Best fights of Tony Zale
Over 14 years as a professional, Tony Zale compiled a 67-18-2 (45) record, including eight title fights. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Tony Zale KOs Rocky Graziano in their 3rd fight
On June 10, 1948 Tony Zale fought Rocky Graziano for the NBA and The Ring middleweight titles. It was their third meeting. Zale was 35 years old with a record of 66-17-2, and Graziano was 29 with a record of 47-7-5. Zale was on a 3-fight winning streak and Graziano was on a 4-fight winning streak. Zale stopped Rocky Graziano via KO in the 3rd round. Crowned the new middleweight champion.
2. Tony Zale KOs Rocky Graziano
On September 27, 1946 Tony Zale defended his NBA, NYSAC, The Ring, and lineal middleweight titles against Rocky Graziano. Zale was 33 years old with a record of 57-16-2, and Graziano was 27 with a record of 43-6-5. Zale was on a 6-fight winning streak and Graziano was on a 8-fight winning streak. Zale stopped Rocky Graziano via KO in the 6th round. Defended the titles.
3. Tony Zale loses to Marcel Cerdan via KO
On September 21, 1948 Tony Zale defended his NBA, NYSAC, The Ring, and lineal middleweight titles against Marcel Cerdan. Zale was 35 years old with a record of 67-17-2, and Cerdan was 32 with a record of 107-3. Zale was on a 4-fight winning streak and Cerdan was coming off a win. Cerdan stopped Zale via retirement in the 11th round. Lost the titles.
4. Tony Zale KOs Al Hostak in their 3rd fight
On May 28, 1941 Tony Zale defended his NBA middleweight title against Al Hostak. It was their third meeting. Zale was 27 years old with a record of 47-15-2, and Hostak was 0 with a record of 0-0. Zale was on a 4-fight winning streak. Zale stopped Al Hostak via KO in the 2nd round. Defended the title.
5. Tony Zale KOs Al Hostak in their 2nd fight
On July 19, 1940 Tony Zale fought Al Hostak for the vacant NBA middleweight title. It was their second meeting. Zale was 27 years old with a record of 42-14-2, and Hostak was 0 with a record of 0-0. Zale was on a 11-fight winning streak. Zale stopped Al Hostak via TKO in the 13th round. Won the vacant title.
6. Tony Zale KOs Steve Mamakos in their 2nd fight
On February 21, 1941 Tony Zale defended his NBA middleweight title against Steve Mamakos. It was their second meeting. Zale was 27 years old with a record of 46-15-2, and Mamakos was 0 with a record of 0-0. Zale was on a 3-fight winning streak. Zale stopped Steve Mamakos via KO in the 14th round. Defended the title.
7. Tony Zale defeats Georgie Abrams
On November 28, 1941 Tony Zale defended his NBA middleweight title against Georgie Abrams. Zale was 28 years old with a record of 50-15-2, and Abrams was 0 with a record of 0-0. Zale was on a 7-fight winning streak. Zale won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
8. Tony Zale KOs Len Wadsworth
On February 12, 1947 Tony Zale faced Len Wadsworth. Zale was 33 years old with a record of 59-16-2, and Wadsworth was 0 with a record of 0-0. Zale was on a 8-fight winning streak. Zale stopped Len Wadsworth via KO in the 3rd round.
9. Tony Zale KOs Lou Woods
On March 19, 1948 Tony Zale faced Lou Woods. Zale was 34 years old with a record of 65-17-2, and Woods was 0 with a record of 0-0. Zale was on a 2-fight winning streak. Zale stopped Lou Woods via KO in the 3rd round.
10. Tony Zale KOs Tommy Charles
On March 20, 1947 Tony Zale faced Tommy Charles. Zale was 33 years old with a record of 60-16-2, and Charles was 0 with a record of 0-0. Zale was on a 9-fight winning streak. Zale stopped Tommy Charles via KO in the 4th round.