Hall of Fame Professional Boxer. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he fought his first fight in 1907, won and was paid $25. On February 22, 1912, in a 20-round bout in Vernon, California, he defeated Abe Attell to become the World's Featherweight Champion. He retained his championship crown for eleven years (1912-23), which is the longest reign in featherweight-division history and the second-longest world title holder in boxing history along with fighter Joe Louis. He ended his career with a record of 51 wins, 25 by knockout, 4 losses, 7 draws and 2 no contests. Following his boxing career, he refereed boxing matches, operated a gym, served in the Ohio State Legislature and worked as the Clerk of the Cleveland Municipal Court. He died of cancer at age 68 in Cleveland, Ohio and was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995.
Hall of Fame Professional Boxer. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he fought his first fight in 1907, won and was paid $25. On February 22, 1912, in a 20-round bout in Vernon, California, he defeated Abe Attell to become the World's Featherweight Champion. He retained his championship crown for eleven years (1912-23), which is the longest reign in featherweight-division history and the second-longest world title holder in boxing history along with fighter Joe Louis. He ended his career with a record of 51 wins, 25 by knockout, 4 losses, 7 draws and 2 no contests. Following his boxing career, he refereed boxing matches, operated a gym, served in the Ohio State Legislature and worked as the Clerk of the Cleveland Municipal Court. He died of cancer at age 68 in Cleveland, Ohio and was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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