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[JCWeb]

This report includes bouts from the second half of September 1950. One WBA title bout is included in this report.

Sep. 16, 1950: To Europe for the next card, taking place at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden. Featured in the main event is an EBU Flyweight title bout, with France’s Maurice Sandeyron making his first title defense. Challenging Sandeyron is former WBF Flyweight Champ, and current GBU and Commonwealth Flyweight titleholder Peter Kane. The two are meeting for the first time. Midway through the second round, a right cross from Sandeyron connects, ripping open a cut over Kane’s left eye. The cut is patched up between rounds, and Kane is able to enjoy some success by working his way inside in the following rounds. By the middle rounds, Kane has built up a solid lead in the punch count stats; at the halfway point, he is up by two (58-56) on the unofficial scorer’s card but, alarmingly, the cut over his eye was reopened in round six. The cut is patched up and, once again, it is reopened in round nine. Meanwhile, Sandeyron has rallied, taking advantage of the situation to pull in front in the punch count stats. Despite the cut being reopened a third time in round 11, Kane throws caution to the wind and goes all out in the final round. He is unable to deliver a telling blow, and the judges are split in their final verdict, with Kane eking out a SD 12 (114-113, 113-114, 115-112) to take the win and the EBU title. Post-bout records: Kane, 45-12-1 (17); Sandeyron, 28-11-4 (5). However, it will take Kane some time for his cut eye to heal and, when he resumes his career, he will be at Post-Prime given that 1951 was his real-life retirement year.

Sep. 16, 1950: The next card, back in the States at Miami, features an attractive HW matchup as unbeaten young pro Rocky Marciano, the “Brockton Blockbuster,” faces his toughest test yet as he faces veteran “Tampa” Tommy Gomez, a former HW titleholder, who is now on the downside of his career. The bout is set for 10, no titles at stake, and it is the first meeting for these two. After a close opening round, Marciano goes to work, dominating the action in round two, landing some good shots but, to Gomez’s credit, he remains upright despite taking a beating. In round three, Marciano moves inside to inflict further damage. Gomez appears to be sucking wind, his arms are flailing, and he is warned for hitting low. Some solid blows from Marciano are sufficient to cause some initial swelling to appear around Gomez’s right eye. Finally, with a half minute remaining in the round, the ref has seen enough, and he halts the bout in order to save Gomez from further punishment. Marciano is declared a TKO 3 victor, and this marks his first win over a creditable top 10 HW contender, lifting him to 17-0 (17) overall. The loss leaves the Post-Prime Gomez at 38-11-1 (35). The win lifts Marciano into the #10 spot in the rankings of HW contenders.

Sep. 22, 1950: Next up is a Friday night card at Pittsburgh. Featured bout is for the USBA FW title, one that has remained dormant for the past two years, with Phil Terranova continuing as the titleholder. The challenger, Jackie “the Austin Atom” Graves, is the same man he defeated to win the title belt back in 1948. In this rematch, which sees Terranova now at Post-Prime career stage, not much happens in the opening two rounds, then the challenger, Graves, moves inside, looking to force the action. However, it is not until round four when the action heats up; first, Terranova connects with a sharp jab that rips open a cut over Graves’ left eye. Undaunted, Graves drops Terranova with a nice combination later in the same round. Terranova recovers after taking an eight count, and the bell sounds before Graves can inflict further damage. At the halfway mark, the unofficial scorer has Graves well ahead on points (59-54). Trailing, Terranova looks for ways to mix things up, but some solid boxing from Graves prevents this, and some noticeable swelling around Terranova’s left eye slows his progress. In the ninth round, the cut over Graves’ eye is reopened, but, again, Graves goes to work, flooring Terranova a second time. This time, Terranova barely beats the count, and he wisely covers up in order to last the round. Early in round 11, Terranova goes down for the third time, courtesy of a Graves cross. Graves is unable to follow up, but the three knockdowns are sufficient to secure the title via a lopsided UD 12 (119-107, 119-107, 118-107). Post-bout records: Graves, 25-5-2 (16); Terranova, 28-14 (11).

Sep. 23, 1950: Next card takes place at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. It’s a double feature main event, the first of which is a non-title bout matching two MW contenders: Tony Janiro and Rocky Castellani. The two have not met before and, with only five knockouts between them, no much action takes place in the opening few rounds. Early in the third round, Castellani lands a punch that causes Janiro to slip to the canvas; it is not ruled a knockdown, but Janiro elects to cover up to avert further difficulty. In the middle rounds, the smooth boxing Janiro pulls ahead in the punches landed count. At the halfway point, after a big round five for Castellani, the unofficial scorer at ringside has the bout as even (48-48), and Janiro is showing the effects with a rapidly swelling left eye. In the sixth round, more bad news for Janiro as a penetrating jab from Castellani opens a cut on the bridge of his nose, causing blood to spurt forth. The cut is in a bad spot and, despite the best efforts of his corner to patch it up, it is easily reopened and leads to a late stoppage with just one round remaining. Therefore, Castellani is declared a TKO 9 victor on the cuts stoppage, improving to 24-6-2 (4) overall. Tough loss for Janiro, now 24-7-3 (2), particularly given that all three judges had the bout scored as even after the first eight rounds were in the books. The second co-main event sees Ezzard Charles making his first defense of the NABF HW title he won earlier in the year. Challenging Charles is Bernie Reynolds. First meeting of the two and first title bout for Reynolds, who has fashioned an impressive nine bout winning streak, albeit mostly against lower ranked guys in the HW division. After a solid opening round, Charles is surprised by Reynolds, who corners him and connects with an uppercut that sends Charles tumbling to the deck late in round two. Charles recovers and regains his footing at the count of five, and he covers up even though the round was almost over. By the end of round three, Charles has recovered and is back in command, building a solid lead in the punch count stats. At the halfway point, Charles has a narrow lead (57-56) on the unofficial scorer’s card. By the end of the ninth round, Charles’ accurate punching has caused a welt to appear under Reynolds’ left eye. Despite running low on stamina, Reynolds continues battling right until the final round, when he is able to cause Charles’ knees to buckle with a hard hook. Charles is fortunate to remain upright, and he covers up to last the round. The bout goes to the judges, and Charles takes a UD 12 (116-111 on all three cards) over a game challenge from Reynolds. Post-bout career marks: Charles, 33-6 (24); Reynolds, 23-3 (14).

Sep. 29, 1950: A pair of title bouts, both with Cuban fighters in the challenger role, heading a Friday night card at Havana’s Gran Stadium. With the second co-feature being a WBA title clash, first up Cuban slugger Nino Valdes has an opportunity to annex the LABF HW title bout, as he is a putative favorite versus Cesar Brion of Argentina, who will be making his second defense of the LABF title belt. The two have not met before, and the action picks up in the opening round, as Brion lands a sharp blow that opens a cut under Valdes’ right eye. After a strong start by Brion, the two take turns trying their luck on the inside in rounds three and four, with Valdes holding his own but, after four rounds of non-stop action, the big Cuban shows signs of fatigue as early as round five of a bout scheduled to go 12. At the halfway point, the unofficial scorer’s card has Valdes with a narrow one-point advantage (58-57). As the bout reaches the latter stages, both fighters appear tired, having expended so much energy in the earlier rounds. With both fighters swinging away in round 10, Brion connects with a wicked hook to the head that forces Valdes to cover up. Despite Valdes’ best effort, he cannot fend off Brion, who scores two knockdowns, with Valdes able to pick himself off the canvas both times. However, the bout goes in the books as a 10-8 round for Brion; furthermore, a second cut appears, this over Valdes’ left eye. In the final round, Valdes goes all-out for the win, connecting with a big uppercut but Brion, who appears to be ahead on points, wisely covers up. The bout, an exciting one, goes to decision, and Brion retains the title via a UD 12 (115-111, 115-112, 114-113), to run his career record to 20-3-1 (8). Disappointing loss for Valdes, now 24-12-1 (19), who fell short in his first title try. After this, the ring is cleared for a WBA WW title bout, with Jimmy Sherrer facing the #1 contender, “the Cuban Hawk,” Kid Gavilan. Sherrer is making his second defense of the belt he won from all-time great Henry Armstrong, and the challenger, Gavilan, enters the bout on a three-bout winning streak. If is the first meeting of the two, and thus, there is a long feeling out process before much in the way action develops. Slight edge in the punch count stats for Sherrer, but Gavilan manages to keep the bout close through the early rounds. Some solid boxing by Sherrer puts him in front at the one-third mark (by a count of 49-46), this according to the unofficial scorer’s card. In the middle rounds, some accurate punching by Gavilan causes some minor swelling to appear under the left eye of the champion. Gavilan is able to close the gap in the punch count stats but, at the two-thirds mark of the contest (10 rounds), Sherrer maintains a slim points lead (96-95) on the unofficial card. Utilizing a slight edge in the stamina factor, Gavilan continues to be the more active of the two as the bout enters its final stages. With Sherrer content to remain on the outside, Gavilan mixes an outside and inside attack. The bout remains close until the final few rounds, with Gavilan ramping up the pace and gambling for a late knockdown or knockout. Sherrer, for his part, remains impervious and shows some solid defensive skills to thwart Gavilan’s best efforts. As a result, Sherrer is able to retain the title, via a UD 15 (147-138, 146-139, 147-138) by a much wider margin than the punch count stats would have indicated. Post-bout career marks: Sherrer, 28-4 (14); Gavilan, 25-5-2 (6). Tough night for the Cuban fight fans; although the Cuban challengers acquitted themselves well, both titles remained with the current holders.

Sep. 30, 1950: The month wraps with a solid card at London’s venerable Harringay Arena. A pair of regional titles are at stake, and the main supporting bout matches two top five Flyweights in a non-title clash. Taking to the ring are current NABF and USBA Flyweight Champ Dado Marino and former WBA Flyweight Champ Jackie Paterson. Marino is out to avenge a pair of losses to Paterson in their only prior encounters. Paterson, a slugger, looks sharp early and is able to build an early edge over Marino, a boxer, in the punches landed stats. At the halfway point, Paterson has forged a solid lead (49-46) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the second half of the bout, Paterson enjoys a huge advantage in terms of the stamina factor, and, despite Marino’s best efforts, the situation remains unchanged, and Paterson grinds out a UD 10 win (96-94, 97-93, 98-92) in a bout that did not feel that close. Post-bout career marks: 37-11-2 (21) for Paterson; 38-12-1 (14) for Marino. In the first of the co-main events, the GBU LW title is at stake, with Harry Hughes making his third defense versus challenger Frank “Golden Boy” Johnson. The two are meeting for the first time, and Johnson is still at Pre-Prime in this his 20th pro bout, one short of hitting the Prime career stage. Neither fighter is reticent to mix it up on the inside, and, in the opening stanza, a Hughes cross connects, drawing blood as cut appears under Johnson’s left eye. As the early rounds conclude, Hughes has been able to compile and early lead in the punch count stats. At the midway point, a peek at the unofficial scorer’s card reveals that Hughes is up by two (58-56). In round eight, a sharp punch from Hughes rips open a second cut, this one under Johnson’s other eye. As the rounds tick off, both fighters appear exhausted from their exertions in the earlier rounds. The cut continues to ooze blood in the ensuing rounds, as Johnson makes a gallant effort to change the momentum of the fight. The cut, which is finally patched up, is reopened in round 11, and Johnson is unable to mount a rally, so the UD 12 goes to Hughes (judges’ scores are 118-112, 116-112, 115-113), so Hughes retains the GBU title and runs his career record to 23-7-1 (9), compared to 17-3 (14) post-fight for the losing challenger. Then, in the finale, Bruce Woodcock, holder of the EBU, GBU and Commonwealth HW titles, is on hand to defend the former (EBU HW title belt) versus Joe Weiden, whom he bested in a title matchup earlier in 1950. In fact, in three prior meetings, Woodcock has won twice, Weiden once. This time, the bout is a close one, with little to choose between the two through the opening few rounds. In round five, Weiden doubles up on his jab, and he manages to open a cut over Weiden’s right eye. Some good cornerwork is able to patch up the cut in between rounds and, at the halfway point, the unofficial scorer has the bout scored as even (58-58). Into the second half of the bout, and Weiden has a narrow edge both in stamina and in punches landed. B y round eight, Woodcock, urged on by the British fight fans in attendance, as reasserted control, and Weiden has to deal with the effects of a rapidly swelling right eye. In round 10, the momentum swings back in Weiden’s favor, as the cut over Woodcock’s eye is reopened. Midway through round 11, Weiden connects with a big left, and Woodcock is forced to resort to the cover up strategy as a result. The issue remains in doubt until the final round, which is won by Weiden but, in the end, is only good enough to secure a draw (114-114, 113-115 Weiden, 115-113 Woodcock), although it certainly goes down as a pyrrhic victory for the challenger who had all the momentum at the end in a bout on Woodcock’s home turf. This result leaves the post-Prime Woodcock to 33-6-1 (27). Weiden’s post-bout record is a still impressive 23-3-1 (10). Could a fifth meeting of these two be in the offing?

[JCWeb]

Good to see a few more posts here in this Forum since last time ...

This report includes bouts from the first half of October 1950. No WBA title bouts are included in this report.

