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Cleveland Lightweight Tommy Salem

posted by Kathleen Holland on April 5, 2008, in Features

Story by Jim Amato

The proud city of Cleveland has produced their share of notable boxers. All time greats like Johnny Kilbane, Jimmy Bivins, Joey Maxim, etc...helped to put Cleveland on the fistic map. One fine fighter from Cleveland's gloried past has kind of slipped through the cracks of deserved recognition. He was a rough and tumble lightweight who campaigned in the 1950's. Although he was not blessed with great power, he was able to win twenty of his twenty eight fights.

His name was Tommy Salem. Born in 1932, Salem turned pro in 1950. He was undefeated in his first twelve bouts including two wins over Tommy Tibbs. In 1952 Tommy lost an eight round split decision to rugged Charley Riley. Salem bounced back to win three straight before being outscored by Eddie Crawford. Tommy was then stopped in seven rounds by Youngstown's under rated L.C.Morgan. Salem then put together a five bout win streak that led to a 1956 fight with future champion and Hall Of Fame inductee Carlos Ortiz. The bout was held at St. Nick's Arena in New York City. Salem gave Ortiz all he wanted but dropped a spilt decision. Salem's fine performance led to a return to St.Nick's to face the highly regarded Johnny Busso. Again Tommy was on the short end of a ten round split decision. In 1957 Tommy was taken out by Walter Brown and Frankie Ippolito. He finally retired with a respectable 20-7-1 record....

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