Professional Boxer. He made history by becoming the only fighter to record a knockdown against Jake LaMotta, during his historic career. Born Daniel Richard Nardico, in Painesville, Ohio, he joined the US Marine Corps at the age of seventeen during World War II, and saw action in the Battle of Okinawa; he was awarded the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. He began his professional boxing career in 1949, establishing himself a top contender in the middleweight, light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. On December 31st, 1952, Nardico fought Jake LaMotta in a non-title bout in Coral Gables, Florida. LaMotta was floored with a hard right hand in the seventh round, but would rise to his feet by the count of nine; he would not answer the bell at the start of the eight round, thus giving Nardico the victory. In January 1954, he fought Charley Norkus in a brutal contest which included multiple knockdowns by both fighters, resulting in a ninth round technical knockout loss for Nardico. A nationally-televised rematch ensued two months later, with Norkus winning a 10 round unanimous decision. Nardico concluded his boxing career in 1954, compiling a 50 win (35 knockout), 13 loss and 4 draw record in 67 bouts. He would later work as recreational director of the Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City. He died from congestive heart failure.
Professional Boxer. He made history by becoming the only fighter to record a knockdown against Jake LaMotta, during his historic career. Born Daniel Richard Nardico, in Painesville, Ohio, he joined the US Marine Corps at the age of seventeen during World War II, and saw action in the Battle of Okinawa; he was awarded the Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. He began his professional boxing career in 1949, establishing himself a top contender in the middleweight, light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. On December 31st, 1952, Nardico fought Jake LaMotta in a non-title bout in Coral Gables, Florida. LaMotta was floored with a hard right hand in the seventh round, but would rise to his feet by the count of nine; he would not answer the bell at the start of the eight round, thus giving Nardico the victory. In January 1954, he fought Charley Norkus in a brutal contest which included multiple knockdowns by both fighters, resulting in a ninth round technical knockout loss for Nardico. A nationally-televised rematch ensued two months later, with Norkus winning a 10 round unanimous decision. Nardico concluded his boxing career in 1954, compiling a 50 win (35 knockout), 13 loss and 4 draw record in 67 bouts. He would later work as recreational director of the Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City. He died from congestive heart failure.
Bio by: C.S.
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