Jay Dehmalo Reflects on Boxing in the Same Ring as Muhammad Ali
Boxing luminary Jay Dehmalo reflects on a momentous milestone in his storied career
Westlake, Ohio, United States, 4th January 2024, ZEX PR WIRE, Boxing luminary Jay Dehmalo reflects on a momentous milestone in his storied career, expressing deep gratitude for the rare opportunity to step into the same hallowed ring that once witnessed the legendary Muhammad Ali’s training sessions. This moment of homage occurred at Johnny Tocco’s gym in Las Vegas during the 1980s, a time when Dehmalo, then known as Jay Dimalo, was carving his path in the world of boxing. For Jay Dehmalo, the significance of sharing the same training space as Muhammad Ali is a testament to the interconnectedness of boxing history. Ali, formerly known as Cassius Clay, holds an iconic place in the sport’s annals, and his association with Johnny Tocco’s gym adds an extra layer of prestige to the venue where Dehmalo refined his craft under the watchful eye of the legendary coach Johnny Tocco.
“Stepping into the ring where Muhammad Ali once trained is a surreal and humbling experience,” expressed Jay Dehmalo, reflecting on the iconic moment. “It’s like traversing the sacred grounds of boxing history. Witnessing Ali’s unmatched work ethic and hearing the echoes of his powerful jabs in that very space is awe-inspiring. Ali’s charisma, speed, and grace left an indelible mark on every corner of Johnny Tocco’s gym. His connection to legendary coach Tocco, who trained Sonny Liston, adds layers to the legacy. To share that space, where Ali’s greatness unfolded, fuels my passion for the sport and deepens my appreciation for the boxing legends who paved the way.”
Muhammad Ali, a transcendent figure in the sport, trained at Johnny Tocco’s gym, leaving an enduring legacy. His influence on Dehmalo is profound, with Ali’s extraordinary work ethic and skills serving as a constant source of inspiration throughout Jay’s impressive career. This shared history underscores the timeless bond between two boxing icons, weaving together the threads of their journeys within the confines of Johnny Tocco’s gym.
Jay Dehmalo, also known by the monikers Jay D’mallo and Jay Dimalo, has dedicated more than three decades of his life to training and coaching boxers, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Currently based at Title Boxing in Westlake, Ohio, Jay continues to influence the next generation of pugilists alongside notable figures like Wilkins Santiago. Dehmalo’s boxing journey commenced under the mentorship of Jake Luce from Erie, Pennsylvania, who not only managed him but also suggested name changes to enhance his ring presence. Fueled by a passion for the sport, Jay fought out of Johnny Tocco’s gym, a historic venue associated with legendary coach Johnny Tocco, who trained former heavyweight champion Sonny Liston and played a crucial role in Ali’s early years.
Beyond the ring, Jay Dehmalo’s influence extended to serving as a sparring partner to heavyweight champions Trevor Berbick and Bonecrusher Smith, contributing to their successful careers. His contributions to the boxing community are diverse, with a significant role as a case officer in a high-profile legal matter, leading to the conviction and deportation of John Demanyuk, also known as “Ivan the Terrible,” a convicted Holocaust criminal.
In addition to his commitments to the boxing community, Jay Dehmalo remains dedicated to charitable causes, evident through his monthly donations to St. Jude’s in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a proud member of organizations such as EX-Boxers.com, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 2260 in Westlake, Ohio, and TWS, showcasing his unwavering dedication to various communities. With a professional boxing record of 5 wins and 3 losses between 1985 and 1986, Jay Dehmalo’s impressive legacy in the boxing world, military service as a US Army veteran, and his participation in the international boxing hall of fame invite in Canastota, New York in 2022 highlight his multifaceted contributions to the sport and his community.
About Jay Dehmalo
Jay Dehmalo, who also boxed under the names Jay D’mallo and Jay Dimalo, has dedicated over three decades of his life to training and coaching boxers, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Currently based at Title Boxing in Westlake, Ohio, Jay works alongside notable figures like Wilkins Santiago. Jay’s boxing journey began with Jake Luce from Erie, Pennsylvania, who managed him and suggested the name changes to enhance his ring presence. He fought out of Johnny Tocco’s gym in Las Vegas during the 1980s, where he followed in the footsteps of legendary coach Johnny Tocco, who trained former heavyweight champion Sonny Liston, forever connected to the historic bout against Cassius Clay, who later became known as Muhammad Ali.
