Leo “The Lionheart” Loiacono was a professional heavyweight boxing contender who was managed by Vinny LaManna. He finished his career with a record of 16-4, 13 by way of knockout, and was rated the #9 heavyweight in the world by both the IBC and IBF. Loiacono’s career reached its apex when he fought the #1 contender, former heavyweight champion, and gold medalist Ray Mercer in a fight that Leo was promoted by the iconic Don King.
Loiacono started his athletic pursuits as a football standout for Ridgefield High School in New Jersey, and went on to play college at both Jersey City State and Kean. Leo’s first passion was football, so he spent years making tryouts for NFL teams: Cincinnati and Detroit, and even teams in the Canadian Football League. He turned to semi-pro football, after not catching on with a pro team, which led him to his boxing career. It was a semi-pro teammate that suggested that he pursue the sport. And so Loiacono, a native of Lodi, New Jersey, started his boxing training at a New York PAL and in 1994 was boxing in the New York Golden Gloves.
After 10 amateur fights, Leo turned pro. He would go on to have 20 professional matches as well, but none on a grander stage than when he fought Mercer in 1998 for the #1 contender ranking in the world, and with it a shot at the heavyweight title. Don King promoted “The Lionheart” for the fight against a man whom he sparred against on many occasions. Although Loiacono would lose the fight in a second round knockout, he reached heights that many dream of but few reach, particularly with a late start to his career. Loiacono’s five year boxing career landed him an acting role in the 2009 movie, The Nail, which earned him a place in the Screen Actors Guild.
Currently Loiacono works at the Benway School, a private special needs school located in Wayne, New Jersey. He still holds a passion for boxing and has held after-school programs to help autistic children and adults with discipline and conditioning through boxing workouts. His desire is to bring a similar program to Benway to help students with their everyday battles. “It is really nice to be able to help people in that way, because you have to fight every day in this world,” says Loiacono. “You have to fight through things, and I feel that I have the perfect opportunity to teach that in this school. They give you opportunities here. You can sit down with people like Mr. Carline and Mr. Perri and if they like the idea they are 100% behind you. It is really nice to have that support.”
Leo’s vision is to teach children to learn how to defend themselves, instill discipline, provide real world lessons, and promote a healthy lifestyle. He also hopes to inspire students who may want to pursue the sport that he is so passionate about.
Benway School is a State of New Jersey Department of Education approved learning institution. Benway School is committed to the belief that emotional growth and academic success go hand-in-hand. The school is dedicated to providing an opportunity for both by offering a nurturing and therapeutic environment with a low student/teacher ratio, small class sizes and individually-paced instructional programs. Additionally, our commitment to instilling Career Ready Practices ensures all students are ready for the next phase of their lives upon graduation. For more information visit benwayschool.org.