Anthony Pietrantonio is not a household name in the boxing world.  In fact, few reading this story have much of an idea of who he is or what he has done. Pietrantonio (7-7) made a positive impression on me when he fought on the Ghost Production card at the Covelli Centre on July 3.  He didn’t dominate the fight and was woozy by the end, but he showed some serious heart and guts staying up and continuing to throw punches against his opponent, Randy Campbell.  The guy looks like a fighter.  He has hit a good spot, switching over to Jack Loew’s Southside Boxing Club, and he may have better days in what he is calling ‘one last good run’.

Paneech: Your last fight was a slugfest.  No clinching, no tying up the opponent either way, just straight bombs from bell-to-bell and round-to-round.  Do you always fight that way?

Pietrantonio: I was more or less fighting that guy’s [Campbell] style.  It fell into his style, I wanted to make it a show so I slugged it out with him.  I feel like I fought down to his level and against a higher quality opponent, I would fight a higher quality style.

Paneech: You were training somewhere else, had a six-fight losing streak, and end up here with Jack Loew.   Has a change in scenery helped your career?

Pietrantonio: Me being here with Jack has helped a lot.  He stays on me to do what I have to do both in the gym and on the road.  The other gym, I had to work a job and was only training maybe two or three days a week.  I would get the call for a fight on a week or two of notice, and it would be pretty good money, so I would take it.  My age is rising and the opportunities are decreasing.  I was fortunate to be picked up by a sponsor who basically gives me money and allows me to focus on boxing more than working.

Paneech: Talk about how your age [Pietrantonio is 33] can effect things and how hard of a push you can really give because in some circles that is considered old for a boxer.

Pietrantonio: There was a point where I thought I peaked, but I am wondering if I have even found my true potential yet.  I was 5-0 to start my career.  I had a setback and got myself into a little bit of trouble.  When all that was behind me, I started back up and the opportunities were scarce because I had to work.  I am pushing myself harder than ever right now and feel like I am finally approaching a level where I can win consistently.

Paneech: Moving forward, can Jack make you a more polished fighter?

Pietrantonio: I definitely think so.  There are a lot of different guys in this gym, so I am getting many different looks.  The other gym, I was sparring the same people every day.  My first fight was against a guy named Henry White Jr., who had like 160 amateur fights and he beat me, but after the fight which I did well in, I was commended and learned that White was a five-time Golden Gloves champion.

Paneech: You said there was a point where you had to go work, what was it you did?

Pietrantonio: I was doing heating work.  Heating and air conditioning.  I did insulation, put furnaces in, installed air conditioning units, basically anything I had to so I could have some money.  I could have been on a job someday for ten hours, which would mean no training because I didn’t have the time.  I feel good knowing I don’t have to rely on that anymore.  I love doing this.  I started when I was about 20.  I was a friend of a guy who boxed named Willie Phillips, and after I went to the gym once with him, I was hooked and knew it was what I wanted.

Paneech: How far can you go with this?

Pietrantonio: I’m ready to go all the way!  If it takes me somewhere, then great, so be it.  If not, at least I know that I tried and put everything into it.  There is no doubt in my mind I am ready for anything.  I fought James McGirt Jr. and would have gotten some national recognition if I would have won, but I only trained two weeks for that fight.  Six of my seven wins are by knockout, I just have to put it all together.

Paneech: What is the dream fight for you at 175-pounds?

Pietrantonio: I was supposed to fight Andre Ward before I got into some trouble.  I have seen him go down a few times and thought I had at least a shot at winning against him.  If I were to catch Ward, and he goes down, he will stay down.  I would like to have that opportunity back someday.  I like to watch Miguel Coto.  He is like me, he doesn’t talk much and fights hard.

Paneech: Did you play any sports at Sharon High School?

Pietrantonio: I played midget football and later was active with track and field.  I ran the 100, 200, and 400.  I ran the 100 in about eleven seconds.  When I am not in the gym now, I still concentrate on training.  I have two girls I look out for and I like to spend time with them on the weekends.

One Word Answers

Favorite Meal of The Day: Dinner – Spaghetti.

Biggest Phobia: Drowning.

Worst Habit: Not running enough.

Favorite TV Show: Sopranos.

Favorite Drink: Fruit Punch Gatorade.

Fast Food Order: Big Mac Value Meal, Fries, and a Coke.

Favorite Candy: Snickers.

Best Boxing Movie Ever: Raging Bull.

Person You Are Closest With: Darnell Boone.

Favorite Team: Pittsburgh Steelers.

Musical Preference: Godsmack, newer metal.

Favorite Cartoon Character: Daffy Duck.