Oct. 6, 1950: The month’s fistic action commences with a Friday night card at Vancouver’s Exhibition Gardens. Two regional WW Champs are paired together in the featured main event, a 10-round, non-title bout. Commonwealth WW titleholder Johnny Greco faces Cocoa Kid, who still holds the LABF WW title. This is the second meeting of two, with Greco having won on points in their one prior encounter. The action heats up in the opening round, as Greco decks Kid with an overhand right. Kid arises after taking a three count, then covers up to last the round. Greco pulls ahead in the punch count stats, and, suddenly, in round three, the bout comes to sudden end after Kid is warned and then defaulted for flagrant fouling. Greco takes the DQ-3 win, improving to 29-13-3 (16) as a result. Post-bout, Kid, now at End career stage, ends up the bout at 59-17-7 (13).

Oct. 7, 1950: The next card is back in the States in Boston. Having cracked the top 10 HW contenders list, unbeaten HW prospect Rocky Marciano, the “Brockton Blockbuster,” is back in the ring to face veteran HW contender Phil Muscato. The two have not met before, and the bout is scheduled for 10 rounds. Muscato is at Post-Prime for this bout, while Marciano still has three more bouts before hitting Prime. Late in the opening stanza, Marciano crashes through Muscato’s defenses, landing a hard left that forces Muscato to cover up. Then, a minute into the second round, Muscato is staggered by a Marciano hook, then goes down as Marciano unleashes a barrage of blows. Muscato is able to beat the count, and he covers up once again. After another big round for Marciano in round three, Muscato attempts to fight back, moving inside in round four. Less than thirty seconds into the round, Marciano lands a big shot that puts Muscato down and out. Another impressive KO 4 for Marciano, who remains perfect at 18-0 (18) overall. The loss leaves Muscato at 26-9-3 (10).

Oct. 7, 1950: Next card is in Chicago and, in the main event, Johnny “Honey Boy” Bratton is set to make his first defense of the NABF WW title he won earlier in 1950. The challenger is George “Sugar” Costner, the current USBA WW title holder. The two are meeting for the first time. Bratton wastes little time in sizing up his opponent, and he drops Costner with a big shot late in the opening round. Costner is fortunate to be saved by the bell, and he elects to keep his distance for the following round or two. However, Bratton’s superior boxing skills are on full display and, by the end of round three, there is noticeable swelling under the right eye of Costner. In the fourth round, another hard shot from Bratton causes Costner to hit the deck and take an eight count; he tries to cover up, but Bratton swarms all over him and does enough to force the ref to call an early halt. Thus, Bratton retains his title with an impressive TKO 4 win, although it should be noted that Costner was at Post-Prime for this bout. Post-bout career records: Bratton, 25-3-1 (13); Costner, 30-13-2 (8). Bratton appears to be well positioned for a WBA title shot in the near future.

Oct. 13, 1950: Next card takes place in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Meeting for the first time in the main event are two top 10 LW contenders: Beau Jack and Maxie “Little Duke” Docusen. Jack gets off to a strong start with a big round in the first. Docusen battles back to keep the bout close, but Jack maintains the edge in the punch count stats as the bout heads into the middle rounds. At the halfway point, Jack holds a two-point edge (49-47) on the unofficial scorer’s card. Into the second half of the contest, and Jack is content to stay on the outside, placing the onus on Docusen to initiate most of the action. A strong second half from Docusen enables him to close the gap and secure a draw (95-95, 95-95, 96-94 Docusen). Post-bout records: Jack, 36-9-2 (22); Docusen, 22-3-3 (2). There is already talk of a rematch.

Oct. 14, 1950: The fistic action moves back to the States, specifically to Philadelphia. Topping the card is a MW bout matching two veterans of the ring wars, Tony Zale and Bert Lytell. This is a rematch of their most recent outing, three months earlier, that ended in a draw. Zale is now at Post-Prime, while Lytell is still at Prime. Midway through the opening round, Lytell connects with a penetrating jab that draws blood, ripping open a gash on Zale’s forehead. The cut is close between rounds, and Lytell takes advantage to compile an early lead in the punches landed stat. In round three, the cut is reopened; again, some good cornerwork in Zale’s corner is able to patch up things. Lytell continues to target the cut, and it is reopened a second time in round four. Finally, in round five, the cut is reopened, this time causing massive bleeding, enough for the ref to call a halt. Lytell is declared a TKO 5 victor via the cuts stoppage; as a result, his career record improves to 24-4-9 (5). The loss leaves Zale, who will be at End career stage soon, at 49-13-4 (27).

Oct. 14, 1950: Next card takes place at Denver’s Mammoth Gardens. Two FW contenders are matched in the main event, and it is the first time for both to be in a featured bout. Taking to the ring in a 10 round, non-title clash, are Charlie “Chillin” Riley and Glen Flanagan. In one prior meeting, Riley prevailed via a split duke. Flanagan gets off the mark quickly, landing some solid blows in the second round, enough to cause some initial puffiness to appear under Riley’s left eye. As the bout progresses, Flanagan is able to build a huge early lead in the punch count stats. At the halfway point, Flanagan has forged a solid points lead (49-46) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the second half of the bout, Riley, battling fatigue as well as a determined opponent, takes a more aggressive approach in order to mount a rally. Not much changes, and so Flanagan retains his advantage and goes on to record a fairly routine UD 10 win (98-92, 97-93, 98-92). Post-bout career marks: 21-5-2 (3) for Flanagan; 26-8 (11) for Riley.

[Infinity]

hey there JC, glad to see you're still going with this UNI...I've a ton of catching up to do it seems...lol

[JCWeb]

This report includes bouts from the second half of October 1950. Three WBA title bouts are included in this report.

Oct. 20, 1950: It’s a huge expansion of the traditional Friday night fights “Down Under” format, with an impressive lineup at Melbourne, topped by two WBA title contests, with a CBU title fight serving as the preliminary main supporting bout. In the first of the trio of featured title bouts, Vic Patrick challenges Norm Gent for Gent’s Commonwealth LW title belt, a title that Patrick previously held once before, in the 1943-44 time frame. The two are meeting for the second time, with Gent having recorded a points win over Patrick in his most recent defense of this title, back in early 1949. This time around, Patrick has slipped to End career stage, while Gent is at Post-Prime. The bout is a close one through the opening rounds, with Gent pulling out to a slight edge in the punch count stats after a strong round three. Into the middle rounds, and Patrick turns back the clock with a couple of impressive rounds in the fourth and fifth stanzas, landing enough leather to cause some puffiness to appear around the left eye of the Champ. At the midway point, the unofficial scorer has the bout scored as even (57-57). Some good work on the inside in rounds seven and eight swing the momentum back in favor of the challenger, although by this time, both fighters appear to be very tired. By this time, Patrick is also showing some signs of wear and tear, with some light bruising apparent under his right eye. In round 10, a Gent hook rips open a cut over Patrick’s left eye. The cut is patched up between rounds, and Patrick responds by going on the offensive in round 11, dropping Gent with a short, clean hook. Gent arises as the count reaches eight, and he wisely elects to cover up to survive the round. The outcome remains in doubt until the final round, and this tine it is Gent who steps up the offensive, firing a couple of quick jabs that put Patrick down and out. KO 12 for Gent, who retains the title in an action-packed fight with enough drama worthy of a Fight of the Year contender. A peek at the judges’ cards showed Patrick ahead on all three heading into the 12th and final round, so Gent’s decision to go on the attack was the correct one. With the win, Gent improves to 23-7-3 (8). For Patrick, despite a valiant effort, it is the end of the line, as he wraps up his career with a final record of 35-11-2 (24). After this exciting bout, Aussie fight fans are to be treated with a pair of WBA title bouts, both featuring homegrown talent. In the first of these, Aussie fan favorite Dave Sands, holder of the WBA MW title, takes on a tough challenger in Charley Burley, a former three-time WBA MW Champ who is hoping to repeat his two earlier wins over Sands. Working in Sands’ favor, however, is the backing of a hometown crowd along with the fact that Burley is now at Post-Prime career stage. Energized by the fan support, Sands has an excellent opening round, pummeling Burley and causing a mouse to form under the left eye of the challenger. Burley is content to let Sands dictate the action in the opening few rounds, as he elects to hang back on the outside, biding his time. The two mix it up on the inside in round five and, once again, Sands seems to come out on top; in fact, there is now a trace of swelling under Burley’s other (right) eye). A third of the way through the bout, a peek at the unofficial card shows Sands up by two (49-47). In the middle rounds, and Sands’ stamina advantage begins to tell, as Burley shows signs of fatigue before the end of the seventh round. Late in that round, Sands connects with an uppercut that stuns Burley; fortunately for the challenger, the bell sounds before Sands can follow up and do further damage. After 10 rounds are in the books, Sands has widened his advantage on the unofficial card (to 98-93). The end comes a round later, midway through the 11th round, when Sands connects with a hook that puts an exhausted Burley down and out. Sands prevails via a KO 11. Post-bout records: Sands, 37-4 (24); Burley, 53-8 (35). Then, in the final of this trifecta of title bout action, Aussie and reigning Commonwealth FW Champ Keith Francis challenges the great Willie Pep for Pep’s WBA FW title. Pep, who has lost just once (to Sandy Saddler) in his last 22 bouts, enters the ring a prohibitive favorite against Francis. The two have not met previously. As expected, Pep – the consummate boxer -- sets up shop outside, while Francis, a slugger, tries to force things on the inside. After the opening few rounds, Pep’s accurate punching has opened up a wide lead in the punch count stats. Late in the fourth round, after a protest from Francis’ corner, Pep is issued a warning for hitting low. At the one third mark, Pep is well ahead (50-45) on the unofficial scorer’s card. The bout comes to a sudden and unexpected end early in round eight, after Francis suffers a serious hand injury and cannot continue. Pep, well ahead on points, is declared a TKO 8 victor, running his career record to 43-3 (29). For Francis, this is only his second career loss, leaving him with a post-bout record of 20-2-1 (15).

Oct. 21, 1950: Back to Europe for the next card at the Sports Palace in Rome. Featured is a non-title bout matching two BWs, with LABF Champ Luis Galvani taking on an Italian boxer, Gino Bondavalli. The two have not met before and Bondavalli, now at Post-Prime, is a definite underdog. The bout lasts less than a minute, as Galvani wastes little time, flooring Bondavalli with a nice uppercut. Bondavalli is unable to beat the count. Impressive KO 1 for Galvani, who improves to 31-7 (20) with the win. The loss leaves Bondavalli at 40-24-8 (9).

Oct. 21, 1950: Next card is in New Orleans, and the main event, an NABF title bout, is preceded by a LH non-title contest, with aging veteran Billy Conn, the “Pittsburgh Kid,” taking on newcomer Leonard Morrow. The two are meeting for the first time. Punch count stats in the early going favor the more experienced, former WBA LH Champ, Conn. However, Morrow puts in a decent effort and, at the halfway point, the unofficial scorer has Conn up by just one point (48-47). In the second half of the bout, the stamina factor favors Conn, who is content to stay back on the outside and force Morrow to initiate most of the action. Morrow is unable to shift the momentum, all of which works in favor of Conn, who goes on to take a routine UD 10 (97-94, 98-93, 98-93) to run his career record to 49-14-4 (18) compared to a post-bout mark of 19-3-1 (12) for Morrow. In the main event, Bobby Jones challenges Freddie Apostoli, the “Boxing Bellhop,” for Apostoli’s NABF MW title. The two have not met before, but Apostoli is at End career stage while Jones is still at Prime. The bout is a close one and, through the opening few rounds, Apostoli defies time and manages to land some solid blows, enough to cause some initial puffiness to form under the right eye of the challenger. By the end of the fourth round, Jones has battled back, and there is a trace of swelling under Apostoli’s left eye as well. Jones begins to assert himself, taking a lead in the punch counts stats and, at the midway point, Jones is up by two (58-56) on the unofficial scorer’s card. The effects of aging catch up with Apostoli as the bout wears on, as he appears tired and sluggish, in addition to suffering from a stamina deficit compared to his younger opponent. Exhausted and low on energy, Apostoli is unable to mount a rally but does manage to finish the bout. Jones takes a UD 12 (117-112, 118-113, 118-113) to capture the NABF MW title belt. Post-bout career records: Jones, 23-4-2 (2); Apostoli, 42-22-3 (26).

Oct. 27, 1950: Next up is a Friday night card at Manila’s Rizal Arena. Two regional champions square off in the main event, as NABF BW Champ Manuel Ortiz faces his OPBF counterpart, Tirso Del Rosario. Del Rosario prevailed with a points win in one prior meeting, back in the States in 1946. Both fighters are still at Prime, and the bout is scheduled for 10 (as no titles are at stake). Not much to choose between the two through the opening rounds, then Ortiz moves inside in round three and makes some limited progress. At the halfway point, Ortiz has a solid points lead (50-46) on the unofficial scorer’s card. Into the second half of the contest, and the onus is on Del Rosario to abandon his normally passive approach to take a more active role in forcing the action. After a strong round in the seventh, the Filipino Champion has cut into Ortiz’s early lead in the punches landed count. Despite some bruising around his right eye, Ortiz is able to withstand this additional pressure, doing just enough to reverse the earlier loss, taking a UD 10 (98-94, 98-94, 97-95). With the win, Ortiz improves to 43-9-3 (19). The loss leaves Del Rosario at 24-12-2 (4). Interesting to observe that each fighter managed to score a points win on the other’s home turf.

