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20 Professional Famous Boxers From Connecticut

Explore 20 famous professional boxers from Connecticut. Read clear facts about their boxing careers, titles, and impact on the sport.

Jul 28, 2025
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Connecticut may be one of the smaller states in the U.S., but when it comes to boxing talent, it packs a serious punch. Over the years, this New England state has produced a number of skilled and determined fighters who made their mark both in national and international rings. From world champions to local legends, these boxers have shown the strength, discipline, and heart that define the sport.
In this article, you’ll discover 20 standout boxers from Connecticut—names that have inspired fans, earned respect in the boxing world, and helped shape the state’s boxing history. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the sport, these stories will show you why Connecticut deserves a spot on the boxing map.

Willie Pep

Willie Pep
Willie Pep
Willie Pep, born Guglielmo Papaleo on September 19, 1922, in Middletown, Connecticut, was the son of Italian immigrants. Growing up during the Great Depression, his family faced financial hardships, with his father working for the Works Progress Administration. To support his family, Pep began boxing at a young age, initially shining shoes in downtown Hartford. He left high school at sixteen to pursue boxing full-time, adopting the ring name "Willie Pep" to appeal to American audiences.
Pep's professional career commenced in 1940, and he quickly rose through the ranks. He won his first 62 fights, capturing the world featherweight title in 1942 by defeating Chalky Wright. Known for his exceptional defensive skills and agility, Pep earned the nickname "Will o' the Wisp." His elusive style made him a formidable opponent, and he is often cited as one of the greatest defensive boxers in history . Over his 26-year career, he amassed a record of 229 wins, 11 losses, and 1 draw, with 65 knockouts.
After retiring from boxing, Pep remained active in the sport, serving as a referee and inspector. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 . In his later years, Pep suffered from Alzheimer's disease and passed away on November 23, 2006, in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.
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Christopher Battalino

Christopher Battalino, known professionally as "Battling Battalino," was born Christopher Battaglia on February 18, 1908, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Italian immigrant parents. He left school after the fifth grade to work in a tobacco factory, contributing to his family's income. Battalino began boxing as an amateur, achieving notable success by winning the National AAU featherweight championship in 1927.
Turning professional later that year, Battalino quickly rose through the ranks. In 1929, he captured the World Featherweight title by defeating Frenchman André Routis. He successfully defended his title for three years, including a notable victory against Cuban boxer Kid Chocolate in 1930. Over his career, Battalino fought 88 bouts, securing 57 wins (23 by knockout), 26 losses, and 3 draws. Known for his tenacity and resilience, he was celebrated for his ability to endure and counterattack effectively in the ring.
Beyond boxing, Battalino was recognized for his heroism when he saved a three-year-old child from drowning in Hartford's Park River in 1929, earning him a medal for bravery. He passed away on July 25, 1977, in Hartford, Connecticut, at the age of 69. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Battalino was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005.
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Austin Rice

Austin Rice, born on December 25, 1872, in Waterford, Connecticut, was an American professional boxer who competed primarily in the featherweight division. He began his boxing journey while serving as a militiaman in Waterford, participating in amateur bouts in New London. Rice trained under Tony Nelson, a prominent boxing coach, and shared his early training environment with fellow New London boxers Mosey King and Abe Hollandersky. Managed initially by Martin and Joe Flaherty, Rice developed his skills and gained experience in the local boxing scene.
Rice fought in 151 bouts, achieving 45 wins (11 by knockout), 24 losses, 57 draws, and 3 no contests. He became a featherweight title contender on January 14, 1903, when he faced champion Young Corbett II in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Although he lost the fight by technical knockout in the 17th round, Rice's performance against a world-class opponent was commendable. He also competed against other notable boxers of his time, including George Dixon, Joe Bernstein, Benny Yanger, Harry Harris, Dave Sullivan, and Terry McGovern, establishing himself among the top featherweight boxers of his era.
After retiring from boxing, Rice operated a small farm in Waterford, Connecticut, and was known for his frugality and carpentry skills. In his later years, he worked at the Groton Iron Works near New London. Tragically, on January 17, 1921, Rice died in New London at the age of 48 after being run over by a wagon. He left behind his wife, a son, and a daughter.

