Stories about boxing with the greats like Sugar Ray Robinson, hands on mentors like Carmen Basilio, Emile Griffith, the boxing camps shared with the likes of George Foremen, hanging out with the Quarries and landing on the Muhammad Ali fight card. Need I say lights out ? incurred in the ring. Vito Antuofermo (Italian pronunciation:[vito antwofermo]; born February 9, 1953) is an Italian American actor and retired professional boxer. New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame 52nd Annual Induction & Award Ceremonies Photos taken by Stan Janousek, professional fight name Stanley Yanachek. He had turned 28 six months before-just a baby in life, but not in boxing. Mike Avans: WLLLLL: Coliseum, San Diego: WIN Technical knockout: 1976-12-13: Gert Steyn: WWWWWW: West Ridge Tennis Stadium, Durban: WIN Corner retirement: 1976-09 . Galindez was thus able to reclaim the championship. The Bout was in front of the largest crowd ever, up to this time, to see a bout indoors. Would you care to share? His life as a champion was later described as a dream. But dreams can evaporate quickly. Gert Steyn boxer. He was a smooth boxer with a good punch. I dont check this site often and it appears that there is a delay from here to my email address. Antuofermo learned how to fight in the tough areas of New York City. Perhaps known better by many as the brother-in-law of the late great Jerry Quarry, "Irish" Mike Nixon pursued a very colorful boxing career of his own. He is of both Italian and Jewish descent, which led to his monikers "The Kosher Butcher" and "The Jewish Bomber".Rossman was born in Turnersville, New Jersey as Michael Albert DePiano. Related boxers. . acknowledges an unspeakable pain at the loss of his friend and mentor date. On July 1, 1969, Nixon was signed as a scout for the Cleveland Browns, spending his first season looking only at teams in the American Football League. titles. Willie Warren boxer. Rossman tried to learn from the defeat. In February 1979, Rossman participated in what is sometimes considered one of professional boxing's most embarrassing moments (at least in modern times). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ). champions. Mike Rossman (born Michael Albert DePiano on July 1, 1955) is an American former professional boxer who was the WBA light heavyweight champion of the world. | If it doesnt show up a second time, call me and Ill give it to you. This is a celebration of life dedicated to my fallen brothers of boxing, as told by someone who lived boxing to the fullest, and is now ready to express the journey to anyone who wants to make fighting a career. I will share some great stories that I am quite sure will circulate to the boxing world. pro boxer. Box-am Box-pro All Bouts division: middle status: . American football player and coach (19112000), 1936 Pittsburgh Panthers footballnational champions, 1937 Pittsburgh Panthers footballAP national champions, Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mike_Nixon&oldid=1098405073, West Virginia Mountaineers football players, Players of American football from Pennsylvania, United States Navy personnel of World War II, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox military person with embed, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 July 2022, at 17:46. ). Braxton punished him for six rounds. Telling your life story is very personal and I am going to get real in telling mine. Antuofermo. He faced Quarry again in 1976. 19th birthday. Rossman was widely criticized after his loss to Galindez. Rossman was expected to be another victim. Illegally, he won 22 pro fights in a row. There are some secrets that I will take to my grave. Debut 1970-07-13. Mike learned to stay away from guys with the last name of Davis. and all honest work." Mike acknowledges an unspeakable pain at the loss of his friend and mentor Jerry Quarry, who passed away in 1999 as the result of brain damage incurred in the ring. Back in the day (late 70s), I lived a boxing life. rounds boxed 38 KO% 0 Mike Nixon walks through the front door of his Tempe home and drops a maroon-and-gold Arizona State University gym bag to the tile floor. . A huge underdog, Rossman opened the fight strong and landed several cuts under Galindezs eyes. Since retiring from the ring, Nixon claims he has "done it all. Tony Licata boxeur. With power and skill, Mike Rossman was once a world champion. He is a former undisputed World Middleweight Champion.