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In the Olympic Games, boxers are awarded gold, silver and bronze medals. However, when a pugilist builds a career résumé such as the one Giardello did, they earn the distinction of being bronzed for life (take a stroll to Mifflin Street and East Passyunk Avenue). This former Lower Moyamensing resident was middleweight champion of the world from 1963 to ’65 and registered a career mark of 101-25-7. Giardello’s ring career took him from coast-to-coast and included appearances at Philadelphia’s Convention Hall, New York’s Madison Square Garden and California’s Cow Palace.
Born Carmine Tilelli, the Brooklyn native who grew up at 11th Street and Moyamensing Avenue earned his permanent spot in boxing history with a 1993 induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The honor came several years after Giardello hung up his gloves in ’67. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 78.
Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.
The South Philadelphia Walk of Fame 2013 inductees
/ Marian Anderson / Paul Arizin / Frankie Avalon / Joey Bishop / John Chaney /
/ James Darren / Angelo Dundee / Fabian / Larry Fine / Eddie Fisher /
/ Kenny Gamble / Frank Gasparro / Joey Giardello / Stephen Girard / Sherman Hemsley /
/ Irvin Kershner / Jack Klugman / Eddie Lang / Mario Lanza / Rob McElhenney /
/ Joe Medeiros / Earl "The Pearl" Monroe / Nathan Morris / Michelle Nader / Gene Perret /
/ Frank Rizzo / Bobby Rydell / Lisa Scottoline / Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter / Anna Verna /
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