Tony Licata passes away. R.i.P

By Ted Sares: Anthony “Tony” Bruce Licata passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at his residence. Age 56 years,. Beloved husband of the late Ramona Maldonado Licata. Loving father of Crystal Licata. Grandfather of Henry Piedy Jr. Brother of Kenneth Licata. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 6425 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, LA. 70003, on Friday May 30, 2008 at 2:30 PM. Visitation will begin at 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Anthony Licata Memorial Fund set up in his memory at the Whitney Bank. Greenwood Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

To view or sign the Family Guestbook, please visit www.greenwoodfuneralhome.net

The following is from Jim Amato:

“One of the better middleweights of the 1970’s died recently. Tony Licata was a victim of a heart attack at the age of 56. The smooth boxing Licata turned professional in 1969 and was undefeated in his first 52 fights. ( 49-0-3 ). During that streak he defeated the likes of Mike Pusateri, Luis Vinales, Jose Chirino, Art Hernandez, Denny Moyer, Emile Griffith, Cubby “Top Cat” Jackson, Mike Baker and Vinnie Curto. He suffered his first loss in 1975 on an upset decision to Argentina’s Ramon Mendez. Tony came right back to outscore Mendez in a rematch.

On June 30, 1975, Licata met another native of Argentina, the great Carlos Monzon. This was for the middleweight title and they fought at New York’s Madison Square Garden. It would be Monzon’s only appearance in the United States. Licata fought gamely but was overpowered by King Carlos in round ten.

Licata would go on to lose five more times in his career to Jean Mateo, Mike Colbert, Alan Minter, Fred Johnson and Tony Chiaverini. After the loss to Monzon, he did defeat Mike Rossman, Mike Nixon and Mel Dennis. Tony retired in 1980 after 72 fights. His overall record was an outstanding 61-7-4 with 27 knockouts. He was halted on four occasions. He met four world champions. May he rest in peace.”