Episode 144: Tony Canzoneri – New Orleans to New York

New Orleans was once a fertile area for developing championship boxers. Mainly because of the large Italian immigration many of the boys who came from poor families and grew up in tough neighborhoods were attracted to boxing. Not only were the skills a matter of survival, but they could also be a way, for some, to fame and wealth. One example was Tony Canzoneri who grew up in the New Orleans area, eventually moved to New York City where he ultimately won several boxing championships.

Ramon Antonio Vargas, who has seen the tough side of life as a former crime reporter for the Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate, joins Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde to talk about his new book “Family, Gangsters & Champions: Boxer Tony Canzoneri’s Life & World.”

We will also hear about Canzoneri’s New Orleans experiences in the ring and about his brief effort operating a bar.

Original Photo: Associated Press