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Franky Depaula
Posted: 25 Jul 2003, 00:40
by Vetteguy99
Can anyone tell me what happened
to 60’s lightheavie Frank Depaula.
I vaguely remember that he might have
ran into some nefarious characters, but
I never heard the rest of the story.
Posted: 26 Jul 2003, 02:20
by Jaclem
going by memory here, but maybe this can lead you to more research or somebody else can give more details.
DePaula was shot to death sometime in 1970. I think he was in his car.
After Dick Tiger lost his light heavy title to Bob Foster, he fought DePaula and got off the floor at least once to win the decision. the winner was supposed to get a match with Foster, but as Foster had so decisively beat Tiger, DePaula got the fight instead.....plus..there were hints that DePaula's mob connections also were involved.
He got kayoed in the first round....but...and I'm not sure about this..he might have put Foster down first.
He had a couple of more matches and apparently displeased the wrong people and was killed by "person or persons unknown" as best as I can recall.
I'm sure terap or john garfield will be able to add more to this.
DePaula
Posted: 29 Jul 2003, 01:47
by john garfield
Jaclem wrote:going by memory here, but maybe this can lead you to more research or somebody else can give more details.
DePaula was shot to death sometime in 1970. I think he was in his car.
After Dick Tiger lost his light heavy title to Bob Foster, he fought DePaula and got off the floor at least once to win the decision. the winner was supposed to get a match with Foster, but as Foster had so decisively beat Tiger, DePaula got the fight instead.....plus..there were hints that DePaula's mob connections also were involved.
He got kayoed in the first round....but...and I'm not sure about this..he might have put Foster down first.
He had a couple of more matches and apparently displeased the wrong people and was killed by "person or persons unknown" as best as I can recall.
If I remember correctly, DePaula was shot in the back and killed in an alley.
I believe his manager, Gary something, was charged, whether he was convicted or not, I don't remember.
I knew Frankie lived a rough street life, and I'd met him a couple of times. He always had a quick smile, and seemed like a damn nice sort, so I was shocked when I heard the news.
john garfield
I'm sure terap or john garfield will be able to add more to this.