Mike Rossman Documentary - The Jewish Bomber

A look back at Mike Rossman, the former WBA light heavyweight champion who was on the precipice of super stardom after scoring an upset victory over Victor Galindez.

[@paulmaupin7570]

Your ability to produce excellent content so prolifically is a talent that is incredibly rare.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Paul.

[@logicalnetwork1611]

you got that right. Rich is rich in boxing history . I luv this channel

[@brendanduffy2710]

@@logicalnetwork1611 straight 👍

[@knicks9899]

That's a solid compliment right there

[@warrenlamar9715]

Light Heavyweights in the 70's and 80's were great! Thanks for the rewind from my childhood days. I am 57. Rossman was great, if only a short time.

[@deadarmd]

I almost smashed my phone clicking on this.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

haha, easy, easy :)

[@dlmullins9054]

I remember Rossman. I always thought he could have been even better with the right management. He was screwed over by his own father. He was a bright star who never really reached his potential, even though he did win the championship. Thank you for the video!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, DL.

[@uiu510]

He was average at best.

[@soprano4ny]

You found another boxer that was a favorite of mine as a kid. I remember the Star of David and he was the only one I ever saw wear that. He was a fantastic fighter and I never knew the what happened to him. Thanks again for telling his story! 🤩🐜

[@ralphraucci5128]

Max Baer, Heavyweight Champion From 1934-1935 Wore The Star Of David As Well. Grace and Peace

[@curtismcneil8695]

He had that one special moment that No one can ever take away from him the night He beat Victor Galendez. That night He was special and a World Champion. I think overall He just had too many distractions outside the ring and absolutely just didn't have the right management to fully get the most out of his potential. Getting to the top is one thing staying there is another. Still respect for Mike Rossman on that night. I watched that fight and He could have fought with any Light Heavyweight at that time on that night.

[@uiu510]

That Bum didn't beat Galindez. He got a gift!

[@curtismcneil8695]

@@uiu510 , A gift ? What fight were you watching? Rossman clearly stopped him in the first fight. Victor wasn't complaining when the referee stopped it. Victor got the rematch and was clearly the better fighter overall but He underestimated Rossman on that night and probably didn't condition himself enough.

[@uiu510]

@@curtismcneil8695 He was an over hyped Bum and he got a lucky break from the ref in that fight. What was his name again?

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Great post. Agree completely. I remember when it happened, and at best people wondered how well Rossman would hold up while losing. This was still in Galindez prime, and considering he's regarded as one of the best LW's ever, what a night for Rossman. It's almost like the rest of his career doesn't matter. For on one night, he beat the best.

[@curtismcneil8695]

@@uiu510 , He wasn't overhyped He wasn't a national media star in those days. He was a tough kid who had talent but didn't always utilize his overall ability because of his lifestyle outside the ring. No one is saying He was great or better than Galiendez. He had some nice wins and He had some tough losses but on that night in September 1978 He put it all together and had his best performance. He caught Victor on the backside of his career and He just outworked him. Stop making excuses and blaming referee. I have seen the fight a few times and Rossman clearly outworked him and beat him.

[@dwaynefrancis1384]

I can't stop watching these

[@pauleliot6429]

well done video, a rough life for Mike Rossman. He did go further than many could.

[@nicholashannigan6930]

As soon as I see.. 'Rich The Fight Historian'. I drop everything! (if I'm able) Make myself comfortable, relax & watch. These are the creme de la creme. Of boxing uploads. Stella... One & all. Thank you very, very much Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

haha, right on Nicholas.

[@bajaborracho9139]

Mike Rossman was legitimate talent. Very classy and very skilled.

[@allinfun829]

Rossman was a punk

[@brianchampion3337]

Wow without this video I would have never remembered Rossman. But now it brings back those old memories. Thanks. Loved watching Rossman fight back then. And it's very interesting to see how his and other fighters you remind us of, how their lives played out. To bad so many got involved with drugs, alcohol and in trouble with the law.

[@johnshell2480]

Rossman was in shape for Galindez. Slim Robinson was known for getting fighters in top shape. Drinking was responsible for a lot of fighters demise. What a talent though. He had his demons but he sure could fight. He did defend the title against Aldo Traversaro after winning it and that was omitted.

[@nyquil762]

Wow, another well told story. Thank you.

[@geraldfriend256]

Rich has become the best boxing documentary maker on this platform.Who does better content?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Gerald.

