Inducted on September 22, 1974
When he was born in Italy on February 10, 1910, they named him Joseph Bracale. The family came to this country and settled in South Jersey and in 1925 at the young age of 15 years, Joseph started his boxing career which was to last until 1932.
Because he was built like a heavyweight on a lightweight frame, the fans started calling him “Firpo”. This soon led to Joe Firpo and then finally to “Young Joe Firpo”.
In a career with well over 100 bouts, his record shows 69 wins, 19 losses, lost 9 on fouls, had 14 draws, won 30 by KO’s and was Ko’ed by Harry Blitman in 5 rounds. Along the trail, he met and defeated such names as Pee Wee Ross, Dave Adelman, Willie Joyce, Eddie Reed, Mickey Russel, Young Harry Wills, Joey Hadfield, AI Bryant, Joey Kaufman, Herman Follins, Auddy De Marco, Tommy Grogan, Benny Bass, Herman and Henry Perlick; Bud Manigo, Koli Kola, Joey Costa, Pete Nebo and Joey Harrison.
Joe was married in 1929 and is the father of Joe Jr., twin boys, Carmine and Tony, and a daughter Phyllis and 4 grandchildren.
He is retired from DuPont Chemical Company and resides with his daughter, Phyllis and her husband in Penns Grove, New Jersey.
Boxing Record: click