Oct. 28, 1950: The next card takes place at the Olympia in London. Two top FW contenders are matched together in the main event, as former WBA Champ Sandy Saddler faces Ciro Morasen in a 10-round, non-title bout, that the winner hopes will be a stepping stone to a WBA title challenger. Morasen is seeking to avenge an earlier loss to Saddler (in early 1949, with the WBA title at stake) and, significantly, Morasen’s NABF FW title is not at stake in this particular encounter. Once the bout commences, Saddler gets off to a solid start, jumping out to an early lead in the punch count stats. Into the middle rounds, and Morasen works hard in an effort thwart Saddler’s early momentum. However, in round five, Saddler connects with an overhand right that sends Morasen toppling to the deck. Morasen regains his footing as the count reaches three and then covers up to last the round; at the midway point, the 10-8 round puts Saddler up by just two (48-46) on the unofficial scorer’s card. Saddler takes an aggressive posture in the second half of the bout, while Morasen remains content to work on the outside. Saddler retains the edge in terms of the punch count stats and, as an added bonus, he also has the advantage in terms of the stamina factor as well. The bout remains close until the final round when, with both fighters swinging away, Saddler decks Morasen for the second time, connecting with a short, clean cross. Morasen is able to beat the count and finish the bout, but the damage has been done. In the end, Saddler takes a comfortable UD 10 (97-91, 98-90, 97-91) to run his career totals to an excellent 29-1 (22) – the only loss coming at the hands of current WBA FW kingpin Willie Pep. For his part, Morasen ends the bout at 25-6-5 (4).

Oct. 28, 1950: The month wraps with a big card at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. A trifecta of title bout action tops the agenda, headlined by a WBA title clash. In the first of the three co-features, the USBA LH title is on the line, with Harry “Kid” Matthews defending versus challenger Dolph Quijano. The two have not met before, and the action heats up in the opening round, as Matthews connects with a big right that causes Quijano to cover up in order to last the round. Quijano, a slugger, is forced to bide his time while Matthews builds an early lead in the punch count stats. By the end of the third round, a trace of swelling is present under Quijano’s left eye, further indication of the accuracy of Matthews’ punches. In round four, Matthews connects with a barrage of blows , and Quijano takes a tumble to the canvas. After the count reaches fourIU, Quijano is able to resume, but the damage has been done. At the halfway point, Matthews has a commanding lead (60-53) on the unofficial card. From here on, the onus is on the challenger (Quijano) to take a more active approach, hoping to turn things around. In round nine, Matthews floors Quijano for a second time and, this time, Quijano is barely able to beat the count. Matthews’ killer instinct kicks in, and, after it becomes apparent that Quijano is unable to fend for himself, the ref steps in to call a halt. It goes into the books as a TKO 9 for Matthews, who retains the title and improves his career totals to 37-10-1 (24). Post-bout, Quijano slips to 28-12-1 (23). LHs are featured again in the second of the main event trilogy, as a Post-Prime Tommy Yarosz challenges Harold Johnson for Johnson’s NABF LH title belt. No prior meetings of the two, and the favored Johnson is looking to rebound from a recent TKO loss to Brit Freddie Mills (only the second loss of Johnson’s young career). Once the bout gets underway, Johnson dominates the action from the opening bell, landing some solid blows, enough to cause a mouse to form under Yarosz’s left eye in the opening round of the bout. In round four, Johnson dishes out more punishment, as he is able connect with a sharp jab that bloodies Yarosz’s nose. At the midway point, Johnson has a solid points lead (59-55) on the unofficial scorer’s card. The cut ends up deciding matters, once Johnson is able to reopen it, blood spurts out, and an immediate stoppage is ordered with two minutes remaining in the ninth round. Johnson, who was well ahead in points, is declared a TKO 9 victor. Post-bout records: Johnson, 24-2 (10); Yarosz, 30-10-2 (11). In the final bout of the evening, Ike Williams, who has held the WBA LW title for the last two years, makes another defense, this time versus #3 ranked contender, Lulu Costantino, who jumped several spots in the rankings after a stoppage win over ex-WBA Champ “Bobcat” Bob Montgomery in his most recent outing. The two have not faced each other previously, but Costantino will be at Post-Prime career stage for this encounter. Starting in round two, Williams begins to seize control, landing a solid right that rips open a cut under Costantino’s right eye; furthermore, by the end of the round, there is noticeable puffiness under Costantino’s left eye as well. Despite the best efforts of Costantino’s corner, the cut continues to ooze blood as the bout heads into the middle rounds. Midway through the fourth round, Williams connects with a nice uppercut, and Costantino resorts to the cover up and manages to last the round, while Williams is warned for holding and hitting. Williams continues to dominate the action in round five, while Costantino continues to struggle, bothering the cut, and finally the ref has seen enough. The bout is halted, and Williams retains the title via a TKO 5 stoppage. With the win, Williams improves to 43-4-1 (36). Costantino, who will be at End career stage for his next bout, drops to 34-14-5 (15) with the loss.

[JCWeb]

This report includes bouts from the first half of November 1950. One WBA title bout is included in this report.

Nov. 3, 1950: The month’s action kicks off with a Friday night card at Havana’s Gran Stadium. Two top 10 FW contenders are paired together in the main event, with Cuba’s Diego Sosa facing Jackie McCoy. The two are meeting for the first time, the bout is set for 10 rounds, no titles are at stake, and Sosa is at Post-Prime, while McCoy is still at Prime career stage. Coming into the match, McCoy is riding the crest of a five bout winning streak, while Sosa’s last outing was a losing effort in challenging for the WBA FW title. After a couple of close opening rounds, Sosa tries to work his way inside in round three, and he is only able to make some limited progress. Then, in round four, Sosa decks McCoy with a perfect combination; McCoy is barely able to beat the count, then wisely covers up to last the round. At the conclusion of the round, there is some initial swelling apparent under McCoy’s right eye. McCoy recovers quickly and, despite a 10-8 round for Sosa in the fourth, the unofficial scorer has the bout as even (47-47) at the halfway point of the bout. However, less than a minute into round six, the bout comes to a sudden and dramatic end, when Sosa is called for repeated low blows, and the ref rules the fouling to be blatant, and so McCoy is declared the victor via a DQ-6. As a result, McCoy, who was trailing on two of three judges’ cards (and even on a third) at the time of the stoppage, improves his career totals to 28-7-3 (2). Sosa slips to 33-12-2 (16) post-bout. The sudden halt is greeted by a round of boos from the Cuban fight fans in attendance. Meanwhile, McCoy will be at Post-Prime with his next outing, some time in 1951.

Nov. 4, 1950: Back to Europe for the next card at the Palais des Sports Palace in Cannes, France. Twin feature bouts top the agenda, both involving French fighters. In the first oc-main event, EBU MW Champ Laurent Dauthuille faces a daunting task as he is paired with former WBA WW and MW Champ “Sugar” Ray Robinson in a 10-round, non-title bout. The two have not met previously, and Robinson is looking to rejuventate his flagging career after a pair of recent losses, one to Holman Williams (costing him the WBA title), and a second to Frenchman Marcel Cerdan. Robinson gets off to a lightning fast start, dominating the action in the early round with a strong set of blows that cause Dauthuille to carry his hands low. After another strong round in the second, Robinson moves inside in round three, looking to inflict more damage to the French fighter. Dauthuille is able to fend off Robinson’s advances until round four, when Robinson breaks through, dropping the Frenchman with a hard shot. Dauthuille takes a three count and is able to resume, covering up to last the round. At the halfway point of what has been a very one-sided contest, Robinson has a wide points lead (50-44) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the second half of the bout, Dauthuille makes a valiant effort to turn things around, but Robinson is not to be deterred from continuing a masterful display of boxing ability. In the final round, with Dauthuille going all out, Robinson floors him two more times, with Dauthuille ending up on the canvas, to be saved by bell from being counted out. The end result is a lopsided UD 10 for Robinson (100-87 on all three cards), who improves to 41-5-1 (29) as a result, getting his career back on track with this huge, dominating win. The loss drops Dauthuille to 24-8-1 (8). In the second co-main event, the EBU FW title is at stake, as Ray Famechon is on hand to face a tough challenger in Ronnie Clayton, the reigning GBU FW titleholder. The two have met three times before, with Clayton having won twice. After a cautious couple of opening rounds, the action picks up in round three, when Clayton decks Famechon with a big hook. Famechon barely beats the count, then covers up and almost survives, but then a Clayton combination puts him down and out with just seconds left in the round. Impressive KO 3 for Clayton, who regains the EBU title he held in the 1948-49 time frame. Post-bout records: Clayton, 34-6 (17); Famechon, 23-6-2 (7).

Nov. 4, 1950: Next card takes place in Chicago, and the main event sees WW Tommy Bell, a former WBA titleholder and long-time top 10 contender, taking on Chuck Taylor, who is making his first appearance in a featured bout. The bout is scheduled for 10, and the two have not met previously. In the opening round, Bell strikes early, rocking Taylor with a sharp combination; Taylor wisely covers up and manages to last the round, conceding the initiative to Bell. The action devolves into a more sedate, defensive the struggle in the following rounds, with Bell holding the edge in the punch count stats. By the end of round four, there is a trace of swelling under Taylor’s right eye, an indication that Bell’s punches are having an impact. At the halfway point, Bell has a comfortable lead (50-45) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the second half of the bout, the stamina factor works in favor of Bell, but Taylor has managed to land enough punches to cause some puffiness to appear around Bell’s left eye. Eventually, Taylor, a boxer, is forced to take a more aggressive approach to the contest. In the end, while Taylor manages to go the distance, the result is a lopsided UD 10 for Bell (100-90 on all three cards) to run his career totals to 33-7 (16) compared to a post-bout mark of 25-8-8 (7) for Taylor. However, the bad news for Bell is that he hits Post-Prime with his next outing, now slated for early 1951.

Nov. 10, 1950: Next up is a Friday night card at San Juan, Puerto Rico. Two LWs are matched up in the main event: Cuba’s Orlando Zulueta and, from the States, Tommy “Irish” Collins. Both are young fighters who recently hit Prime career stage, and they are meeting for the first time in a non-title bout scheduled for 10 rounds. The action heats up in the opening round, when Zulueta connects with a sharp combination that rips open a cut over Collins’ right eye. The cut is patched up between rounds, but it is reopened in round three and continues to be a concern for Collins and his corner as the bout progresses. By the middle rounds, Zulueta has compiled a large lead in the punch count and, at the halfway point, the unofficial scorer’s card has the Cuban up by three (49-46). Into the second half of the bout, and there is now some puffiness around Collins’ injured eye, but thus far the cut has remained closed. That changes in round six, when a flurry of blows from Zulueta manages to reopen the cut a second time, and this time it proves more difficult for Collins’ corner to bring things under control. In the eighth round, another sharp combination from Zulueta sees the cut reopened once again, but the ref allows the bout to continue. Zulueta, confident of victory, eases up in the final two rounds as a desperate looking Collins is forced to go all out, looking for a knockout. In the end, the cut decides it, as it is reopened midway through the 10th and final round, and this time the bout is halted. Zulueta is awarded a TKO 10 based on the cuts stoppage, and, with the win, Zulueta improves to 21-1-1 (4). The loss, only the second of Collins’ career, leaves him at 19-2-1 (14). Surprisingly, a peek at the judges’ cards after nine rounds showed Collins ahead on one, Zulueta with a narrow lead on another, while a third judge had the bout scored as even going into the final round.

Nov. 11, 1950: The next fistic action takes place in Johannesburg. A WBA title clash tops the card, preceded by a supporting bout matching two MWs: Rocky Castellani and the reigning Commonwealth and GBU MW Champ, Tommy Davies. The bout is scheduled for 10, there are no titles at stake, and the two are meeting for the first time. In the early rounds, not much in the way of action, but Castellani has a slight lead in terms of the punch count stats. In round five, the two do battle on the inside, with Castellani coming out on top; at the halfway point, the unofficial scorer’s card has Rocky well in front (by a count of 50-46). Trailing, Davies feels compelled to go on the offensive in the second half of the bout. Davies’ attempt to mount a rally is thwarted, and Castellani takes a fairly comfortable UD 10 (96-95, 98-92, 98-92) to run his career record to 25-6-2 (4). Davies, now 30-14-5 (9), will be at Post-Prime with his next outing. Next, it is time for the main event, which sees LABF Flyweight Champ Black Pico challenging Teddy Gardner for Gardner’s WBA Flyweight title. This represents Gardner’s sixth defense of the title he won in early 1949, and he is facing Pico for the first time. Pico looks sharp early, and near the end of the second round, he connects with a sharp, stinging jab that rips open a cut over Gardner’s right eye. Gardner is on his back foot through the opening rounds, and his efforts are further hampered after the cut is reopened in round four. After the first third of the bout, with five rounds in the books, the unofficial scorer has the bout as even (48-48), although Pico has a nice lead in the punch count stats, plus Gardner’s cut is still bleeding – all good news for the challenger. Into the middle rounds, and, while Pico is content to box from the outside, Gardner feels compelled to move inside in order to force matters. The bout comes to a sudden end in round eight, when the cut is reopened again, and this time, an immediate stoppage is ordered. Pico is declared a TKO 8 victor, and he lifts the WBA title belt. Post-bout records: Pico, 25-4-3 (2); Gardner, 38-10-2 (13).

