Last July I did an article on Steve “Gentle Giant” Vukosa coming out of retirement after 12 years. He didn’t pick an easy one in taking on 2004 Olympian Jason Estrada, 20-4, on Jason’s father’s (Dr. Roland Estrada) promotion at the Royale Night Club in Boston for the vacant USA New England Heavyweight Title. Vukosa won an 8 round majority decision. Estrada was on a four-fight win streak but hadn’t fought in over a year.
Vukosa was a 2000 US Amateur champion who left Quincy, MASS, for North Hollywood under trainer Freddie Roach. He was being managed by “the Simpson’s” creator Sam Simon who had WBO heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster at the time and promoted by Top Rank.
Over a two-year period Vukosa won eight fights from June of 2001 thru May of 2002 all in CA. He returned to Quincy disillusioned over the lack of competition he faced and though he did some sparring never fought again until this past July. The itch to fight was still there so he took on “one more fight” Wednesday night in the Quincy Armory defeating Solomon Maye over 6 rounds 60-54 on all cards.
Vukosa paid a price. “I broke my left hand in the first round with the first punch. But it was a great fight and a great time,” said Vukosa. “I’m done. It’s fun but it’s hard work and I would rather play with my kids than working out,” said Vukosa. So, at 37 he retires unbeaten at 10-0 (4)!