Julie Kogon

Julie Kogon, born Julius Kogon on April 4, 1918, in New Haven, Connecticut, was raised in a large Jewish family with five brothers and five sisters. Growing up during the Great Depression, he began boxing to support his family financially. As an amateur, Kogon achieved an impressive record of 85 wins and 2 losses. He turned professional in 1937 and became known for wearing the Star of David on his trunks, symbolizing pride in his heritage during a time of global unrest.
Kogon fought 137 bouts, securing 81 wins (36 by knockout), 38 losses, and 17 draws. Notably, he defeated reigning World Featherweight Champion Petey Scalzo in 1940, although the bout was not for the title due to weight discrepancies. In 1947, he won the New England Lightweight Championship by defeating Pat Demers. Kogon faced several prominent boxers of his era, including Ike Williams, Bob Montgomery, and Jimmy Carter. Remarkably, he was only knocked out once in his entire career.
After retiring from boxing in 1950, Kogon operated a lunch restaurant in New Haven and later worked as a car salesman. He also served as an intramural boxing instructor at Yale University. Kogon passed away on December 20, 1986, in Pompano Beach, Florida, at the age of 68. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he was posthumously inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009.

Arvis Simms

Arvis Simms
Arvis Simms
Tarvis Simms, born on May 1, 1971, in Norwalk, Connecticut, is an American professional boxer known for his impressive career in the middleweight division. Growing up in the Roodner Court Projects of South Norwalk, he faced early challenges but found a path in boxing alongside his identical twin brother, Travis Simms, who also became a world champion. Tarvis had a remarkable amateur career, compiling a record of 197 wins and 7 losses. He won the National Golden Gloves championship in 1993 and defeated notable opponents such as Byron Mitchell and Roshii Wells. He also competed internationally, facing two-time Olympic gold medalist Ariel Hernández of Cuba.
Turning professional at the age of 26 in 1997, Simms quickly made a name for himself by stopping his first seven opponents. Despite being undefeated for twelve years, his career faced setbacks due to promotional difficulties, limiting his exposure. In 2005, he fought to a controversial draw against Robert Frazier. After a two-year hiatus, he returned to win five consecutive fights. His first professional loss came in 2009 against Allan Green, a bout he accepted on just eight days' notice. Known for his southpaw stance, Simms was recognized for his defensive skills and resilience in the ring.
Simms maintained a professional record of 27 wins (11 by knockout), 1 loss, and 1 draw. His contributions to boxing, especially from the Norwalk community, have left a lasting impact on the sport.

Tony Grano

Tony Grano
Tony Grano
Tony "TNT" Grano, born on November 11, 1980, in Hartford, Connecticut, is a former American heavyweight boxer. He began boxing at the age of 20 in 2001 and quickly made a name for himself in the amateur circuit. Grano achieved significant success, becoming a five-time Connecticut State Champion, three-time New England Golden Gloves Champion, and the 2005 United States Amateur Heavyweight Champion. His amateur accomplishments led to his selection as the #1 heavyweight representative on the USA Elite Boxing Team in 2005. In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame as the Amateur Fighter of the Year in 2005.
Turning professional in November 2005, Grano compiled a record of 20 wins (16 by knockout), 3 losses, and 1 draw. He gained national attention in 2009 with a knockout victory over previously undefeated Travis Kauffman, a bout that was named Ringside Magazine's 2009 Heavyweight Fight of the Year. In 2012, Grano captured the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Heavyweight Championship by defeating DaVarryl Williamson with a fourth-round knockout. This victory elevated him to the #5 ranking in the World Boxing Council (WBC) heavyweight standings. His professional career concluded in 2013.
Outside the ring, Grano has been active in coaching and mentoring aspiring boxers, sharing his experience and knowledge to help develop the next generation of athletes. He has also been involved in community initiatives, including anti-bullying and suicide prevention programs, aiming to make a positive impact beyond boxing.

