A Tribute to Tony Petronelli May 20 in Brockton

BROCKTON– 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.

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 KOs) captured the NABF, United States and New England light welterweight titles during his seven-year pro career (1972-79).

A bevy of boxing dignitaries are scheduled to attend the May 20th 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-Joe DeNucci undercard, defeating Ivelaw Eastman by 6-round decision.

Highlights of Petronelli’s career include a New England title-winning performance in 1972 against Carlos Garcia (DEC12) in Brockton and a successful title defense the following year versus Beau Jaynes in Boston, five U.S. light welterweight championship victories – Petronelli headlined 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.

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