The main source of information on
the career of Liverpool-born boxer Dom Volante has come from the pages of the Liverpool
Echo in which he featured regularly from his earliest bouts until his death
in 1982. Many different sportswriters penned these pieces but the common thread
throughout them all is the affection and high regard which Liverpudlians had
for him. “He was a diamond in the rough and as big-hearted as anyone
breathing” (17th November 1951) .
Dominic Anthony Volante was born on 15th January
1905, the son of Italian-born parents who had met and married in Liverpool.
Vincenzo Volante [1862-1940], who would use the name ‘James’, was a musician
and piano tuner who also rented out barrel-organs. His wife, Maria Grazia
D’Annunzio [1869-1958], was a cousin of sculptor Michael D’Annunzio two of
whose statues stand in front of the
Walker Art Gallery. The family (Dom being one of fourteen children) lived at 86
Gerard Street L3 (now demolished) near the centre of the city in an area known
as ‘Little Italy’ due to the number of Italian immigrants who settled there.
He made his professional debut in 1922, aged 17, and would
go on to fight around 140 bouts over 14 years. He had two title fights against
Johnny Cuthbert, losing both on points, but was destined to end his career
without ever gaining a national title. He did, however, defeat several title
holders including his close friend Nel Tarleton, Seaman Watson, Johnny Curley
and Harry Corbett. He also defeated 3 French title holders and 2 Belgian. After
sustaining a serious eye injury in February 1933 he retired from the ring on
medical advice but was lured back two years later. He fought a further six
bouts, undefeated, before finally hanging up his gloves in 1936. The Liverpool
Echo reported that he was opening a gymnasium, the ‘Adelphi Studio’ in
Mount Pleasant. He tried his hand at managing fighters but eventually found a
niche position running the gymnasium on the liners Britannic and Queen Mary. Later in life he
worked as a security officer the Jacobs biscuit factory at long Lane, Aintree.
Outside of his boxing he was also well-known for his
harmonica playing, gracing such venues as the Pavilion Theatre in Sandy
Powell’s Mouth Organ Band. He also appeared alongside Nel Tarleton who was a
very capable tap dancer.
In the 1930’s the Volante family were living at 95 Brownlow
Hill L3. He later lived with his sister at Woolfall Heights in Huyton. He died
in 1982.
