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Joseph Valtellini

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Joseph John Valtellini[1] (born May 3, 1985) is a Canadian retired Muay Thai kickboxer who competed in the super middleweight division. Nicknamed "Bazooka Joe", Valtellini is a strong and explosive fighter possessing considerable punching power and powerful low kicks.[2][3] After winning provincial and national honours as an amateur, he turned professional in 2010 and went undefeated while finishing all of his opponents on the New York Muay Thai scene over the next two years before losing to Grégory Choplin in Lion Fight. He debuted with the Glory promotion in April 2013 and went on to win the Glory Welterweight Championship in June 2014. He retired the following year due to post-concussion syndrome and now works as a commentator for the promotion.

Joseph Valtellini
BornJoseph John Valtellini
(1985-05-03) May 3, 1985 (age 39)
Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Other namesBazooka Joe
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb)
DivisionMiddleweight
Super Middleweight
Reach75 in (191 cm)
StyleTaekwondo, Muay Thai, Kickboxing
Fighting out ofToronto, Ontario, Canada
TeamUltimate Martial Arts
TrainerPaul Minhas
Rank2nd dan black belt in Taekwondo
Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Years active2008–2015
Kickboxing record
Total14
Wins12
By knockout10
Losses2
By knockout1
Draws0
Amateur record
Total11
Wins11
By knockout4
Losses0
Draws0
Other information
OccupationTeacher, Color commentator
Notable school(s)Sir William Osler High School
Last updated on: June 21, 2014

Early life

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An Italian Canadian, Joseph Valtellini was born in Scarborough, Ontario, to parents who emigrated from Pachino, Sicily.[4] He began training in Taekwondo under Roy Sullivan at the Ki Do Kwan gym aged seven and earned his black belt at ten. He was promoted to the rank of second degree black belt at the age of fourteen, but around the age of seventeen he began looking for more "contact and realism" in martial arts and started training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It was not until he was nineteen that he found Muay Thai. He trained both styles for couple of years until he dropped jiu-jitsu after he decided to become a full-time striker.[5]

Valtellini played association football competitively between the ages of ten and eighteen and unsuccessfully tried out for the Toronto Varsity Blues soccer team while attending the University of Toronto, although he did make it on to the Toronto Varsity Blues Canadian football team where he played for five years, serving as the placekicker and finishing two seasons as the team's leading scorer.[6] He suffered a broken radius in his left arm while playing Canadian football, requiring surgery and prompting doctors to recommend never fighting again. In addition to his fighting career, he also works as a physical education teacher for special needs students at Sir William Osler High School.[7]

Career

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Early career (2008–2012)

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Valtellini first came to prominence when he won the Canadian Amateur Muay Thai Association of Ontario (CAMTAO) Amateur Ontario Super Middleweight Championship in 2008. In July 2009, he participated in the 2009 IKF World Classic in Orlando, Florida, United States, winning the tournament in the light middleweight (-72.72 kg/160 lb) Muay Thai division. After defeating Jaried Gonzalez via technical knockout in the quarter-finals, he took unanimous decision wins over Eric Ingram and Brian Robertson in the semis and final, respectively, to be crowned champion.[8] He then won the Council of Amateur Sport Kickboxing (CASK) Canadian amateur middleweight title in early 2010 before turning professional.

As Muay Thai was illegal in the province of Ontario until August 2010,[9] Valtellini began his professional career in the US, finding success in the New York City-based Friday Night Fights promotion. In his pro debut on May 14, 2010, he faced sanshou stylist Max Chen. After scoring a knockdown with a left hook, Valtellini kept up the pressure and forced the referee to stop the fight towards the end of the first round.[10] In his next two outings, he stopped both Dorian Price and Sean Hinds with low kicks.[11] Having gone 3–0 with three stoppages in his first year as a pro, he was nominated for the 2010 "North American Fighter of the Year" award by Muay Thai Authority but lost out to Kevin Ross.[12][13]

On April 29, 2011, he beat the previously undefeated Ben Case. Although he struggled with Case's height and reach early, he was able cause damage with punch-low kick combinations and dropped Case at the end of the fourth round before finishing him with a high kick in the fifth.[14][15][16] With this win, he claimed the #10 spot in North America's pound for pound rankings.[17] Headlining for the first time against Alex Berrios on September 23, 2011, Valtellini was able to avoid the clinch and use effective low kicks which caused Berrios to quit on his stool in between rounds two and three.[18][19] After the fight, he moved up three places in the North American rankings.[20][21]

