Mike Rossman: A Look Back at “The Jewish Bomber”

 Loading ...

(L) Billy Joel & Mike Rossman

Mike Rossman, also known as “The Jewish Bomber” was born in Turnersville, NJ on July 1, 1956. His birth name was Michael Albert DePiano, however, as a boxer, he chose to go by his mother’s surname of “Rossman”. Throughout his career, he would have a turbulent relationship with his father and manager Jimmy DePiano. “The Jewish Bomber” was one of a number of outstanding boxers who competed in the Light Heavyweight division in the late 1970’s. This group also included such men as: John Conteh, Billy “Dynamite” Douglas, Victor Galindez, Richie Kates, Matthew Saad Muhammad, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Yaqui Lopez, Marvin Johnson, and James “Great” Scott, among others.

Rossman fought out of the boxing hotbed that was Philadelphia under the umbrella of legendary promoter Russell Peltz. After a brief amateur career, “The Jewish Bomber” turned pro on August 10, 1973, scoring a second round knockout over Stanley Dawson and was unbeaten over his first 22 fights. Rossman lost for the first time by decision to Mike Nixon on May 19, 1975. However, he avenged this defeat less than three months later, on August 1, 1975, with a one punch knockout victory over Nixon in the 7th round.

On September 30, 1975, Rossman faced a serious test in long time Light Heavyweight contender Mike Quarry. He lost for the second time in his career, dropping a 10 round unanimous decision to Quarry. Rossman would go on to defeat Quarry twice after that. First winning by a majority decision over Quarry on December 11, 1976, in a fight where he was outweighed by 8 ½ lbs. Then, five months later, on May 11, 1977, he stopped Quarry on cuts in the 6th round.

On September 29, 1977, Rossman won a decision over Canadian contender Gary Summerhays. However, he injured his right hand during the fight which would later become a factor in one of his most devastating defeats a couple of years later. In March 1978, Rossman faced popular contender Yaqui Lopez, in a fight which had unfortunate racial overtones. Lopez overcame a nasty cut over his right eye, administering a savage beating to Rossman in the 6th round. The “Jewish Bomber” stood up to the punishment but was out on his feet and the fight was stopped in the corner
Just two fights later, Rossman received a title opportunity against WBA Light Heavyweight champion, and future International Boxing Hall of Famer, Victor Galindez. The fight took place on September 15, 1978 at the New Orleans Superdome. “The Jewish Bomber” was a decided underdog against the legendary Galindez. However, the live challenger stood toe to toe with the champion, cutting him above both eyes. By the late rounds, Rossman was in complete command, ultimately stopping an exhausted Galindez in the 13th round. The “Jewish Bomber” was now on top of the boxing world.

Rossman defended the title once with a 6th round TKO victory over Aldo Traversaro and then signed to face Galindez again. After Galindez walked out on the originally scheduled bout due to a conflict with the choice of judges, the rematch was rescheduled for April 14, 1979. On that night at the New Orleans Superdome, a much sharper and more motivated Galindez showed up. However, the fight was still very competitive early with Rossman’s superior hand speed giving Galindez fits. Unfortunately, Mike broke his right hand in the middle rounds. This, along with Galindez’ power punching turned the tide of the fight. By the end of the 9th round, the pain in Rossman’s right hand had become intolerable and he would not be able to answer the bell for the 10th round.

In his very first match after losing the title, Rossman suffered a shocking 6th round TKO loss to journeyman Ramon Ranquello. However, he rebounded winning four consecutive fights after that. Rossman was slated to face up and coming contender and future boxing hall of famer Dwight Braxton on May 31, 1981. Rossman lost by a 7th round TKO which essentially finished him as a serious contender in the Light Heavyweight division. This was a classic “crossroads” fight, marking the ascent of a future hall of famer and sad decline of a former champion. Rossman would go on to win four more times before retiring in 1983.

Overall, “The Jewish Bomber” compiled an excellent professional record of 44-7-3, 27 KO’s over the course of his 10 year career. Rossman doesn’t go down in history as one of the greatest Light Heavyweights of All-time. However, he is more than deserving of our respect and appreciation as a former Light Heavyweight champion during the hotly competitive era that was the late 1970’s.