Tony Morgano
Tony Morgano (August 19, 1913-February 02, 1985) was a dynamic left handed professional boxer fighting out of South Philadelphia in the 1930s. He defeated five world champions in non title fights. After his retirement from professional boxing he worked as an iron worker, and later served as a GOP committeeman in the Ninth Division of the 26th Ward of Philadelphia. Throughout his life he tirelessly gave back to the community, training approximately 1,250 young boxers, providing for retired fighters, and working with various charitable organizations throughout Philadelphia.
Biography
Early Years
Morgano was an Italian-American boxer, born and raised in Philadelphia on Montrose Street, to Paul and Concetta Morgano. Tony had four brothers - Robert, Paul, Sam, and Edward and two sisters - Anne and Grace. His father Paul was an immigrant painter who died when he was five. As a result of this Tony was forced to grow up rather quickly. He finished the third grade and having spent a lot of time watching fighters train at the Olympic gym at Broad and Bainbridge streets, he started his boxing career - at the age of 12.
Amateur Career
Morgano went undefeated as an amateur defeating 22 fighters. He weighed 88 pounds at the age of twelve, when he fought and won the Middle Atlantic AAU flyweight title. Fighters were not allowed to weigh under 100 pounds by rule so he filled his shoes with lead and tipped the scales at 105 pounds. In the next three years he won 21 fights.
In order to help his mother support his family, after winning a bout, he would be awarded "a Walton watch, and somebody at ringside would buy it from you for $2 or $3 dollars . I'd sell the watch and take the money home to Mom for food. I was boxing every night. It helped out."
Professional Career
Tony's professional career started almost by accident. A Camden promoter offered him $25 dollars to be a stand-in against Pee Wee Ross, an experienced fighter. He took the fight on January 15th 1929, and in his own words "punch the stuffing out of Ross" He kept 5 dollars and gave 20 to his mother to help pay for food. Telegraphs reveled that much of his prize money in later fights would be sent back to his mother to help provide for his siblings. When it became known that he had fought for pay his amateur days were done. At 15, he found himself under contract to Max "Boo Boo" Hoff a local promoter.
He boxed in the Philadelphia area until the age of 21, accumulating approximately 51 victories. He then teamed up with Frankie Caris, a middleweight, and traveled the nation boxing. They landed in California and Morgano became a star, entertaining and working with many Hollywood types.