Nov. 11, 1950: Next card takes place in Philadelphia. The featured bout involves the fast rising HW prospect Rocky Marciano who, while still at the Pre-Prime of his career, is in a position to take on some top HW talent while avoiding – for the moment – the aging Champ, Joe Louis. First up, in a preliminary bout, is another highly touted prospect, WW Carmen Basilio, who faces his first real-life (non trial horse) opposition in an aging Vinnie Vines. The bout is set to go 10, but Basilio wastes little time, roughing up Vines in the first few rounds, and Vinnie is fortunate to remain upright through the first two rounds. Then, late in round three, Basilio unleashes a vicious combination that puts Vines on the deck. Vines, who appears to be unable to beat the count, is saved by the bell, and the bout continues. Basilio connects with another combination in the fourth round, and this time Vines is counted out, as there is plenty of time left in the round. Impressive KO 4 for Basilio, now 11-0 (8). For Vines, who ends the bout at 25-21-6 (9), retirement may be just one or two more bouts away. Then, unbeaten HW prospect Rocky Marciano takes to the ring, facing another top 10 HW contender, Bernie Reynolds. The bout is scheduled for 10, the two have not met before, and this bout, Rocky’s 19th, will leave him just one bout away from hitting his Prime career stage. Late in the opening round, Marciano serves notice, dropping Reynolds with a big shot. Reynolds barely manages to beat the count, and there is not enough time remaining in the round for Marciano to finish matters. Reynolds avoids a second trip to the canvas in round two, but some punishing blows from Marciano have caused some initial swelling to appear under Reynolds’ right eye. The bout lasts until the final minute in round three when, after ripping open a cut over Reynolds’ injured eye, Marciano lands another big shot, putting Reynolds down and out. KO 3 for Marciano, who retains his unblemished record of all knockout wins. Post-bout records: Marciano, 19-0 (19); Reynolds, 23-4 (14). After another tuneup fight in December, Marciano is looking for a title shot some time in 1951, meaning Joe Louis’ long reign as WBA HW Champ may be nearing an end.

[JCWeb]

This report includes bouts from the second half of November 1950. One WBA title bout is included in this report.

Nov. 17, 1950: The next edition of the Friday night fights “Down Under” takes place in Sydney. Topping the action is an OPBF title bout, amply supported by a Flyweight clash featuring Aussie Taffy Hancock versus a former WBA Fly titleholder, Brit Jackie Paterson. The two met once before, back in London in March 1949, when Hancock pulled out what was later declared to be the “Upset of the Year” when he took the CBU title off Paterson via an exciting, shocking fifth round knockout. This time around, the rematch takes place on Hancock’s home turf, with no titles at stake but with Paterson clearly focused on avenging the loss before he hits Post-Prime career stage with his next outing in 1951, his real-life retirement year. In the early going, despite Hancock’s best efforts to work his way inside, Paterson is able to resist and build a solid lead in the punch count stats. In round four, Paterson connects with an overhand right that sends Hancock tumbling to the canvas. After the count reaches seven, Hancock is back on his feet, and he attempts to cover up, but Paterson is swarming. A second knockdown, via a sharp combination, soon follows and, although Hancock is once again able to beat the count, Paterson continues to land punch after punch until the ref steps in to call a halt with just seconds remaining in the round. Impressive TKO 4 for Paterson, who extracts some measure of revenge before hitting Post-Prime with his next outing. Post-bout records: Paterson, 38-11-2 (22); Hancock, 18-7-1 (14). In the main event, two Aussies vie for the OPBF BW title recently won by Elley Bennett. Challenging Bennett is a post-Prime Mickey Miller, who held the OPBF title twice before, most recently in the 1944-45 time frame. The two have not met previously, but Bennett, who is 10 years Miller’s junior, is heavily favored to prevail over the aging (36 year old) Miller. Nothing much happens until early in round three, when Bennett decides to get aggressive, and he unleashes a barrage of punches to send the challenger to the canvas. Miller is able to beat the count, covers up and, although there is plenty of time left in the round for Bennett to follow up, he is unable to do so, and the bout continues. Late in round four, Bennett connects with a short, clean hook, and Miller goes down again. This time, he struggles to his feet as the count reaches seven, and Bennett does just enough to force a final stoppage with just one second remaining in the round. The TKO 4 for Bennett in his first bout at Prime career stage, to an impressive 19-1-1 (25) overall. Meanwhile, the loss leaves Miller at 44-23-2 (22). These two are moving in different directions as far as their respective career paths are concerned: Bennett is angling for a shot at another title, either the Commonwealth BW belt or perhaps even a WBA title shot, while Miller will be at End career stage with his next outing.

Nov. 18, 1950: Next card is back in the States, at the Coliseum Arena in New Orleans. Two veteran LHs, both former WBA LH Champions, are matched in the main event, as Lloyd Marshall faces “the Pittsburgh Kid,” Billy Conn. The two are meeting for the fourth time, with Conn winning twice before, Marshall once; two of these meetings were with a WBA title on the line, with each fighter prevailing once on those occasions. This time around, no titles are at stake, the bout is scheduled for 10, and Marshall is one bout away from Post-Prime, while Conn has been at Post for some time. Solid start by Marshall in the opening round and, as a result, there is noticeable swelling around Conn’s right eye as a result. Marshall tries to pressure Conn by working his way inside, but some solid defense and counterpunching enables Conn to keep the issue in doubt. At the halfway point, Marshall is ahead (by a count of 49-47) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the second half of the bout, Marshall maintains a slight edge in stamina as well as in the punch count stats. Conn does well to keep the bout reasonably close, but, in the end, it is not enough, as Marshall takes a MD 10 (98-92, 95-95, 96-94) to run his career record to 43-9-5 (34). The loss leaves Conn at 49-15-4 (18).

Nov. 18, 1950: Next card takes place at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. WBA HW Champ is on hand, making a rare appearance on the West Coast, to make another title defense. In the main supporting bout, two top 10 LH contenders do battle in a 10-round, non-title contest, as Oakland Billy Smith faces Joe Kahut. The two have met twice before, with Smith coming out on top in both prior meetings. Thea action picks up late in the opening round, when an accidental clash of heads opens a cut over Kahut’s right eye. Unfortunately, the cut is too severe to allow the bout to continue, so, with less than four rounds in the books, the result is a technical draw. Post-bout records: 31-10-5 (22) for Smith; 29-11-2 (22) for Kahut. Then, in the main event, Joe Louis makes the 44th defense of the WBA HW title he has held for over a decade. On this occasion, Kid Riviera is the challenger, No prior meetings, and recent wins over Jersey Joe Walcott and Phil Muscato have resulted in this first ever title shot for Riviera. After a rather pedestrian opening round, Louis goes to work in round two, consistently landing punches to build a solid early lead in the punch count numbers. Midway through the third round, Louis staggers Riviera with a hook to the head; Riviera covers up and attempts to cover up. However, Louis’ killer instinct kicks in, and he swarms all over his hapless opponent, forcing a stoppage with just under thirty seconds left in the round. TKO 3 for Louis, who runs his career record to 69-1-1 (67). Riviera is now 22-6-1 (11) with the loss. However, with his next outing, sometime in 1951, Louis is set to hit Post-Prime career stage, and with likely challengers like Ezzard Charles and Rocky Marciano at or approaching the peak of their respective careers, could Louis’ long title reign be coming to an end?

Nov. 24, 1950: Next up is a Friday night card at Buenos Aires’ Luna Park. In the main event, Kid Gavilan, now a top WW contender, takes on Egisto Peyre, a former EBU WW titleholder. The two met once before, back in 1947 when Gavilan was still at Pre-Prime, and Peyre took a points win, so Gavilan is looking to avenge that earlier setback. The bout devolves into a tactical struggle, with Gavilan pulling out to a slight early lead in the punches landed stats. By the end of round four, accurate punching by Gavilan has caused some noticeable swelling to appear under Peyre’s right eye. At the halfway point of the 10-round bout, Gavilan has a healthy points lead (49-46) on the unofficial scorer’s card. Therefore, Peyre takes a more aggressive approach in the second half of the bout. Near the end of round seven, Gavilan, still with a solid edge in the punch count stats, is warned for rabbit punching. While Peyre does well to keep the bout reasonably close, Gavilan is able to remain in control, grinding out a UD 10 win (96-94, 97-93, 97-93). Post-bout career marks: Gavilan, 26-5-2 (6); Peyre, 33-10-3 (15).

Nov. 25, 1950: Three bouts of note top the next card at Earls Court in London, and two are title bouts. In the first of this tripleheader, two Flyweight contenders do battle in a 10-round, non-title contest, as Brit Terry Allen, a former GBU and EBU Flyweight titleholder, faces Frenchman Emile Famechon, another former EBU Flyweight Champ. This will be the third meeting of these two; the two earlier bouts both resulted in points wins for Allen. In this meeting, Famechon attempts to work his way inside, but Allen’s defense is solid as he gradually builds an early lead in the punch count stats. At the halfway point, Allen has a fairly solid points lead (49-46) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the second half of the bout, the onus is on Famechon, the slugger, to initiate most of the action as Allen is content to bide his time while staying on the outside. In round seven, Allen rips open a cut over Famechon’s left eye. While the cut is quickly patched between rounds, it adverselyt impacts Famechon’s attempt to turn things around. The cut is reopened in round nine, accompanied by some noticeable swelling around Famechon’s injured eye. The cut finally leads to a late stoppage in the final round, with Allen well ahead on points. The end result, a TKO 10 for Allen, ups his career stats to 32-6-1 (4). Famechon drops to 26-14-1 (18) with the loss. In the second co-feature, Frankie Williams challenges Ritchie “Kid” Tanner for Tanner’s GBU BW title. The two are meeting for the first time and Williams, who rebounded from the loss of his Commonwealth title with a points win over veteran Gus Foran, is looking to dethrone Tanner, who has held the GBU on three previous occasions, dating back to 1943. Williams’ prospects for success are enhanced by the fact that Tanner has already hit Post-Prime career stage. Williams, a slugger, gradually pulls ahead in terms of the punch count stats. At the midway point, Williams is up by three (59-56) on the unofficial card. As the bout wears on, Tanner is forced to take a more aggressive and active approach, while Williams decides to ease up, relying on maintaining his advantage as the rounds tick off. Tanner is unable to make much of an impression on Williams but he battles on gamely to the end, despite sustaining a cut over his left eye in the 12th and final round. In the end, Williams becomes the new GBU Champion, taking a UD 12 (115-112 on all three cards). Post-bout records: Williams, 23-6-2 (13); Tanner, 30-20-3 (14). Then, in the final bout of this trio, two familiar foes contest the Commonwealth LH title, currently held by Freddie Mills. Mills’ opponent is Aussie Jack A. Johnson, whom he is facing for the fifth time; each has won twice before in their previous encounters. These two are both on the downside of their respective careers, with Mills at Post-Prime while Johnson has reached End career stage. Mills is off to the mark early, gaining an early lead in the punches landed stats. Mills continues to dominate most of the action through the first half of the bout, as Johnson appears more and more lethargic as the bout wears on. At the halfway point, the unofficial scorer has the bout has Mills up by two (58-56), giving Johnson the nod in a couple of close rounds. Near the end of round seven, Mills connects with a big shot, and Johnson drops to the deck, only to be saved by the bell. The bout continues, with both fighters very low on stamina. From here on, Johnson goes on the offensive, in a desperate attempt to turn things around. For his part, Mills continues to grind, and, by the end of the 11th round, he has landed sufficient blows to cause some puffiness to appear under the left eye of Johnson. Then, a huge surprise, in the final round, as Johnson is able to floor Mills with a wicked cross to the head. A stunned Mills is able to beat the count, arising as the count reaches eight, and he wisely covers up to finish on his feet. The bout goes to the judges, and Mills is able to retain the title via a MD 12 (116-110, 113-113, 115-111), as one judge scored the bout as even. With the win, Mills improves to 37-20-2 (17), while Johnson ends the bout at 29-17-1 (20).

Nov. 25, 1950: The final card of the month takes place at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. No titles are on the line, and the main event matches top MW contender Jake LaMotta, “the Bronx Bull,” with Rocky “the Rock” Graziano. Graziano enters the bout riding a three bout winning streak, while LaMotta is coming off the loss of his USBA MW title to Artie Towne. It is the first meeting of the two, and the bout is scheduled for 10 rounds. A strong showing in the second round gives Graziano the early edge in the punch count stats. La Motta bounces back with a couple of good rounds in rounds three and four. Into the middle rounds, and the bout remains a close one: at the halfway point, Graziano hols a slim one-point lead (48-47), according to the unofficial scorer’s card. Into the later rounds, and the stamina factor favors LaMotta. Graziano, now trailing in the punch count stats, takes an aggressive approach to the final few rounds. However, he is unable to make much of an impression on LaMotta, who grinds his way to a close but UD 10 (96-95, 97-94, 96-95). Post-bout career records: LaMotta, 36-6-1 (21); Graziano, 26-12-1 (21).

[JCWeb]

This report includes bouts from the first half of December 1950. Two WBA title bouts are included in this report.

Dec. 1, 1950: The month kicks off with a Friday night card at Atlantic City. The USBA LW title is on the line in the featured bout, which is a rematch between Artie Levine (the holder) and Artie Towne (the challenger and ex-Champion). The two met in August, when Levine scored a TKO upset to take the title, with Towne suffering a broken nose. Now, Towne’s nose has healed, and, as in their prior encounter, Levine will be at Post-Prime, making Towne a slight favorite. After Towne gets off to an early lead in the punches landed count, Levine elects to turn slugger, taking a more aggressive approach to the bout. By the end of the fourth round, Levine’s right eye is already showing signs of swelling, the result of some effective punching from Towne’s fists. At the midway point, Towne has a large points lead (59-55) on the unofficial card, plus Levine is already showing signs of fatigue. As the rounds tick off, Levine becomes more and more frustrated, falling even further behind in the punch count stats, while Towne continues to avoid trouble by boxing mainly on the outside. The bout goes the distance, and Towne, for the third time, wins the USBA MW title belt, this time via a decisive UD 12 (118-110, 119-109, 117-111) to run his career record to 26-5-2 (9) as a result. Meanwhile, the loss leaves Levine at 30-13-2 (19), and Levine will slip to End career stage with his next outing.

