By Richard C. Dujardin
CRANSTON, R.I. -- Gary Balletto, who retired from a successful career in professional boxing to open his own training gym in the Silver Lake section of Providence, has been critically injured in a trampoline accident at his home.
Philip Copper, a trainer at Balletto's Gym, confirmed Monday that the 38-year-old underwent more than seven hours of surgery after being taken to Rhode Island Hospital on Sunday for injuries that included a broken neck.
With an overall record of 31 wins and 3 losses, Balletto is former winner of the IBU's world lightweight title and boxed on the second season of the ESPN reality show "The Contender" in 2006. Rhode Island Hospital reported that Balletto remained in critical condition Monday night.