[@cycletouringoz5760]

I remember Rossman and amazingly saw the Braxton fight on UK TV So true the father / son thing…… just something about the dynamics of it Great doco as per usual RTFH Here is hoping Rossman is doing ok these days

[@getsmart3701]

The LHW division of the 70's and 80's...populated by killers that actually fought each other, wow. I was surprised to hear that Rossman's story took a bad turn, I don't know why but I was expecting more contentment if not happiness outright. Great job as always Rich...one point though, the Baer brothers both wore the Star of David on their trunks during most of their careers.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

That's correct, I should have mentioned the Baer brothers.

[@uncjim]

The first Galindez fight was part of a nationally televised evening banquet, featuring (as mentioned) Ali vs Spinks 2. As a fan, how I miss those days. I didn’t realize Victor didn’t show for an aborted rematch with Mike. What I do remember was how much trimmer and sharper he was in the rematch. The Braxton fight was brutal. Mike was such a talented, rugged kid. It was tough to see him taken apart that way, As an aside, Mike wearing the Star of David on his trunks had some substance in that by Jewish law, the son/daughter takes the religion of the mother. Thanks as always Rich. You’re the best at what you do.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, uncjim.

[@rdallas81]

But Faith in God through the Lord is ABOVE the Law and Religion.

[@vincentrobinson3078]

I remember that night he beat Galindez. We watched it on tv. He definitely was a different , sensational kind of fighter. Even our grandmother was happy for him , saying that he hit so hard that “ I’m going to call him The Jewish Louis “.

[@uiu510]

He got a gift!

[@garrisonthad]

Excellent Rich!! I remember the Qawi fight. Qawi was sooo hungry then and Rossman just looked worn from the first round. I felt sorry for him. You could see the KO coming by round 2.

[@LoganCharlesII]

"If we were going to get robbed, we may as well get paid for it."

[@uiu510]

Like they robbed Galindez, right?

[@rowdyrx6109]

Your vids are excellent. Watched the Friday Nights Fights with my late father.

[@tomsmith522]

I remember rossman... he was a tough fighter .. he was on tv all the time 😊

[@Johnnybratton802]

Another terrific profile Rich. Thank you

[@brucegasboxingjazzandmore864]

I remember many of Rossman's fight. Salute to the Jewish Bomber. Another 💎

[@lilgreeneyesp8978]

Salute to you bruce 😉

[@brucegasboxingjazzandmore864]

@@lilgreeneyesp8978 And You Lil Green eyes P🥊

[@artkazyak3242]

Mike Rossman was a great light heavyweight champ he could box move hit hard and take a shot i loved his fighting style hats off to him

[@uiu510]

Great how? GTFO

[@artkazyak3242]

He was the champ of the world WTF and beat Victor Galindez at the age of 22 wake up mister

[@fredjonestowns4213]

Rich, your spoiling us. Great call again, Rossman should be remembered.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Fred. Agreed on Rossman.

[@michaelferreri1256]

I couldn’t agree more. Rich has set a standard of excellence and we aren’t going to find this subject matter anywhere else.

[@whip57]

Another guy I had forgotten about...great video👍

[@2383Scorpio]

Fact check to Rich. First, Mike Rossman was 23 when he beat Victor Galindez to win the WBA Light Heavyweight Title. Second, Rossman wasn't the youngest champion in light heavyweight history that honor goes to John Henry Lewis, who won the World Light Heavyweight Title at 21 in 1935.

[@dalebecause2467]

Awesome...I haven't even watched it yet too....I was hoping I'd see one from you on Mike Rossman......I liked watching his fights........

[@jerryashlock5519]

i was a big Rossman fan and the Star of David display remains in my memory from those golden times ...

[@whitehurstcomic]

I remember him from the articles in boxing magazines and the two Galindez fights. I never really knew what happened to him after he lost the title. Thanks for such a thorough job as always. He definitely captured the public’s imagination for a brief period.

[@peterkugel2631]

I remember the second Galindez flight that got canceled. It was live on TV and he just never came out. It was an incredible era back then, no pay-per-view. I watched so many fights back then

[@stever1791]

I remember The Championship fight at the Super Dome. Mike Was tremendous that night. So skilled and confident - A real Champ. It a shame that night couldn't have lasted longer. Mike always seemed to be a good guy, but they were issues, and those issues brought him down from the championship rankings.

[@samuelmahmud1909]

Great video coverage Rich keep up the great work🥊🥊💯 iam. Waiting on the next one

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I appreciate it, Samuel. More to come.

[@davidford2169]

Keep em coming rich. So love your video's 👍🇬🇧

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, will do!

[@R4lee444]

I love this channel... thanks again.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, R4lee444.

[@DeeJay003]

Excellent 👍

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks for the visit

[@nickharmer3049]

Really good stuff Rich. Appreciate the information, as we didn't hear much about him over here, so I had no idea of his story. Quality content that's really well done. Bless up bro 👊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Nick.

