History of the (Boxing) World Part I

[DJgreen_72]

The World Boxing Union presents:

Monday January 1st, 1901
From the Gardens at Madison Square in New York City:

A New Years Day of Championship Boxing

Co-Main Events

vs

World Heavyweight Champion James J. Jeffries vs World Light Heavyweight Champion Philadelphia Tommy Ryan
10 Round Exhibition

&

For the Undisputed World Welterweight Championship

vs

The Barbados Demon Joe Walcott vs Tommy Ryan

Also featured:

Heavyweight #1 Contender Tournament First Round:
Sailor Tom Sharkey vs Bob Armstrong
Gentleman Jim Corbett vs Sandy Ferguson

WBU Lightweight Championship:
The Old Master Joe Gans vs South African Barney Malone

Brought to you by promoters JD Green & Tex Rickard and sponsored by Louis Koch Lager

[DJgreen_72]

Time for the requisite "OOC" post:

This is my first attempt at a Title Bout universe. While I also enjoy "What If" scenarios and "Greatest of All-Time" style tournaments like everyone else, I most enjoy historical replays. Sooooooo...starting with 1901, I will (attempt to) re-create the entire history of boxing!

What is the WBU? Glad you asked...The World Boxing Union is a fictional boxing organization founded in 1901 by a trio of boxing promoters/enthusiats/businessmen - JD Green, Tex Rickard and JR Lewis. The goal will be to structure boxing with standardized rules, universially accepted champions and rankings. No more wondering what if, the best will face the best from 1901 forward. And yes, the WBU is fully intergrated, with not just white AND black fighters participating, but also the best competiton from around the world.

You want to know my methodology used in my universe? I have none I book the title matches as well as top bouts between top contenders, then use the scheduler to randomly simulate all the other bouts. The starting database of real fighters is somewhat small in 1901 (313 fightes) so I have added, using the Random Fighter Generator, 267 "Pugs" (0 level fighters) as well as another 144 fictional fighters rated 0 through 8. If any Pugs pull off enough wins, they will recieve a small increase to their stats (most likely to being rated 1-3 overall) and put in the main category. I will write-up the big fights/cards, then just do a monthly recap showing the results of fights of note.

Can you join in? I welcome all input, questions, comments and the like. Got a fight you want to see? The WBU is here for the fans. Want to know what's going on with a particular fighter, just ask, I will find him for you. I am by no means an expert when it comes to early 20th century pugilism, so if I have something wrong (fighter in the wrong weight class, etc) feel free to let me know. As time goes on I will most likely accept submissions for fictional fighters if anyone is interested, but I want to get a few months (sim time) under my belt first.

On a more serious note, as I said earlier there will be no color lines in this universe. While a fully intergrated boxing commision would have in real life drawn criticism, controversy, protest and boycotts...I have no real desire to engage in any debate on the subject and therefore, will rarely if ever mention the subject. I have been a member on the OOTP forums for some time (though I haven't posted much) and find the other members to be respectful, far more than most boxing forums, and wouldn't expect this to become an issue.

[Infinity]

First of all, welcome to the Basement!

I will be following along avidly, as this one looks to be a lot of fun!

John

[DJgreen_72]

01-01-1901
Madison Square Gardens (II)
New York, NY. USA

Opening Bout:
BW - Harry Forbes 44-6-16(16) def Johnny Reagan 17-7-12(5) by ref stoppage (cuts) Rd 7

WBU Lightweight Title:
Joe Gans 95-7-14(60) def Barney Malone by ref stoppage Rd 1
A sharp jab by Malone cut Gans over the right eye. Gans responded by pummeling Malone mercilessly until the ref stopped the fight with three seconds left in the first round.

(With James J. Jeffries the recognized undisputed World Heavyweight Championship, the WBU has instituted an 8 man tournament to determine his next challenger)

Heavyweight Tournament first round:
James J Corbett 11-3-3(5) def Sandy Ferguson 11-2-6(3) by UD Rd 10
Outside of a blatant headbutt by Ferguson in the second round which bloodied Corbett's nose, the lumbering Canadian had no answers for Corbett. The former champ won almost every round on way to a lopsided victory.