Harold Devine

Harold "Harry" George Devine was born on May 18, 1909, in New Haven, Connecticut, and spent most of his life in Worcester, Massachusetts. He began boxing at the age of 14 and quickly rose through the amateur ranks. In 1928, at 19, he won the national AAU featherweight championship, earning a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. At the Amsterdam Olympics, Devine secured a bronze medal in the featherweight division, defeating opponents from Italy, Finland, and Belgium. Notably, he knocked down the eventual gold medalist, Bep van Klaveren, in the semifinals but lost on points. He achieved this despite suffering a broken knuckle during the tournament.
Turning professional later in 1928, Devine faced challenges due to his southpaw stance and recurring hand injuries. Nevertheless, he won the New England welterweight title in 1934 and successfully defended it before losing the title in early 1935. After a stint in Australia, he retired from boxing following approximately 60 professional fights. During World War II, he served as a private in the U.S. Army. Post-retirement, Devine contributed to the sport as a manager, trainer, and boxing judge, mentoring fighters like Don Williams into the 1970s. He also worked as a furrier until 1994. Devine passed away on April 29, 1998, in North Oxford, Massachusetts, at the age of 88.

Ali Feliz

Ali Feliz
Ali Feliz
Ali Fernely Feliz, born on September 3, 2003, in Danbury, Connecticut, is an American professional heavyweight boxer. He began boxing in 2016 at the age of 13, training under his father, former professional heavyweight Fernely Feliz Sr., at Champs Boxing Club in Danbury. His older brother, Fernely Feliz Jr., is also an undefeated professional boxer. Ali's early exposure to boxing through his family played a significant role in his development and passion for the sport.
As an amateur, Feliz achieved notable success. He secured a silver medal at the 2021 Junior Pan American Games and won gold at the 2022 USA Boxing Elite National Championships. In 2023, he clinched the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, but despite qualifying, he chose to forgo the 2024 Olympics to begin his professional career, signing with Top Rank in March 2024. Feliz made his professional debut on April 13, 2024, defeating Anthony Woodson III via second-round TKO. As of May 2025, he holds an undefeated record of 6 wins, with 5 victories by knockout.
Feliz fights in an orthodox stance and is recognized for his powerful punches and effective counterpunching skills. His performances have garnered attention, and he aspires to become the first Dominican-American heavyweight world champion.

Jaidon Codrington

Jaidon Codrington
Jaidon Codrington
Jaidon "The Don" Codrington, born on June 5, 1984, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is an American professional boxer known for his orthodox fighting style and powerful punches. He began boxing at the age of 12, influenced by a family with a boxing background—his uncle was both an amateur and professional boxer. Codrington moved to Queens, New York, during his high school years, where he continued to develop his boxing skills. He achieved significant success in his amateur career, winning the National Golden Gloves Middleweight Championship in 2002 and the New York Golden Gloves in 2004. He compiled an amateur record of 67 wins and 9 losses before turning professional in 2004.
In his professional career, Codrington amassed a record of 21 wins (17 by knockout) and 4 losses. He gained national attention as a contestant on Season 3 of the boxing reality television series "The Contender," where he advanced to the finals but lost to Sakio Bika in a bout noted for its intensity and competitiveness. One of Codrington's most memorable fights was against Allan Green in 2005, where he suffered a knockout loss just 18 seconds into the first round—a bout that was named Ring Magazine's Knockout of the Year.

Don Angell

Don Angell was born on July 3, 1929, in Manchester, Connecticut, to Mary Elizabeth Hopko and Herbert Joseph Angell. He attended Fairfield College Preparatory School, where he developed a strong interest in boxing. In 1949, Angell enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving until 1953. During his naval service, he was selected to join the U.S. Naval boxing team in San Diego, California. In 1952, he won the Southern California Welterweight Title in Los Angeles, which qualified him for the U.S. Western Regional Olympic Boxing Trials in San Francisco. He advanced to the U.S. Olympic Boxing Finals in Kansas City, Missouri, where he was eliminated in the quarterfinals. Angell later pursued higher education, graduating from Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service in 1957. He married Peggy in December of the same year.
After his competitive boxing career, Angell remained active in the sport as a coach and manager. He trained several notable fighters, including Chris Fox, who won the Junior Lightweight Championship in 1967, as well as Pete Hussey, Ed Harris, and Keith Broom. In 1978, Angell signed his first professional boxing management contract with Broom. His contributions to boxing were recognized with his induction into the Washington, D.C., Boxing Hall of Fame. Don Angell passed away on November 9, 2021, at the age of 92.

