Michael Constantino, a light heavyweight boxer born without a right fist, will make his pro debut today in Brooklyn against Nathan Ortiz

One-armed, light heavyweight boxer Michael Costantino makes his pro debut Saturday.

Michael Costantino is a boxer who beats up opponents with one hand behind his back.
That’s because Costantino, who is poised to make his pro debut Saturday in Brooklyn after a successful amateur career, was born without a right fist — and might be the only one-handed pro in New York history.

“There’s definitely a lot of pressure on me to perform well,” the southpaw light heavyweight said during an open workout at a gym in Bay Ridge. “I want to win and show people that if you put your faith in God that anything is possible.”

Costantino’s right arm is intact down to the wrist, but from there it tapers to a nub. Before fights, he wraps it and dons a normal glove, giving him the ability to punch, albeit from a longer distance.
“Nobody wanted to give him an opportunity,” said boxer Sadam Ali, who trains with Costantino and is the main event at the Aviator sports complex Saturday night. “He’s bringing something new to boxing. That’s how I look at it. It’s a beautiful thing to me.”