Moving up from his usual weight of 75 kg/165 lb, he faced Shawn Yarborough in a 76 kg/169 lb catch weight on March 9, 2012. This was also his first fight with elbows as the state of New York had only made them legal four months earlier. Valtellini sent Yarborough to the canvas with a right hand but he was able to beat the count. Shortly afterwards, he cornered Yarborough and became the first man to stop him when he knocked him out with a left hook-right uppercut combo.[22][23]

Having established himself as the top super middleweight on the continent,[24] Valtellini took his first fight outside of New York against Grégory Choplin in the co-main event of Lion Fight 7 in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 13, 2012.[25][26] He struggled with his French opponent's clinch and elbows, receiving a cut over his left eye in the first round. Going the distance for the first time in his career, he dropped a unanimous decision.[27] He rebounded with a unanimous points victory over Mehdi Baghdad at Muay Thai in America: In Honor of the King in Los Angeles, California, on December 1, 2012.[28][29]

Glory (2013–2015)

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In December 2012, he signed with Glory to fight under Oriental kickboxing rules in the organization's 77 kg/170 lb welterweight division.[30] He made his promotional debut against Murat Direkçi at Glory 6: Istanbul in Istanbul, Turkey on April 6, 2013, and overcame the Belgian-Turk's aggressive start by scoring a knockdown late in the opening round. After dropping him twice more inside the last thirty seconds of round two, Valtellini forced Direkçi's corner to throw in the towel in three.[31]

He returned to New York to face François Ambang at Glory 9: New York on June 22, 2013.[32] After a close first round in which both fighters landed solid combinations and kicks, Valtellini began to take control in the second. In round three, it became evident that Ambang's lead leg was injured and Valtellini went on the attack to score a knockdown with low kicks. Ambang was able to get back to his feet but could not walk towards the referee and the fight was called, giving the Canadian the win.[33]

He improved to 3–0 in Glory with a late stoppage of Karim Ghajji at Glory 11: Chicago in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States on October 12, 2013.[34] After a technical affair that saw both men exchanging and looking extremely solid, Valtellini rocked Ghajji with a spinning back fist in round three which forced the referee to issue a standing eight count. Valtellini then swarmed on the Frenchman, landing a high kick which caused a TKO victory.[35]

He was initially set to fight Karapet Karapetyan in the Glory 13: Tokyo - Welterweight World Championship Tournament semi-finals in Tokyo, Japan on December 21, 2013[36] but Karapetyan was replaced by Raymond Daniels when the match-ups were changed for undisclosed reasons.[37] He struggled with Daniels' unorthodox karate style early on but by round two began to do damage with low kicks before he scored a high kick KO in round three, inflicting the first loss on Daniels' record. Facing Nieky Holzken in the final, both fighters pressed forward, landing powerful but technical punches and kicks throughout. Holzken hurt Valtellini with a body shot in the third and final round before putting him away after landing a right overhand in a hectic exchange in the dying seconds of the fight.[38]

Valtellini beat Marc de Bonte via unanimous decision to take his Glory Welterweight Championship at Glory 17: Los Angeles in Inglewood, California, US on June 21, 2014. Both fighters scored knockdowns in the fight; Valtellini dropped de Bonte with a high kick in round three, while de Bonte floored Valtellini with a knee in round four.[39][40] After almost a year of inactivity, Valtellini vacated the title on June 4, 2015, due to suffering from post-concussion syndrome.[41]

Post-fighting career

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After his retirement, Valtellini joined the Glory commentary team and debuted as an analyst at Glory 23 on August 7, 2015. He re-signed with the company on a multiple-year deal in February 2017. He has also co-hosted the GLORY Kickboxing Podcast, which debuted in November 2016, with Todd Grisham.[42]

Valtellini was a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience in January 2017.[43]

He appeared in a minor role in the 2016 film Kickboxer: Vengeance.[44]

