LEWISTON, N.Y. (WBEN).....Before he was an actor, Tony Danza was a middleweight boxer.
Danza, in the region filming "Christmas at the Starlight" said professional boxing, much like horse racing, needs more promotion and a superstar - or two - to help gain traction with sports fans.
"Boxing needs that dominate personality like a (Muhammad) Ali," Danza said.
The closest boxing has to a major star these days is flyweight fighter Jessie "Bam" Rodriguez.
It also needs more exposure.
"I remember, growing up, and watching Ali fight live on 'Wide World of Sports'," Danza said. "That doesn't happen anymore."
Boxing, where Danza amassed a 12-3 record, helped lead him into acting where one of his first roles was in the movie "Hollywood Knights" before landing a slot on "Taxi."
Now, 75, Danza still looks back fondly at his boxing career.
"It helped make me who I am today," Danza said.
Tony Danza offers his insight into the state of boxing
Tony Danza offers his insight into the state of boxing
