Mike Rossman

Mike Rossman (born Michael Albert DePiano; July 1, 1955) is a retired American professional boxer of Jewish and Italian heritage who competed from 1973 to 1983, best known as "The Jewish Bomber" for his aggressive style and cultural symbolism in the ring, including wearing a Star of David on his trunks. He held the WBA light heavyweight title from September 1978 to April 1979 after defeating defending champion Víctor Galíndez by thirteenth-round technical knockout in an upset victory at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. With a professional record of 44 wins (27 by knockout), 7 losses, and 3 draws, Rossman turned professional at age 18 following 23 amateur bouts, illegally compiling 22 straight victories while underage before his first official loss in 1975.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to an Italian father, James DePiano, and Jewish mother, Celia, Rossman adopted his mother's maiden name for his boxing career as part of a family agreement to honor his heritage. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches with an orthodox stance, he debuted professionally on August 10, 1973, stopping Stanley Dawson in the second round and quickly rising through the ranks with notable wins over Mike Quarry (in 1976 and 1977), Mike Nixon (including a 1975 rematch knockout), Christy Elliott, and Gary Summerhays. His championship reign included one successful defense against Aldo Traversaro in December 1978, but ended in a fourth-round loss to Galíndez in their April 14, 1979, rematch at the same New Orleans venue.

His father, Jimmy DePiano, was of Italian descent, while his mother, Celia, whose maiden name was Rossman, was Jewish, giving Rossman a mixed Italian-Jewish heritage.

Mike Rossman, born Michael Albert DePiano, adopted his professional ring name around age 18, legally changing it to honor his mother's Jewish maiden name and distance himself from his Italian paternal surname. This decision, made approximately five years before his 1978 world title win, was partly motivated by commercial appeal in the boxing world, allowing him to emphasize his Jewish heritage.

This adoption of Jewish symbolism held cultural significance during his career, appealing to Jewish audiences and generating promotional interest through ethnic-themed marketing, such as advertisements in Jewish-focused publications. As the first Jewish-American world champion in nearly 40 years, Rossman's persona fostered a connection with Jewish communities, including targeted hype around potential matchups that played on religious contrasts to boost ticket sales.