[1]. Yes, I am the same guy who worked at MSI. I sincerely hope you enjoy what I create for you. The next two years would be miserable for Nixon, who watched his team compile a record of 4-18-2, predictably resulting in his dismissal after the 1960 NFL season had ended. He turned pro at the age of only 17, and won 22 fights in a row illegally, because he was actually too young to fight professionally. Alabama Kid boxer. (From boxrec.com). In front of an HBO Boxing audience and a full house at Hagler's native Boston's Boston Garden, Antuofermo this time lost by a TKO on cuts in the fourth round. However, by the time the next season started, age and injuries had caught up with the Steelers. Whats new with you? Though lasing only 10 years, Rossman had a very good boxing career. George Rose boxer. follow. He is of both Italian and Jewish descent, which led to his monikers "The Kosher Butcher" and "The Jewish Bomber". Illegally, he won 22 pro fights in a row. Select this result to view Michael James Nixon's phone number, address, and more. Money, or the lack there of, was the issue. There are 10+ professionals named "Mike Nixon", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. Have run a few political campaigns over the last several years. One wonders if going by the last name of Rossman bothered Jimmy. Any help would be appreciated. Its like my left hand wasnt even there, he told Michael Katz of The New York Times before the Braxton fight. locate events. See more of Pro-Boxer-Ranked Top 5-Irish Mike Nixon-"The California Knock Out Artist" on Facebook View the profiles of professionals named "Mike Nixon" on LinkedIn. With Rossman perhaps still fretting about boxing politics, Galindez was focused on regaining the title, and was able to defeat Rossman. To John (Dennis) Mancino ~ Is this the same John Mancino that worked at MSI Data Corp in late 1970 through 80s? Times were very different for boxing during the 70s and I am proud to say I survived to tell the story. His most prominent positions were as head coach of the National Football League's Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers. . Phil Jackson boxer. We would like to ask for yourpermissionto process your data so we can send you the latest news and trending stories in boxing. Telling your life story is very personal and I am going to get real in telling mine. But this night would be different. 1977-08-30: Ramon Beras: 6 11 2: Forum, Montreal W-KO. As a comparison, Tyson is only 5 ft 10.5 in (1.79 m) tall. Rossman was widely criticized after his loss to Galindez. Mike Rossmans rollercoaster pugilistic career was filled with thrilling highs and depressing lows. He is a member of the Ohio State Former Boxers and Associates and the Trumbull County of Ohio Legends Of Leather, past President the late Sal Marino.Jim is also a former member of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR). According to an article in The Ring, Howard Cosell, who was working on that fight's live broadcast to the US, was telling viewers that Corro was, in his opinion, way ahead on the judges' cards. He once was a world champion, something that not everyone can say. Nixon was promoted to head coach the next day, but endured (up to that time) the franchise's worst season with a 2-12 mark. 1976 . Why read my story? Not only did Nixon slug out forty professional bouts but was involved Sugar Ray Seales boxer. Related boxers. New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame 52nd Annual Induction & Award Ceremonies Other Photos taken by Those in attendance! Join Facebook to connect with Mike Nixon and others you may know. Not only did Nixon slug out forty professional bouts but was involved in exhibitions with both Mike and Jerry Quarry, and the world's greatest middleweight, Sugar Ray RobinsonNixon fought in thirty main event fights his first ten rounder coming just three days prior to his 19th birthday. Manager Jimmy DePiano At a scheduled rematch between Rossman and Galindez, Rossman was left waiting in the ring as Galindez failed to appear: A dispute about the judges of the match between the WBA and the Nevada Athletic Commission prevented the fight from being for the title, so Galindez camp refused to fight. For all the attributes Mike had he lacked one thingThe ability to take a good punch. LindaWrite to my email address instead. There are some secrets that I will take to my grave. List of world light-heavyweight boxing champions, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mike_Rossman&oldid=1142442396. Underdog Rossman rallied late by outworking Quarry. Dont see too many today with that kind of class in the sport. I owe it to my family and friends of boxing to keep the spirit of this book uplifting. pro boxer. date. After retirement, Antuofermo began to pursue an acting career. On the morning after winning the title, Antuofermo and his crew were driving to a small vacation in