Eddie Campagnuolo

Eddie Campagnuolo, known professionally as Eddie Compo, was a prominent American featherweight boxer from New Haven, Connecticut. Born on January 4, 1927, he grew up in a working-class Italian-American family. During his youth, he held various jobs such as caddying, delivering newspapers, and working as a delivery boy. He attended Hillhouse High School in New Haven before turning to boxing as a career.
Compo began his professional boxing career at the age of 17 in August 1944. Standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall and fighting in an orthodox stance, he was known for his technical skills rather than knockout power. He achieved an impressive start, winning his first 25 fights. By September 1949, his record stood at 57 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws. That month, he challenged Willie Pep for the world featherweight title but lost by technical knockout in the seventh round. Throughout his career, Compo defeated notable opponents including Teddy "Redtop" Davis, Julie Kogon, and Chico Vejar. He retired in April 1955 with a professional record of 74 wins (13 by knockout), 10 losses, and 4 draws. Eddie Campagnuolo passed away on January 3, 1998, in Lake Worth, Florida.

Marlon Starling

Marlon Starling
Marlon Starling
Marlon Starling, born on August 29, 1959, in Hartford, Connecticut, began boxing at a young age under the guidance of coach Johnny Duke, who helped him train for the national Junior Olympics championship. He turned professional in 1979 and quickly made a name for himself with 25 consecutive wins. Starling's career highlights include winning the WBA welterweight title in 1987 by defeating Mark Breland and capturing the WBC welterweight title in 1989 with a victory over Lloyd Honeyghan. He retired in 1990 with a professional record of 45 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, including 27 knockouts.
Known as "The Magic Man," Starling was renowned for his defensive prowess, particularly his "earmuff" guard technique, which involved a high, tight defense that allowed him to absorb and deflect punches effectively. He also employed a signature move known as the "Starling Stomp," a footwork technique that disrupted opponents' rhythm. Despite his achievements, Starling has not been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, a point of contention among boxing enthusiasts who recognize his contributions to the sport.

Iceman John Scully

John "Iceman" Scully, born on July 28, 1967, in Connecticut, USA, is a former professional light heavyweight boxer. He began boxing in 1982 and graduated from Windsor High School in 1985. During his amateur career, Scully achieved significant success, winning titles such as the 1987 Ohio State Fair, the 1987 National PAL, and the 1988 Eastern U.S. Olympic Trials. He also secured four consecutive Western Massachusetts Golden Gloves titles (1985–1988) and three New England Golden Gloves titles (1986–1988).
Turning professional in 1988, Scully amassed a record of 38 wins (21 by knockout) and 11 losses over his career, which concluded in 2001. Notable bouts include a 12-round decision loss to Henry Maske for the IBF world light heavyweight title in 1996 and a match against Michael Nunn for the WBO NABO super middleweight title in 1995 . Post-retirement, Scully transitioned into training, mentoring world champions like Chad Dawson and Artur Beterbiev. He is also recognized for his charitable efforts, supporting retired and disadvantaged boxers . In 2009, he was inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.

Maxie Rosenbloom

Maxie Rosenbloom, born on November 6, 1907, in Leonard Bridge, Connecticut, grew up in Manhattan, New York. He began boxing in Harlem's Union Settlement, turning professional in 1923. Nicknamed "Slapsie Maxie" for his open-gloved, slapping style, he became the world light-heavyweight champion from 1930 to 1934. During this period, he fought 106 times, including eight title defenses, making him one of the busiest champions in boxing history.
Rosenbloom's boxing style was defensive and elusive, focusing on speed and technique rather than power. He was known for his quick hands, clinching skills, and a unique approach that made him difficult to hit cleanly. After retiring from boxing, he transitioned into acting, often portraying comical or sympathetic characters in films, radio, and television. He also owned a nightclub named "Slapsy Maxie's." Rosenbloom passed away on March 6, 1976, in South Pasadena, California, due to Paget's disease of bone. He was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including The Ring's Boxing Hall of Fame in 1972 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.

