Johnny Duke

rdf:langString Johnny Duke

rdf:langString Giulio Gallucci (1924–2006), also known as Johnny Duke, was an American, Hartford, Connecticut-born boxer and coach. Duke fought professionally from 1942 to 1946, and was inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame's inaugural class. He also is a member of the National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame. His is beloved and remembered for his work with inner city youth. The youngest of three brothers, Duke grew up in the North End of Hartford to a poor immigrant Italian family. His father, Lucie Gallucci, deserted the family when he was a child. Perpetually on welfare, Duke and his brothers, Joseph and John, struggled for stability. Duke was introduced to boxing by legendary champion Willie Pep when they were both shoeshine boys in downtown Hartford. Duke joined a gym and became a sparring partner for Pep. Duke also trained at Stillman's Gym in New York alongside boxers such as Sugar Ray Robinson and Henry Armstrong. He was 23-21-4 under his birth name, and also fought a handful of fights at the end of his career as Johnny Duke. He picked the name "Duke" for his well tailored suits and sharp dress.