Italy, when he saw a car fly off a bridge under which they were passing. His corner stopped the fight. Mutual friends from the past, such as former middleweight Mike Nixon, Jerry's brother-in-law, had told me that Jerrycould no longer handle simple daily tasks, such as shaving. Retained European super-welterweight title, Palazzetto dello Sport, Naples, Campania, Italy, Last edited on 13 February 2023, at 11:54, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vito_Antuofermo&oldid=1139108718, This page was last edited on 13 February 2023, at 11:54. He was a smooth boxer with a good punch. . Name: Mike Nixon Hometown: Glendale, California, USA Birthplace: Binghamton, New York, USA Stance: Orthodox Height: 175cm Pro Boxer: Record Amateur Boxer: Record Manager: Ralph Gambina (after 1976) Biggest matches were vs. Joe Hopkins, Sugar Ray Seales, Willie Warren, Tony Licata, Vito Antuofermo and a split in two bouts with Mike Rossman . Kuharich's tenure with the team was brief, but when he was named as head coach of the Redskins after the 1953 NFL season, Nixon followed him to the nation's capital. [citation needed]. Total bouts 37, won 27, lost 8, draw 1. (LogOut/ His father, Jimmy, told Sports Illustrated in 1978, Mike Rossman. Irish Mike's last bout was against the great Vito 22 fights in a row illegally, because he was actually too young to fight professionally. score. Debbie Rossman vs. Galindez championship rematch. Rossman was born in Turnersville, New Jersey, as[1] Michael Albert DePiano. Back in the day (late 70's), I lived a boxing life. In his next defense, against Alan Minter, also in Las Vegas, he lost the title by a 15-round split decision. and all honest work." Preview: The 2023 West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame! Antuofermo won the 1970 147-pound (67kg) New York Golden Gloves Championship, defeating Thomas Chestnut in the finals. Apart from Corro, other boxers he beat included world champions Eckhard Dagge, Denny Moyer and Emile Griffith. In 1972 twice Art Davis kayoed him. Jerry Quarry, who passed away in 1999 as the result of brain damage Michael is related to Sharon Ann Walters and Michaela Reneenixon as well as 2 additional people. Rossman, who went by the moniker, The Jewish Bomber, could fight. I sparred with Mike Nixon numerous times at the famous Main St. Gym in Los Angeles during the early to mid-1970s. He then advanced to the NFL, but played just one season with the Steelers in 1935 before entering the coaching fraternity at his alma mater the next year. Perhaps known better by many as the brother-in-law of the late great There are 500+ professionals named "Mike Nixon", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and opportunities. Early life [ edit] Irish Mike Nixon, a fast hard punching Middle Weight California Knock Out Artist became one of the most popular prize fighters during the 70's, who many believed would become a World Champion Boxer. Now in my 60's, I have come to appreciate the life lessons of being in the ring and being in the lime light. I hope you are doing well! However it didnt show up. After several attempts at becoming a top middleweight again, Antuofermo retired from boxing in 1985. Born Michael Albert DiPiano in Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly Love, he used his mothers maiden name, Rossman, to box. Willie Warren boxer. View the profiles of people named Michael Nixon. Rossman beat big-shots like Mike Nixon, Mike Quarry (twice), Christy Elliott, and Gary Summerhays before getting a shot at the light heavyweight championship of the world against Victor Galindez of Argentina. He is Jewish, and boxed with a Star of David on his shorts. Tomorrow night: Brandon Figueroa and Mark Magsayo meet in expected brawl, Subriel Matias wins IBF 140-pound strap with fifth-round stoppage of Jeremias Ponce, John "Scrappy" Ramirez captures WBA continental super flyweight title, What if Jake Paul BEATS Tommy Fury? The Legends, The Hard Truth, Celebrities, Fans,Wins and Losses. Linda, locate people. The rematch produced one of the most devastating knockouts Ive ever seen. With player shortages beginning that year due to World War II, Nixon briefly resumed his playing career by signing a contract with the team on November 19, 1942. Height 5 9/175cm . The following month Rossman threw hands with Mike Quarry. Ted Kid Lewis boxer. Two weeks before the start of the 1965 NFL season, Parker abruptly quit. bouts 37. won 27. lost 8. draw 1. event bout wiki. He finished boxing in 1983 and had a record of 44-7-3 with 27 knock outs and now lives in Atlantic City, New Jersey. support wiki forum login search: all fighters officials managers matchmakers promoters. I put my email address in here. event bout wiki. Sources: Wikipedia, New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, Download our mobile app for on-the-go access to the Jewish Virtual Library, 1998 - 2023 American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise. 1976-05-11: Gene Wells: 38 9 2: Orlando Sports Stadium, Orlando L-PTS. I owe it to my family and friends of boxing to keep the spirit of this book uplifting. Now approaching 60 years old, I have come to appreciate the life lessons of being in the ring and being in the lime light. Antuofermo also made television commercials for Old Spice deodorant.