Zale, Tony (1913-1997), an American boxer, was one of the greatest middleweight fighters of his time. Zale held part or all of the world middleweight championship throughout most of the 1940’s. Zale was a fearless fighter who could absorb severe punishment and still rally to defeat his opponent.
Zale won the National Boxing Association version of the middleweight title by defeating defending champion Al Hostak in 1940. Zale unified the title by defeating New York state champion Georgie Abrams in 1941.
Zale served in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1946, during and after World War II. He was still recognized as the world middleweight champion after returning to civilian life. The highlights of Zale’s career were his three championship fights against Rocky Graziano. He defended his title with a sixth-round knockout of Graziano in 1946 but lost the title to Graziano on a sixth-round technical knockout in 1947. Zale regained the championship by knocking out Graziano in the third round in 1948. Zale lost his title to Marcel Cerdan in a 12th-round technical knockout later in 1948. Zale then retired with a career record of 67 victories, 18 losses, and 2 draws.
Zale was born on May 29, 1913, in Gary, Indiana. His real name was Anthony Florian Zaleski. He was a successful amateur boxer, compiling a record of 87 victories and 8 defeats before turning professional in 1934. Zale died on March 20, 1997.
See also Graziano, Rocky .
