Mike Mollo

Last updated
Mike Mollo
Mike Mollo.JPG
Statistics
Nickname(s)Merciless
Weight(s) Heavyweight
Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Reach75 in (191 cm)
NationalityAmerican
Born (1980-02-11) February 11, 1980 (age 43)
Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights29
Wins21
Wins by KO13
Losses7
Draws1
No contests0

Mike Mollo (born February 11, 1980) is an American former professional boxer. A fan favorite for his aggressive style in Chicago, Mollo is perhaps best known for his bouts with Polish fighters Art Binkowski, Artur Szpilka, Andrew Golota, and Krzysztof Zimnoch. He was managed by Darnell Nicholson.

Contents

Background

Born into a working class Italian family in Chicago's south suburbs, Mollo got into numerous scuffles on the streets of his neighborhood. Already 230 pounds as a 14-year-old, he was quickly taken to the local boxing club to hone his skills, and apply his energy in a more constructive manner. [1]

Professional career

After a brief amateur career, "Merciless" Mike Mollo made his professional debut on June 25, 2000, scoring a first-round knockout over Terry Coffin in Elgin, Illinois. Over the following years, Mollo built his professional record while also working full-time as a bricklayer and tuckpointer. Wildly popular with Chicago fight fans, Mollo used his hard-punching, aggressive style to win 19 of his first 20 professional bouts. His first loss was to heavyweight contender DaVarryl Williamson.

On October 7, 2006, Mollo scored his biggest win, knocking out Kevin McBride (best known for defeating Mike Tyson) by a TKO 30 seconds into the second round. [2]

After a second-round TKO of Art Binkowski, Mollo faced 40-year old former world title challenger Andrew Golota. Mollo lost via unanimous decision.

One of Mollo's more high-profile matchups was his two bouts against then-undefeated and future WBC world title challenger Artur Szpilka. Despite being a heavy underdog in the first fight and not having competed for two years prior to the bout, Mollo was able to knock down Szpilka before being knocked out in the sixth round. The two faced off again six months later, with Mollo again knocking Szpilka down early in the match before being finished in the fifth round via TKO.

Three years after his second loss to Szpilka, Mollo faced another Polish fighter, Krzysztof Zimnoch. In a significant upset, Mollo knocked out the 18-0-1 Zimnoch in the first round to win the vacant Republic of Poland International Heavyweight title. From this win, Mollo earned a shot at Andriy Rudenko's WBC Silver International Heavyweight title. Mollo was defeated via unanimous decision.

Mollo then faced off against Krzysztof Zimnoch in a rematch from the year before. Mollo lost the rematch via corner stoppage.

On March 1, 2017, Mollo officially announced his retirement from professional boxing.

Influences

Early in his career, Mollo gained the support of Rocky Marciano’s family. "I understand that Mike wants to emulate Rocky both in and out of the ring", noted Peter Marciano, younger brother of the "Brockton Blockbuster". Mollo remembers Marciano well. "I grew up watching fight films of Rocky Marciano. Both of our families came from Naples, Italy, so Rocky was a hero to my family. My strength and conditioning coach Joe Wright gave me a rare book written by Rocky called 'The Use of the Body'. Joe found this book in 1967 while he was somewhere in England. I’ve been reading it and it’s a masterpiece." Mollo continued, "I can’t be Rocky, but I’m truly honored to have the support of the Marciano family. I hope to make them proud." [3]

Personal life

Mollo is married with children and resides in the Chicago, South Suburbs, Illinois area. He currently works in a variety of jobs, including running a boxing course and gym.