Heavyweight Tournament first round:
Bob Armstrong 15-8-6(12) def Tom Sharkey 35-5-6(33) by UD Rd 12
An entertaining and competitive bout saw Armstrong win in a mild upset. Sharkey swarmed throwing punches wildly, while the crafty Armstrong threw less but landed with precision. Already trailing on points, Sharkey was dropped to the mat in the 10th Rd by a sharp cross by Armstrong. Sharkey was on his feet by the count of four, but Armstrong was too far ahead in points. The final scorecards read: 116-113, 115-113, 115-112

WBU Welterweight Title:
Joe Wolcott 72-7-10(46) def Tommy Ryan 64-2-10(47) by KO Rd 10
Ryan, the favorite in the bout, won the first round handily. Late in the second, Ryan's right eye began to swell badly. After the fight Ryan claimed it was a clash of heads that caused the damage, while Wolcott claimed it was a punch. After the second round Ryan was never the same. The fight was even, but Ryan, a former Welter & Middleweight titlist spend much of the fight on the defensive. The swelling worsened and his eye began bleeding badly in the 5th. By the 10th round Tommy Ryan was dazed and nearly blinded. Wolcott ended the fight with a furious flurry of punches early in the 10th round. Ryan hit the deck, struggled, but could not regain his footing by the count of ten. Do to the somewhat controversial nature of the bout the WBU is expected to order a rematch as soon as Ryan's right eye is healed.

Champion vs Champion match:
James J. Jeffries 14-0-2(11) def Jack O'Brien 40-5-16(8) by KO Rd 8
Refereed by none other than famed lawman - Wyatt Earp!
Incorrectly billed as an exhibition, both men took the fight very serious. O'Brien, the Light Heavyweight champion, used speed and skill to win many of the early rounds. Perhaps fearing the embarrasment of losing to a fighter 30pds lighter, Jeffries came on as the bout progressed landing murderous hooks to the ribs of Philadelphia Jack. By the 8th, O'Brien was spent and Jeffries laid him out for good with an uppercut that caused O'Brien to momentarily loses consciousness. Later in the evening the two champions chatted affably with each other after answering questions from reporters, indicating no ill will stemming from the bout.

[Lee]

Good stuff DJ, love historical unis

[DJgreen_72]

By the late 19th century, boxing had become a popular but illegal sport in the United States. Heavyweight World Champions like Jake Kilrain and of course the great John L Sullivan were some of the first sports heroes in American culture.

However, beyond the Heavyweight champion and a few other stars, pro boxing was still a "second class" sport in the US. Exhibitions were held from town to town carrying an almost carnival side show feel, but thanks to the violent (and illegal) nature of the sport, boxing would never rise to the level held by legitimate sports like baseball and horse racing...

or would it?

Wealthy investor JR Lewis was the first to gamble on boxings future...

After a chance meeting in Nome, Alaska with boxing enthusiat Wyatt Earp (yes THE Wyatt Earp), young entreprenuer Tex Rickard signed on next...

And finally, boxing promoter JD Green, the nephew of an influential United States Senator became the third founder of the World Boxing Union.

Thanks to Green's influence (well his uncle's anyway) Congress passed the Sullivan Act in 1900. (Much to the dismay of reigning Heavyweight champ James J. Jeffries, the Sullivan Act is named for former champion John L. Sullivan). The Sullivan Act legalized and regulated the sport of boxing in all 45 states plus the territories. From there, with little competiton, the WBU was born...

The WBU employs the standard Marquess of Queensbury rules along with such inovations as a 15 round maximum for all fights (mandated by the Sullivan Act)...ringside doctors...certified judges to score fights rather than "newspaper finishes" and "fights to a knock out"...uniformed ring sizes and the use of standard sized boxing gloves. While clearly a huge leap forward for the sport, not everyone was impressed...

