International Boxing Hall of Fame
Christopher "Battling" Battalino
CLICK HERE Battling Battalino's complete record from boxrec.com
| Battling Battalino | |
| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Real name | Christopher Battaglia |
| Rated at | Featherweight |
| Nationality | United States |
| Birth date | February 18, 1908 |
| Birth place | Hartford, Connecticut |
| Death date | July 15, 1977 |
| Death place | Hartford, Connecticut |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 88 |
| Wins | 58 |
| Wins by KO | 23 |
| Losses | 26 |
| Draws | 3 |
| No contests | 1 |
Christopher Battaglia, an Italian-American better known as Battling Battalino, (February 18, 1908–July 25, 1977) was the former world featherweight boxing champion. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Battalino engaged in 87 bouts during his career, of which he won 57 (23 knockouts), lost 26, drew 3, and he fought 1 No Contest.
A good amateur boxer, Battalino won the National AAU featherweight championship in 1927. He had fifty-nine amateur bouts, knocking out forty-six of his opponents.[1]
Battalino became a professional boxer in June 1927. 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 LaBarba and Freddie Miller.
In January 1932 Battalino once again fought Freddie Miller. The champion came in three pounds overweight and did not put up a good fight. After Battalino went down in the third round from an apparently harmless punch, the referee stopped the fight and declared Miller the winner. The National Boxing Association and the New York State Athletic Commission, however, overruled the referee and declared the bout a "no contest." They also declared that the title was vacant due to Battalino's inability to make the featherweight limit.[2] To end any confusion about his championship status, Battalino voluntarily vacated the belt in March and began to fight at the lightweight limit.[3] As a lightweight, he lost bouts with Hall of Famers Billy Petrolle and Barney Ross. His final bout was in 1940.
When Battalino retired, he settled in Hartford, Connecticut, and worked as a construction laborer.[4] He died in Hartford on July 25, 1977.