Tommy Ocera, Cherry Point’s 135 pound two-fisted dynamite boxer, was a stand-out amateur boxer in the past, and who also served as a Marine, with the 2nd Marine Air Division wing at Cherry Point, in North Carolina. Ocera’s amateur boxing record over a three-year span shows an impressive 20 wins, three losses, with two of those fights ending by split decisions.
Tommy was very proud of serving with the Marines and had often reflected back to his time spent in Cherry Point. He spoke with great honor and pride, just as he did whenever he spoke about his years when boxing in the amateurs.
One of his many proud relatives Ken Theissen, told us, “When Tommy took my brothers and me into his small boxing gym in the basement of his catering hall, he would tell us of the great life’s lessons that can be learned from his time when he spent time in the ring.”
”I feel that Tommy used the same type of discipline he learned from boxing to help care for his ailing wife who was stricken with MS. Much in the way a great fighter prepares for an upcoming battle, Tommy dedicated himself to her health in later years,” added Ken.
As published in many articles on Tommy Ocera throughout the years when he boxed, writers and journalists often remarked of his “lightning fast jab and right hand”, and that earned him several “Fighter of the Night” honors.
In another past documented article about Ocera, they noted the following: “Tom’s (Ocera) fervor for fistic fame has been rewarding. In 1949 against the Little Creek Amphibs, he was awarded a trophy as the “best fighter of the match. The next season the Virginia Athletic Club honored him with similar laurels. Last Spring, he fought in the North Carolina Golden Gloves in Charlotte. Victorious there, Ocera went on to New York City and took on the welterweight class. Officials named him the “outstanding fighter of the Tournament of Champions.”
Ocera had won at least one of the Carolina State Golden Glove titles during the years of 1949-53 and in 1952, had also had become an All-Marine Boxing Champion, and was victorious over the All-Army Champion.
A truly remarkable bout in particular that Tommy had and was published in one article when he fought 1991 Carolinas Boxing Hall of Famer David Mills.
Mr. Mills took the victory, but it was a hard-fought battle warranting an article on the fight, entitled, “Tommy Ocera Battle Toughest For Mills” published in the 1954 Gloves, and authored by Mr. Wills, the open welterweight champion of 1952 and 1953 at the time.
Mr. Mills said, “All fights in the Golden Gloves are tough ones, but I guess my roughest battle was against a Marine named Tommy Ocera on opening night of the 1952 tournament.”
Ken said, “Of all of Tommy’s boxing accolades, to me that one that stands out most is the Fighter of the Tournament of Champions award he and Pedro Page received after their fight in 1952. Carolina Boxing HOF legend, and Olympia, Floyd Patterson also fought that night, yet Tommy and Pedro won such incredible praise. Considering that Mr. Patterson went on to win Gold at the summer Olympics that year, I consider that a remarkable feat.”
“The passion and love that Tommy developed for boxing—while stationed in the beautiful state of North Carolina, is something that remained with him throughout his lifetime, “ added Ken.
According to family members Tommy Ocera’s life was cut short when in November of 1989 he was murdered by the very people he considered friends.
During Ocera’s life, he became a very successful businessman. He owned a magnificent Catering Hall and restaurant, and also was great chef. He was a loving father of five beautiful daughters.
Story by Sue TL Fox