Mike Mollo

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Mike Mollo
Born (1980-02-11) February 11, 1980 (age 44)
Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States
NationalityAmerican
Other namesMerciless
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Reach75 in (191 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights29
Wins21
Wins by KO13
Losses7
Draws1
No contests0

Mike Mollo (born February 11, 1980) is an American former professional boxer. A fan favorite for his aggressive style in Chicago, Mollo is perhaps best known for his bouts with Polish fighters Art Binkowski, Artur Szpilka, Andrew Golota, and Krzysztof Zimnoch. He was managed by Darnell Nicholson.

Background[edit]

Born into a working class Italian family in Chicago's south suburbs, Mollo got into numerous scuffles on the streets of his neighborhood. Already 230 pounds as a 14-year-old, he was quickly taken to the local boxing club to hone his skills, and apply his energy in a more constructive manner.[1]

Professional career[edit]

After a brief amateur career, "Merciless" Mike Mollo made his professional debut on June 25, 2000, scoring a first-round knockout over Terry Coffin in Elgin, Illinois. Over the following years, Mollo built his professional record while also working full-time as a bricklayer and tuckpointer. Wildly popular with Chicago fight fans, Mollo used his hard-punching, aggressive style to win 19 of his first 20 professional bouts. His first loss was to heavyweight contender DaVarryl Williamson.

On October 7, 2006, Mollo scored his biggest win, knocking out Kevin McBride (best known for defeating Mike Tyson) by a TKO 30 seconds into the second round.[2]

After a second-round TKO of Art Binkowski, Mollo faced 40-year old former world title challenger Andrew Golota. Mollo lost via unanimous decision.

One of Mollo's more high-profile matchups was his two bouts against then-undefeated and future WBC world title challenger Artur Szpilka. Despite being a heavy underdog in the first fight and not having competed for two years prior to the bout, Mollo was able to knock down Szpilka before being knocked out in the sixth round. The two faced off again six months later, with Mollo again knocking Szpilka down early in the match before being finished in the fifth round via TKO.

Three years after his second loss to Szpilka, Mollo faced another Polish fighter, Krzysztof Zimnoch. In a significant upset, Mollo knocked out the 18-0-1 Zimnoch in the first round to win the vacant Republic of Poland International Heavyweight title. From this win, Mollo earned a shot at Andriy Rudenko's WBC Silver International Heavyweight title. Mollo was defeated via unanimous decision.

Mollo then faced off against Krzysztof Zimnoch in a rematch from the year before. Mollo lost the rematch via corner stoppage.

On March 1, 2017, Mollo officially announced his retirement from professional boxing.

Influences[edit]

Early in his career, Mollo gained the support of Rocky Marciano's family. "I understand that Mike wants to emulate Rocky both in and out of the ring", noted Peter Marciano, younger brother of the "Brockton Blockbuster". Mollo remembers Marciano well. "I grew up watching fight films of Rocky Marciano. Both of our families came from Naples, Italy, so Rocky was a hero to my family. My strength and conditioning coach Joe Wright gave me a rare book written by Rocky called 'The Use of the Body'. Joe found this book in 1967 while he was somewhere in England. I've been reading it and it's a masterpiece." Mollo continued, "I can't be Rocky, but I'm truly honored to have the support of the Marciano family. I hope to make them proud."[3]

Personal life[edit]

Mollo is married with children and resides in the Chicago, South Suburbs, Illinois area. He currently works in a variety of jobs, including running a boxing course and gym.

Professional boxing record[edit]