Dec. 2, 1950: Next card takes place in Boston, and some HW action is on the menu in the main event, as unbeaten prospect Rocky Marciano puts his perfect 19-0 record on the line versus the #4 ranked HW contender, Pat Comiskey, in a 10-round, non-title contest. The two have not met previously, and this is Rocky’s 20th and final bout prior to reaching the Prime stage of his career, where is expected to challenge for Joe Louis’ WBA HW title. Marciano wastes little time, swarming all over Comiskey in the opening round before flooring him with an overhand right later in the round. Comiskey is able to beat the count, and he remains shaken but survives the round after employing the cover up strategy. Comiskey does better in round two, holding his own, but then Marciano ramps up the pressure, moving inside in round three, and doing enough damage to cause some initial puffiness to appear around Comiskey’s right eye. Midway through the fifth round, Marciano drops Comiskey a second time, and this time Comiskey takes a nine count before arising. With plenty of time remaining in the round, Marciano’s killer instinct kicks in, and he follows up with two more knockdowns for an automatic TKO. The TKO 5 for Marciano wraps up the Pre-Prime stage of his career with a perfect 20-0 (20) record. Comiskey, whose career is headed in the opposite direction, ends the bout at 34-12 (22), and he will be at Post-Prime starting with his next outing.

Dec. 8, 1950: The Sports Palace in Rome sets the scene for the next fistic action, a Friday night affair with a meeting of two top 10 LW contenders topping the card. Paired together in the main event are Maxie “Little Duke” Docusen and Rudy Cruz. The two have not before and, with no titles at stake, the bout is scheduled for 10 rounds. With two boxers, the bout devolves into a tactical battle, with neither man able to gain a decisive advantage. At the halfway point, Docusen has a narrow one-point lead (48-47) on the unofficial scorer’s card. The bout remains a close one into the later rounds, with Docusen holding the upper hand in terms of both the stamina and punch count factors. Despite a late surge by Cruz, Docusen holds on to record a MD 10 (96-94, 95-95, 96-94) to run his career record to 23-3-5 (2). The loss drops Cruz to 27-6-3 (6).

Dec. 9, 1950: A WBA title bout highlights the next card at the Forum in Montreal. In the main support, two MWs do battle, as Carl “Bobo” Olson, a former NABF MW titleholder, faces Tommy “Irish” Sullivan, now at the Post-Prime stage of his career. The two have not met before, and the bout is scheduled for 10. Trouble for Sullivan at the outset as a sharp exchange from Olson rips open a cut over his left eye. The cut is patched up quickly and, near the end of the second round, Olson is warned for holding and hitting. The cut is reopened in round three, and it continues to bother Sullivan as the bout wears on. At the halfway point of the contest, Olson has a healthy points lead (50-45) on the unofficial scorer’s card. Sullivan tries to battle back, but, in the end, the cut decides matters, leading to a stoppage midway through round seven. TKO 7 for Olson, who improves to 21-6-2 (13) with the win. Sullivan ends up at 24-10-3 (15) after the loss. Then, in the main event, Canadian Fernando Gagnon is featured before a hometown crowd defending his WBA BW title for the fourth time. His opponent is David Kui Kong Young, a former WBA Champ. The two have not met before, and Kui Kong Young is at Post-Prime for this bout, having lost his last two but still ranked highly enough to earn this title shot. Gagnon takes a very pragmatic approach to the bout, laying back on the outside and forcing Kui Kong Young to initiate most of the action. In round four, Gagnon goes on the offensive, and he lands some good shots, sufficient to cause some initial puffiness to appear around the right eye of the challenger. After five rounds are in the books, surprisingly, the unofficial scorer at ringside has Kui Kong Young up by one point (48-47). In the middle rounds, Gagnon pulls ahead in the punch count stats. Then, in round seven, the bout comes to a sudden end as Gagnon connects with a big hook, and blood spurts forth from a nasty cut that appears above Kui Kong Young’s injured right eye. The cut is deemed to serious to allow the bout to continue, and Gagnon is declared a TKO 7 victor. A check of the judges’ cards showed a split verdict at the time of the stoppage; one judge had Gagnon up by two, another had Kui Kong Young winning by the same margin, while a third had the bout scored as even. Post-bout career marks: Gagnon, 33-5 (18); Kui Kong Young, 47-9-4 (22).

Dec. 9, 1950: Twin feature title bouts top the next card in Miami. In the first of these, LHW Champ Archie Moore moves up to challenge Ezzard Charles for Charles’ NABF HW title. It is the first meeting of the two, and Moore is coming off an unsuccessful challenge to WBA HW Champ Joe Louis. Starting in round two, Charles begins to build an early lead in the punch count stats. Then, in round four, Moore strikes, decking Charles with a big shot. Charles arises on wobbly legs after the count reaches six, and he wisely covers up to last the round. Late in the fifth round, Moore rocks Charles with a strong uppercut; this time Charles remains upright, covers up, but there is noticeable swelling around his left eye as evidence of the accuracy of Moore’s punching. At the halfway point, despite conceding rounds four and five to the challenger, Charles is tied with Moore on points (57-57) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the second half of the bout, Moore continues to press forward, while Charles is content to remain on the outside. As the bout wears on, the stamina factor favors the challenger. Nonetheless, Charles maintains and even increases his advantage in the punches landed count; by round 10, a mouse has formed under Moore’s left eye. Then, early in round 11, Moore floors Charles with a cross, but Charles scrambles to his feet after taking a count of three, and he manages to avert further difficulty for the remainder of the round. The bout goes to decision and, for the second time, Archie Moore captures the NABF HW title belt, taking a close SD 12 verdict (114-113 Moore, 112-114 Charles, 114-113 Moore). Post-bout career records: Moore, 52-5-5 (36); Charles, 33-7 (24). With WBA HW Champ Joe Louis set to hit Post-Prime career stage soon, it will be interesting to see if Moore abandons his LH title to campaign full time as a HW. In any event, the final bout on the card is for the WBA FW title, and it is a rematch, the third meeting of the two, with Willie Pep facing his erstwhile rival, Sandy Saddler, with each having won once, both times with the WBA FW title on the line. Pep has been an active campaigner in 1951, making five title defenses during the year. As anticipated, Pep sets up shop on the outside, and this leaves it up to Saddler to initiate much of the action. Through the early rounds, and Pep has the early edge in the punch count stats; in fact, as early as round four, some initial swelling has appeared under the left eye of Saddler. After the first five rounds are in the books, Pep has consolidated an early points edge as well (49-47), according to the unofficial scorer at ringside. After another strong round for Pep in round six, there is some initial puffiness around Saddler’s other eye. Saddler, trailing, bounces back by landing a nice cross in round nine, rocking Pep who quickly elects to cover up, averting further damage and lasting the round as a result. Strong round in the ninth for the challenger and, as an added benefit, Pep’s left eye is beginning to puff up. At the two thirds mark, Pep is still up on the unofficial card (by a count of 97-94), but Saddler has rallied, winning the last two rounds. However, in round 11, Pep regains control of the situation, dominating the action from long range, frustrating a rapidly tiring Saddler. Confident of victory, Pep retreats into a defensive shell for the final few rounds, and he grinds his way to a UD 15 win (148-138, 146-140, 146-139) to retain the WBA title. With the win, Pep improves to 44-3 (29), while Saddler takes his second loss (both to Pep) to end the bout at 29-2 (22).

Dec. 15, 1950: The next edition of Friday night fights “Down Under” takes place in Sydney, and an OPBF FW title bout tops the agenda. Aging veteran Tsuneo “Piston” Horiguchi, now at End career stage, defends versus a promising newcomer, Kiyoaki Nakanishi of Japan. The two have not met before, and Nakanishi – with only 11 pro bouts thus far – is still at Pre-Prime. Early edge in punch count stats for Horiguchi, but Nakanishi recovers from a slow start with a strong showing in round three. Then, early in the fifth round, Horiguchi connects with a big hook that rocks the challenger, who wisely covers up to avoid further damage. By the halfway point, Horiguchi is ahead on points (59-56), according to the unofficial scorecard. Nakanishi, who has only gone 10 rounds twice in his young career, is beginning to show signs of fatigue as early as round eight. Nakanishi is unable to mount a sustained rally, so Horiguchi is able to grind his way to a UD 12 (116-112, 117-111, 115-113) to retain the OPBF title belt. Post-bout career records: Horiguchi, 50-19-3 (23); Nakanishi, 9-1-2 (5).

[JCWeb]

This report includes bouts from the second half of December 1950. Two WBA title bouts are included in this report.

Dec. 16, 1950: A double feature of title bouts top the agenda for the next fight card, taking place in Detroit, with a WBA title matchup as the headliner. First up, in the co-feature, Jackie Graves is on hand to make to make the first defense of the USBA FW title he won earlier in the year. The challenger, Eddie Compo, is coming off a points win over former WBA FW Champ Harold Hoshino to set up his first title challenge for any belt. The two have not met before, and it is Compo, a boxer, who has an early edge in the punch count stats over Graves, a slugger. Into the middle rounds, and Graves begins to assert himself after a strong round five. At the midway point of the contest, the unofficial card has it scored as even (58-58). Compo gets back on track with a big round in the seventh, connecting repeatedly with a two-fisted attack that causes some initial swelling under both eyes of the Champ. Trailing on the punch count stats and also running low on stamina, Graves goes on the offensive in the final few rounds, hoping to land a big shot and perhaps score a knockout or at least a knockdown. This does not materialize, and the but goes the rest of the way without incident. Compo, the challenger, squeaks by via a SD 12 (113-115 Graves, 116-112 Compo, 117-111 Compo), lifting the belt while improving to 24-4-3 (5) as a result. Meanwhile, the loss leaves Graves at 25-6-2 (16). After this, it is time for the main event, and Ike Williams is on hand to make the eight defense of the WBA LW title he won back in 1948. This could be a tough defense as the challenger is NABF LW Champ Joe Brown, the #1 ranked contender. The two have met three times before, with Willaims winning twice, but Brown eked out a split duke over Williams back in 1946 in a non-title bout. This time, not much action in the opening few rounds, then, in round three, when Williams tries to work his way inside, he faces a stinging rebuke from Brown who lands some heavy blows, enough to cause some initial puffiness to appear around the right eye of Williams. Then, with seconds remaining in the fifth round, Williams breaks through and drops Brown with a solid combination. Brown is saved by the bell and, at the one third mark of the bout, the unofficial card has Williams up by two (48-46), based on the 10-8 round in the fifth. Into the middle rounds, and the bout continues to be a close one, with Brown holding a slight lead in the punches landed stats. Late in round seven, Brown rocks Williams with a hard cross, but there is not enough time left in the round for him to follow up. After 10 rounds are in the books, Brown has pulled in front (by a count of 96-95) on the unofficial card, so the outcome is much in doubt as the contest heads into the final few rounds. The later rounds see Williams, sensing that his title may be slipping away, become more and more aggressive. Late in round 12, Williams leaves himself open for a big shot from Brown that puts him down but, like Brown in round five, Williams is saved by the bell. With Williams becoming even more desperate, Brown shifts from slugger to boxer mode for the final few rounds. Less than a minute into round 14, Williams catches Brown with a sharp combination, and Brown goes down. He cannot beat the count, so the bout goes into the books as a KO 14 for Williams. Impressive win, and a knockout was required as Brown was well ahead on all three judges’ cards. Post-bout career marks: Williams, 44-4-1 (37); Brown, 36-5-1 (23). The number of dramatic swings plus the importance factor (this being a WBA title bout) make this a definite contender for Fight of the Year.

Dec. 22, 1950: Next is a Friday night card taking place at Mexico City. No titles at stake, and two BW contenders, both in the prime of their respective careers, take to the ring as Spaniard Luis Romero is paired with Manny Ortega, who has the advantage of appearing in front of an appreciative hometown crowd. It is the first meeting of the two, and Romero has the early edge in the punch count stats, before moving inside in round three in an attempt to inflict more damage to his opponent. Then, in the fourth round, blood spurts forth from a cut over Ortega’s left eye, the apparent result of an accidental clash of heads. The cut is patched up between rounds, but reopened in round five. At the halfway point, Romero has a slim one-point lead (48-47) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the second half of the bout, Ortega, urged on by the Mexican fight fans in attendance, throws caution to the wind and takes a much more aggressive approach to the bout. The cut over Ortega’s eye is reopened a second time in round seven, and the bout is allowed to resume after a quick consultation with the physician at ringside. Ortega is unable to mount a sustained rally, enabling Romero to walk away with a rather lopsided UD 10 win (100-90, 99-91, 100-90) to run his career record to 25-5-2 (9), while Ortega ends the bout at 23-5-1 (12). Furthermore, Ortega is due to hit Post-Prime career stage with his next bout.

