by James Slater: Former boxer Gino Gelormino, who made his mark at both featherweight and junior-lightweight back in the 1980s, was tragically killed this past Tuesday, in a construction accident in New York. According to an article on Newsday.com, the 47 year old Gelormino was working on repairing the Triborough Bridge, when he slipped and fell. Gino later died from his injuries at Elmhurst Hospital Center. The accident is now under investigation..
Older fight fans will remember Gelormino. A former Golden Gloves champion in the late ’70s, Gino turned pro in 1981 – winning his first fifteen pro bouts. After a loss to Sylvester Kennon in 1983 (KO by 5) Gelormino went unbeaten in his next fourteen fights. Eventually getting himself a world ranking and some serious recognition as a talented boxer (he was given the nickname of “Young Willie Pep”), Gino took part in a series of bouts at the Felt Forum in New York.
Capturing the WBC Continental Americas super-featherweight title with a win over Mike Grow in 1988 (TKO 12), the 24-1 Gelormino defended his belt on two occasions – only one defence proved to be successful, however. Meeting Anthony English at The Forum in June of 1989, the by now highly touted Gelormino lost in an upset to the better than advertised English. For though he had a pretty mediocre record of 19-9-1(10), New Jersey’s English was a good fighter. With most of his losses coming against top guys, such as Darryl Tyson, Jackie Beard, Kenny Baysmore, Harold Knight, and, in his pro-debut, Freddie Pendleton, English had actually been in with much better competition than the favourite in Gelormino. It showed.
Losing his title on an 8th round TKO after a very brave effort, Gino’s big plans for the future had been severely compromised. Gino managed a further two wins, one in late ’89, the other in 1990, before a 2nd round TKO loss to Jose Sanabria in May of 1990 prompted his retirement from the sport. Yet despite not having gotten as far as many felt he would have, Gelormino made his mark on boxing. One particular famous name remembers him fondly today.
“He was a very exciting up-and-coming fighter,” said Steve Farhood, former editor of KO magazine. “He was very skilled. He was hard to hit and quick on his feet.”
Gelormino, who retired with a more than respectable 31-3(22) record, devoted a good portion of his life to boxing before going into the construction business ten years ago. He will be missed.