[4]. His most prominent positions have been as head coach of the National Football League's Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers. Join Facebook to connect with Michael Nixon and others you may know. The fighter who stopped Nixon in his pro debut was named GEORGE Davisthe same Indian George Davis who defeated Mike a second timein a big upset at the Anaheim Convention Center, just when Mike appeared to be hitting his stride. Sure sounds like it from your post. 1 talking about this. Rossman broke his right hand in round five. . Mike acknowledges an unspeakable pain at the loss of his friend and mentor Jerry Quarry, who passed away in 1999 as the result of brain damage incurred in the ring. Rossmans dad was Italian and his mom was Jewish. One minor correction to the Mike Nixon story. Trainer Slim Jim Robinson, New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame 52nd Annual Induction & Award Ceremonies Photos taken by Samad Haq & James Brandon. Against Rossman, he piled up points on the inside, winning the fight by unanimous decision. Gert Steyn boxer. Some felt that it bled before the first bell rang. The blow landed, but the pain shook Rossman. They have also lived in Centerville, IN and Lake Mary, FL. [emailprotected]. Avoiding right hands had become a chronic problem. In 1992, Michael Franzese, a Caporegime of the Colombo crime family, testified that Antoufermo had been under the control of mobsters including Andy Russo. In 1971 he was halted in nine by George Davis. View the profiles of people named Mike Nixon Nixon. However, that was a guy, not a woman. Why now? In the seventh round of a close and competitive fight, Rossman launched a right hand that landed like a guided missile on Nixons jaw. Its very difficult for me to call at work, so emailing would be much easier for me right now anyways. This is an insiders peak (a 70's time capsule) into an exciting behind the scenes world, for anyone who loves the fight game. He was commonly known as The Jewish Bomber. Though his real name is Michael Albert DiPiano, he chooses to go by his mother's maiden name, Rossman, as part of an 'appeasement agreement.' pro boxer. Then in 1977 Mike disappeared from the sport leaving many boxing fans to wonder what happened. Archie Sexton boxer. support wiki forum login search: all fighters officials managers matchmakers promoters. . Rossman made one successful defense before his hometown Philadelphia fans in December of the same year, stopping Italian challenger Aldo Traversaro in the fifth round after opening a wound on Aldo's forehead with a left hook. Mike was just 16 at the time and weighed about 160, thirty five pounds less than . I sincerely hope you enjoy what I create for you. Vito Antuofermo's second oldest son, Pasquale Antuofermo, boxed as an amateur, but never turned pro. His career record shows 44 wins, 27 by knockout, and seven losses. locate people. He then scored an upset points verdict over future light heavyweight champion, Mike Rossman. He now owns a successful landscaping company that operates in Long Island, New York. If I had the answer, maybe I could solve the problem. Mike Nixon SD: 10: 1975-05-19: Broome County Arena, Binghamton, New York, U.S . In subsequent years, Nixon would focus on college scouting, becoming the team's director of college scouting on February 20, 1974. Tony Licata boxer. Mike Nixon General Manager at Grand Junction Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Grand Junction, CO. mike nixon partner at dogwoodrecords Alpharetta, GA. Mike Nixon CFO, Sec/Treas at Cash Construction Company . Mike Rossman boxer. The third result is Michael Curtis Nixon age 50s in Leesburg, FL in the Silver Lake neighborhood. Again, it was close, but a pulpy left eye and slice over the right lobe ended the night for Quarry after six bloody rounds. The pain became worse over the course of the fight, and unbearable to a point where Rossman told his father-manager after the ninth round that he could not continue. He was commonly known as "The Jewish Bomber." . After only seven