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Ralph Zanelli

(1915-2006) ~ Inducted 1987

Ralph Zanelli (1915-2006) was a professional boxer who held both the New England welterwight and middleweight titles when he retired in 1952. He had competed for sixteen years and held a record of 115 wins, with 30 losses.

Born in Seneca Falls, New York, he lived most of his life in Providence. His career began at the age of 17, and within three years he held the lightweight, welterweight, and middleweight Rhode Island Amateur Titles. He was a Golden Glove winner in 1936, culminating a 300-bout amateur career. He became an accomplished boxing teacher, helped support the youth and the needy of our State, and taught boxing to many, including the Rhode Island State Police.

He was selected by the City of Providence as an Ambassador of Good Will for the elderly community. For his generous donation of time, equipment and money to the youth of the State, Governor Garrahy presented him with license plate KO 1.

After retiring from Boxing, he worked for the former Gammino Construction Co. and Hanley Brewery. Zanelli served on a number of organizations including the Special Olympics, the Cranston League, International Veteran Boxers Association, and the International Laborers Union, Local 57.

When Zanelli died in 2006, he left behind his three children, seven grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren but most of all, he left a legacy of boxing to the state of Rhode Island and his name continues to be synonymous with boxing in Rhode Island.

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Ralph Zanelli

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