SPORTS
One-handed boxer set to make pro debut
Baku, October 29 (AZERTAC). Born without a right hand, Costantino is probably the only singular-fisted fighter in the sport’s history. In place of his right hand is a narrow, angular nub that protrudes from his arm. It’s where his trainer fastens the hand wraps and where the glove is pulled tight over his right limb. Costantino uses the shorter arm mainly for defensive purposes. He used his good left hand to pummel Nathan Ortiz on Saturday, stunning him with a looping left that caused Ortiz to walk away from Costantino and complain to his corner that he was fatigued. After a few curious moments when it was clear Ortiz didn’t want to continue, referee Randy Neumann halted the bout at 1:16 of the second round, giving Costantino a TKO victory at the Aviator Sports Arena in Brooklyn and linking him with other one-handed athletes such as former Yankee pitcher Jim Abbott as sportsmen who have plied their trade at an obvious disadvantage.
Costantino was hoping to send a message to those who might be struggling with a handicap with his victory, fought at cruiserweight.
“I just wanted to show people that in life, if you ever feel like you’re not good enough or you feel down that anything is possible,” the 33-year-old said. “I wanted to show people that if you work hard and believe in yourself that you can achieve what you set out to do. I felt good out there. If this is how these fights are going to be, why wouldn’t I want to continue my career?”
Costantino’s fight attracted a lot of attention, from fans and from the New York State Athletic Commission, which ultimately granted the one-handed fighter a license.