Dec. 23, 1950: To New York City for a huge fight card, with a pair of title bouts (including a WBA title clash) topping the agenda. In the first of these co-main events, LH contender Joey Maxim, coming off three recent wins, challenges Harold Johnson for Johnson’s NABF LH title; this is Johnson’s fifth defense of the NABF title he won in early 1949. No prior meetings of the two, and some accurate punching by Johnson yields him an early edge in the punches landed count. Maxim recovers from a slow start with a decent showing in round five. A the halfway point, Maxim is well ahead (59-55) on the unofficial scorer’s card. While Maxim is able to keep the bout reasonably close, the stamina factor favors Johnson. In the final few rounds, Maxim takes a more aggressive approach, landing several good shots but not enough to alter the overall situation. Johnson hangs on to take a UD 12 (115-113, 116-113, 116-112) to retain the title. Post-bout, Johnson improves to 25-2 (10), while Maxim slips to 24-13-6 (5). In the finale, Jimmy Sherrer takes to the ring to defend his WBA WW title, facing Tippy Larkin, “the Garfield Gunner.” The two are meeting for the first time and Larkin, while not the top ranked contender, has recent wins over Marty Servo and Egisto Peyre to set up this title shot. For Larkin, it is his first try for a title of any kind, and his inexperience shows ad, midway through the opening stanza, he leaves himself open for a strong shot landed by Sherrer, and this puts the challenger down and out. Impressive KO 1 for Sherrer, who, unfortunately, will hit Post-Prime with his next bout, given 1951 was his real-life retirement year. Post-bout career records: Sherrer, 29-4 (15); Larkin, 37-18-3 (16). It should be noted that Larkin was already at Post-Prime for this bout.

Dec. 26, 1950: Next is the traditional Boxing Day card in London, this year taking place at the Olympia. No title bouts are on the card, and the headliner matches two regional HW Champions, as USBA HW titleholder Jimmy Bivins makes the trip to face reigning Commonwealth, EBU and GBU HW Champ Bruce Woodcock. The two met once before, in the US, back in 1948, and Bivins, “the Cleveland Spider,” was a UD 10 victor, but, significantly, Woodcock is now at Post-Prime. Bivins gets off to a strong start, and he lands sufficient leather to cause some initial puffiness to appear under Woodcock’s right eye. Trailing badly in the punch count stats, Woodcock tries to battle back, becoming more aggressive, starting by trying to work inside in rounds four and five. In round five, Bivins connects with a right cross that rips open a cut over Woodcock’s injured right eye. At the halfway point, Bivins has a wide lead (50-45) on the unofficial scorer’s card. The cut, which is in a bad spot, is a problem, but the swelling has gotten worse, to the point that Woodcock’s vision is now impaired, and it is ruled severe enough to justify and immediate stoppage. The bout goes into the books as a TKO 7 for Bivins. Post-bout, Bivins improves to 34-8-3 (22), while Woodcock ends the bout at 33-7-1 (27) after the loss.

Dec. 30, 1950: The scene shifts to the Cow Palace in San Francisco for the next fistic action. In the main event, Dado Marino defends the NABF Flyweight title against Mexican challenger Otilio Galvan. The two have met twice before, with Marino winning on both occasions. This time around, Galvan is able to connect with a big uppercut early in the second round, and Marino wisely elects to cover up and lasts the round. Marino is able to recover, neutralizing Galvan’s attempt to work inside and follow up on this early success. The bout is relatively close headed into the middle rounds, but, at the halfway point, the unofficial card has Galvan with a slight points lead (58-56), this despite the fact that a mouse has formed under Galvan’s left eye. In the second half of the bout, Marino takes a more active approach, but he is unable to make much of an impression on a determined challenger, who manages to pull out to a narrow lead in the punch count stats. As the bout wears on, Galvan’s confidence seems to grow, frustrating Marino who is unable to gain the upper hand. Nonetheless, Marino is able to mount a late rally, winning the final two rounds to secure a draw (114-114, 113-115 Galvan, 116-112 Marino), doing just enough to retain the NABF title. Post-bout career records: Marino, 38-12-2 (14); Galvan, 28-14-3 (5).

Dec. 31, 1950: Final card of the year takes place on New Year’s Eve at Havana’s Gran Stadium. Kid Gavilan, the “Cuban Hawk,” meets Art “Golden Boy” Aragon in the main event. The two have not met before, with Aragon spending most of his career in the LW division, but he is stepping up in weight to WW to face Gavilan in this 10-round, non-title bout. After a strong opening round for Gavilan, urged on by an appreciative hometown crowd, Aragon is showing the effects with a rapidly swelling left eye. Gavilan keeps firing away and, after the first three rounds are in the books, he has a wide lead in the punch count stats. In round five, he manages to open a cut over Aragon’s injured eye; at the halfway point, the unofficial scorer’s card shows a large points lead (50-45) for the Cuban fighter. As the bout progresses into the later stages, the condition of Aragon’s eye continues to get worse, and he is unable to battle back or change the momentum of the fight. Despite a couple of trips to the ringside physician to examine Aragon’s injured eye, the bout is allowed to continue, and Gavilan goes on the rack up a lopsided UD 10 (99-91 on all three cards) to run his career totals to 27-5-2 (6); Aragon, 24-6-1 (14).

[JCWeb]

Finally, another year in the books, so on to the year-end reports, starting with the HWs:

HW
Division Profile

Total: 191 RL: 112 TC: 79

RL by Career Stage:
End - 8
Post - 24
Prime - 39
Pre - 25
Beginning - 16 (9 New)

Rated: 78
800+: 17
500+: 34
200+ : 62

Jan 1951 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1950 in Parens):

WBA Champ: Joe Louis 69-1-1 (67) (2419) (NC)
1. Archie Moore 52-5-5 (36) (2004) (new) (NABF)
2. Ezzard Charles 33-7 (24) (1517) (-1)
3. Jimmy Bivins 34-8-3 (22) (1395) (-1) (USBA)
4. Lee Q. Murray 35-13-2 (27) (1191) (+1)
5. Rocky Marciano 20-0 (20) (1117) (new)
6. Pat Comiskey 34-12 (22) (1115) (-3)
7. Joe Weiden 23-3-1 (10) (1045) (+7)
8 Joe Baksi 34-12 (20) (1011) (NC)
9. Bruce Woodcock 33-7-1 (27) (1005) (-3) (EBU, CBU, GBU)
10. Tommy Gomez 38-11-1 (35) (944) (-6)

Other Notables: 11. Bernie Reynolds 23-4 (14) (922)
12. Kid Riviera 22-6-1 (11) (914)
13. Cesar Brion 20-3-1 (8) (879) (+14) (LABF)
14. Nino Valdes 24-12-2 (19) (878)
19. Johnny Williams 20-3 (10) (662)
50. Roland LaStarza 15-3 (4) (322)

Top Prospects: Clarence Henry 13-1 (10)
Jack Gardner 11-0 (9)
Johnny Arthur 10-0 (7)
Vicente Dos Santos 10-0 (2)
Rex Layne 9-0 (7)
Bob Baker 8-0 (2)
James J. Parker 6-0 (5)
Coley Wallace 4-0 (3)
Johnny Summerlin 2-0 (1)

Retirements:

Nathan Mann (USA) 1934-1950 36-22-3 (14) NABF Champ Highest Rank: 6
Bob Bonger (USA) 1939-1950 23-29-2 (16) No Titles Highest Rank: 48
Lee Savold (USA) 1933-1950 31-28-7 (22) No Titles Highest Rank: 37
Jersey Joe Walcott (USA) 1931-1950 36-19-1 (31) NABF, USBA Champ Highest Rank: 1
Luigi Musina (ITA) 1940-1950 17-19-1 (10) No Titles Highest Rank: 54
Alberto Santiago Lovell (ARG) 1934-1950 41-23-2 (30) LABF Champ Highest Rank: 3
Roscoe Toles (USA) 1931-1950 47-22-7 (9) NABF, USBA Champ Highest Rank: 1
Bill Poland (USA) 1937-1950 30-21-2 (18) No Titles Highest Rank: 11
Harold Blackshear (USA) 1939-1950 28-16-1 (14) No Titles Highest Rank: 43
Herb Narvo (AUS) 1942-1950 20-15-1 (13) No Titles Highest Rank: 34

Outlook: 1951 shapes up as a crucial year in the history of the division, as long-time HW king Joe Louis hits Post-Prime career stage, while Champion-in-waiting, Rocky Marciano, has completed 20 bouts with an unblemished record heading into the Prime stage of his career starting with his next outing. Nonetheless, three other top contenders (LH Champ Archie Moore, Ezzard Charles and Jimmy Bivins) are also at Prime and eager for a rematch with an aging Louis. Making a huge move into the top 10 is Austrian Joe Weiden, who has now engaged in four (!) encounters with Bruce Woodcock, winning once, all with the EBU HW title at stake. Weiden managed to secure only a draw in his most recent encounter, but a split duke over vet Joe Baksi enabled him to rise in the HW ranks. Cesar Brion emerged as the new LABF HW kingpin, solidifying his position with successful defenses versus ex-Champ Alberto Santiago Lovell and the hard hitting Cuban, Nino Valdes, who dropped out of the top 10. Struggling to find a path forward is former top prospect Roland LaStarza, who suffered a TKO loss to Marciano and, later in the year, dropped a technical decision to journeyman Freddie Beshore. Looking ahead at the current crop of prospects, none are outstanding but Brit Jack Gardner could be close to breaking through. The best of the nine newcomers slated to join the HW ranks in 1951 is none other than Cleveland “Big Cat” Williams.

[JCWeb]

LHW
Division Profile

Total: 127 RL: 83 TC: 44

RL by Career Stage:
End - 8
Post - 14
Prime - 29
Pre - 20
Beginning - 12 (9 New)

Rated: 54
800+: 10
500+: 27
200+ : 44

Jan 1951 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1950 in Parens):

WBA Champ: Archie Moore 52-5-5 (36) (2004) (NC)
1. Harry Matthews 37-10-1 (24) (1505) (+1) (USBA)
2. Lloyd Marshall 43-9-5 (34) (1496) (+2)
3. Harold Johnson 25-2 (10) (1295) (-2) (NABF)
4. Freddie Mills 37-20-2 (17) (1183) (+3) (EBU. CBU, GBU)
5. Billy Conn 49-15-4 (18) (1175) (NC)
6. Tommy Yarosz 30-9-2 (11) (1117) (-3)
7. Oakland Billy Smith 31-10-5 (22) (997) (+2)
8 Joe Kahut 29-11-2 (22) (994) (+5)
9. Dolph Quijano 28-12-1 (23) (834) (+8)
10. Bob Murphy 22-4 (19) (771) (+9)

Other Notables: 11. Jack A. Johnson 29-17-1 (20) (750)
12. Yvon Durelle 17-0 (13) (740)
13. Leonard Morrow 19-3-1 (12) (715)
15. Joey Maxim 24-13-6 (15) (669)
19. Charley Williams 19-2-1 (11) (642)

Top Prospects: Gustav Scholz 13-0-1 (2)
Waddell Hanna 11-0-1 (3)
Yolande Pompey 10-0 (7)
Danny Nardico 9-0 (9)
Clarence Hinnant 6-0 (4)
Wes Bascom 4-0-1 (4)
Germinal Ballerin 2-0

Retirements:

Jimmy Webb (USA) 1935-1950 32-20-5 (12) No Titles Highest Rank: 12
Jimmy Reeves (USA) 1939-1950 26-16-1 (16) No Titles Highest Rank: 21
Bob Foxworth (USA) 1946-1950 12-6-2 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 47
Jo DeGroot (HOL) 1936-1950 28-29-2 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 31
Booker Beckwith (USA) 1939-1950 29-16-4 (13) No Titles Highest Rank: 17
Anton Christoforidis (GRE) 1934-1950 32-26-3 (13) EBU Champ Highest Rank: 11
Gus Lesnevich (USA) 1934-1950 42-26-3 (17) WBA Champion 1940-41
Melio Bettina (USA) 1934-1950 44-17-7 (18) WBA Champion 1947-48
Herbie Katz (USA) 1935-1950 37-23-3 (13) No Titles Highest Rank: 9

Outlook: Could be an interesting couple of months coming up as WBA LH Champ Archie Moore, who campaigned exclusively as a HW in 1950, is faced with a mandatory defense coming up in early 1951, or he will be forced to give up his WBA LH title should he choose to focus on pursuit of the WBA HW crown (a somewhat less daunting task given the fact that Joe Louis will hit post-Prime in 1951). Likely successors include top ranked contender Harry Matthews and highly regarded NABF Champ Harold Johnson, who lost some rating spots due to a surprising stoppage loss to triple regional crown wearer Freddie Mills. Marshall, Mills, Conn and Yarosz are all past their respective primes, and some new faces have risen up the LH ranks, notably Kahut, Quijano and Murphy, plus there is undefeated newcomer Yvon Durelle waiting in the wings, only a couple of spots short of the top 10. The Canadian is a possible challenger for Mills’ CBU LH title, as well as for the NABF title, particularly should Johnson move up to capture the WBA belt, leaving the NABF title vacant. The up-and-down career of Joey Maxim continues to be a disappointment, but there is still time for him to make his mark. German Gustav Scholz seems to be the best of the current crop of prospects, although Yolande Pompey and Danny Nardico are both off to impressive career starts. Willie Pastrano (a “9”) is the best among the nine newcomers, with a couple of “7”s (Tommy Harrison and Uruguayan Dogomar Martinez) also set to make their debuts in 1951.

