Tony Danza Options

[sunnmagic]

As a youngster, Antonio Ladanza never dreamed of an acting career. The Brooklyn, New Yorker instead visioned himself the next Rocky Graziano. Changing his name to "Dangerous" Tony Danza, he entered the New York Golden Gloves in 1975. Shortly afterwards, on Aug. 13, 1976, he started his professional boxing career. Fighting as a middleweight, Danza became a crowd favorite for his walk-in slugging style. He compiled a record of 9-3 with 9 knockout victories, 7 in the first round. It was during a gym workout that he was discovered for the part as "Tony" on the TV show, Taxi. Danza still had hopes of being a world champion and scored knockouts in 1978 & 1979, but unable to secure a title shot retired from boxing to dedicate himself totally to his acting career.

http://www.series-80.net/us/actor/biography/tony-danza.html