amateur bouts, Irish Mike turned to the Mike defended his title successfully against Aldo Traversaro before losing it back to Galindez in 1979. During his career he gained some acclaim as the Jerry and Mike Quarrys brother-in-law. Rossman fought Quarry again six months later. boxer: Dennis Mancino Signup now and receive updates and a notice when book is released By now you have heard many stories on boxing. Vito Antuofermo boxer. His career record shows 44 wins, 27 by knockout, and seven losses. View the profiles of people named Mike Nixon. Facebook gives people the power to share. Rossman beat big-shots like Mike Nixon, Mike Quarry (twice), Christy Elliott, and Gary Summerhays before getting a shot at the . Sugar Ray Robinson boxer. There are many dark sides of boxing that I will not go into. Back in the day (late 70s), I lived a boxing life. I was a former neighbor and friend of Mike and Wilma Nixon in the early 1970s. Michael Grant boxer. Irish Mike's last bout was against the great Vito Antuofermo. Nixon though cut his own path through the ratings and although he did not reach the top, he did mix with some of the best. Boxeurs associs. Would like to reconnect, socially. We shared a duplex with them in Huntington Beach for a few years. Enjoy the commentary and see you around the blog . Chico Varona boxer. [1] Background edit Antuofermo was born in Italy, in the town of Palo del Colle, about 15 km (9 miles) inland from the city of Bari. Global ID 84104 Rossman ended things suddenly with a pulverizing overhand right. It would be nice to catch up. He managed to win in the 13th round and became light-heavyweight champion of the world. Rossman is his mother's maiden name, which he uses rather than that of his father. Nixon departed after two seasons to return to the professional level as an assistant with the NFL's Brooklyn Dodgers. His family moved to the United States when he was 17 years old. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Nixon didnt hear a thing as he was counted out. Galindez took the title back from Rossman later in 1979. Mike was a great fighter and a class act. Facebook gives people the power to. . It was one of the hardest punches Ive ever seen landed. Mike was born Michael Albert DePiano on July 1,1956, in Philadelphia, PA., to James and Celia DePiano. From all reports, his life after boxing has been successful, though he doesnt trust the media. His once razor-sharp reflexes had dulled. He had solid skills and a lot of heart. Problem was he couldnt punch, scoring only 12 knockouts. He is a former undisputed World Middleweight Champion. If a fighter had future champ stamped on his forehead, Mike Nixon did. division middleweight results. Following a 9-5 season in 1966, the team won three fewer games the following year, then bottomed out with a 2-12 mark in 1968. And of all the guys I worked with, Mike Nixon, Ken Norton, and Pedro Lovell were the guys who represented real class. Popular boxers by division. [citation needed], Later, after losing the title back to Galindez in 1979 (see below), his career declined as he lost several matches; he never again fought a title match. I remember your name, but refresh my memory a little. Mike was a raw eighteen-year-old kid at the time and he showed the grit and determination to come back and win thirteen in a row. Rossman was inducted into the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame. Nixon himself eventually left to serve as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy for three years, but returned in 1946 as a Steelers assistant under his former coach Sutherland. In 1979, Antuofermo became World Middleweight Champion by beating defending champion Hugo Corro by a decision in 15 rounds at Monte Carlo. If a fighter had " future champ " stamped on his forehead, Mike Nixon did. Lopez ignored the crimson and rallied, using Rossmans head as a battering ram in round six. There are many dark sides of boxing that I will not go into. Then in 1977 Mike disappeared from the sport leaving many boxing fans to wonder what happened. Total bouts 52, won 38, lost 13, draw 0. In fact he stopped in three rounds by Larry Davis in his pro debut in 1970. I am raising two young daughters with my wife and I have three grown children who have children of their own. Nixon was fired after the season ended, but found work a few months later, again with Kuharich, now the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. He was stopped six times in his thirty seven-bout career. Enjoy the commentary in the mean time and the book will be yours December 2017. Mike Nixon boxer. I have read that Wilma remarried but I dont know where either of them are living or