Next up...result from the 1-6-1901 card from Duquesne Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pa. featuring the WBU Middleweight and Featherweight title bouts plus two more Heavyweight tournament fights...Charles "Kid" McCoy vs Dale Byrd & Gus Ruhlin vs Hank Griffin

[DJgreen_72]

1-06-1901
Duquesne Gardens
Pittsburgh, Pa. USA

Preliminary Bouts:
WW - Ryan Cakebread (Pug) 9-6-1(2) def Jim Barron 14-5-6(13) by KO 6
FW - Abe Attell 2-0-0 def Carey Boone 13-2-2 by UD 6

WBU Featherweight Title:
George Dixon 64-8-28(30) def Young Corbett II 31-3-6(26) by UD 15
A scintilating back and forth match-up with Corbett ahead after four rounds. Dixon won the next several rounds and the fight was nearly even through ten. Corbett had a slight edge over the next four rounds and was leading on two of the three judges scorecards going into the last round (third card was even). Corbett was easily winning the final stanza when a desperation winging right hand from Dixon floored him with less than 10 seconds left in the fight! Corbett made it to his feet before the ten count, but the 10-8 round swung the final score to Dixon - 144-143, 144-143, 144-142.

Heavyweight tournament first round:
Hank Griffin 21-2-3(17) Def The Akron Giant Gus Ruhlin 28-7-2(15) by KO 12.
Ruhlin had his moments but Griffin was the better fighter tonight. Griffin knocked Ruhlin to the canvas in the third round...the eleventh...and for good midway through the twelfth round.

Heavyweight tournament first round:
Charles "The Kid" McCoy 73-6-10(54) def Dale Byrd (RFG) 8-2-0(5) by KO 4.
Byrd, a local Pittsburgh fighter, was no match for the former World Middleweight champion. McCoy layed out the bigger Byrd early in the fourth with a combination and moves one step closer to matching Bob Fitzsimmons' feat of winning both the Middle and Heavyweight world titles.

WBU Middleweight Title:
George Gardiner 28-1-3 (22) def Mike Donovan 35-5-18(21) by TKO 8 (referee's decision).
The heavily favored Gardiner had little trouble with Donovan. Although Donovan won a few rounds and opened a large cut on the cheek of Gardiner, Gardiner won easily. Donovan was dropped to the canvas in the sixth round. Donovan suffered swelling around the right eye so severe that not only did the referee stop the fight late in the eigth round, but it is questionable if Donovan will ever fight again due to the damage.

Next up, fights from 01-13-1901 in Camden, Nj. including the WBU Bantamweight title fight between Terry McGovern & Harry Harris.

[DJgreen_72]

Results from 1-13-1901 in Camden, NJ. as the Camden Convention Hall

WBU Bantamweight Championship
"Terrible" Terry McGovern 54-2-5(38) def Harry Harris 35-3-6(12) by TKO 11 (Referee Decsion)
McGovern came into the fight already a former Bantam and Featherwieght champion and considered by some the best boxer under 130pd. Harris was an underdog, but well regarded also with his only two previous losses coming via "newspaper decisions". Harris controled the early part of the fight and was ahead 96-95, 95-94, 95-95 at the time of the stoppage. Harris was no match for the power of McGovern however, and after taking a fierce beating over the previous two rounds, well respected referee George Siler stepped in and waved the fight over with three seconds left in the 11th round siting concern for Harris' well being. The only question now...does McGovern defend the Bantamweight crown or move up to the Featherweight division?

Bantamweight Champ Terry McGovern poses with the WBU title belt after dispatching with Harry Harris in Camden.

In other action:
WW - Young Peter Jackson 38-7-9(24) def Mysterious Billy Smith 31-20-22(24) by UD 10
The Baltimore Demon lived up to his nickname with a one-sided decsion victory. Jackson is in contention for a future Welterweight title fight.

LW - Bobby Dobbs 76-19-26(55) Draw Jack Everhardt 23-8-18(17) 10 Rd
A disappointing showing for Dobbs who was a 2-1 favorite over the journeyman from New Orleans. Everhardt fought his best fight while Dobbs looked listless. A potential title shot against Joe Gans fell to the wayside for Dobbs who falls down the ladder of contention.

