Rocky Gattellari: Australian Boxer’s Journey
Rocco “Rocky” Gattellari was an Italian-born Australian flyweight boxer whose career carried him from the 1960 Rome Olympics to an Australian championship and a world title challenge. He represented Australia as an amateur before turning professional in 1961, and later became known in Sydney as a restaurateur and political candidate.
Rome Olympian and Australian flyweight champion
At the 1960 Rome Olympics, Gattellari won his opening flyweight bout against Morocco’s Abdelkader Belghiti, then narrowly lost 3–2 to Hungary’s Gyula Török, who went on to win gold. Gattellari made his professional debut the following year. In 1962 he captured the Australian flyweight title by stopping Jackie Bruce and went on to make two successful defenses. His unbeaten run lasted through his first 16 professional bouts.
In December 1965, Gattellari challenged Italy’s Salvatore Burruni for the world flyweight championship in Sydney. Burruni stopped him in the 13th round. Gattellari returned to Australian title contention two years later, facing Lionel Rose for Rose’s Australian bantamweight belt. On December 11, 1967, Rose stopped him in the 13th round of a scheduled 15. The video above shows highlights from that contest.
A later return and life beyond boxing
Gattellari stepped away from the ring in 1968, but made a brief comeback in 1979 to challenge Paul Ferreri for the Australian featherweight title. Ferreri stopped him in the third round. Gattellari’s final professional record was 21 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, with 12 victories by knockout.
After boxing, Gattellari became a restaurateur, associated with Berowra Waters Inn and Rocky’s at Edgecliff, and later worked as a finance broker. He stood as the Liberal candidate for Cabramatta in the 1995 New South Wales election. Gattellari died in June 2023 at age 81. News reports said he had been living with dementia and had entered care the previous year. His story is remembered for the Olympic campaign, Australian title reign, and the tough championship bouts that shaped his career in boxing.
Sources
- Olympedia: Rocky Gattellari
- Sport Australia Hall of Fame: Lionel Rose
- Max Boxing: Paul Ferreri profile, including the 1979 Gattellari bout
- 7NEWS: Gattellari’s Olympic career, personal life, and death
Tags
Boxing, Boxing History
