User:Patricia Saldi Lucas/sandbox

Young Firpo June 4, 1910 - December 29,1981 (not to be confused with Guido Bardelli  April 25, 1907 - August 21, 1984, also known as "Young Firpo" born in Barre, VT and later fighting in the Northwest.

Fernando (Firpo) Saldi was born in Gubbio, Italy. He came to the United States at a very early age and settled in Barre, VT. He began a boxing career at the age of 16 under the name "Young Firpo". He was known as one of the greatest fighters to ever come out of Vermont. He was a lightweight and welterweight champion with a record of 63 wins and 3 losses. Early in his career on November 19, 1931 he lost a 10 round decision to Benny Leonard at the Barre Opera House. Some said that Leonard was one of the greatest fighters that ever lived.

Firpo was an entrepreneur, businessman, manager, boxing champion and promoter. He started Firpo's Restaurant in the 1940's and later a Howard Johnson's Restaurant in 1949 on the Barre-Montpelier Road. After a trip to Italy he met, and became a good friends with a former champion of the world, Primo Cardera. When Primo would come to the United States he always came to Firpo's Restaurant.

After Firpo retired from boxing at this wife's insistence, he became a fight manager and boxing promoter. He brought many great fights and fighters to the central Vermont fans. He also got involved with youth interested in boxing with some going on to represent Vermont in the New England Golden Gloves Championships.