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Former world title challenger Tony Petronelli will be honored for 40 years of dedication to boxing May 20 at Joe Angelo’s Café in Brockton, MA.
Petronelli was co-managed and co-trained by his father, Pat, and uncle, Goody, the same combination that handled world middleweight champion “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler. Tony, 42-4-1 (22) captured the NABF, United States and New England light welterweight titles during his seven-year pro career of 1972-79.
A bevy of boxing dignitaries are scheduled to attend the May 20 tribute including Tony Demarco, “Irish” Micky Ward, Kevin McBride, Vito Antuofermo, Goody Petronelli, Paul Poirier, Beau Jaynes, Mike Pusateri and Doug Pendarvis. Veteran trainer Pit Perron will serve as master of ceremonies.
Petronelli made his pro debut July 27, 1972 in Portland, ME, knocking out Jose Pagan Rivera in the opening round. Later that year, Tony fought at the old Boston Garden on the Emile Griffith vs. Joe DeNucci undercard, defeating Ivelaw Eastman by six round decision.
Highlights of Petronelli’s career include a New England title-winning performance in 1972 against Carlos Garcia in Brockton and a successful title defense the following year versus Beau Jaynes in Boston.
He produced five U.S. light welterweight championship victories, headlining a 1974 show at the Boston Garden against Johnny Copeland and Hagler fought in the co-feature and NABF title belt winning fight in 1976 off a 12th round knockout of Gaetan Hart.
Tony was stopped in the third-round of his only world title shot in 1976 by Wilfred Benitez for the WBA light welterweight championship.
Tickets, priced at $20.00, are available at Joe Angelo’s Café, by 508.509.3236 or emailing rocky49wins@yahoo.com. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Rocky Marciano Foundation. Go to www.rockymarcianofoundation.org for additional information.
Doors open at 5:30 PM, the event starts at 6:30 PM. There will be a hot and cold buffet. Joe Angelo’s Café is located at 11 Crescent St. in Brockton.
