Tommy DeJohn, last of the “Fighting DeJohn Boys” dies

By Boxing Bob Newman

Thomas DeJohn, the last living member of Syracuse’s “Fighting DeJohn Boys” passed away on Thanksgiving day, in his hometown of Syracuse, NY. He was 83. Born Thomas DiGianni, “Tommy” followed in the foot steps of his older brothers Johnny, Carmen, Ralph and Joey into the world of the “Sweet Science.” Stories of the “Fighting DeJohn Boys” exploits, not only in the ring, but outside of it filled the news papers, boxing magazines and saloons from the 1930s through the 1960s, as they became fixtures during Syracuse’s glory days in boxing.

Middleweight Joey was leading on two cards and even on the third through seven rounds against the “Raging Bull,” Jake LaMotta in 1949, before running out of gas and hitting the deck three times for an automatic stoppage. LaMotta refused a $20,000 purse increase to face DeJohn in a rematch, often quipping years later, “That DeJohn could hit. I still got lumps!” Though dubbed “The Golden Boy,” Joey’s training regimen was well known to be “booze, cigarettes and broads!”

Light Heavyweight Ralph lost two fingers on his left hand as a boy after getting them severed by a freight train when he was stuck on the tracks. He still went on to KO former middleweight champ Babe Risko in seven, and took on future champs Joey Maxim and Ken Overlin in losing efforts.

Heavyweight and baby brother Mike became a contender by scoring a first round knockout of contender Alex Miteff and at one time having the fastest K.O. on television for a heavyweight when he axed Charlie Powell in 47 seconds. Mike would most notably lose to future champ Sonny Liston by TKO6 in Miami.

Eldest brother Johnny managed and trained Mike and Joey, as well as co-managing welterweight and middleweight champion Carmen Basilio.

Tommy’s ring career was short lived though, as he decided to end it after competing at the golden gloves level, opting for a career as a mason for over forty years. Fightnews.com extends condolences to the DeJohn family.

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November 29th, 2011

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