Mike Bottini

BOXING

Born on July 31, 1918 in Paterson, New Jersey.

Son of Neapolitan tailors, he eamed the nickname "Leftigh" for his unusual ability to confuse opponents by switching from orthodox to soulhpaw slance during a fight.

Unfortunately, after a spectacular run in the amateur circuit, his questionable technique was a heavy burden throughout his professional career. As the jourmalist Nathan Grey put it. "IF he beats you twice, you didn't do your homework. He's got two fists and one trick." Yet his perseverance allowed him to steal the championship belt (a tille he managed to claim on no less than five occasions) from Carlos Luis Marin, who abandoned the bout yelling the legendary phrase "Not in the face”.