Anthony 'Tony' Esperti A Bronx Heavyweight, who started his career in 1951 as a 21 year-old prospect. A 6' 3" - 190 lb. brawler-banger. Fighting in the small clubs of Ridgewood, Brooklyn - Tony got his record to 9-2-2 (4 KO's). But '3' straight losses knocked the 25 year-old Tony out of boxing in March 1955. Tony eventually made his way down to Miami Beach, and earned his keep as a sparring partner at the 5th Street Gym, as well as being employed as a 'bill collector' for the Miami Beach 'bent nose crowd'. Earning a nickname of 'Big Tony', as a former boxer turned 'Goon'. This content is protected
January 17, 1961 Did Chris Dundee 'set-up' fights............. The Auditorium, Miami Beach 31 year-old Anthony 'Big Tony' Esperti - and out of boxing for 5-years. 'Big Tony' also did 'goon work' for Chris Dundee. Faces one Cassius Clay 2-0-0 (1 KO). The 19 year-old Cassius dazzles with speed over the first 2-Rounds, but cannot hurt the 'retired' Esperti, who absorbs the punches and continues to press. In Round 3, Esperti continues to move forward, while Cassius is 'unloading' everything he has. 'Big Tony' is getting out-hit, but is not hurt while taking Cassius's best punches. Suddenly, at 1:30 of Round 3, the Referee Mike Kaplan (on cue from Chris Dundee) stops the bout, with nothing wrong with Tony Esperti. Mike Kaplan, 'House Boy Referee' at the Auditorium for Chris Dundee. Tony Esperti, 'I'm not complaining. I got paid, and that's all that matters.' This content is protected