[JCWeb]

MW
Division Profile

Total: 190 RL: 129 TC: 61

RL by Career Stage:
End - 10
Post - 25
Prime - 53
Pre - 28
Beginning - 13 (7 New)

Rated: 96
800+: 25
500+: 54
200+ : 87

Jan 1951 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1950 in Parens):

WBA Champ: Dave Sands 51-4 (24) (1765) (+2)
1. Ray Robinson 41-5-1 (29) (1616) (-1)
2. Holman Williams 59-17-1 (24) (1585) (+2)
3. Jake LaMotta 36-6-1 (21) (1546) (+2)
4. Artie Towne 26-5-2 (9) (1405) (+7) (USBA)
5. Charley Burley 53-8 (35) (1372) (-4)
6. Artie Levine 30-13-2 (19) (1296) (+4)
7. Jose Basora 38-11-1 (25) (1214) (-1) (LABF)
8 Steve Belloise 34-13-2 (15) (1193) (-1)
9. Rocky Graziano 26-12-1 (21) (1121) (+6)
10. Bert Lytell 24-4-9 (5) (1098) (+12)

Other Notables: 11. Tony Zale 49-13-4 (27) (1097)
12. Bobby Jones 23-4-2 (2) (1084) (+6) (NABF)
14. Marcel Cerdan 53-11-5 (36) (1080)
15. Laurent Dauthuille 24-8-1 (9) (1074) (+43) (EBU)
20. Carl Olson 21-6-2 (13) (916)
22. Lester Felton 18-0-2 (5) (871)
25. Randy Turpin 22-3 (17) (779)
36. Tommy Davies 30-14-5 (9) (678) (-3) (CBU, GBU)

Top Prospects: Rafael Merentino 12-0-1 (8)
Charles Humez 12-0-1 (7)
Paul Pender 11-0 (4)
Norman Hayes 11-0 (1)
George Benton 9-0-1 (4)
Joey Giardello 9-1 (2)
Joey Giambra 8-1 (0)
Gene Fullmer 1-0 (0)

Retirements:

Gene Buffalo (USA) 1934-1950 39-28-1 (6) No Titles Highest Rank: 38
Jean Despeaux (FRA) 1938-1950 21-19-5 (15) No Titles Highest Rank: 47
Sheik Rangel (USA) 1935-1950 30-22-6 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 33

Outlook: Sands is back for his second stint as WBA Champion, but it could be short lived, as “Sugar” Ray Robinson, who lost the title via a controversial DQ result, is the class MW and still in Prime condition. Of the remaining top 10 contenders, Williams and Levine are near the end of their respective careers, while Burley, Belloise and Lytell are all at Post-Prime. Jose Basora, reigning LABF titleholder, remains a serious threat, and there is new EBU Champ Dauthuille, who scored an upset KO over long time EBU and former WBA Champ Marcel Cerdan, Brit Randy Turpin is mired in the mid-20s but is talented enough to make a run at Tommy Davies, who holds the CBU and GBU titles while the OPBF title, until recently held by Sands, is now vacant. Some strong prospects still a few years away from Prime include Paul Pender, George Benton, and the two Joeys (Giardello and Giambra). Gene Fullmer just got his career under way, and Charley Joseph, Randy Sandy and Brit Lew Lazar are the best of the newcomers slated to join the MW ranks in 1951.

[JCWeb]

WW
Division Profile

Total: 166 RL: 120 TC: 46

RL by Career Stage:
End - 13
Post - 20
Prime - 37
Pre - 35
Beginning - 15 (10 New)

Rated: 79
800+: 19
500+: 39
200+ : 67

Jan 1951 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1950 in Parens):

WBA Champ: Jimmy Sherrer 29-4 (15) (1704) (+1)
1. Kid Gavilan 27-5-2 (6) (1466) (+3)
2. Johnny Bratton 25-3-1 (13) (1283) (+6) (NABF)
3. Billy Graham 29-11-1 (12) (1274) (+4)
4. Tommy Bell 33-7 (16) (1253) (-1)
5. George Costner 30-13-2 (18) (1228) (-3) (USBA)
6. Johnny Greco 29-13-3 (16) (1199) (+9) (CBU)
7. Michele Palermo 53-20-10 (14) (1192) (-1)
8 Norman Rubio 33-13-4 (14) (1159) (+1)
9. Cocoa Kid 59-17-7 (13) (1063) (-4) (LABF)
10. Frankie Fernandez 23-5 (16) (1029) (+9)

Other Notables: 11. Tippy Larkin 37-18-3 (16) (1023)
12. Cliff Curvis 24-3-2 (2) (1011) (+6) (GBU)
13. Art Aragon 24-6-1 (14) (1000)
14. Bernard Docusen 24-6-6 (4) (998)
15. Eddie Thomas 20-3-2 (4) (973) (-4) (EBU)
18. Bobby Dykes 19-1 (3) (832)
20. Don Williams 18-1 (7) (746)
34. Jack McNamee 42-27-3 (23) (543) (-5) (OPBF)
36. Vic Cardell 15-2-1 (1) (535)

Top Prospects: Ronnie Delaney 12-1-1 (3)
Kenji Fukuchi 13-0 (4)
Virgil Akins 12-0-1 (8)
Gerald Dreyer 11-0-1 (7)
Carmen Basilio 11-0 (8)
Tony DeMarco 11-0 (7)
Johnny Saxton 9-0 (3)
Federico Thompson 3-0 (0)

Retirements:

Henry Armstrong (USA) 1931-1950 58-12-4 (46) WBA Champ 1939-45, 1946, 1949-50
Marty Servo (USA) 1938-1950 38-14-3 (13) WBA Champ 1945-46
Jimmy Doyle (USA) 1941-1950 27-11-3 (7) No Titles Highest Rank: 21
Artie Dorrell (USA) 1939-1950 22-22-3 (15) No Titles Highest Rank: 55
Vic Caltaux (NZL) 1938-1950 30-19-6 (18) No Titles Highest Rank: 35
Kid Azteca (MEX) 1930-1950 43-30-10 (19) LABF Champion Highest Rank: 37
Izzy Jannazzo (USA) 1932-1950 44-19-8 (13) USBA Champion Highest Rank: 1
Felix Wouters (BEL) 1933-1950 38-25-6 (16) No Titles Highest Rank: 19
Arthur Danahar (UK) 1938-1950 29-21-2 (17) No Titles Highest Rank: 34

Outlook: Time for a changing of the guard at the top of the division as aging Champ Henry Armstrong surrendered the title and hung up the gloves after a TKO loss to new WBA Champ Sherrer early in the year, which then saw Sherrer consolidate his position at the top of the division with points wins over Bernard Docusen, Kid Gavilan, followed by a devastating first round KO versus another aging veteran in Tippy Larkin. However, Sherrer himself is slated to hit Post-Prime with his next outing in 1951, so guys like Gavilan and Bratton are looking to break through and succeed him as WBA Champion. And, indeed, it is an aging group that occupies much of the top 10 contender spots, with Bell and Costner at Post-Prime, and Palermo, Rubio and Kid (who still holds the LABF crown) all at End career stage. Guys lurking outside the 10, such as Curvis, Docusen, and now Art Aragon (who moved up from LW recently) are hoping to fill the void as these aging contenders fall by the wayside. Further down the ranks, Jack McNamee’s long reign as OPBF WW Champ is due to come to an end soon as well. Carmen Basilio remains the best of the current crop of prospects, but Virgil Akins and Johnny Saxton are among other notables in the mix for future consideration. Top rated newcomer to the division for 1951 is Andrew Brown, rated a “9.”

[JCWeb]

LW
Division Profile

Total: 158 RL: 103 TC: 55

RL by Career Stage:
End - 8
Post - 25
Prime - 44
Pre - 15
Beginning - 11 (7 New)

Rated: 77
800+: 17
500+: 42
200+ : 66

Jan 1951 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1950 in Parens):

WBA Champ: Ike Williams 41-4-1 (27) (1920) (NC)
1. Joe Brown 36-5-1 (23) (1551) (+1) (NABF)
2. Freddie Dawson 26-3-3 (6) (1290) (+2) (USBA)
3. Bob Montgomery 41-7-2 (22) (1260) (-2)
4. Lulu Costantino 34-14-5 (15) (1232) (+6)
5. Beau Jack 36-19-2 (22) (1229) (-2)
6. Maxie Docusen 23-3-5 (2) (1084) (+3)
7. Enrique Bolanos 29-6 (21) (986) (-2) (LABF)
8 Sammy Angott 41-16-8 (12) (982) (-2)
9. Norm Gent 23-7-3 (9) (966) (+11) (CBU)
10. Rudy Cruz 27-6-3 (6) (943) (+2)

Other Notables: 11. Orlando Zulueta 21-1-1 (4) (901)
12. Jimmy Carter 21-3-1 (9) (843)
16. Damazo Collazo 24-3-1 (20) (809)
17. Phil Kim 19-0-1 (14) (797)
21. Charlie Ashenden 20-9-8 (5) (733) (-4) (OPBF)
24. Bob Sandberg 16-0-1 (13) (679)
25. Harry Hughes 23-7-1 (9) (676) (+7) (EBU, GBU)
27. George Araujo 15-1-1 (6) (646)

Top Prospects: Johnny Gonsalves 14-0 (6)
Wallace Smith 11-1-1 (1)
Tommy Romulo 10-2-1 (8)
Armand Savoie 11-0 (1)
Baby Vasquez 9-0
Tommy Tibbs 8-0 (1)
Fred Galiana 3-0 (2)

JWW Prospect: Diulio Loi 10-0 (3)

Retirements:

Henry Armstrong (USA) 1931-1950 58-12-4 (46) WBA Champion 1939
Ralph Hurtado (PAN) 1933-1950 34-32-4 (11) No Titles Highest Rank: 33
Aldo Spoldi (ITA) 1930-1950 37-22-8 (19) EBU Champ Highest Rank: 2
Laurie Stevens (SAF) 1932-1950 47-23-1 (23) WBA Champion 1943 Highest Rank: 3
Lefty Satan Flynn (JAM) 1931-1950 42-23-4 (20) WBA Champion 1945 Highest Rank: 1
George Daly (UK) 1930-1950 37-30-7 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 33
Vic Patrick (AUS) 1940-1950 35-11-2 (24) WBA Champion 1947 Highest Rank: 2
Willie Joyce (USA) 1937-1950 33-21-5 (14) USBA Champion Highest Rank: 8
Harry Hurst (CAN) 1939-1950 23-19-3 (10) No Titles Highest Rank: 17

Outlook: Williams was an active Champion, successfully defending his title four times during the year, and also extended his winning streak to 14 in his last 14 bouts. Brown remains as a top title threat, and there is also, lurking outside the top 10, Cuban Orlando Zulueta who is poised to challenge for a regional title (likely the LABF one but also possibly the NABF currently held by Brown). Of those in the top 10 contender spots, Montgomery, Costantino, Angott and Gent are all on the downside of their respective careers. Along with Zulueta, Americans Jimmy Carter and Phil Kim are to be considered as future top 10 contenders. Gonsalves, who is off to an excellent 14-0 start to his career, is the best of the current crop of prospects. Also, straddling the LW and WW ranks, is Italian Diulio Loi, a “13” ranked fighter in the now defunct JWW division. Belize Ludwig Lightburn, a “9,” is the highest rated among the seven newcomers.

[JCWeb]

FW
Division Profile

Total: 137 RL: 90 TC: 47

RL by Career Stage:
End - 7
Post - 17
Prime - 35
Pre - 16
Beginning - 15 (3 New)

Rated: 59
800+: 12
500+: 26
200+: 48

Jan 1951 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1950 in Parens):

WBA Champ: Willie Pep 44-3 (29) (1580) (NC)
1. Sandy Saddler 29-2 (22) (1504) (NC)
2. Ciro Morasen 25-6-5 (4) (1099) (NC) (NABF)
3. Tsuneo Horiguchi 50-19-3 (23) (921) (+9) (OPBF)
4. Carlos Chavez 33-11-4 (10) (905) (+2)
5. Eddie Compo 24-4-3 (5) (887) (+6) (USBA)
6. Jackie Graves 25-6-2 (16) (886) (-3)
7. Jackie McCoy 28-7-3 (2) (872) (+14)
8 Diego Sosa 33-12-2 (16) (871) (-3)
9. Simon Vergara 22-7-4 (6) (866) (-5) (LABF)
10. Ronnie Clayton 33-6 (17) (858) (-3) (EBU, GBU)

Other Notables: 11. Glen Flanagan 22-5-2 (3) (819)
12. Keith Francis 20-2-1 (15) (793) (+5) (CBU)
13. Charlie Riley 26-8 (11) (775)
16. Chico Rosa 26-8-4 (9) (727)
20. Percy Bassett 17-1 (10) (676)
23. Harry LaSane 17-2-3 (7) (564)
24. Jackie Blair 16-2-1 (6) (541)

Top Prospects: Hogan Bassey 14-0 (3)
Rudy Garcia 12-2 (10)
Auburn Copeland 10-0 (2)
Shigeji Kaneko 7-0 (6)
Roy Ankrah 5-0 (4)
Gene Smith 5-0 (3)
Larry Bataan 3-0 (1)
Victor Leon 3-0 (1)
Miguel Berrios 2-0

Retirements:

Henry Armstrong (USA) 1931-1950 58-12-4 (46) WBA Champion 1936-37
Leo Rodak (USA) 1933-1950 38-26-2 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 6
Mike Belloise (USA) 1932-1950 41-26-9 (11) WBA Champion 1940 Highest Rank: 3
National Kid (CUB) 1938-1950 30-19-4 (13) NABF Champion Highest Rank: 4
Harold Lacey (USA) 1930-1950 32-27-7 (11) No Titles Highest Rank: 34
Harold Hoshino (USA) 1935-1950 42-15-3 (11) WBA Champion 1943-45

Outlook: Pep and Saddler remain head and shoulders above everyone else in the division; among the remaining top contenders, Horiguchi is at End career stage, while McCoy and Vergara are at Post-Prime. A trio of “8” rated guys (Compo, Flanagan and Bassett) are the best of the rest with reasonable prospects of ascending the ranks and/or contending for a regional title belt. Aussie Keith Francis, who already holds the Commonwealth title, is a likely successor to Horiguchi as OPBF Champ, but highly rated prospect Shigeji Kaneko (a “10”) has the best long range prospects of those hailing from this region. Auburn Copeland and Gene Smith are the best of the US-based prospect, while Latin American hopes ride with Victor Leon (Venezuela) and Miguel Berrios.(Puerto Rico). Only three new faces slated to add to the FW ranks in 1951, the best of whom is a Brit, Sammy McCarthy (rated a “5). Worthy of mention, however, is Gabriel "Flash" Elorde, a newcomer listed as a JLW prospect, who is rated as a "10."

