Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

Many people were helpful in the lengthy process of writing this book. First and foremost, I would like to thank Salvatore Zarra. Aside from being a close friend, Sal spent many hours working on this project. In fact, the title “Pugilistic Paisani” was created by Sal.

I would like to thank A.J Raccio of Greater New Haven and Dan Muscato of Greater Buffalo. These two men are proud Italian Americans and they are huge fans of Italian American prizefighters. Both of them were extremely helpful in providing contact numbers for interviews as well as photographs for use in the book. I cannot thank Al Certo and Mike Pusateri enough. Al and Mike have been involved in boxing for over six decades. They also helped with setting up interviews as well as providing great boxing knowledge.

I would like to thank Ms. Lauretta Nardolillo. She has been an active and valuable member of Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood for many decades. Through her contacts with the “Little Italy Heritage Historical Museum”, Lauretta was able to set up my first interview with the late Joey Maxim.

I would like to thank Anthony Bescher, Trisha Duffy, and Joanne Hill of the Branford High School staff. These individuals were helpful in the areas of gathering information, footnoting, and with the physical layouts.

From the Greater New Haven area, I would like to thank the following people for their time and information; Pasquale Barone, Lou Bogash Jr., Dan Cosgrove, Curly Garcia, Gary Garibaldi, Donald Lambert, Sean Malone, Jack Monroe, Ralph Pisani, Santo Tomasello, and Mickey Williams.

Lastly, I would like to thank the over two hundred fighters, trainers, and family members that I interviewed over the years. I would especially like to the following; Vito Antuofermo, Carmen Basilio, Ralph Citro, Tony DeMarco, Johnny Duke, Angelo Dundee, Lou Duva, Arturo Gatti, Richie Giachetti, Joey Giardello, Jake LaMotta, Roland LaStarza, Ray Mancini, Peter Marciano, Joey Maxim, Sandro Mazzinghi, Arthur Mercante, Joe Miceli, Vinny Paz, Lou Savarese, Paul Spadafora, as well as Mike DeLisa and Chris Cozzone. The single greatest experience of this project was hearing their unique and intriguing stories. It has been my privilege to have had the opportunity to speak with them. These individuals treated me with respect and made me feel like a member of their inner circle. Each and every one of them was candid, amusing, helpful, and they provided great boxing knowledge.

If you would like to contact Richard Biondi:

Richard Biondi

Branford High School

185 East Main Street

Branford Connecticut 06405

(203) 488-7291

rdbiondi@branford.k12.ct.us