[@charternicholson9933]

I never got to see Mike Rossman fight...I saw Galindez toward the end of his career. He had 22 fights in 2 years to start his career. He fought 3 time in 21 days. That is incredible. He was fighting 10 rounder after ony being a pro for less then 2 years. It clearly took its toll even at only 22 years old , when he beat Galindez, for the WBA title (when it use to mean something) he looked like he was 30. He had already been a pro for 6 years. The comparisons to him and Sean O'Grady are so similar. Yet, their parents took different paths and while O'Gradys dad sought to control his sons career, he did not cheat his son out of money or opportunities. Sean and his life seem to be fantastic. Mike Rossman on the other hand, seems to be a victim of opportunistic leeches. Beating Mike Quarry 2 out of 3 at the lower weight showed he was a world class fighter.... Strangely, I did not see how he is doing now. If he turned pro in 73 and was 18 I guess he is about 66 now. Glad he seems to have rejected the mob mentality as I did not see anything else come up about criminal behavior. Great job Rich...This is a hidden gem I am going to dig in deeper to learn about him... Thanks for all you do!

[@ash-boxing8109]

Your videos are amazing rich 👍 I’ve watched pretty much every single one 🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I appreciate that! Thanks.

[@donnellvickers6314]

Good Job Rich, Love your videos Man

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Hey thanks, Donnell.

[@billybob9961]

These videos are awesome

[@brendanduffy2710]

I love this channel and its content, its a tribute to the human spirit ✌

[@MrBigr11]

Just met Mike today in Atlantic City. Crazy story !

[@banacek8675]

When I worked for roofers local 4 back in 1998, I knew a roofer who knew and worked with Rossman. They way he described the champ made it sound as if he was suffering from CTE. I just hope he’s had a better life since all of his turmoil and found a way to cope with his demons. He seems like a good person who was exploited by those around him. And on that night against Galindez, he really shined. It’s a shame Galindez chickened out when they were supposed to have their rematch.

[@iwant2usethis]

Galindez and many others including myself, thought that Galindez was winning the first bout before it was prematurely stopped. Galindez felt he had to KO Rossman in order to win and didn't feel he would get a decision. WBA & WBC was controlled by South American countries who had a big stake in South American boxers such as Galindez and Monzon. Galindez was only too aware of how big boxing matches worked and only wanted to bout if he got the judges he wanted. Galindez may have had his shares of gifts, and was at the end of his career and needed that title so... Galindez proved in the 2nd bout that he was the better boxer. His last hurrah

[@andrewanderson8551]

Concerning the first bout, are you certain that there are people who had Galindez ahead on points, or believe the stoppage was premature? I followed boxing very closely in those years, including this fight, and never once read that Galindez was winning. I've seen the fight several times, and at best, gave Galindez only four rounds. As for the 13th round TKO, I don't remember anyone regarding the stoppage as quick or controversial. Galindez was exhausted, busted up, absorbing punishment and not really punching back. But I agree with your other points. The WBA, which sanctioned this bout, had a long term relationship with Galindez, who they clearly favored. That's why they didn't suspend Victor when he walked out of the arena shortly before his February 1979 rematch with Rossman. @@iwant2usethis

[@dansmead4100]

Excellent video rich, good era for the light heavyweights I saw the first match with victor , rossman was a good fighter. Galindez a force in the days.

[@texasstadium]

Another great video showing why I subscribe.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks for the sub!

[@rdallas81]

A star of David just appeared on my Left Foot 1 year ago. It was there for 1 month and vanished. Since that, many strange things began to happen.

[@anthonytripp2251]

My neighbor in Atlantic City. He's still a character.

[@rdallas81]

He is your neighbor? Thats a Trip😉

[@anthonytripp2251]

@@rdallas81 yes he still lives in AC

[@anthonytripp2251]

@@michaelbabb1923 Heh. He's on social security. He lives near the Boardwalk and I still see him once in awhile. He's a.nice guy when he's sober. He owned part of a bar/restaurant but lost that due to trusting his family with his finances. He owns his condo unit outright so he's not destitute. He's still a character.

[@rl1800]

@@anthonytripp2251 I hope the stories of him struggling with CTE are exaggerated

[@anthonytripp2251]

@@rl1800 I saw him today. He was having a beer at a bar on bwalk n montpelier. I told him there was a vid on youtube of him. His mood changed. He wanted to know how much money there was in it for him. I pretty much left it there. He's a nice guy most of the time but he doesn't like to talk about boxing. My brother was a Philly boxer and knew him so we get along but he can be a handful sometimes.

