Gus Dorazio

Biography

Gus Dorazio, born on July 4, 1916, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, embarked on a boxing career that spanned over a decade, from August 1935 to June 1946. Dorazio's professional journey was marked by both notable victories and setbacks. His debut at Convention Hall, Atlantic City, on August 31, 1935, saw him score a second-round knockout of Young Foster, setting the stage for a career that would see him face some of the era's top fighters.

Like many of his era, Dorazio often fell victim to questionable hometown decisions, but he still finished his career with a remarkable 72 wins, 23 losses, and 1 draw record that included 20 Ko wins. His most memorable bout was against Joe Louis, the legendary heavyweight champion, on May 23, 1941. In this fight, Dorazio was knocked out by Louis, like most of the champion's title challengers were. Despite this loss, Dorazio continued to compete against top-tier opponents.

Dorazio faced a mix of established and rising fighters throughout his career, often finding himself in tough matchups. His final professional bout took place in July 1946, marking the end of a decade-long journey in the heavyweight division. Way past his best, Dorazio was stopped in 5 rounds by one Willis Applegate in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

Dorazio's life outside the ring was also marked by controversy. In January 1949, he was arraigned on a charge of homicide following the fatal beating of a brewery worker, an incident that led to accusations of murder by fist. This event overshadowed his boxing achievements and highlighted the complexities of his personal life. Despite these challenges, Dorazio's contributions to the sport remain a fascinating chapter in the history of heavyweight boxing during the mid-20th century.

Dorazio passed away on September 19, 1987, at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy that, while not as celebrated as some of his contemporaries, remains an intriguing footnote in the history of heavyweight boxing.