Professional boxing record

29 fights, 21 wins (13 knockouts), 7 losses (4 knockouts), 1 draw [4]
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
29Loss21-7-1 Flag of Poland.svg Krzysztof Zimnoch TKO(7) 10, 3:0025 Feb 2017 Flag of Poland.svg Azoty Arena, Szczecin
28Loss21-6-1 Flag of Ukraine.svg Andriy Rudenko TD(7) 126 May 2016 Flag of Ukraine.svg Ministerium, Odessa For vacant WBC International Silver Heavyweight title.
27Win21-5-1 Flag of Poland.svg Krzysztof Zimnoch KO1 (10), 2:0820 Feb 2016 Flag of Poland.svg Arena Hall, Legionowo Won vacant Republic of Poland International Heavyweight title.
26Loss20-5-1 Flag of Poland.svg Artur Szpilka TKO5 (10), 1:4113 Aug 2013 Flag of the United States.svg U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
25Loss20-4-1 Flag of Poland.svg Artur Szpilka KO6 (8), 2:4501 Feb 2013 Flag of the United States.svg UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois
24Draw20-3-1 Flag of the United States.svg Gary Gomez MD806 Aug 2010 Flag of the United States.svg UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois
23Win20–3 Flag of the United States.svg Billy ZumbrunUD826 Mar 2010 Flag of the United States.svg UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois
22Loss19–3 Flag of the United States.svg Jameel McCline UD1207 Nov 2008 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg Sichuan Gymnasium, Chengdu
21Loss19–2 Flag of Poland.svg Andrew Golota UD1219 Jan 2008 Flag of the United States.svg Madison Square Garden, New York, New York Lost WBA Fedelatin Heavyweight title.
20Win19–1 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Art Binkowski TKO2 (10), 1:2513 Oct 2007 Flag of the United States.svg Sears Centre, Hoffman Estates, Illinois
19Win18–1 Flag of the United States.svg Zack PageUD802 Mar 2007 Flag of the United States.svg Belterra Casino Resort, Belterra, Indiana
18Win17–1 Flag of Ireland.svg Kevin McBride TKO2 (12), 0:4408 Oct 2006 Flag of the United States.svg Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Illinois Won vacant WBA Fedelatin Heavyweight title.
17Win16–1 Flag of the United States.svg Willie WalkerKO1 (6), 0:2525 Aug 2006 Flag of the United States.svg Aragon Ballroom 1106 W Lawrence, Chicago, Illinois
16Loss15–1 Flag of the United States.svg DaVarryl Williamson TKO4 (10), 2:596 May 2006 Flag of the United States.svg DCU Center, Worcester, Massachusetts
15Win15–0 Flag of Brazil.svg Rogerio LoboKO6 (12), 2:4804 Nov 2005 Flag of the United States.svg Cicero Stadium, Cicero, Illinois Won vacant IBF, WBC & WBO Latino Heavyweight title
14Win14–0 Flag of the United States.svg Troy WeidaTKO1 (10), 1:3113 Jul 2005 Flag of the United States.svg Majestic Star Casino, Gary, Indiana
13Win13–0 Flag of the United States.svg Shawn RobinsonTKO1 (6), 2:5127 Apr 2005 Flag of the United States.svg Italian Sports Hall of Fame, Chicago, Illinois
12Win12–0 Flag of the United States.svg Eric FrenchUD415 Jun 2004 Flag of the United States.svg The Belvedere, Elk Grove Village, Illinois
11Win11–0 Flag of Belarus.svg Siarhei DychkouUD428 Mar 2003 Flag of the United States.svg Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois
10Win10–0 Flag of the United States.svg Brian McIntyreKO1 (4), 1:5515 Mar 2003 Flag of the United States.svg UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois
9Win9–0 Flag of the United States.svg Jessie TuckerUD627 Nov 2002 Flag of the United States.svg Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois
8Win8–0 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Marcelo AravenaUD417 Nov 2002 Flag of the United States.svg Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, North Dakota
7Win7–0 Flag of the United States.svg Louis ParkerKO1 (4), 0:3627 Sep 2002 Flag of the United States.svg Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois
6Win6–0 Flag of the United States.svg John ClarkUD410 Aug 2002 Flag of the United States.svg Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington
5Win5–0 Flag of the United States.svg Donnie PeneltonUD421 Nov 2001 Flag of the United States.svg Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois
4Win4–0 Flag of the United States.svg Nathan CrawfordKO1 (4), 1:0017 Oct 2001 Flag of the United States.svg Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois
3Win3–0 Flag of the United States.svg Calvin MillerKO1 (4), 0:3816 Feb 2001 Flag of the United States.svg DePaul Alumni Hall, Chicago, Illinois
2Win2–0 Flag of the United States.svg Joe HeltonKO1 (4), 0:1920 Aug 2000 Flag of the United States.svg Casino Queen, East Saint Louis, Illinois
1Win1–0 Flag of the United States.svg Terrence CoffinKO1 (4), 2:0325 Jun 2000 Flag of the United States.svg Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin, Illinois

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References

  1. ↑ Profile: Mike Mollo Boxing Insider, October 7, 2006.
  2. ↑ McBride Stopped In Chicago Bout BBC Sport: Boxing, October 8, 2006.
  3. ↑ Mike Mollo Signs With DKP East Side Boxing, April 20, 2006.
  4. ↑ Boxing record for Mike Mollo from BoxRec (registration required)
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