rocky graziano

rocky graziano


Rocky Graziano, born Thomas Rocco Barbella in New York City (1 January 1919 – May 22, 1990), was an American boxer. Graziano was considered one of the greatest knockout artists in boxing history, often displaying the capacity to take his opponent out with a single punch. He was the son of a boxer, known as `Fighting Nick Bob`, and was born in Brooklyn. He later moved to Little Italy in New York`s Lower East Side. He grew up as a street fighter and learned to look after himself before he could read or write. He spent years of his life in reform school, jail, and Catholic protectories.The subject in this exquisite image is Rocky Graziano and trainer Whitey Bimstein, surrounded by Graziano's posse. Hand printed from the original 4" by 5" transparency, the image was one of 61 that comprised The Italian Stallions exhibition, part of the 2006 Contact Photo Festival in Toronto.