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.

Mike Mollo
Born (1980-02-11) February 11, 1980 (age 44)
Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States
NationalityAmerican
Other namesMerciless
Statistics
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Reach75 in (191 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights29
Wins21
Wins by KO13
Losses7
Draws1
No contests0

Background

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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

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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

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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

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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

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29 fights, 21 wins (13 knockouts), 7 losses (4 knockouts), 1 draw[4]
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
29 Loss 21-7-1   Krzysztof Zimnoch TKO (7) 10, 3:00 25 Feb 2017   Azoty Arena, Szczecin
28 Loss 21-6-1   Andriy Rudenko TD (7) 12 6 May 2016   Ministerium, Odessa For vacant WBC International Silver Heavyweight title.
27 Win 21-5-1   Krzysztof Zimnoch KO 1 (10), 2:08 20 Feb 2016   Arena Hall, Legionowo Won vacant Republic of Poland International Heavyweight title.
26 Loss 20-5-1   Artur Szpilka TKO 5 (10), 1:41 13 Aug 2013   U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
25 Loss 20-4-1   Artur Szpilka KO 6 (8), 2:45 01 Feb 2013   UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois
24 Draw 20-3-1   Gary Gomez MD 8 06 Aug 2010   UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois
23 Win 20–3   Billy Zumbrun UD 8 26 Mar 2010   UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois
22 Loss 19–3   Jameel McCline UD 12 07 Nov 2008   Sichuan Gymnasium, Chengdu
21 Loss 19–2   Andrew Golota UD 12 19 Jan 2008   Madison Square Garden, New York, New York Lost WBA Fedelatin Heavyweight title.
20 Win 19–1   Art Binkowski TKO 2 (10), 1:25 13 Oct 2007   Sears Centre, Hoffman Estates, Illinois
19 Win 18–1   Zack Page UD 8 02 Mar 2007   Belterra Casino Resort, Belterra, Indiana
18 Win 17–1   Kevin McBride TKO 2 (12), 0:44 08 Oct 2006   Allstate Arena, Rosemont, Illinois Won vacant WBA Fedelatin Heavyweight title.
17 Win 16–1   Willie Walker KO 1 (6), 0:25 25 Aug 2006   Aragon Ballroom 1106 W Lawrence, Chicago, Illinois
16 Loss 15–1   DaVarryl Williamson TKO 4 (10), 2:59 6 May 2006   DCU Center, Worcester, Massachusetts
15 Win 15–0   Rogerio Lobo KO 6 (12), 2:48 04 Nov 2005   Cicero Stadium, Cicero, Illinois Won vacant IBF, WBC & WBO Latino Heavyweight title
14 Win 14–0   Troy Weida TKO 1 (10), 1:31 13 Jul 2005   Majestic Star Casino, Gary, Indiana
13 Win 13–0   Shawn Robinson TKO 1 (6), 2:51 27 Apr 2005   Italian Sports Hall of Fame, Chicago, Illinois
12 Win 12–0   Eric French UD 4 15 Jun 2004   The Belvedere, Elk Grove Village, Illinois
11 Win 11–0   Siarhei Dychkou UD 4 28 Mar 2003   Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois
10 Win 10–0   Brian McIntyre KO 1 (4), 1:55 15 Mar 2003   UIC Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois
9 Win 9–0   Jessie Tucker UD 6 27 Nov 2002   Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois
8 Win 8–0   Marcelo Aravena UD 4 17 Nov 2002   Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, North Dakota
7 Win 7–0   Louis Parker KO 1 (4), 0:36 27 Sep 2002   Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois
6 Win 6–0   John Clark UD 4 10 Aug 2002   Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, Washington
5 Win 5–0   Donnie Penelton UD 4 21 Nov 2001   Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois
4 Win 4–0   Nathan Crawford KO 1 (4), 1:00 17 Oct 2001   Ramada Inn, Rosemont, Illinois
3 Win 3–0   Calvin Miller KO 1 (4), 0:38 16 Feb 2001   DePaul Alumni Hall, Chicago, Illinois
2 Win 2–0   Joe Helton KO 1 (4), 0:19 20 Aug 2000   Casino Queen, East Saint Louis, Illinois
1 Win 1–0   Terrence Coffin KO 1 (4), 2:03 25 Jun 2000   Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin, Illinois

References

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  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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