BOBBY STININATO HAD 15 FIGHTS IN NEW ZEALAND
By Dave Cameron.
The passing of Bobby Stininato in Auckland this month brought back many memories of his great fights here. He died in Auckland aged 79.
Bobby Stininato – Dean Bogany
Eddie Cotton, Manoel Santos, Bobby Stininato
Programme For Cotton–Stininato fight at Carlaw Park
Bobby was born in California but ended up settling in New Zealand after calling here for fights on several occasions. He also fought around the South Pacific and in Australia.
Bobby first came out here in 1962 and in quick time he beat two highly rated opponents in Wellington. Beating the tough Tongan George Mahoni, and then Mike Holt from South Africa, showed what a talented boxer Bobby was. He was World rated as a light heavyweight but he also fought at middleweight and heavyweight. On the 1962 visit Bobby also fought in Invercargill, and had four fights in Hamilton.
His next visit here was in 1967. Bobby heard in California that Eddie Cotton, the talented Negro who was well known here, was coming back to New Zealand.
Bobby didn’t hesitate and quickly booked a flight to Auckland to try for a fight against the highly rated Eddie Cotton. It paid off and Bobby was offered the big fight at Carlaw Park.
I was at the big fight in 1967 as I had previously been overseas and missed all Eddie Cottons fights.
Bobby didn’t win but put up a great display against the very talented Eddie Cotton. He lost on a cut eye stoppage in the 9th round.
Bobby went on fighting till 1974 and his last fight was at the Auckland Town Hall in a winning fight against Amosi Felevai.
Bobby’s record was 65 fights–won 42–lost 21–drew 2.
Bobby settled here and worked on security at Auckland airport for a long time, and later at the Auckland Casino.
It was always great seeing the smiling face of Bobby Stininato around Auckland and he will be sadly missed
Eddie Cotton – above had a great fight with Bobby Stininato
