Craig "The Gator" Bodzianowski's recent obituary

[Archie Moore]

Please see obituary below on title contender Craig "The Gator" Bodzianowski who past away over the weekend.


Craig “Gator” Bodzianowski, a champion boxer and inspiration to millions has died.
He passed away at 52, in his sleep Friday, July 26.
Gator made one of the greatest professional sports comebacks of all-time. He was an up and coming cruiserweight boxer in the early "80s," on his way to becoming a contender when he had a motorcycle accident which resulted in the amputation of his lower right leg. Gator defied all of the critics and naysayers to become the toughest man who ever stepped into the ring by doing it on a prosthesis. Not the best fighter but the toughest.
Gator recaptured his winning ways as a slugger and by refusing to ever quit. With 103 amateur and professional fights he won 94. No one ever stopped Gator, he finished every fight.
Gator went on, fighting with his prosthesis, to win the Illinois Heavyweight Championship and the Intercontinental America's Cruiserweight Championship. Eventually he won the right to fight for WBA World Championship belt. Even though Gator suffered two broken ribs in the second round, he finished the fight but lost by a few points.
Gator inspires all who are physically challenged everywhere.
Gator is survived by his children Kenneth Gator and Paige Margaret, mother Gloria, sister Denise Worley (Stephen) and brothers Howard (Kristen) and Kenneth (Christine). Preceded in death by his father, Patrick, brother William and sister Donna Tamberlin. Proud Uncle of Jeff ,Bruce, Frank, Pat, Bill, Kenny.

After retiring from boxing Gator went onto physical training and construction work. Later he graduated with Honors from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School and became a professional chef.

A memorial service will be held at Brady-Gill Funeral Home 16600 S. Oak Park, Tinley Park, 60477, Wednesday, July 31, 2013 from 2 P.M. until 9 P.M.

A movie on his amazing comeback is in development; “On The Ropes.” For more information: http://windycityimages.com/

Steven Wilburn

[Bladder]

Very sad. His biography was one of the best boxing ones I've read.

[NazNaci1]

I remember reading the reports of his WBA Title fight in the old 'KO' Magazine, when I was young and just getting into the Sport. I was amazed that guy could fight as well as he could, with that disability.

What tough guy. RIP.

[keithmoonhangover]

I remember reading the reports of his WBA Title fight in the old 'KO' Magazine, when I was young and just getting into the Sport. I was amazed that guy could fight as well as he could, with that disability.

What tough guy. RIP.

That's the same way I knew him. I always thought his life would make a good movie.

[Seamus]

I'm shocked. I heard nothing at all about this till now. I knew Gator casually in the late 80's and helped pound his midsection with the medicine ball at his healthclub.

[gilgamesh]

Damn tough guy, RIP Gator

[Rover]

RIP.

[Expug]

Sad news.
I remember "Gator" well. Good guy and a tough fighter.
I fought on the same card with him in 1983. He had a big following from the south side where he was from. Tinley Park I think.
He had that Lacoste alligator tattoo on his chest and he would wear a shirt with a hole in it to sport the gator.
Great sense of humor.
I remember when he lost his leg. It was big news here. I think it was after a picnic and he was on his motorcycle. Might have been with a girl though I dont think she was hurt.

[Rover]

Sad news.
I remember "Gator" well. Good guy and a tough fighter.
I fought on the same card with him in 1983. He had a big following from the south side where he was from. Tinley Park I think.
He had that Lacoste alligator tattoo on his chest and he would wear a shirt with a hole in it to sport the gator.
Great sense of humor.
I remember when he lost his leg. It was big news here. I think it was after a picnic and he was on his motorcycle. Might have been with a girl though I dont think she was hurt.

I read on Fightnews that his services are being held there (Tinley).

[Dart340]

Sorry to hear. He outlasted my friend, Ric Enis, in a back-and-forth brawl after his accident. Sadly, Ric passed away a short while back too. Gator was a tough guy who deserved more recognition for what he accomplished, which was really amazing.

[Rover]

I've never seen the Daniels fight; I'll have to get around to that.

[fatcity69]

If anyone has any of craigs fights on dvd I would be very interested in them!... please let me know if poss...

[fatcity69]

I d also be interested in a copy of his biography too..