LW - Roger Graves (RFG) 9-1-2(3) def Eddie Lenny 15-13-28(6) UD 10

Next up - Other notable fights from January 1901 and a rundown of title holders and top contenders.

[DJgreen_72]

Notable Fights from January 1901:

MW - Ed Denfass 19-3-3(5) UD 10 over Jewey Cook 35-15-1(10)

MW - Bill Doherty 31-8-4(24) KO 1 Bill Heferman 27-9-3(22)
Early knock-out in a match up of Autralian contenders.

HW - Dax Hopper (RFG) 8-0-0(7) UD 10 over Denver Ed Smith 35-8-5(23)
The unknown Hopper (randomly created fighter, overall rating 7) with a dominating victory over the veteran Ed Smith.

HW - Jack Johnson 6-1-1(5) KO 1 over Andy Tyler (Pug)
The 22 year old Gavelston Giant shows some potential.

BW - Pedlar Palmer 25-2-1 (5) TKO 8 over Toby Everleigh 8-9-1(2)
Palmer retains the EBU (European Boxing Union) Bantamweight title with a win over fellow Englishman Everleigh in London.

FW - Solly Smith 29-11-17(19) KO 4 over Benny Yanger 21-1-9(16)
Smith hands Yanger his first loss with devastating KO.

[DJgreen_72]

WBU Rankings (End of January 1901)

Heavyweight Champion James J. Jeffries
15-0-2(12)
Awarded title December 1900
Next Opponent: George Byers (Black Heavyweight Champion) March 1901

1 - James J Corbett 11-4-3(5)
2 - Bob Armstrong 16-8-6(12)
3 - Charles "Kid" McCoy 73-6-10(56)
4- Hank Griffin 21-2-3(17)
5 - Tom Sharkey 36-6-6(34)
6- Bob Fitzimmons 61-5-4(55) --- EBU Champion
7 - Frank Childs 33-4-7(18)
8 - George Byers 14-3-15(10)
9 - Gus Ruhlin 28-7-2(15)
10 - John "Klondike" Haynes 22-5-3(10)

Light Heavyweight Champion Philadelphia Jack O'Brien
40-6-16(8)
Awarded title December 1900
Next Opponent: Winner of Choynski vs Root (Scheduled for Feb)

1 - Joe Choynski 50-12-5(32)
2 - Jack Root 36-0-1(25)
3 - Joe Butler 40-16-3(33)
4 - Panos Stratis 7-1-0(4) (RFG Rating 8) --- EBU Champion

Middleweight Champion George Gardiner
28-1-3 (22)
Won vacant title 01-1901 against Mike Donovan
Next Opponent: TBD

1 - Jack Bonner 51-19-15 (34)
2 - Harry Peppers 14-10-2(11)
3 - Jack Lalor - 7-4-2(6)
4 Charley Johnson 63-29-30(46)

* Gardiner is also the recognized EBU champion.

Welterweight Champion Joe Walcott
73-7-10(47)
Won vacant title 01-1901 against Tommy Ryan
Next Opponent: Rematch vs Ryan

1 - Tommy Ryan 64-2-10(47) --- EBU Champion
2 - Young Peter jackson 38-7-9(24)
3 - Rube Ferns 35-7-2(27)
4 - Owen Ziegler 44-26-23(17)
5 - Billy Gardner 12-2-9(9)

Lightweight Champion Joe Gans
95-7-14(60)
Won vacant title 01-1901 against Barney Malone
Next Opponent: Willie Fitzgerald

1 - Willie Fitzgerald 17-3-2(9)
2 - Kid McPartland 38-11-15(16)
3 - Patsy Sweeney 35-3-12(24)
4 - George Lavigne 34-6-10(19)
5 - Battling Nelson 14-2-3(9) --- EBU Champion

Featherweight Champion George "Little Chocolate" Dixon
63-9-28(30)
Won vacant title 01-1901 against Young Corbett II
Next Opponent: Solly Smith, Feb

1- Solly Smith 30-11-17(19)
2 - Ben Jordon 13-1-1(6) --- EBU Champion
3 - Young Corbett II 32-4-6(27)
4 - Tommy White 37-8-31(14)
5 - Aurelio Herrera 32-0-2(30)

