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1930s era Golden Gloves champ from Batavia passes

By Howard B. Owens

One of Batavia's most accomplished boxers from the 1930s passed away last week -- Salvatore V. “Sam” Cintorino, who won five Golden Glove titles as a lightweight fighting as Sammy Devine.

Cintorino was the brother of Joseph Cintorino, who fought as Mickey Devine when he turned professional and became one of the biggest names in boxing to come out of Batavia.

The brothers were part of a vibrant boxing scene in Batavia in the 1930s when some 40 to 60 young men trained locally and fought all over WNY, even nationwide.

The 96-year-old Sam Cintorino was born Nov. 8, 1916 in Brooklyn to parents who immigrated from Italy. Soon after, the family moved to Batavia.

As Sammy Devine, Cintorino is a member of the Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame.

For his full obituary, click here.

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