Melio Bettina
Encyclopedia
Melio Bettina was a professional boxer.
at light-heavyweight (2nd Div.) by decision over Tony Zale
.
in New York. Bettina would lose the title in his first defense, when he lost a unanimous decision to National Boxing Association champion Billy Conn
on July 19th. Later that same year on September 25th, he lost another unanimous decision to Conn at Pittsburgh's Forbes Field
.
In 1940 he would lose a decision Middleweight champion Fred Apostoli
, which he would revenge by stopping Apostoli in the 12th round. Other highlights in 1940 included a loss to Al McCoy, and wins over Solly Krieger
and Gunnar Barlund. On January 14, 1941, Bettina faced Anton Christoforidis
for the vacant National Boxing Association Light Heavweight title in Cleveland, Ohio. Christoforidis would win a unanimous decision.
Amateur career
Bettina won the 1935 Intercity Golden GlovesIntercity Golden Gloves
This amateur boxing tournament is considered by many boxing aficionados as one of the three most elite Golden Gloves titles, along with the Chicago Golden Gloves and the New York Golden Gloves....
at light-heavyweight (2nd Div.) by decision over Tony Zale
Tony Zale
Anthony Florian Zaleski was an American boxer. Zale was born and raised in Gary, Indiana, a steel town, which gave him his nickname, "Man of Steel." In addition, he had the reputation of being able to take fearsome punishment and still rally to win, reinforcing that nickname...
.
Pro career
Bettina was recognized as World Light Heavyweight champion by the New York State Athletic Commission in 1939. Bettina won the title on February 3, 1939, when he scored a 9th round TKO over favorite Tiger Jack Fox at Madison Square GardenMadison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG and known colloquially as The Garden, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New York City borough of Manhattan and located at 8th Avenue, between 31st and 33rd Streets, situated on top of Pennsylvania Station.Opened on February 11, 1968, it is the...
in New York. Bettina would lose the title in his first defense, when he lost a unanimous decision to National Boxing Association champion Billy Conn
Billy Conn
William David Conn , better known as Billy Conn, was an American Light-Heavyweight boxing champion famed for his fights with Joe Louis. He had a professional boxing record of 63 wins, 11 losses and 1 draw, with 14 wins by knockout...
on July 19th. Later that same year on September 25th, he lost another unanimous decision to Conn at Pittsburgh's Forbes Field
Forbes Field
Forbes Field was a baseball park in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1909 to 1971. It was the third home of the Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball team, and the first home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's National Football League franchise...
.
In 1940 he would lose a decision Middleweight champion Fred Apostoli
Fred Apostoli
Alfredo "Fred" Apostoli was a rugged, accomplished body punching middleweight, who was recognized as the world champion when he defeated Marcel Thil on September 23, 1937. He was elected to The Ring's Boxing Hall of Fame...
, which he would revenge by stopping Apostoli in the 12th round. Other highlights in 1940 included a loss to Al McCoy, and wins over Solly Krieger
Solly Krieger
Solly Krieger was an American middleweight boxer who fought from 1928-41.-Boxing career:A Golden Gloves amateur champion, Krieger turned professional in 1928....
and Gunnar Barlund. On January 14, 1941, Bettina faced Anton Christoforidis
Anton Christoforidis
Anton Christoforidis was a Greek light heavyweight boxer.Christoforidis was born in Messenia prefecture, Greece. His first bout was against Francisco Garcia Lluch in Paris, France which he won by decision. He made his United States debut on January 5, 1940 in Madison Square Garden defeating...
for the vacant National Boxing Association Light Heavweight title in Cleveland, Ohio. Christoforidis would win a unanimous decision.