Bantamweight Champion "Terrible" Terry McGovern
54-2-5(38)
Won vacant title 01-1901 against Harry Harris
Next Opponent: Casper Leon, March

1 - Casper Leon 40-13-21(15)
2 - Harry Harris 35-3-6(12)
3 - Pedlar Palmer 21-2-1(5)

Note: EBU = European Boxing Union...Pug = randomly created 0 level fighter...RFG = randomly created fictional fighter

[DJgreen_72]

February 1901

Two big WBU fight cards come to us from the Broadway Auditorium in New York City...

02-17-1901

FW - Billy Whistler 26-5-39(5) Draw Tug Wilson 0-4-1 10 Rd
Whistler, a 9-1 favorite, had beaten Wilson 3 weeks earlier via unanimous decsion. A devastating blow to Whistler who was looking to earn a Featherweight title shot.

WW - Young Corbett 16-6-1(8) def Perry Queenan 12-4-9(3) UD 10.

LHW - Jack Root 37-0-1(26) def Joe Choynski 50-13-5(32) KO 3
A suprisingly one sided bout. Root knocked Choynski out cold with a succession of head shots in the third. Root will face Philadelphia Jack O'Brien in April for the WBU Light Heavyweight title.

WBU Lightweight championship:
(C) Joe Gans 96-7-14(61) def Wille "The Fighting Harp" Fitzgerald 17-4-2(9) TKO 12 (Referee's Decision due to Facial Swelling)
A completely dominating performance by the champion in retaining his title. Gans won almost every round landing more than twice as many punches as Fitzgerald. With Fitzgerald's face beaten to a an unrecognizable mess and his left eye completely swollen shut, the referee stopped the bout mid-way through the 12th.

********************

02-23-1901

WW - Rube Ferns 36-7-2(28) def Eddie Kennedy 21-2-4(19) KO 7

WBU Featherweight championship:
(C) George Dixon 64-9-28(31) def Solly Smith 30-12-17(19) TKO 13 (Referee's Decision)
After Dixon's last second comeback in his war with Young Corbett II in January, some were questioning whether Dixon could survive against the tough former champion. The two had faced off twice before, with Dixon winning by KO way back in 1893 and Smith winning on points in a 20 rd fight three years ago. For the first 8 rounds, Smith was well ahead. Dixon was cut badly under his right eye and was sent to the canvas by an overhand right in the 5th. Dixon rallied from the 9th round forward. With Smith out on his feet, his face badly bruised and Dixon landing nearly non-stop blows, the referee stepped in and stopped the bout in the 13th. The next title defense for Dixon is rumored to be either Australian Young Griffo or the undefeated Mexican born Aurellio Herrera.

Second Round of the Heavyweight contenders tournament:
Charles "The Kid" McCoy 74-6-10(56) def Bob Armstrong 16-9-6(12) UD 12.
No cuts, no knockdowns, no controversy...just a one sided decision for the former Middleweight champ. 116-113, 116-114, 117-112

Hank Griffin 21-2-3(17) def James J Corbett 12-4-3(5) UD 12
The heavily favored Corbett dropped a close fight to Griffin. Griffin threw more, Corbett landed more. The harder shots were landed by Griffin...or atleast the judges saw it that way...115-114, 115-113, 115-114. After the fight, Corbett congratulated Griffin, but avoided questions about his future plans, if any, in the ring.

********************

Hank Griffin and Charles McCoy will square off in early April with the winner earning a shot at the Heavyweight championship. Meanwhile, Jeffries will defend the title against George Byers in March in his adopted home town of San Francisco.

On the same card as Jeffries/Byers, Joe Wolcott will defend his Welterweight title in a rematch against Tommy Ryan.

