Boxing Only


Vito Antuofermo

Vito Antuofermo Profile Image
  • Date of Birth: 9th February 1953 (72 years old)
  • Retired: 20th October 1985 (Career length: 13 years 10 months)
  • Status: Retired
  • Nationality: Italy Flag Italy
  • Birthplace: Palo del Colle, Puglia, Italy Flag Palo del Colle, Puglia, Italy
  • Residence: Brooklyn, New York, USA Flag Brooklyn, New York, USA
  • Division: Middleweight
  • Reach: 68.9"
  • Height: 5ft 7"
  • Stance: Orthodox
  • BoxRec: Vito Antuofermo
  • Debut: 30th November 1971

Biography

Vito Antuofermo, born on February 9, 1953, in Palo del Colle, Italy, carved out a reputation as one of the toughest and most relentless middleweight fighters of his era. Known for his brawling style and unwavering determination, Antuofermo fought professionally from 1971 to 1985, capturing the undisputed World Middleweight Championship. Though never known for finesse, his ability to absorb punishment and continue pressing forward made him a fan favourite.

Antuofermo's family immigrated to the United States when he was a child, settling in Brooklyn, New York, where his hard-nosed style was shaped by his surroundings. He turned professional in 1971, debuting with a six-round decision victory over Willie Dove. Over the next several years, Antuofermo built his record against tough competition, earning a reputation as a rugged and durable fighter with an unshakable will.

In 1979, after years of grinding through the ranks, Antuofermo reached the pinnacle of his career. On June 30, he faced Hugo Pastor Corro in Monte Carlo for the WBA and WBC Middleweight Titles. The fight was a gruelling, closely contested battle, but Antuofermo's aggression and pressure earned him a split-decision victory, making him the undisputed middleweight champion of the world.

His first title defence came later that year against rising star Marvin Hagler at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The fight was a bloody, high-paced affair, with Antuofermo suffering multiple cuts but refusing to back down. Despite Hagler's superior boxing skills, Antuofermo's relentless pressure and willingness to trade punches earned him a controversial split-decision draw, allowing him to retain his titles. The result remains one of the most debated outcomes in middleweight history.

Antuofermo's reign ended in his second defence against England's Alan Minter in March 1980. Minter outboxed the Italian-American over 15 rounds in Las Vegas to claim the title. Later that year, a rematch in London saw Minter stop Antuofermo on cuts, a recurring issue for the blood-and-guts warrior. Though no longer a champion, Antuofermo's tenacity kept him competitive in a stacked middleweight division.

Over his 57-fight career, Antuofermo faced some of the sport's biggest names, including Hagler, Minter, and Mustafa Hamsho. His style, characterized by relentless pressure and an indomitable chin, often left him at the mercy of judges in close fights. Still, his determination earned the respect of fans and opponents alike.

Antuofermo retired in 1985 after a TKO loss to Matthew Hilton, leaving behind a record of 50 wins (21 by knockout), 7 losses, and 2 draws. Beyond boxing, he pursued a second career in acting, appearing in films such as The Godfather Part III and various television roles.

Vito Antuofermo's legacy lies in his grit, resilience, and sheer will to compete at the highest level, which endeared him to boxing fans and solidified his place in the sport's history.