Ring Announcer Phil Tufano Interview: In the Ring of Bruno Sammartino
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Correspondent
White Plains, NY (May 26th, 2013)– In an exclusive interview with Real Combat Media, professional boxing ring announcer Phil Tufano, also a captain in New York City Fire Department Engine Company # 206 in Fort Greene Brooklyn, talked ringside at Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York, on May 24, 2013, the same ring where nine year old Phil Tufano once watched world wrestling champion Bruno Sammartino wrestle Spiros Arion.
The wrestling bout Tufano refers to is listed in Wikipedia reference as having taken place on March 17, 1975, with Bruno Sammartino successfully defending his WWF Professional Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship against challenger Spiros Arion in the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Fight of The Year in 1975. The wrestling bout Phil remembers took place over six months before Muhammad Ali fought Joe Frazier in ‘The Thrilla in Manilla’ in the Philippines in October 1975.
Real Combat Media: “What was Westchester County Center like back then, Phil?”
Phil Tufano: “There was a ruckus to the gills! That was my earliest memory of the place, they used to do WWF wrestling cards here once in awhile. I’ve been announcer for some amateur boxing shows here. I’d imagine they have done professional boxing shows here before.”
Real Combat Media: “How has your life changed since you were a kid here?”
Phil Tufano: “I was a spectator, and now I am here as ring announcer, as the center of it all.”
Real Combat Media: “How does the announcer get the boxing show moving?”
Phil Tufano: “It’s kind of a fascination. You make the boxers look good. You frame the show, (as ring announcer) you set the stage.”
Real Combat Media: “Who are the most famous people you have introduced?”
Phil Tufano: “I’m met and introduced the late world heavyweight champion Joe Frazier a number of times, former world heavyweight champion John Ruiz, and lots of heavyweight contenders such as Gerry Cooney, the late Carl Williams, Renaldo snipes, Alex Stewart.”
Real Combat Media: “How would you describe Westchester County Center as a sporting venue?”
Phil Tufano: “This is intimate. Not too big, not too small. People are close to the action. If you filled the place, you would have five thousand people in here. I would say it is a mid-sized arena. For a club show like this, it’s very big. ”
Real Combat Media: “How are the acoustics at the Westchester County Center?”
Phil Tufano: “Not too bad. It’ll sound different with people inside. The sound bounces inside, but not so big it will make an echo.”
Real Combat Media: Where’s home for you, Phil?”
Phil Tufano: ” I live in New Hyde Park in Nassau County, near the Queens line.”
Real Combat Media: “What’s it like, changing from firefighter to ring announcer?”
Phil Tufano: “I wear a black and gold uniform in the firehouse, and later change to the white outfit you see me wearing.”
Real Combat Media”: “What do your firefighter buddies and your friends think of you as a ring announcer?”
Phil Tufano: “It’s kinda cool. The fellows at the firehouse come to see me at the Golden Gloves. People are used to seeing me in a tee-shirt and jeans, not all dressed up. I came from home today. I work in 24 hour shifts, then take three days off, but a lot of times I’ll work overtime and come in on these days when I am needed, which is always.”
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