[DJgreen_72]

Notable fights from Febuary 1901:

FW - Jem Driscoll 1-0-0(1) def Mitchell Smale 0-5-1 KO 4
Driscoll's debut. A ringside reporter describe the fight as..."A horrific beating. Driscoll was like a human tornado. While Smale landed less than a dozen punches, Driscoll easily landed over ten dozens!" (Actual punches landed - 168-6)

FW - Patsy Haley 25-18-11(12) def Abe Attell 2-1-0 TKO 7
Attell could not continue in the seventh due to a shoulder injury. Attell was well ahead on the cards.

LW - Frank Erne 27-3-16(13) def Jack Goldswain 13-2-0(6) KO 3

HW - Dax Hopper 9-0-0(8) def Mike Shreck 10-1-7(4) TKO 2
Another win for the unheralded Hopper.

MW - Harry Peppers 15-10-2(12) def Bill Hefferman 27-11-3 (22) KO2

HW - Tom Sharkey 37-6-6(34) def Denver Ed Martin 7-3-0(6) KO 6
Sharkey's successful return to the ring after his loss to Bob Armstrong.

LW - Rufe Turner 14-2-1(11) def Jimmy Reilly 22-10-15(16) UD 10

Next up...A March fight card featuring Jeffries vs Byers & Walcott vs Ryan II from Mechanics Pavillion in San Francisco, California!

[DJgreen_72]

Mechanics Pavillion
San Francisco, CA. USA
03-09-1901

The main event may be James J. Jeffries vs George Byers for the WBU Heavyweight title...but the real story is Joe Walcott's rematch with Tommy Ryan.

Opening Bouts:
LHW - Blair Newton 11-14-2(5) def Raymond Riddle 5-7-1(2) via UD 8.
FW - Benny Soloman 6-1-2(4) def Tug Wilson 0-5-1 via KO 2

Prelim:
HW - Jack Johnson 7-1-1(5) def Joe Kennedy 10-4-1(7) via UD 10
The young Johnson looked impressive easily out pointing the competent local fighter Kennedy. After the fight, Johnson told reporters he was the man who would defeat Jeffries and become the next Heavyweight champion. None took him seriously.

WBU Middleweight Championship:
(C) George Gardiner 29-1-3(22) def Al Neill 7-3-2(2) via UD 15
Just days shy of his 21st birthday, the San Francisco born Neill managed what most fighters do not...he wasn't knocked out by Gardiner. Nothing more positive can be said for him as Gardiner won almost every round in an easy title defence.

vs

WBU Welterweight Championship:
Tommy Ryan 65-2-10(48) def (C) Joe Walcott 73-8-10(47) via KO 10
Almost a replay of their first fight except for the cut Ryan recieved in their first encounter. Walcott threw punches almost non-stop, but was wild and inaccurate. Ryan was far less active but much more precise with his blows. Through nine rounds Walcott was ahead...barely...87-85, 86-85, 86-87. Mid-way throught the tenth Ryan landed a short uppercut from close in and Walcott crumbled to the mat. Walcott's head and heart wanted to stand and fight but his legs wouldn't cooperate. Walcott tried but couldn't beat the ten count and Ryan got revenge and won the WBU Welterweight title!

WBU Heavyweight Championship:
(C) James J. Jeffries 16-0-2(13) def George Byers 14-4-15(10) via KO 8
Anti-climactic to say the least. Jeffries easily won every single round against the over matched Byers. Byers collapsed after a combination of head shots by Jeffries early in the 8th round. Jeffries now awaits the winner of the Hank Griffin/Charles McCoy bout next month to determine his next opponent.

Next up..."Terrible" Terry McGovern defends the Bantamweight title against the "Sicillian Swordfish" Casper Leon in a 15 rd bout from the Coney Island Athletic Club.

[Lee]

Good stuff, Ryan and Walcott have an epic series going.

Afraid not much in the way of challengers for Big Jeff right now though.

[DJgreen_72]

Originally Posted by Lee

Good stuff, Ryan and Walcott have an epic series going.

Afraid not much in the way of challengers for Big Jeff right now though.