Larry Boardman

Larry Boardman was born on March 21, 1936, in Marlborough, Connecticut. He was raised in a Jewish family and managed by his father, Sam Boardman, who owned a restaurant. Larry began boxing professionally at the age of 16 while vacationing in Florida, where he quickly gained attention by winning four fights in less than a month. He continued to fight in Florida for over a year, achieving 14 consecutive victories before his first loss in January 1954.
Boardman's boxing career spanned from 1952 to 1963, during which he amassed a record of 45 wins (23 by knockout), 10 losses, and 1 draw. Notably, in 1956, he defeated four world champions: Wallace "Bud" Smith, Sandy Saddler, Paddy DeMarco, and Jimmy Carter. His victory over Smith on February 7, 1956, at the Boston Garden was particularly significant, as it led to his ranking as the #2 lightweight contender in the world by the end of that year . Boardman was known for his orthodox stance and powerful punches, especially his left hook and body shots . In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008.

Tyrone Booze

Tyrone Booze
Tyrone Booze
Tyrone Booze was born on February 12, 1959, in Hartford, Connecticut, USA. He faced significant challenges during his early life, including limited literacy skills, as he was unable to read beyond the fourth-grade level. Despite this, he pursued a career in boxing, turning professional in 1982. Booze trained under F. Mac Buckley, joining a stable that included notable boxers such as Marlon Starling and Harold Rice.
Throughout his career, Booze competed in the cruiserweight division, amassing a professional record of 22 wins (8 by knockout), 12 losses, and 2 draws. He faced several prominent opponents, including Evander Holyfield, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, and Henry Tillman. In 1992, Booze won the vacant WBO cruiserweight title by knocking out Derek Angol in the seventh round. He successfully defended the title once before losing it to Markus Bott in 1993. Booze retired from boxing in 1998.
After retiring, Booze dedicated himself to community service, opening the Smart Fighter Institute for children in Clearwater, Florida, and working as a city employee. He also co-hosted a sports radio show called "All Sports" with Randy Harris and Dexter Jackson. In recognition of his contributions to boxing, Booze was inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2007. He passed away on September 3, 2022, in Florida at the age of 63.

Lawrence Clay-Bey

Lawrence Clay-Bey
Lawrence Clay-Bey
Lawrence Marvin Clay-Bey was born on December 14, 1965, in Bloomfield, Connecticut. He began boxing at the age of 26, primarily to lose weight, as he was not inclined toward traditional fitness activities like lifting weights or aerobics. At the time, he was working as a prison guard and was a father of three children. Despite losing his first two amateur bouts, Clay-Bey persisted and went on to win the National Golden Gloves in his next eight fights. He trained under the guidance of coach Johnny Duke at the Bellevue Square Boys' Club. Clay-Bey secured the United States National Championships in the super heavyweight division in both 1995 and 1996 and earned a bronze medal at the 1995 World Championships. He captained the U.S. boxing team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics but was eliminated in his first match by Wladimir Klitschko in a closely contested decision.
Turning professional in 1997, Clay-Bey achieved 21 wins (16 by knockout), 3 losses, and 1 draw over his career. He was known for his orthodox stance, hand speed, and punching power. Notable victories include wins over Charles Shufford and former cruiserweight champion Imamu Mayfield. However, a loss to Clifford Etienne in 2000 marked a turning point, after which Clay-Bey's performance declined, partly due to issues with conditioning. He retired from professional boxing in 2005. Post-retirement, Clay-Bey worked as a corrections officer in Connecticut and was inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.

