Champions from the past and the present

As part of the 50th anniversary of the WBC, we pay a fond tribute to our marvelous world champions- stars from the past, and diamonds-rough hewn or polished, that dominate the divisions nowadays.

MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION
Past... Joe Giardello
Carmine Orlando Tilelli, better known in boxing as Joe Giardello was born on July 16, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York. He spent most of his childhood and youth in the East Passyunk Crossing area of South Philadelphia, where he joined many other Italian-Americans in the city in taking up boxing.
He joined the US Army younger than the legal age, borrowing his cousin's name. And he participated in the Airborne Unit.
Where he turned 18, he made his professional debut on October 10th, 1948 facing Jimmy Larkin, who he defeated by KO in the first round.
His fame grew and so did the stature of his rivals.
On Dcember 7th 1963, Giardello faced Dick Tiger at the Convention Hall in Atlantic City for the title and won, taking the world championship by decision in 15 rounds.
He fought his last fight on November 6, 1967 against Jack Rodgers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He built a record of 100 wins, 32 KO’s, 27 losses and 8 draws.
The Boxing World mourned, when Joey passed away on September 4th 2008.
Present... Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez
Sergio was born on Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, Argentina on February 21, 1975. His passion for boxing began in childhood, thanks to his uncle Ruben Paniagua, who was a boxer.
As an amateur, Sergio shone, showing great potential. He made his professional debut on December 27th, 1997 against Cristian Marcelo Vivas who he KO’d in the second round.
Sergio then went on to build a great record. In 2005 he got the chance of fighting for the WBC Latino title against Albert Airapetian who he defeated by KO in the 11th round.
On April 16, 2010, Sergio conquered the WBC middleweight title by UD in 12 rounds over Kelly Pavlik.
A year passed and Sergio joined the elite list of boxers who have fought for the WBC Diamond belt. That night Sergio faced Serhly Dzinziruk to whom he defeated by KO in the 8th round.
He was then named Emeritus champion by the WBC and on September 15th, 2012, he faced Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. for the WBC middleweight title in a match, keenly anticipated by the fans and boxing experts.
It was an unforgettable night with drama, thrills.... and a spill. Sergio defeated the son of the Mexican legend to regain his title by UD.

Source: wbcboxing.com/wbcEng25/index.php