2 (10 KOs)
[edit] External links
- Professional boxing record for Mike Mollo from Boxrec
- Mike Mollo the Official Myspace Page @ Myspace