Championships and awards

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Kickboxing

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Kickboxing record

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12 wins (10 KOs), 2 losses, 0 draws
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time Record
2014-06-21 Win   Marc de Bonte Glory 17: Los Angeles Los Angeles, California, US Decision (unanimous) 5 3:00 12-2
Wins the Glory Welterweight World Championship.
2013-12-21 Loss   Nieky Holzken Glory 13: Tokyo - World Welterweight Championship Tournament, Final Ariake Coliseum Tokyo, Japan TKO (right hook) 3 3:00 11-2
2013-12-21 Win   Raymond Daniels Glory 13: Tokyo - World Welterweight Championship Tournament, Semifinals Ariake Coliseum Tokyo, Japan KO (right high kick) 3 1:20 11-1
2013-10-12 Win   Karim Ghajji Glory 11: Chicago Hoffman Estates, Illinois, US TKO (punches and right high kick) 3 2:53 10-1
2013-06-22 Win   François Ambang Glory 9: New York New York City, New York, US TKO (right low kick) 3 1:24 9-1
2013-04-06 Win   Murat Direkçi Glory 6: Istanbul Istanbul, Turkey TKO (corner stoppage) 3 0:27 8-1
2012-12-01 Win   Mehdi Baghdad Muay Thai in America: In Honor of the King Los Angeles, California, US Decision (unanimous) 5 3:00 7-1
2012-10-13 Loss   Grégory Choplin Lion Fight 7 Las Vegas, Nevada, US Decision (unanimous) 5 3:00 6-1
2012-03-09 Win   Shawn Yarborough Friday Night Fights New York City, New York, US KO (left hook and right uppercut) 1 2:55 6-0
2011-09-23 Win   Alex Berrios Friday Night Fights New York City, New York, US TKO (retirement) 2 3:00 5-0
2011-04-29 Win   Ben Case Friday Night Fights New York City, New York, US TKO (high kick) 5 0:53 4-0
2010-12-10 Win   Sean Hinds Friday Night Fights New York City, New York, US TKO (retirement) 3 3:00 3-0
2010-07-22 Win   Dorian Price Friday Night Fights New York City, New York, US TKO (low kicks) 2-0
2010-05-14 Win   Max Chen Friday Night Fights New York City, New York, US TKO (right high kick) 1 2:11 1-0
Amateur kickboxing record
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time
2009-07-26 Win   Brian Robertson 2009 IKF World Classic, Final Orlando, Florida, US Decision (unanimous) 3 2:00
Wins the 2009 IKF World Classic Light Middleweight (-72.72 kg/160 lb) Muay Thai Championship.
2009-07-26 Win   Eric Ingram 2009 IKF World Classic, Semi Finals Orlando, Florida, US Decision (unanimous) 3 2:00
2009-07-25 Win   Jaried Gonzalez 2009 IKF World Classic, Quarter Finals Orlando, Florida, US TKO 2 1:40

Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

References

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  1. ^ "KICKBOXING SHOW RESULTS : Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas" (PDF). Boxing.nv.gov. October 13, 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  2. ^ "Valtellini vs. Berrios: Collision Course ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  3. ^ "Keys to Victory: Alex Berrios vs. Joseph Valtellini ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  4. ^ "News - Meet the Fighter: Joseph Valtellini". Gloryworldseries.com. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  5. ^ "Fixing the Bank with Joseph Valtellini ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  6. ^ "From Blues to blows for kickboxer Valtellini - Sports - Toronto Sun". M.torontosun.com. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  7. ^ "The Next Big Thing: FSA talks with Canada's "Bazooka" Joe Valtellini Before GLORY 9 New York | FSA - FightSport Asia". Archived from the original on June 21, 2013. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  8. ^ "09 WC Results". Ikfkickboxing.com. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  9. ^ "Muay Thai Becomes Legal in Ontario, Canada". Thescienceof8limbs.com. 20 August 2010. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  10. ^ "Fury Magazine". Archived from the original on 19 June 2013.
  11. ^ "Joseph "Bazooka Joe" Valtellini wins again! Bonus, How to plan your New Years Resolution. — Tempus Performance". Archived from the original on May 4, 2014. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  12. ^ "North American Muay Thai Fighter of the Year Award Nominees ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
  13. ^ "Kevin Ross and Miram Nakamoto win 2010 fighter of the year awards ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on July 8, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  14. ^ "Valtellini, Case, Greskiewicz, and Hasanov all in action at April 29th Friday Night Fights event ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  15. ^ "Someone is saying goodbye to being undefeated ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  16. ^ "Friday Night Fights Recap - Hasanov wins via split decision, Valtellini wins by TKO ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on December 12, 2013. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  17. ^ "Updated North American Men's Rankings 7/28/2011 ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on September 21, 2014. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  18. ^ "Alex Berrios vs. Joseph Valtellini set for Sept. 23rd Friday Night Fights event ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  19. ^ "Results and Recap: Friday Night Fights "Valtellini vs. Berrios" ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on December 18, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  20. ^ "Updated North American Men's Rankings 9/30/2011 ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  21. ^ "Updated North American Men's Rankings 11/10/2011 ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  22. ^ "Yarborough vs. Valtellini headline March 9th Friday Night Fights Muay Thai event, Fisher vs. Horowitz set for undercard ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  23. ^ "Results and Recap: Friday Night Fights Muay Thai "Yarborough vs. Valtellini" ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on December 18, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  24. ^ "North American Super Middleweight Rankings 8/3/2012 ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on March 18, 2013. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  25. ^ "Joe Schilling vs. Eddie Walker and Joseph Valtellini vs. Gregory Choplin set for Lion Fight Muay Thai VII October 13th ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on December 19, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  26. ^ "Schilling vs. Walker and Valtellini vs. Choplin official for Lion Fight Muay Thai VII on October 13th ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on December 17, 2013. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  27. ^ Walsh, Dave. "Weekend Results: Eddie Walker KO's Joe Schilling". Liverkick.com. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  28. ^ [1] [dead link‍]
  29. ^ "Results and Recap: Muay Thai in America "In Honor of the King" ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved May 31, 2013.
  30. ^ Scalia, Rian. "GLORY Announces 7 New Fighter Signings, Including Kevin Ross". Liverkick.com. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  31. ^ Scalia, Rian. "GLORY 6 Istanbul: Daniel Ghita vs. Gokhan Saki, Live Results". Liverkick.com. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  32. ^ Scalia, Rian. "GLORY 9 New York Gets Ghita vs. Guidon, Valtellini vs. Ambang". Liverkick.com. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  33. ^ Walsh, Dave. "GLORY 9 New York Live Results and Updates". Liverkick.com. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  34. ^ Walsh, Dave. "GLORY 11 Main Event Confirmed as Corbett vs. Spong". Liverkick.com. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  35. ^ Walsh, Dave. "GLORY 11 Chicago Live Results and Discussion". Liverkick.com. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  36. ^ "Match ups announced for Glory 13 welterweight tournament in Japan ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on October 22, 2013. Retrieved December 9, 2013.
  37. ^ "Raymond Daniels replaces Marc de Bonte in Glory 13 welterweight tournament ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved December 9, 2013.
  38. ^ Walsh, Dave. "GLORY SuperFight Series Tokyo and GLORY 13 Spoilers". Liverkick.com. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  39. ^ Jauncey, Jay. "LiverKick - Glory 17 and Last Man Standing Live Results". Liverkick.com. Archived from the original on 6 March 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  40. ^ Coffeen, Fraser (22 June 2014). "Glory results: Artem Levin, Rico Verhoeven and Joseph Valtellini take home Glory gold". Bloodyelbow.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  41. ^ Dave Walsh. "GLORY Welterweight Champion Joseph Valtellini Vacates Championship". LiverKick.com. Archived from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  42. ^ GLORY Resigns Grisham, Valtellini Commentary Team fightsports.tv (February 2017)
  43. ^ Joseph Valtellini spends a day at the Joe Rogan Experience glorykickboxing.com (January 30, 2017)
  44. ^ 'Kickboxer Vengeance' Releases Teaser Trailer and Behind the Scenes Footage Sarah Kurchak, vice.com (March 12, 2015)
  45. ^ Coffeen, Fraser (9 January 2014). "Kickboxing 2013 Year End Awards: Fighter, Fight, and KO of the Year". Bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  46. ^ Walsh, Dave. "LiverKick Best of 2013: Fight of the Year". Liverkick.com. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  47. ^ "2013 Muay Thai Authority Awards ~ Muay Thai Authority". Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. Retrieved January 3, 2014.
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