Professional Boxer. Born Joey DiGianni, he was a top-ranked contender in the middleweight division during the 1940s and 1950s. Following service with the US Navy during World War II, he turned professional in 1947 and racked-up 27 consecutive wins as he floored opponents with his powerful left hook. On February 25th, 1949, DeJohn met top contender Pete Mead in an action-packed bout and scored a knockdown in the 3rd and 5th-rounds, as he inflicted heavy damage including a broken nose and a large cut over Mead's eye. Mead would prevail as he recorded three knockdowns of DeJohn in the 7th-round which resulted in the stoppage of the fight. In 1999, Ring Magazine named the contest as one of the Top-Ten greatest fights ever to take place at Madison Square Garden. Almost three months later, he fought the legendary Jake LaMotta and went toe-to-toe with the champion nearly giving him all he could handle. DeJohn was floored three-times during the 8th round to force the stoppage. On July 7th, 1949, DeJohn would avenge his defeat to Mead with a 7th-round knockout. In another memorable bout on July 31st, 1952, he fought the French future European champion Robert Villemain which concluded in a 9th-round knockout loss. After the contest, Villemain was quoted as saying "I was never hit so hard in my life". He retired in 1955 after compiling a 74 win (52 knockout) 14 loss and 1 draw in 90 fights. He was inducted into the Syracuse Hall of Fame in 1997.
Professional Boxer. Born Joey DiGianni, he was a top-ranked contender in the middleweight division during the 1940s and 1950s. Following service with the US Navy during World War II, he turned professional in 1947 and racked-up 27 consecutive wins as he floored opponents with his powerful left hook. On February 25th, 1949, DeJohn met top contender Pete Mead in an action-packed bout and scored a knockdown in the 3rd and 5th-rounds, as he inflicted heavy damage including a broken nose and a large cut over Mead's eye. Mead would prevail as he recorded three knockdowns of DeJohn in the 7th-round which resulted in the stoppage of the fight. In 1999, Ring Magazine named the contest as one of the Top-Ten greatest fights ever to take place at Madison Square Garden. Almost three months later, he fought the legendary Jake LaMotta and went toe-to-toe with the champion nearly giving him all he could handle. DeJohn was floored three-times during the 8th round to force the stoppage. On July 7th, 1949, DeJohn would avenge his defeat to Mead with a 7th-round knockout. In another memorable bout on July 31st, 1952, he fought the French future European champion Robert Villemain which concluded in a 9th-round knockout loss. After the contest, Villemain was quoted as saying "I was never hit so hard in my life". He retired in 1955 after compiling a 74 win (52 knockout) 14 loss and 1 draw in 90 fights. He was inducted into the Syracuse Hall of Fame in 1997.
Bio by: C.S.
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