Danny Toriani – To a generation of pool fans, Danny DiLiberto was known primarily for his insightful analysis and clever commentary on pro tournament matches taped and streamed for Accu-Stats Video Productions, mostly teaming with Billy Incardona as one of the sport’s iconic commentator duos. But DiLiberto, who passed away on Feb. 11 in Florida, will be remembered as one of the game’s great all-around champions, a tenacious competitor who won major national titles in four disciplines. DiLiberto was 89, just eight days short of his 90th birthday. Born in Buffalo on Feb. 19, 1935, DiLiberto excelled in any sport that began with the letter “B.” He reached the AA level of minor league baseball and, fighting for famed trainer Angelo Dundee under the name Danny “Kid” Torriani, was unbeaten in 14 professional fights. He posted 12 wins (KO 11) and two draws, until multiple broken hands ended his career. He was also a proficient bowler, bowling a perfect 300 game when the feat was a rarity. But it was billiards at which DiLiberto eventually carved out a career that spanned more than 40 years. A New York city and state straight pool champion in the early 1960s, DiLiberto twice finished runner-up in the prestigious Billiard Congress of America U.S. Open — falling to fellow BCA Hall of Famers Joe Balsis in 1968 and Steve Mizerak in 1972. It was also in ’72 that DiLiberto scored his biggest wins, capturing the straight pool division at the legendary Johnston City World All-Around Championships and then defeating Incardona and Larry “Boston Shorty” Johnson to claim the All-Around title. In 1981, DiLiberto defeated Nick Varner in the BCA National 8-Ball Championship in Las Vegas. Two years later he won the World One-Pocket title and followed that a year later winning the 1984 Classic Cup National 9-Ball Championship. DiLiberto is a member of four halls of fame. In addition to being inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame in 2011, DiLiberto was inducted into the One-Pocket Hall of Fame (2004), Buffalo Boxing Hall of Fame (2006), and Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame (2017). BoxRec / Obituary
Antonio Amaya—The former junior lightweight contender from Colón, Panama, passed away on January 26, 2025, at the age of 79. He was active in boxing from 1963 to 1978 and was recognized as a world contender by Ring magazine for 64 months, from October 1966 to September 1974, achieving his highest ranking of No. 2. Born in Colón on August 10, 1945, he finished his career with an impressive record of 48 wins, 22 losses, and 7 draws (with 10 wins by knockout and 8 losses by knockout). Throughout his career, he held the Panamanian featherweight and junior lightweight titles. He achieved notable victories against fighters such as Sugar Ramos, Rafiu King, Pedro Gomez, Julio Rios, Baby Luis, Mario Diez, Ray Adigun, Vicente Garcia, Frankie Narvaez, Ramiro Bolanos, Jesus Alonso, and Efren Jimenez. He also split two decisions with Rene Barrientos. However, he was unsuccessful in his attempts to obtain the WBA junior lightweight title, losing to Hiroshi Kobayashi twice, and also fell short against Kuniaki Shibata for the WBC junior lightweight title. BoxRec
Lawrence (Laurie) Austin – The former junior welterweight contender from Perth, Western Australia, passed away on January 10, 2025, at the age of 68. He was born in Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia, on January 22, 1956, and was active from 1971 to 1986, finishing his career with a record of 34 wins, 12 losses, and 2 draws, including 12 wins by knockout. The rugged Austin, also referred to as “Babby Cassius,” was never stopped in his professional career. During his career, Austin held several titles, including the Australian West State welterweight, Australian Commonwealth Boxing Council super lightweight, Australian welterweight, and South Seas light middleweight. The Ring magazine ranked him as high as the fifth world-rated contender from August 1977 to October 1978. Austin had notable victories, defeating Hector Thompson, Graeme Looker, Steve Dennis, Jimmy Greco, Peter Batty, Benny Tabua, and Dave Ramsden. He also faced opponents such as Russell Sands, Sakaraia Ve, and Frank Ropis during his career. BoxRec
Jimmy Giambelluca – The former Buffalo boxer and amateur coach passed away on Friday, January 10, in Buffalo, NY, at the age of 69. Jimmy won the open 125 lb. Buffalo Golden Gloves in 1974, defeating Noel Brain of St. Catherines. He was the runner-up in the 1973 novice class of the Gloves, losing in the finals to Rocky Fratto of Geneva. He had 24 pro fights (1981-1986) before becoming a coach at the Lackawanna Boxing Club with Roy Brasch. Source: Bob Caico/ BoxRec
Jackie Burke – The Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada featherweight, active from 1964-1971, died January 3, at age 82. He was born John Gerald Burke in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, on November 8, 1942, and compiled a record of 16-15-0 (KO 2/KO by 8). BoxRec
Cliff Allen – The Long Beach California heavyweight active from 1969-1970, died January 3, 2025, at age 82. He was born Clifford Duane Allen in Jackson, Wyoming, and compiled a record of 3-1-0. BoxRec