[@RELopez-mk4ic]

Really great fighter that had so much more potential. Hope you are well and safe Mike Rossman!

[@abudujana13]

Thanks for the video, RICH THE FIGHT HISTORIAN

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, abudjuana13

[@sunfishassassin5963]

Great video..everytime 🤟😎

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, S A.

[@gordonluis2039]

Great video. It sure isn’t encouraging when your father is ripping you off along with everyone else. Mike Quarry is another interesting story in itself.

[@vincentrobinson3078]

Yeah , that’s gotta hurt

[@thethracian3998]

The golden age of the LH division. Don't forget Matt Franklin, Dwight Muhammad Qawi, and Marvin Johnson. Great stories Rich. OOPS, Qawi is Braxton. Mike is one tough roofer though.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Thracian...All of those greats are coming up in short order...

[@Jkd69589]

Memorabile il suo match contro Victor Galindez....fu il primo incontro di boxe che ho visto per la prima volta.....

[@billcullen8586]

How was Galindez ever allowed to fight again? He shows up overweight and then causes a cancellation costing people millions of dollars. Who would ever promote this clown??

[@phelpsmarc]

Galindez was a favorite son of the WBA. No matter what he did he would get a rematch with Rossman, The WBA basically made Rossman fight him again or be stripped. It was like Rossman was its Champion but the WBA just saw him as a placeholder for Galindez

[@surfshack2]

The boxing game is a tough racket. You could see Galindez wanted the title back the rematch.

[@russorod2776]

Man I watched Mike at the The Aladdin in Vegas ,He was just no stop love his style .Sad to hear all the legalities,just wondering if he’s still around,

[@dwaynefrancis1384]

Rossman hits hard I like him never heard of him

[@davidbolen8982]

Great, great, great. Great! How u get all this footage?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I'm a fight film collector.

[@davidbolen8982]

@@RichtheFightHistorian Timeless. Incredible footage and production. Thankyou!!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

@@davidbolen8982 My pleasure, thanks for watching.

[@thewisetzar5363]

Golden age of the light heavyweight division, it's a shame we never got a Galindez vs Conteh unification fight. As a matter of a fact, we didn't get a lot of unification fights in the 1970's during the two belt era, think of Zamora vs Zarate which was not an official tittle fight at 118 (which carried over to the 80's with Jeff Chandler and Pintor)

[@mikelevenson7271]

Another great bio on a forgotten champ. Rich you got it right. Everyone thought with his youth and talent rossman would be a force at the top for long time. Sadly he peaked at 22 and was never the same.. .

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Yeah, I didn't realize how popular he had become during that brief period of time.

[@elsargentogarchia3825]

@@RichtheFightHistorian y xq se hizo famoso ?? Si en la primera defenza !..Galindez le arrebato el titulo ...Curioso ..debe ser interes politico

[@bill3901]

Rossman is from the little South Jersey town I grew up in, Turnersville. I remember graffiti of the Star of David and his name after some of his wins...

[@galeriafuentes]

Good boxer I liked his style

[@sopwithsnoopy8779]

Rossman - Capuano I was a great fight, non-stop action. Could have been fought in a phone booth.

[@geoffliam6285]

Your voice is getting just as familiar with al Bernstein and Freddie pacheco amongst others..

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

That's very kind of you, thanks Geoff.

[@titaniumpecker]

Beating Galindez for the title was a tremendous accomplishment. I could not figure out how Galindez made the 175 pound limit for his fights. He was big for a Light Heavyweight and very strong. There were a lot of great light heavyweights around during Rossman's era.

[@prowrestlingmags]

Mike was my next door neighbor after he stopped boxing. Great guy. Fucken nut lol! Stay in good shape and loved to party and have fun!

[@davidmitchell3039]

Hey Rich,thanks.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, David.

[@1971lydia]

Rich please can you do a story on Dwight muhammad qawi. 1 of my favourite fighters

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, I had him scheduled within the next ten or so.

[@curlyteeth3097]

Dwight Braxton once he had your number oh dear.....superb video on mike...dad and son relationship a very tuf one ......apart from calzaghe

[@gregorybush3224]

He fought and beat Aldo Traversaro after winning the title. But there was no mention of it in the documentary.

[@brianseneca3546]

I really dont understand how Galindez gets a second shot after NOT coming in at 175 and leaving Rossman in the ring. RIP but Galindez was a scumbag. He should have lost his title twice against Yaqui and Gregory. Why even give him a shot?