how to reach them now. He was stopped six times in his thirty seven-bout career. residence Los Angeles, California, United States nationality United States Nearly fifty years in the powersports industry, about half that time in training and management, and the other half as a career Big-Five dealership tech. The draw enabled Antuofermo to retain his title. Select the best result to find their address, phone number, relatives, and public records. Antuofermo was born in Italy, in the town of Palo del Colle, about 15km (9 miles) inland from the city of Bari. His most impressive victories were over Richie Kates, Lopez twice, and the talented Mustafa Muhammad. A character named Mike, who was also a 6 ft 3.5 in (1.92 m) tall, extremely well-built African-American boxer . He would keep that role until his retirement in the early 1980s. Nixon would return and in 1976 he lost in ten to clever Tony Licata. ATTENTION: All Boxing Fans, Prize Fighters, Sports Writers, Historians! During this same period, he also played third base in minor league baseball's Southern Association, while seeking other coaching opportunities. A step up in competition was next. Victor Galindez would be making the 11th defense of his belt. The car landed right in front of his, but luckily the accident did not injure any occupants in Antuofermo's car. I decided to write my story to leave my children and fans a legacy to read and to help those seeking a career in prize fighting learn from my experience. I sparred with a lot of big-name fighters, including George Foreman, Pedro Lovell, Indian Red Lopez, Pipino Cuevas who I knocked down in a LA Forum sparring session and Ken Norton for nine months at the Hoover St. Gym. Although I never held the title champ, I did beat champions and managed to rank in the top 5 in the world as a middle weight. Top Five Past Footballers Who Switched to Boxing, The Year 2009 It Was a Very Sad Year for boxing fans (R.I.P. He has landed several small speaking roles in movies and television shows since, including the critically acclaimed television show The Sopranos as a mobster. Johnny Hutchinson boxer. There are 500+ professionals named "Michael (mike) Nixon", who use LinkedIn to exchange information, ideas, and . Balrog is simply known as Boxer for international tournaments. . He had turned 28 six months before-just a baby in life, but not in boxing. Im jealous! locate people. Strong personal and work ethic. The strategy was for Nixon to gauge the strengths and weaknesses of the teams that would be facing the Browns after they changed leagues because the AFLNFL merger. Co-existing with his father, who also managed him, was never easy. Sam Langford boxer. I dont remember ever having your cell phone number, so thank you for providing it. A rematch went down in Las Vegas less than three months later. [emailprotected]. Times were very different for boxing during the 70s and I am proud to say I survived to tell the story. Michael Regis Nixon (November 21, 1911 September 22, 2000) was an American football player, coach and scout who spent close to a half-century connected to the game. Barely two months after being stopped for the first time in his career, Rossman was back in the ring, stopping a reeling Lonnie Bennett at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. Rossman got off to a fast start, opening cuts over both eyes. In 1971, Antuofermo was defeated by future Light Heavyweight Champion Eddie Gregory in the finals of the 147-pound (67kg) Open division. New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame 51st Annual Induction & Award Ceremonies MORE Pictures in the Crowd. Mike Nixon 27: 8: 1: 10 KOs 6 KOs; wiki. from car sales to hay bales . Although I never held the title champ, I did beat champions and managed to rank in the top 5 in the world as a middle weight. Irish Mike's last bout was against the great Vito Antuofermo. event bout wiki. In 1975 he lost a decision to Olympic Gold Medal winner Sugar Ray Seales. Abner Mares Will Collide with Ponce De Leon, Sergio Martinez is not your typical fighter, ShoBox Results & Photos: Bundrage, Russell Jr., Lara Win. Then in 1977 Mike disappeared from the sport leaving many boxing fans to wonder what happened. Rossman was a month past his 18th birthday when he turned professional. http://irishmikenixon.com Pro-Boxer-Ranked Top 5-Irish Mike Nixon-"The California Knock Out Artist" | Ventura CA The winner would get a shot at light heavyweight champion, Victor Galindez. Nixon was knocked down once in the 8th, and twice in the 9th round. Yet, he captured a world title. Gene Burton boxer. He won three in a row, before dropping a majority decision to ranking contender, Tony Licata.