29 fights, 21 wins (13 knockouts), 7 losses (4 knockouts), 1 draw[4]
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
29 Loss 21-7-1 Poland Krzysztof Zimnoch TKO (7) 10, 3:00 25 Feb 2017 Poland Azoty Arena, Szczecin
28 Loss 21-6-1 Ukraine Andriy Rudenko TD (7) 12 6 May 2016 Ukraine Ministerium, Odessa For vacant WBC International Silver Heavyweight title.
27 Win 21-5-1 Poland Krzysztof Zimnoch KO 1 (10), 2:08 20 Feb 2016 Poland Arena Hall, Legionowo Won vacant Republic of Poland International Heavyweight title.
26 Loss 20-5-1 Poland Artur Szpilka TKO 5 (10), 1:41 13 Aug 2013 United States U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
25 Loss 20-4-1 Poland Artur Szpilka KO 6 (8), 2:45 01 Feb 2013 United States UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois
24 Draw 20-3-1 United States Gary Gomez MD 8 06 Aug 2010 United States UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois
23 Win 20–3 United States Billy Zumbrun UD 8 26 Mar 2010 United States UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois
22 Loss 19–3 United States Jameel McCline UD 12 07 Nov 2008 China Sichuan Gymnasium, Chengdu
21 Loss 19–2 Poland Andrew Golota UD 12 19 Jan 2008 United States Madison Square Garden, New York, New York Lost WBA Fedelatin Heavyweight title.
20 Win 19–1 Canada Art Binkowski TKO 2 (10), 1:25 13 Oct 2007 United States Sears Centre, Hoffman Estates, Illinois
19 Win 18–1 United States Zack Page UD 8 02 Mar 2007 United States Belterra Casino Resort, Belterra, Indiana
18 Win 17–1 Republic of Ireland Kevin McBride TKO 2 (12), 0:44 08 Oct 2006 United States Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Illinois Won vacant WBA Fedelatin Heavyweight title.
17 Win 16–1 United States Willie Walker KO 1 (6), 0:25 25 Aug 2006 United States Aragon Ballroom 1106 W Lawrence, Chicago, Illinois
16 Loss 15–1 United States DaVarryl Williamson TKO 4 (10), 2:59 6 May 2006 United States DCU Center, Worcester, Massachusetts
15 Win 15–0 Brazil Rogerio Lobo KO 6 (12), 2:48 04 Nov 2005 United States Cicero Stadium, Cicero, Illinois Won vacant IBF, WBC & WBO Latino Heavyweight title
14 Win 14–0 United States Troy Weida TKO 1 (10), 1:31 13 Jul 2005 United States Majestic Star Casino, Gary, Indiana
13 Win 13–0 United States Shawn Robinson TKO 1 (6), 2:51 27 Apr 2005 United States Italian Sports Hall of Fame, Chicago, Illinois
12 Win 12–0 United States Eric French UD 4 15 Jun 2004 United States The Belvedere, Elk Grove Village, Illinois
11 Win 11–0 Belarus Siarhei Dychkou UD 4 28 Mar 2003 United States Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois
10 Win 10–0 United States Brian McIntyre KO 1 (4), 1:55 15 Mar 2003 United States UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois
9 Win 9–0 United States Jessie Tucker UD 6 27 Nov 2002 United States Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois
8 Win 8–0 Canada Marcelo Aravena UD 4 17 Nov 2002 United States Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, North Dakota
7 Win 7–0 United States Louis Parker KO 1 (4), 0:36 27 Sep 2002 United States Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois
6 Win 6–0 United States John Clark UD 4 10 Aug 2002 United States Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington
5 Win 5–0 United States Donnie Penelton UD 4 21 Nov 2001 United States Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois
4 Win 4–0 United States Nathan Crawford KO 1 (4), 1:00 17 Oct 2001 United States Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois
3 Win 3–0 United States Calvin Miller KO 1 (4), 0:38 16 Feb 2001 United States DePaul Alumni Hall, Chicago, Illinois
2 Win 2–0 United States Joe Helton KO 1 (4), 0:19 20 Aug 2000 United States Casino Queen, East Saint Louis, Illinois
1 Win 1–0 United States Terrence Coffin KO 1 (4), 2:03 25 Jun 2000 United States Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin, Illinois

References[edit]

  1. ^ Profile: Mike Mollo Boxing Insider, October 7, 2006.
  2. ^ McBride Stopped In Chicago Bout BBC Sport: Boxing, October 8, 2006.
  3. ^ Mike Mollo Signs With DKP East Side Boxing, April 20, 2006.
  4. ^ Boxing record for Mike Mollo from BoxRec (registration required)

External links[edit]