[@phelpsmarc]

Because the WBA was a corrupt organization based in South America and Galindez was a favorite son of the WBA

[@brucedavis3816]

I remember the 2nd fight I just had a bad feeling that day just something in the air that night I just has a feeling he was going to lose!

[@miguelmasajes4304]

En la primera pelea Galindes llego con peso de mas la 2da fue bien preparado y ke dio una paliza a el y a sus hermanos

[@el_chico1313]

if ur name starts with mike u are certified badass

[@SIR46661]

Nice piece on him . Can you do a show on Dorian Melamed -the undefeated Heavyweight that just quit with a bright future waiting ?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Very interesting story there but I don't have any film on him...I'll have to think about it, maybe put it into more of a podcast form...Had never heard of him so I thank you for the tip.

[@SIR46661]

@@RichtheFightHistorian He had great KO power ! Saw two of his fights when I lived in New Jersey. I heard that he had a disagreement and family matter.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

@@SIR46661 I saw one article on him...after that nothing...a mystery indeed.

[@kidmack3556]

I used to watch his fights in '77-'78 on CBS. He was one of my favorites until my Jewish girlfriend dumped me. (Ha ha ha!) Too bad the outside distractions derailed him, seemed like a good guy.

[@Toracube]

Galindez and Rossman sure didn’t like each other.... Seems Rossman was less effective on the ropes...and watching this I wonder why he kept putting himself there.. Fighting Dwight B or MQ wasn’t the best idea. A tough sport. Yep, Dads and sons in sport are a bad mix... thanks Rich. Hope all’s well.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Toracube. Yeah, there was some serious bad blood between Galindez and the Rossman camps.

[@thatmanstumototours2270]

Chris Schenkel was really hung up on who was foreign and who was not and his consistent bashing of the referee for letting them fight on the ropes was just more of the same.

[@beefcakebrown]

If Tank vs Loma or Haney or Garcia or Lopez won't happen, give me Tank vs Rolly! He's got a punches chance and hes the only one with balls trying to actually fight, well he and Devin Haney!!!

[@G-gnome]

This aint the Levon Affair… what the

[@johnjuarez8005]

Don Dunphy! Wow, called Mike's fights and Louis' and Marcino.

[@lilgreeneyesp8978]

🥊salute to you ,new subscriber

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Welcome aboard!

[@felixlopez26]

Great job rich you are truly a blessing I grew up watching a lot of these fighter's awesome work . Just a idea we in southern california would like to see one on Mando ramos youngest light weight champion of the world. And eddie Logan forgotten fighter who fought the best bantam weight fighter's one right after the other some crazy stuff man. God's blessing be with you and your family bro.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Felix. Mando Ramos is on the list. Eddie Logan...I'll look into him, will add him in if I have enough media.

[@rdallas81]

Whats it take to become a pro in boxing?

[@jg6698]

Tough guy

[@brianpress3337]

I remember watching Rossman beat Victor Gelendez for the Light Heavyweight Championship 🏆👍 Also, This is the first time I find out that hes Half Jewish, 👍

[@patmark3059]

Mike Depiano

[@TheBatugan77]

Didn't know he was such a schmeggeggie.

[@danielroth8738]

“Hebrew Hammer” would have been a good name too.

[@RobertLofrano]

I thought that Rossman lost fight the first as I remember

[@marckelly3573]

🥊.................life eh rich.....🤔

[@RaulGarcia-jq9dz]

Question for you rich what do you think Gotti versus Mancini who do you think will win

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I'd favor Mancini. Gatti was more versatile but wasn't polished enough to outbox Mancini or outmuscle him on the inside.

[@RaulGarcia-jq9dz]

@@RichtheFightHistorian once again thank you Richard for your opinion I appreciate it keep up the good work

[@antoniobolognio7100]

I need some guys in the roofers Union they said some bozo was giving Michael hard time Mike knock them out Camden buzzsaw he was a killer I don't think Mike would have beat him at the top of his game

[@staceyskinner666]

actually quite sad. i think he would have made a decent super middle. .great heart ..i remember he tried a comeback and got belted by ray white i think..i was 14 ..that was my early memory.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Wasn't Ray White, no...He fought a Robert White but took a split decision.

[@staceyskinner666]

@@RichtheFightHistorian you are correct... too much sun lol

[@babylonsburning1]

Didn't he perform at the King David Hotel donkey's years ago. Yes he was the one with the tattoo.

[@patmark3059]

Does he have cte?

[@michaelt4403]

hes italian and looks it

[@dorsvintagecards9420]

As Ring Magazine said, " he could punch holes in people". Should have gone farther.

[@LoganCharlesII]

There appeared to be a little bad blood between Rossman and Victor Galindez.