Amateur Boxing Career
Blagojevich had an amateur boxing career which spanned 13 months and included Golden Gloves competition. He trained under Jerry Murzullo in Chicago's Park District, and he fought most of his matches at the St. Andrews Gym in Chicago's Northside.
Fighting as a 160-pound middleweight, Blagojevich began fighting in non-tournament "smokers" in January 1974. After defeating Patrick McAlinden, Leonard Bassuk, and Ronald Dimino over a year's time, Blagojevich felt he had enough experience to enter the local Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament.
On Feb 24, 1975 at St.Andrews Gym, Blagojevich won his opening night match in the middleweight division by decisioning Thomas Muhme in 3 rounds. This win enabled Blagojevich to advance to the finals of the tournament.
The next night, Blagojevich lost to Patrick Porter by 3rd round technical knockout. Porter's aggressive punching attack had Blagojevich covering up his face with his boxing gloves. Because Blagojevich did not return punches, the refreee stopped the match (with Blagojevich still on his feet), and awarded it to Porter.
Following his loss in the Golden Gloves, Blagojevich retired from amateur boxing. His record was 4 wins, all by decision, and 1 defeat.
Read more about this topic: Rod Blagojevich
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