Billy Costello was born on April 10, 1956 in Kingston, New York, USA as William Donald Costello Jr. He was married to Jane Costello. He died on June 29, 2011 in Kingston.
[on his African American/Asian Indian heritage] People were always calling me a half-breed and zebra. A lot of black guys were mad at me because even though I looked black, I joined the Boy Scouts and had friendships with white kids too.
2
[on playing baseball] Everyone was always telling me, 'Billy you can't do this' and 'Billy, you can't do that.' But all that ever did was make me more determined that before.
3
[on boxing] They had some boxing equipment in the gym and I figured, why not try it? One day on the heavy bag and it was like God saying to me, this is what you're supposed to do.
4
[on fighting Bruce Curry] I looked across the ring and I said to myself, I'm here. People put me down all my life, but I'm here.
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Fact
1
He was one of nine children to an African American father and Asian Indian mother in Kingston, New York.
2
He is survived by his mother Dolores Costello and William Costello Sr.; his daughter, Christine Costello and son, Brandon Costello from his former marriage to Jane; three brothers, Stephen, Mario, and Anthony; and two sisters, Vicky Costello and Tammy Costello Moody.
3
He won the Golden Gloves Championship in 1978 and became a professional in 1979.
4
He fought many times in Kingston, New York where there is now a Billy Costello Gym in his honor and at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York.
5
World Boxing Council light welterweight champion (1984-1985).
$800,000
