Tony Who? Olympic Bronze Medalist Tony Madigan Dies, Fought Muhammad Ali Twice

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

 

There exists a short list of boxers who fought Muhammad Ali more than once in the amateurs and as a professional. Henry Cooper. George Chuvalo, Joe Frazier, Jerry Quarry, Floyd Patterson, Joe Bugner, Sonny Liston, Jimmy Ellis, Ken Norton, Leon Spinks, and Tony Madigan.

Tony who?

Yes. Tony Madigan, who fought Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, in the 1959 Light Heavyweight Intercity Chicago Golden Glove championships, and in the Light Heavyweight semifinal at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, Italy. Madigan settled for a Bronze medal in Rome, Italy, with many in the crowd booing the decision for Clay. Madigan had an extensive career as an amateur boxer in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, was a professional rugby player in London and Sydney, and was an active yachtsman and professional model.

Madigan, who lost decisions to Clay (Ali) both times, also finished in fifth place in the 1952 and 1956 Olympic Games, representing Australia in the Olympics in 1952, 1956, and 1960. Tony won the Gold medal in the 1958 and 1962 Commonwealth Games at light heavyweight, yet never turned professional as a boxer. He was inducted into the Australia National Boxing Hall of Fame in 2010.

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Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert is the Head Boxing Correspondent for Real Combat Media Boxing since 2013. Robert is also a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State region which includes NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts exclusive interviews, provides historical boxing articles and provides editorial ringside coverage of major boxing events. You can contact or follow Robert on Facebook and by email at [email protected].