Barring a one-punch KO or stoppage via cuts, Jeffries could carry the heavyweight crown for some time...he's head and shoulders over the rest of the field...I have Jeffries rated a 14 overall...Sharkey and Corbett are the only two other heavies in double digits (both rated 10) and they are both post-prime, each have a loss already to Jeffries (Corbett in 1900, Sharkey twice 1898 & 1899) and both have been knocked out of the #1 contender's tournament. After that there's not much... a pre-prime Jack Johnson, a 38yo Bob Fitzsimmons, post-prime Griffin or a former Middleweight "Kid" McCoy is next up.

Walcott-Ryan III may or may not be in the cards...Ryan is contemplating the jump to Middleweight

[DJgreen_72]

03-23-1901
Coney Island Athletic Club
New York, NY., USA

Opening Bouts:
BW - Roberto Galavan 9-0-0(6) def Eric Hickey 5-6-2(2) via KO 8
As part of the commitment by the WBU to showcase fighters from around the world, Galavan is a promising young undeafeted fighter from Mexico (RFG).

WW - Owen Ziegler 45-26-23(17) def Young Peter Jackson 38-8-9(25) via UD 12
A crushing defeat for Jackson who at only 23 was considered one of the best welterweights in the world. Ziegler is a talented journeyman but this should have been a routine victory for Jackson. Instead, Ziegler dominated the fight. After splitting the first four rounds, Ziegler handily won the next three. Jackson was knocked to the canvas in the seventh by a sneaky counter right hand from the Philadelphia born Ziegler. Jackson desperately tried to rally. The Baltimore Demon even scored a knockdown of Zeigler in the 11th. But it was too little, too late. To put an exclamation point on the fight, Zeigler battered Jackson from pillar to post almost the entire final round on his way to a stunning upset. 115-111, 115-111, 115-111

HW - Dax Hopper 10-0-0(8) def Sandy Ferguson 12-4-6(3) UD 10
Hopper picks up another win over a respectable opponent.

WBU Bantamweight Championship:

(C) Terry McGovern 55-2-5(38) def Casper Leon 40-14-21(15) via UD 15
No suprises here as McGovern won easily over the Sicilian born Leon. Leon, who lives in New York, had a throng of supporters cheering him on but there was never any doubt in the fight. McGovern sent Leon to the canvas four seperate times. The final cards read 147-137, 146-135, 146-136.

The big news of the night came not from the ring but from the press room after the fights had ended. "Terrible" Terry McGovern revealed to reporters that he had agreed to travel to Australia next month for a featherweight bout with talented Australian veteran Young Griffo. McGovern then confirmed rumors he would be pursuing the WBU Featherweight title currently held by George Dixon and therefore would be immediately vacating the WBU Bantamweight title!

Next up...notables from March 1901 and then a trip to the Chicago Coliseum as Charles "Kid" McCoy battles Hank Griffin for a shot at the WBU Heavyweight title and Philadelphia Jack O'Brien defends the Light Heavyweight belt against undefeated Jack Root.

[DJgreen_72]

Notable fights for March 1901...

No notable fights between top contenders but heavyweights Tom Sharkey, Marvin Hart & Denver Ed Smith, undefeated featherweight Aurelio Herrera and top featherweight prospect Abe Attell all picked up wins over second tier opposition. After Herrera's win, he was named as the next opponent for reigning Featherweight champion George Dixon.

WBU Champions Roll Call (as of March 31st 1901)

Heavyweight:
James J Jeffries - 16-0-2-(13)
Next opponent: Winner of Charles McCoy vs Hank Griffin

Light Heavyweight:
Philadelphia Jack O'Brien 40-6-16(8)
Next Opponent: Jack Root

Middleweight:
George Gardiner 29-1-3(22)
Next Opponent: Jack Bonner (May)

Welterweight:
Tommy Ryan 65-2-10(48)
Next Opponent: TBD

Lightweight:
Joe Gans 96-7-14(61)
Next Opponent: Kid McPartland (May)

Featherweight:
George Dixon 64-9-38(21)
Next Opponent: Aurelio Herrera (May)

Bantamweight:
Vacant (vacated by Terry McGovern)

[DJgreen_72]

