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Tony Zale's three wars with Rocky Graziano, in which he won two, were three of the most bloodiest wars in boxing history. For those of us who remembered the three round Hagler- Hearns classic, just imagine three such fights. Zale and Graziano were three Halger-Hearns like battles, each very bloody affairs that illustrated the greatness of both men.
Another fighter said about Tony Zale's punches, "When he hits you in the belly it's like someone stuck a red-hot poker in you and left it there." Like many of the great athletes of his era, Zale gave up his prime years to serve his country in World War II. When he reported to the Navy, he gave the Navy registration office his name and occupation. He yelled, "Anthony Zaleski (his real name)" when asked his name and yelled," Professional boxer, Middleweight," when asked his occupation. The Officer responded, "I'd hate to be in your shoes, Mr. Zaleski, Tony Zale is due in here this week."
Just as Jake LaMotta would forever be linked to Sugar Ray Robinson, Tony Zale would be linked to Rocky Graziano. Tony Zale was the Navy hero and family man whereas Graziano was the rough and tough brawler, who managed to get drummed out of the armed forces due to his temper when he punched out a Captain and his penchant for going AWOL. (A man too violent for the armed forces?) [details]
Another fighter said about Tony Zale's punches, "When he hits you in the belly it's like someone stuck a red-hot poker in you and left it there." Like many of the great athletes of his era, Zale gave up his prime years to serve his country in World War II. When he reported to the Navy, he gave the Navy registration office his name and occupation. He yelled, "Anthony Zaleski (his real name)" when asked his name and yelled," Professional boxer, Middleweight," when asked his occupation. The Officer responded, "I'd hate to be in your shoes, Mr. Zaleski, Tony Zale is due in here this week."
Just as Jake LaMotta would forever be linked to Sugar Ray Robinson, Tony Zale would be linked to Rocky Graziano. Tony Zale was the Navy hero and family man whereas Graziano was the rough and tough brawler, who managed to get drummed out of the armed forces due to his temper when he punched out a Captain and his penchant for going AWOL. (A man too violent for the armed forces?) [details]
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