Mike Rossman

Mike Rossman (born July 1, 1955), whose real name was Mike DiPiano, is a former boxer who goes by his mother's last name rather than his father's as part of an 'appeasement agreement.' Rossman's father was Italian, and his mother Jewish, which led to his moniker The Jewish Bomber and a tattoo of the Star of David being etched into the calf of his right leg (ironically contradicting the Jewish commandment against tattoos).

Related Topics:
July 1 - 1955 - Italian - Jew - Tattoo - Star of David - Jewish commandment

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Rossman started his career in 1973, and had an impressive run in the beginning before going into some moderate 'mini-slumps' where he appeared to have a lethargic attitude toward the sport. Following this period his performance improved to the point that he was able to challenge for a world champion title, held by the Argentine Victor Galindez. The championship was contested in a bout on the undercard of Ali-Spinks rematch in September, 1978. Many thought Galindez would defeat his opponent, but Rossman opened up some cuts over Galindez' eyes and continued fighting that way until near the end of the 13th round, when the referee stopped the fight, and Rossman became world champion. Rossman would make one successful defense before his hometown Philadelphia fans in December of the same year, stopping Italian challenger Aldo Traversaro in the fifth round after opening a wound on Aldo's forehead with a left hook.

Related Topics:
1973 - Argentine - Victor Galindez - Ali - Spinks - 1978 - Philadelphia - December - Aldo Traversaro

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In February 1979, Rossman would participate in what is sometimes considered one of professional boxing's most embarrassing moments (at least in modern times). At a scheduled rematch between Rossman and Galindez, Rossman was left waiting in the ring as Galindez never showed up to fight: the challenger's camp disputed the neutrality of the judges scoring the fight. After immediate attempts to settle things failed, the fight was suspended, and was rescheduled for two months later in April 1979. With Rossman perhaps still fretting about boxing politics, Galindez was focused on regaining the title, and was able to defeat the distracted Rossman. Rossman apparently broke his right hand during the bout, severely limiting his boxing ability. The pain became worse over the course of the fight, and unbearable to a point where Rossman told his father-manager after the ninth round that he could not continue. Galindez was thus able to reclaim the championship. After the defeat, Rossman's career declined as he lost several matches; he never again fought in a title match. He would fight into the early 1980s, and perhaps the biggest name he faced in post-championship status was the upstart Dwight Braxton (today known as Dwight Muhammad Qawi), who defeated him in seven rounds in May 1981.

Related Topics:
1979 - 1980s - Dwight Braxton - 1981

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