Pat Valentino

Biography

Pat Valentino, born Pasquale Guglielmi on January 25, 1920, in San Francisco, California, was a prominent heavyweight boxer of the 1940s. Standing at 5'9½" with a 72-inch reach, Valentino fought under the orthodox stance and was known for his aggressive style and striking looks.

Valentino's journey to boxing was born out of hardship. Raised in poverty during the Great Depression, he dropped out of school at 13 to work in his family's grocery store. Inspired by local boxer Ray Actis, Valentino turned to boxing to overcome his fears and insecurities.

He began his professional career in 1939, initially boxing as Pat Guglielmi before adopting the surname Valentino, a nod to his distant relative, the silent film star Rudolph Valentino. This name change not only reflected his Italian heritage but also significantly boosted his popularity in the fight circuits, making him a household name among boxing enthusiasts.

Valentino faced notable opponents such as Solly Krieger, Melio Bettina, Jimmy Bivins, and Joey Maxim throughout his career. His most significant bout came on October 14, 1949, when he challenged Ezzard Charles for the National Boxing Association heavyweight title in San Francisco. Despite a valiant effort, Valentino lost by eighth-round knockout.

Valentino's career was marked by both triumphs and setbacks. He won the California State Heavyweight title in 1948 and was among the top ten heavyweights globally. However, a torn retina suffered in a fight against Tony Bosnich in 1948 would later significantly impact his career.

His final professional fight was an exhibition against Joe Louis on December 7, 1949, where he was knocked out in the eighth round. This bout, taken despite his eye injury, effectively ended his boxing career.

Post-retirement, Valentino's life took various successful turns. He had brief stints in the film industry and worked at Lockheed Aircraft before returning to San Francisco. He found a new calling as a maitre d' at Scoma's Restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf, where he became a beloved local figure, proving that life after boxing can be just as fulfilling.

Valentino's professional record stood at 45 wins, 11 losses, and 4 draws. He was known for his body punching and crowd-pleasing style, which made him a popular attraction in California for nearly a decade.

Pat Valentino passed away on July 25, 2008, at 88, leaving behind a legacy as a tough, determined fighter who overcame significant personal challenges to make his mark in the boxing world.