Ralph Zanelli (1915-2006) was a professional boxer who held both the New England welterwight and middleweight titles when he retired in 1952. He had competed for sixteen years and held a record of 115 wins, with 30 losses. His career spanned 20 years, beginning at the age of 17, and within three years he held the lightweight, welterweight, and middleweight Rhode Island Amateur Titles. He was a Golden Glove winner in 1936, culminating a 300-bout amateur career. He became an accomplished boxing teacher, helped support the youth and the needy of our State, and taught boxing to many, including the Rhode Island State Police.