Classic Boxing Society

Joey Giambra fought under a completely different set of rules in the 1950s than those afforded the fighters of today. There was no such thing as a two fight-a-year schedule with the accountants tallying up the net. Back in the day, you fought hard, you fought often and – unless you were a world champion – it was enough to keep the wolf from the door. The Giambra suave, good looks and colorful style held him in good stead during the days of the spinning turnstile. And Joey could fight.

By Dan Hanley...(Joey was 82 years old when the following conversation took place)

DH: Joey, where are you originally from?
JG: I was born in Buffalo, New York.

DH: Tell me about growing up in Buffalo in the 1930s.
JG: Well, I grew up one of 13 kids during the depression in an Italian neighborhood where everyone was on welfare. But I was young and we knew no other life. I helped out the family by shining shoes in saloons and (laughing), earned a bit more by being the only Italian kid who could sing an Irish song.