Tony “Two Ton” Galento (March 12, 1910 – July 22, 1979) was an American heavyweight contender whose roughhouse style, fearless attitude, and unforgettable personality made him one of boxing’s most colorful characters. Best remembered for flooring Joe Louis in their 1939 title fight, Galento embodied the spirit of the everyman fighter — brash, tough, and unapologetically himself.

Born Dominic Anthony Galento in Orange, New Jersey, he earned his nickname working as a beer-truck driver. When asked why he was late on deliveries, he famously replied, “I had two tons of ice to deliver.” That working-class authenticity followed him into the ring, where his stocky build, brawling style, and defiant charm made him a crowd favorite.

Galento turned professional in 1929 and built a reputation as a relentless, heavy-handed slugger with an iron chin. Standing only 5 feet 9 inches tall but weighing over 230 pounds, he bulldozed his way through opponents, often fighting under less-than-ideal conditions and sometimes multiple times a month. His unorthodox technique and disregard for convention made him unpredictable and dangerous.

On June 28, 1939, Galento received his shot at the World Heavyweight Championship against Joe Louis at Yankee Stadium. Few gave him a chance — but in the third round, the unthinkable happened. Galento landed a looping left hook that dropped the seemingly invincible Louis. Though Louis rose to stop him in the fourth, Galento’s fearless effort earned him respect and a permanent place in heavyweight lore.

Beyond the Louis fight, Galento’s career was filled with memorable moments — victories over top contenders like Lou Nova and Nate Brown, and post-boxing appearances as an actor, wrestler, and nightclub entertainer. His larger-than-life persona and unfiltered humor made him one of the sport’s great characters during boxing’s golden era.

Tony Galento retired with a record of 80 wins, 26 losses, and 5 draws, including 57 knockouts. While he never became champion, he won something rarer — a permanent spot in boxing history as the underdog who dared to stand toe-to-toe with greatness.