Rocky Graziano vs. Tony Janiro (3rd meeting)
Rocky Graziano 160 lbs beat Tony Janiro 155 lbs by TKO at 2:45 in round 10 of 10
- Date: 1951-09-19
- Location: Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Referee: Lou Handler 3-5
- Judge: Jack Aspery 3-6
- Judge: Joe Lenahan 2-5
"Rocky Graziano today looked forward to a possible shot at middleweight champ Ray Robinson, but it took a typical Graziano finish against Tony Janiro last night to move him into contention. Graziano rose from the brink of defeat to score a 10th round TKO over a younger and lighter Janiro. With defeat staring him in the face, Graziano cut loose a volley of desperation blows in the last round and sent Janiro to the canvas. The 24 year old ring veteran bounded to his feet before a count could start, but referee Lou Handler had already raised "The Rock's" hand as the winner. Screams from Janiro and his manager were in vain and Handler's decision stuck. Janiro had much the better of the early rounds, while Graziano failed to show much of the steam for which he is noted." -United Press
Official sorecards (through nine completed rounds)
- Referee Lou Handler - 5-3-1 Janiro
- Judge Joe Lenahan - 5-2-3 Janiro
- Judge Jack Aspery - 6-3 Janiro
Post fight comments
- "It's a shame when a referee has to take a fight away from a boy when he's tried so hard." -Frank Jacobs, Janiro's manager, who had objected to Handler as the referee before the bout.
- "I knew I was behind but I thought I could win on points by winning the last round. I didn't know I was that far behind. Now I want a fight with Robinson." -Rocky Graziano