Billy Costello American boxer Date of Birth: 10.04.1956 Country: USA

1. Biography of Billy Costello
2. Early Life and Career
3. Professional Career
4. Later Life and Legacy

Biography of Billy Costello

Billy Costello, born William Donald Castiglioni on April 10, 1956, in Kingston, New York, was a professional American boxer. He gained fame for his incredibly long career that spanned over 20 years, from 1979 to 1999, and culminated in a remarkable victory over the world champion in that year.

Early Life and Career

Born in Kingston, New York, Billy had a diverse heritage, with his father being of Sicilian descent and his mother having a mix of Native American, Italian, and African American blood. He showed an early interest in sports and was an active member of the Boy Scouts, participating in all gatherings and training. While attending Kingston High School, Costello played on the baseball team and had aspirations of becoming a professional baseball player in the Major League.

However, influenced by his surroundings, he had been involved in fights since childhood and eventually began training at local boxing gyms, which were popular in the United States at that time. In 1978, he won first place at the New York Golden Gloves Open Championship. Shortly after, he started competing in the Police Athletic League boxing league and trained at the Castle Hill Athletic Club in the Bronx, New York.

Professional Career

Billy began his professional career the following year, with his first manager being Mike Jones, best known for managing Gerry Cooney. Despite his success in the ring, Costello only won one title throughout his 20-year career, becoming the WBC welterweight champion after defeating Bruce Curry in January 1984. He successfully defended the title three times but eventually lost it to Lonnie Smith.

Over the next few years, Costello continued to compete both in New York and beyond, with several of his fights being televised on major sports channels, bringing him considerable fame. The highlight of his career was a match against Alexis Argüello, who was already a three-time world champion at the time.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1999, Billy Costello retired from professional boxing but remained involved in the sport as a referee and organizer of local boxing tournaments. Unfortunately, at the age of 55, he passed away in a hospital from lung cancer on June 29, 2011. Throughout his life, boxing was his passion and beloved hobby, and he never intended to stop being a part of it. Despite facing many opponents in the ring, it was cancer that ultimately proved to be the one opponent he could not defeat.

Billy Costello's remarkable career and dedication to his sport will always be remembered. He left a lasting legacy as a legendary figure in the world of professional boxing, having witnessed the rise and fall of countless boxers during his time in the ring.