Michael Costantino: One-Armed Boxer Wins First Professional Fight

Brooklyn, NY – Michael Costantino, a one-armed boxer, won his first professional fight at Aviator Sports Arena in Brooklyn. The light weight fighter reportedly wanted to send a strong message to anyone struggling with a physical handicap: Anything is possible.

Costantino, who was born without a right hand, is the likely the only “singular-fisted” fighter in the history of the sport, according to the New York Daily News. The fighter has a narrow, angular stub protruding from his arm, instead of a hand. His boxing trainer secures hand wraps onto the stub and then pulls the glove over the right limb, according to the Daily Mail.

During the fight in Brooklyn against Nathan Ortiz, Costantino used his left hand in reportedly stunning fashion to win the battle in the ring. Ortiz allegedly complained about being fatigued when he returned to his corner. Referee Randy Neumann called the bout just over one minute into the second round when it became obvious that Ortiz did not want to continue the fight.

The one-armed boxer not only won his first pro bout, he earned a TKO victory. Michael Costantino has this to say after the win:

“I just wanted to show people that in life, if you ever feel like you’re not good enough or you feel down that anything is possible. I wanted to show people that if you work hard and believe in yourself that you can achieve what you set out to do. I felt good out there. If this is how these fights are going to be, why wouldn’t I want to continue my career?”

Due to the 33-year-old’s physical difference, the New York State Athletic Commission was initially wary of issuing him a boxing license.