04-12-1901
Chicago Coliseum
Chicago, Il. USA

Opening Bouts:
WW - Lyndon Shoebottom 7-2-0(6) def Philadelphia Tommy Ryan 7-13-9(5) via TKO 9
The unknown Shoebottom (RFG - Ov 6) picks up the biggest win of his young career

MW - Charley Johnson 64-29-30(46) def Jewey Cook 37-17-1(10) via SD 10

WBU Light Heavyweight Championship:
Jack Root 38-0-1(27) def (C) Philadelphia Jack O'Brien 40-7-16(8) via TKO 7 (Injury)
Despite easily winning four of the first six rounds O'Brien suffers his second straight loss, this time losing the Light Heavyweight belt in the process. With the quicker more technically minded O'Brien in control of the bout he unloaded a hard right hook that landed squarely on the forehead of Root mid-way through the 7th. A few seconds later O'Brien said something to the referee and the fight was waived off. Afterwards it was determined that O'Brien had broken two fingers on his right hand and thus could not continue. After expressing disappointment O'Brien quipped to reporters...
"He sure got a hard head...next time I'll aim for his ribs."

Main Event:
HW - Hank Griffin 23-2-3(18) def Charles "Kid" McCoy 74-7-10(56) via TKO 9 (Cuts)
A mild upset as McCoy was the 3-2 betting favorite. Griffin won the first four rounds. McCoy the next four. In the second a nasty cut was opened over the right eye of McCoy by a wicked lead left hook from Griffin. Despite the best efforts of McCoy's cornermen the cut worsened as the fight progressed. With the fight even in the 9th the referee (promoter JD Green himself) had no choice but to call the bout as it was apparent that McCoy was in need of stitches for the now gaping wound. The scorecards through the first 8 rounds: 77-76(McCoy), 76-78(Griffin), 77-77(Even).

With Griffin's win in the eight man tournament he now moves on to face World Heavyweight Champion James J. Jeffries at Madison Square Gardens in June...

vs

Coming in June...can Griffin pull off the impossible upset?

Next Up...Former Bantamweight champ "Terrible" Terry McGovern moves to Featherwight to battle Young Griffo in Australia and Rube Ferns vs Billy Gardner fight for the vacant WBU Welterweight title.

[DJgreen_72]

(I suppose I let the cat out of the bag with the last post )



Following the lead of "Terrible" Terry McGovern, WBU Welterweight champion Tommy Ryan has announced he would vacate the Welterweight title to campaign at Middleweight. The WBU title now vacant will be filled by the winner of the upcoming bout between top contenders Rube Ferns and Billy Gardner. Meanwhile Ryan has his sights set on Middleweight titlist George Gardiner, but his next bout will be against well regarded Harry Peppers (16-10-2(13)) of Chicago.

[DJgreen_72]

More action from April 1901:

Colingwood Town Hall
Melbourne Australia
04-26-1901

WW - Otto Crib 19-0-2(16) def Eddie Connolly 23-12-15(16) via TKO 4
Connolly was knocked down once in the first and twice in the fourth before the referee stopped the bout late in the round as Connolly was being battered relentlessly by the talented young Cribb.

FW - "Terrible" Terry McGovern 56-2-5(39) def Young Griffo 73-9-46(34) via TKO 12
A highly entertaining fight that saw the overmatched Griffo stand and trade punches with McGovern. While Griffo managed to win several rounds, the power of "Terrible" Terry was too much for him to handle. Griffo was knocked down in the 2nd round...and again in the 11th...and for a third time in the 12th and final round. Griffo climbed back to his feet after the last knock down, but McGovern immediately started raining blows down on him until the referee stepped in to stop the fight moments later.

At ringside for the fight was EBU Featherweight champion Ben Jordan of England, who was vacationing with family in Australia. Jordan faced Young Griffo in January, winning by 8th round KO. When asked by reporters about McGovern's performance, Jordan was dismissive of the talents of the "over rated Yank". The two fighters had words with one another in the press room which ended with Jordan challenging McGovern to a bout. It remains to be seen if the EBU and WBU can work together to schedule the bout.

European Featherweight Champion Ben Jordan of England challenged American Terry McGovern before posing for photographs.