Part I of II

Editor’s Note: Gus Lesnevich of Cliffside Park, NJ compiled a record of 59-14-5, 23 KO’s. He fought from 1934-1949.

By: Bob Fernandez, Sr.
June 2006

In the early part of his career nothing came easy for Gus Lesnevich. In Boxing Gus was known as the honest-workman. A good puncher a fair boxer who was gifted with courage beyond belief. His main drawback was he cut easily. Only brave Chuck Wepner bled more than Lesnevich.

In his favor was his friendship with Joe Vella who became his manager. It was Vella who got Gus started in the Amateurs. Lesnivich and Vella were born on the same street in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. They would remain friends for life.

When Gus first started in Boxing as a pro he fought many bloody grueling wars for chump change because that