Tony Licata

Tony "Two Gun" Licata (1952-2008) emerged from New Orleans' rich boxing tradition, unique for his Chinese-Italian heritage and trained by the legendary combination of Whitey Esneault and Bill Gore before later working with Lou Viscusi. His nickname evolved from "Machine Gun" to "Two Gun," reflecting his swift combination punching style that compensated for modest power.

His professional career, launched in 1969, began with a remarkable 52-fight unbeaten streak (49-0-3), including notable victories over Mike Pusateri, Luis Vinales, Art Hernandez, Denny Moyer, and Emile Griffith. Particularly dominant in Tampa, where he compiled a perfect 22-0 record, Licata developed into one of the 1970s' premier middleweights despite lacking one-punch knockout power.

His only career setback during his initial run came in Milan against Ramon Mendez, a loss he immediately avenged in New Orleans. This led to his defining moment - a WBA middleweight title challenge against Carlos Monzon at Madison Square Garden on June 30, 1975, marking Monzon's sole U.S. appearance. Despite a brave showing, Licata succumbed to a tenth-round TKO.

Post-Monzon, Licata secured victories over Mike Rossman, Mike Nixon, and Mel Dennis, though facing defeats against Jean Mateo, Mike Colbert, Alan Minter, Fred Johnson, and Tony Chiaverini. His career concluded in 1980 with a record of 61-7-4 (27 KOs), having faced four world champions.

His technical proficiency was particularly evident in his 1971 bouts with John Coiley, where his superior experience and preparation demonstrated the gulf between regional and national-class competition. Licata passed away on May 22, 2008, at age 56, leaving a legacy as one of the era's most skilled contenders who consistently performed at the sport's highest level despite never winning a world title.