Travis Simms

Travis Simms
Travis Simms
Travis Simms was born on May 1, 1971, in Norwalk, Connecticut, and grew up in the South Norwalk area. He and his identical twin brother, Tarvis, were introduced to boxing by their father, continuing a family tradition that spanned generations. Simms had an impressive amateur career, winning 295 out of 309 fights. He was a 10-time Western New England Golden Gloves champion and a four-time New England Regional champion. In 1995, he won the National PAL Championship, followed by the American Boxing Classic in 1996 and the New York Golden Gloves in 1997, where he was named MVP and received the Sugar Ray Robinson Award. He also participated in the 1996 U.S. Olympic Trials as an alternate to David Reid.
Turning professional at age 26, Simms earned the nickname "Tremendous" and fought in the light middleweight division. He achieved a professional record of 28 wins (19 by knockout) and 1 loss. Simms became a two-time WBA Super Welterweight World Champion, first winning the title in 2003 and reclaiming it in 2007. Known for his southpaw stance and technical skills, he was inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012. Beyond boxing, Simms has been active in his community, serving on Norwalk's Common Council and representing the 140th Assembly District in the Connecticut House of Representatives since 2018. He also established the Travis Simms Foundation, which received a $150,000 grant to support youth services and prevention programs.

Tramaine Williams

Tramaine Williams
Tramaine Williams
Tramaine Dashon Williams, known as "The Mighty Midget," was born on November 2, 1992, in New Haven, Connecticut. He began boxing at the age of nine and developed into one of New Haven's most accomplished amateur boxers. His amateur accolades include being a 10-time national amateur champion, a two-time Ringside World Champion, a four-time Silver Gloves Champion, a PAL National Champion, and a junior Golden Gloves Champion . Williams turned professional in 2012 and achieved a record of 20 wins, 3 losses, and 6 knockouts. In July 2019, he secured the IBF-USBA and WBO-NABO junior featherweight titles by defeating Yenifel Vicente . In August 2020, he challenged Angelo Leo for the vacant WBO junior featherweight title but lost by unanimous decision.
Williams is a southpaw fighter, standing at 5 feet 4 inches with a reach of 68 inches . His boxing style emphasizes speed, agility, and technical proficiency. In 2023, during a Team Combat League match, Williams experienced a seizure in the ring, leading to a significant personal transformation. Following this incident, he gave up alcohol and focused on his health and well-being . While specific details about his contributions outside the ring are limited, Williams' resilience and dedication to personal growth have left a positive impression on the boxing community.

Tim Littles

Tim Littles
Tim Littles
Timothy Paul Littles, known as "The Doctor of Style," was born on November 2, 1964, in Sharon, Connecticut, and later resided in Flint, Michigan. He began boxing in his youth and achieved significant success as an amateur, winning the United States Amateur Light-Middleweight title in 1985. In 1989, he turned professional and competed in the super middleweight division. Over his career, Littles amassed a record of 27 wins (18 by knockout) and 3 losses. Notably, he challenged James Toney for the IBF Super Middleweight title in 1994 but was defeated by a fourth-round TKO. He also contended for the WBA Super Middleweight title against Frankie Liles in 1996, suffering a third-round TKO loss.
Littles was recognized for his orthodox stance and a fighting style that combined technical skill with power, earning him a 66.67% knockout rate. His moniker, "The Doctor of Style," reflected his distinctive approach in the ring. While specific details about his contributions outside the ring are limited, his induction into the Greater Flint African American Sports Hall of Fame in 2023 underscores his impact on the local sports community. Littles' career remains a testament to his skill and determination in the sport of boxing.

Melio Bettina

Melio Bettina was born on November 18, 1916, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and grew up in Beacon, New York, in a large Italian-American family with six siblings. During the Great Depression, he turned to boxing as a means to support his family financially. In 1934, he gained prominence by winning the Intercity Golden Gloves light heavyweight title, defeating future middleweight champion Tony Zale. Bettina became known for his southpaw stance, which he adopted after struggling to find amateur opponents willing to face him. He trained under manager Jimmy Grippo, splitting his time between gyms in Beacon and at the base of Mount Beacon.
On February 3, 1939, Bettina captured the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) World Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Tiger Jack Fox via a ninth-round technical knockout at Madison Square Garden. However, he lost the title in his first defense to Billy Conn on July 13, 1939, by unanimous decision, and again lost to Conn in a rematch on September 25 of the same year. Bettina continued to face top contenders, including a notable victory over Fred Apostoli in 1940. He retired from boxing in 1948 with a professional record of 83 wins (36 by knockout), 14 losses, and 3 draws. After retiring, he managed Shaw Motors, a local car dealership in Beacon. Bettina passed away on December 20, 1996, at the age of 80.
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