One-handed boxer makes his pro debut!

33-year old Michael Costantino was just another name on the undercard of Sadam Ali's boxing show at the Aviator Arena in Brooklyn on Saturday. But there is something different about Costantino. He was born without a right hand and has done everything possible to make his dream of being a professional boxer come true. And thanks to Ali, he is well on his way to achieving his dreams.

The Queens native stopped Nathan Ortiz at the mid-point of the second round. Ortiz was forced to quit after receiving a barrage of left hands. Looking back through history, it seems as though Costantino is probably the first one-handed boxer to ever fight in New York.

However, it wasn't easy for Costantino to get where he is today. He had to get past a lot of obstacles put in his way by the New York State Athletic Commission. Just last week he had to see a commission doctor once again after he had already seen a doctor over a month earlier. He was also made to wrap his hands in front of commission members the day before the fight so they could get an idea of how he wraps his right limb. Despite all of this, Costantino managed to stay focused and get the win on Saturday night.

Costantino said that he was inspired to fight after witnessing the performance of cancer-survivor Danny Jacobs who came back strong after a long lay-off with a first-round KO at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. He also took inspiration from the death of his father. According to the 33-year old, he shed 100lb after the death and recently managed to get back to his original fighting weight. His aim is to show the boxing world that even with a set-back like his, you can make it no matter what!

By Jack Price @PriceyJ97.