There is tough and then there is TOUGH! Manny Sorbara was as tough as there was in the boxing ring. Over an eleven year period between 1944 and 1955 he was considered one of the top amateur welterweights in Ontario, winning the Charles Hemstead trophy in Toronto in 1944 and the Toronto Star trophy in 1945.
While researching Sorbara’s career and old fight poster was found from November 12, 1945 that had Sorbara fighting Joey Ferrier in the main event of a card being held at Massey Hall. Ironically, listed on the undercard is Guelph’s Pete Zaduk. Sorbara had winning streaks of sixteen and thirteen bouts in a row during his career.
Sorbara fought an estimated 250 bouts, which is amazing considering the best fighters today fight no more than a couple of times a year. He was highly sought after by promoters because of his aggressive style and willingness to trade punches with his opponent. The Sorbara name has a long standing history in the city of Guelph and there is little doubt that Manny Sorbara not only left his mark on this great city but also on the jaws of several other fighters across Ontario.
Inducted into the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame – Veteran Athlete category – on October 26, 2011
