Gold Medal Boxing

SMOKY CITY DIRTY DOZEN 11-12

11. MICHAEL MOORER
This Monessen slugger has the unique distinction of being the first southpaw to ever win the world heavyweight championship. He is also the first fighter from this region to hold the belt, the other heavyweight champs from Pennsylvania - Joe Frazier and Larry Holmes- both hailed from the eastern portion of the state. Though he only fought in his native region twice, his accomplishments in the ring have been a source of pride for all West PA.

Moorer began his career as a light-heavyweight, fighting out of the prestigious Kronk Gym under Emanuel Stewart. He quickly developed a reputation as a fierce puncher and was championed in the press by stablemate Thomas Hearns.

After outgrowing the division, he invaded the heavyweight ranks in the early 90s and soon became a leading contender. He engaged in a titanic slugfest with fellow puncher Bert Cooper that is remembered as one of the greatest, most thrilling fights of the era.

He won the world title by decisioning Evander Holyfield on April 22, 1994. He lost it by knockout seven months later to George Foreman in a fight he was winning handily. After that loss his career had its ups and downs, but he unquestionably left his mark on the history of heavyweight boxing.

Moorer retired in 2008 with a record of 52-4-1 (40 knockouts). He is enshrined in the Boxing Hall of Fame.

12. TOMMY YAROSZ
Middleweight champ Teddy Yarosz established the family name in boxing, and it was thought that it would fade after he retired, as siblings rarely found the magic that made their brothers successful. But his younger brother Tommy proved that old cliché was wrong, becoming a much-avoided contender in two separate divisions.

Like Teddy, he was a clever boxer, hard as nails, and never heard the fatal ten-count in his career. Tommy suffered only one stoppage loss (due to a cut) in his entire 92-bout career and his seven years, 55-fight unbeaten streak in the 1940s was one of the era’s standout achievements. The combination of trainer Ray Arcel’s wisdom and Tommy’s talent made them a formidable team.

But WWII and the frozen titles hindered him. He served his country and came home full of renewed ambition, only to find that organized crime had sunk its hooks deeper into boxing than ever before. But staying true to a Pittsburgh tradition codified by men like Harry Greb and Willie Davies, Yarosz steadfastly refused to be intimidated and didn’t give gangsters an inch.

One of Tommy’s more noteworthy achievements was a win over Australian battler Dave Sands, a man even the great Sugar Ray Robinson had reservations about fighting. He also out-boxed Jake LaMotta in losing a highly unpopular decision in Jake's hometown. The result was “lustily booed” by the MSG audience and decried even by “The Ring.”

Yarosz fought on for two more years but never received a title shot during his outstanding career.

A view of Three Rivers Stadium after Hurricane Agnes in 1972!

📸 • Kathleen Reilly Negatives

The 9th Annual FALL FISTICUFFS features an outstanding lineup, including the Pennsylvania State Middleweight Championship as Paul Palumbo takes on Ivan Dancha.

After lying dormant for several years, this historic title returns to the ring. Over the years, it has been contested by some of Pennsylvania’s finest fighters, including Doug DeWitt (WBO World Champion), Derek “Pooh” Ennis, Randy Griffin, Yusaf Mack, Tony Thornton, Johnny Morris, and George Benton.

On October 3rd, another name will be added to this prestigious championship’s history.

9/11/26🔜⏰

"The Pittsburgh Kid" Paul Spadafora, 1990s and 2000s lightweight champion from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The dust has barely settled from Summer Heat… and we’re already gearing up for THE ANNUAL FALL FISTICUFFS on October 3, 2026.

Tickets and event details coming soon. 🥊🍂