🥊✨ Back in 1977, before he became a TV star, Tony Danza was throwing punches in the boxing ring. In one of his early fights, he faced Billy Perez—and the kid from Malverne, Long Island showed he could take a hit and dish it right back. Tough, scrappy, and full of that Long Island grit, Danza’s ring days were the first step on a wild journey from local boxer to Hollywood icon. 🌟 #LongIslandStrong #TonyDanza #longisland #longislandhistory #longislandconnection #longislandsports #longislandsports

WATCH: What career would Tony Danza have chosen if he weren't an actor? In honor of the "Who's the Boss?" star's visit to TODAY Thursday, check out this 1988 flashback! http://on.today.com/1Sw0nNR | Today Show

Tony Danza wells up with emotion while learning about his grandfather's grueling experience working as a tinner after migrating to America in 1909. Catch an all-new #FindingYourRoots tonight at 8/7c on PBS | Finding Your Roots