[JCWeb]

BW
Division Profile

Total: 98 RL: 62 TC: 36

RL by Career Stage:
End - 8
Post - 14
Prime - 17
Pre - 16
Beginning - 7 (4 New)

Rated: 39
800+: 13
500+: 29
200+ : 37

Jan 1951 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1950 in Parens):

WBA Champ: Fernando Gagnon 33-5 (18) (1505) (NC)
1. Manuel Ortiz 43-9-3 (19) (1401) (+3) (NABF)
2. Luis Galvani 31-7 (20) (1304) (+1) (LABF)
3. David Kui Kong Young 47-9-4 (22) (1204) (-2)
4. Harold Dade 28-9-4 (9) (1174) (+6) (USBA)
5. Benny Goldberg 38-9-4 (14) (1173) (-3)
6. Stan Rowan 30-4-2 (13) (1085) (+3) (EBU, CBU)
7. Lou Alter 28-12-2 (15) (997) (+1)
8 Luis Romero 25-5-2 (9) (969) (+8)
9. Tommy Forte 40-15-4 (13) (965) (-4)
10. Frankie Williams 23-6-2 (13) (936) (-3) (GBU)

Other Notables: 11. Luis Castillo 31-16-1 (13) (843)
14. Elley Bennett 19-1-1 (15) (792) (+10) (OPBF)
18. Guido Ferracin 19-6-5 (3) (686)
27. Leo Espinosa 14-2 (2) (517)
28. Manuel Armenteros 15-1-1 (1) (509)

Top Prospects: Henry Gault 12-1 (4)
Kevin James 11-0-1 (2)
Vic Toweel 9-1-2 (4)
Fili Nava 10-0 (1)
Piero Rollo 5-0 (2)
Chamroen Songkitrat 4-0-1
Jimmy Carruthers 4-0 (3)
Mario D’Agata 1-0

Retirement:

Johnny King (UK) 1926-1950 67-17-5 (27) WBA Champion 1934-35, 1937-39, 1943-45

Outlook: Gagnon was able to retain the WBA title, making three successful defenses during the year. Ortiz and Galvani occupy the top two challenger spots, plus USBA Champ Dade made considerable progress to rise through the ranks during the year. Kui Kong Young and Alter (both at Post) as well as Goldberg and Forte (both at End) have seen better days and are likely to fade from contention. Spain’s Luis Romero and Aussie Eloy Bennett (the new OPBF titleholder) are expected to advance further up the ranks, building on a successful 1950 in 1951. Espinosa and Armenteros (both still at Pre-Prime) should move up the ranks in 1951. Looking at the current prospects, Vic Toweel (a Champion in real-life) has struggled, suffering a loss and a draw versus lower rated Aussie Kevin James. Another Aussie, Jimmy Carruthers, has got his career off on the right foot. Italians Piero Rollo (a “7”) and Mario D’Agata (an “8”) are likely to develop into future contenders. With the quality of the division taking a big hit with the retirement of all-time great and three time WBA Champ Johnny King, none of the newcomers on the horizon seem to be in a position to fill the vacuum (Robert Cohen of France, only a “5,” is the highest rated of the four newcomers to the division for the upcoming year.

[JCWeb]

FLY
Division Profile

Total: 76 RL: 47 TC: 29

RL by Career Stage:
End - 2
Post - 11
Prime - 21
Pre - 8
Beginning - 5 (2 New)

Rated: 36
800+: 6
500+: 17
200+ : 31

Jan 1951 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1950 in Parens):

WBA Champ: Black Pico 23-4-3 (2) (1155) (+2)
1. Teddy Gardner 38-10-2 (13) (1154) (-1)
2. Peter Kane 45-12-1 (17) (1087) (+1) (EBU, CBU, GBU)
3. Jackie Paterson 38-11-2 (22) (1004) (+4)
4. Dado Marino 38-12-2 (14) (961) (-3) (NABF, USBA)
5. Terry Allen 32-6-1 (4) (883) (-1)
6. Rinty Monaghan 46-19-2 (12) (674) (NC)
7. Yoshio Shirai 27-6-2 (13) (659) (-2)
8 Speedy Akira 17-2-1 (4) (653) (+4)
9. Maurice Sandeyron 28-11-5 (5) (651) (NC)
10. Tanny Campo 14-0-2 (1) (645) (new)

Other Notables: 11. Hans Schiffers 31-17-6 (8) (644)
12. Otilio Galvan 28-14-3 (5) (642)
13. Jimmy Laffin 15-7 (7) (560) (+19) (OPBF)
14. Louis Skena 20-4-1 (7) (515)
24. Oscar Suarez 18-4-1 (3) (382)

Top Prospects: Joe Murphy 11-0-1 (5)
Henry Carpenter 10-1 (5)
Alan Gibbards 5-0 (2)
Eric Marsden 4-0 (2)
Marcus Temple 3-0 (1)
Hitoshi Misako 2-0

Retirements:

Joe Curran (UK) 1932-1950 40-27-6 (12) CBU Champion Highest Rank: 9
Jackie Jurich (USA) 1935-1950 42-15-1 (19) WBA Champion 1940-43, 1945-46
Jimmy Gill (UK) 1931-1950 39-29-5 (12) CBU, GBU Champion Highest Rank: 4

Outlook: Gardner made five successful defenses before losing the WBA title to Pico via a cuts stoppage. Looking at the current top contenders, five – Gardner, Kane, Monaghan, Shirai and Schiffers – have all held the WBA title at one time during their respective careers. Jurich, a two-time WBA Champ, hung up the gloves in 1950, and Kane, Paterson and Monaghan have all reached the Post-Prime stage. Gardner, Allen and young Tanny Campo (still at Pre-Prime) appear to have the ability to gain/regain the top title, or at least a regional belt in the meantime. Fuirther down the ranks, Frenchman Louis Skena is eyeing a shot at the EBU title, currently held by an aging Peter Kane. Only two prospects (Marsden and Misako) rated as high as a “6,” and the two newcomers to the division in 1951 (Young Martin and Keeny Teran) are rated even lower, so not a lot of optimism for the immediate future for this division at this time.

[JCWeb]

1950 YEAR-END PFP RANKINGS (based on Perf Points, with change from last year, number of years on list, first year on list in parens)

1. Joe Louis, HW (WBA Champion), 2419 (NC) (14) (1936)
2. Archie Moore, LH-HW (WBA Champion, NABF HW Champ), 2004 (NC) (5) (1944)
3. Ike Williams, LW (WBA Champion), 1920 (+3) (3) (1948)
4. Dave Sands, MW (WBA Champion), 1765 (+4) (2) (1949)
5. Jimmy Sherrer, WW (WBA Champion), 1704 (new) (1951)
6. Ray Robinson, MW, 1616 (+3) (6) (1946)
7. Holman Williams, MW, 1585 (new) (5) (1940)
8. Willie Pep, FW (WBA Champion), 1580 (+2) (2) (1949)
9. Joe Brown, LW (NABF Champion), 1551 (new) (1) (1950)
10. Jake LaMotta, MW, 1546 (new) (2) (1948)

Dropped Out from Last Year:

Charley Burley, MW (was #4)
Henry Armstrong, WW (was #5), retired
Bob Montgomery, LW (was #7)
Marcel Cerdan, MW (was #10)

Re-entry from Prior Years:

Holman Williams, MW (last #3, 1944)
Jake LaMotta, MW (last #8, 1948)

Comments: Louis retained the top spot in the PFP rankings for the 10th consecutive year, and, once again, six of the eight WBA titleholders make the list (with only thte BW and FLY divisions not represented). LH Champ Archie Moore has announced a move up to HW, so that WBA belt is likely to be vacated in early 1951. All-time great Henry Armstrong fell off the list after a 10-year run in the PFP rankings. Jake LaMotta and aging vet Holman Williams made their way back on to the list, which means there are now four MWs compared to just two HWs (counting Moore among the higher weight class at this point).

ANNUAL YEAR-END AWARDS

FIGHTER OF THE YEAR: Jimmy Sherrer
FIGHT OF THE YEAR: Ike Williams KO 14 Joe Brown (for WBA LW title) (Dec. 16, see post #1648)
TOP NEWCOMER: Rocky Marciano (HW)
UPSET OF THE YEAR: Laurent Dauthuille KO 5 Marcel Cerdan (for EBU MW title) (Aug. 12, see post #1636)
COMEBACK FIGHTER OF THE YEAR: Dave Sands (MW)

Comments:

As in recent years, there were a number of candidates for Fighter of the Year honors, but the nod went to Sherrer, who ended the career of all-time great Henry Armstrong, then went on the defend three times, often versus top contenders, in particular Kid Gavilan, then wrapped up his 1950 campaign with a first round blowout of Tippy Larkin. Other strong candidates include Joe Louis, Willie Pep, Ike Williams and Fernando Gagnon, who retained their respective WBA titles while extending long unbeaten streaks.

Once again, there were several strong contenders for the Fight of the Year honors, including Sherrer’s conquest of Armstrong (see post #1622) and a couple of regional title bouts, notably Peter Kane taking a split duke over Maurice Sandeyron for the EBU Flyweight title (see post #1641) and Norm Gent coming off the deck to retain the Commonwealth LW title versus countryman Vic Patrick (see post #1644). However, a dramatic WBA LW title clash which saw both fighters being knocked down that ended in a 14th round KO earned top honors.

For Top Newcomer, it is hard to argue with the selection of HW Rocky Marciano who, despite winning even a regional title, managed to wrap up his Pre-Prime stage with a perfect 20-0 (20) record, including wins over some solid fighters, including “Tampa” Tommy Gomez, John Holman, Roland LaStarza, Phil Muscato and Pat Comiskey. In the absence of Marciano’s rapid ascent up the HW ranks, the honor might go to others, including LW Phil Kim (19-0-1 career start), LH Yvonne Durelle (17-0 career start) or two guys who won regional titles: Commonwealth FW Champion Keith Francis or his countryman, OPBF BW Champ Elley Bennett.

Upset of the Year went to Dauthuille’s shock KO win over former WBA Champ and long-time EBU MW titleholder Marcel Cerdan; despite Cerdan’s being at Post-Prime, it’s unusual to see a “6” rated fighter take out a “12.” Other candidates were Holman Williams' shocking win (by DQ) over "Sugar" Ray Robinson for the WBA MW title (see post #1626), and Black Pico's TKO win versus Teddy Gardner for the WBA Fly title (see post #1645).

Comeback Fighter of the Year goes to Sands, who bounced back to capture the WBA MW title for the second time. Other possible recipients of the honor include FW Tsuneo Horiguchi, who regained the OPBF FW title and then made two successful defenses; BW Manuel Ortiz, a former WBA Champion who bounced back to claim the NABF BW title and the #1 contender spot; and Flyweight Peter Kane, another former WBA Champ who went 4-0 during the year, scooping up three regional titles in the process.

[JCWeb]

ROLL OF CHAMPIONS

HW

WBA: Joe Louis (Feb. 1939) (44)
NABF: Archie Moore (Dec. 1950) (0)
USBA: Jimmy Bivins (Sep. 1949) (0)
CBU: Bruce Woodcock (Dec. 1947) (0)
GBU: Bruce Woodcock (Jun. 1945) (3)
EBU: Bruce Woodcock (Mar. 1950) (1)
OPBF: Vacant
LABF: Cesar Brion (Mar. 1950) (2)

LH

WBA: *Archie Moore (May 1948) (7)
NABF: Harold Johnson (Mar. 1949) (5)
USBA: Harry Matthews (Aug. 1950) (1)
CBU: Freddie Mills (Jan. 1947) (2)
GBU: Freddie Mills (Jan. 1945) (1)
EBU: Freddie Mills (Jul. 1946) (1)
OPBF: Inactive
LABF: Inactive

MW

WBA: Dave Sands (Jul. 1950) (1)
NABF: Bobby Jones (Oct. 1950) (0)
USBA: Artie Towne (Nov. 1950) (0)
CBU: Tommy Davies (Sep. 1950) (0)
GBU: Tommy Davies (May 1950) (0)
EBU: Laurent Dauthuille (Aug. 1950) (0)
OPBF: Vacant
LABF: Jose Basora (Apr. 1950) (0)

WW

WBA: Jimmy Sherrer (Jan. 1950) (3)
NABF: Johnny Bratton (Apr. 1950) (1)
USBA: George Costner (Nov. 1949) (0)
CBU: Johnny Greco (Jul. 1950) (0)
GBU: Cliff Curvis (Nov. 1949) (2)
EBU: Eddie Thomas (Nov. 1949) (1)
OPBF: Jack McNamee (Apr. 1945) (3)
LABF: Cocoa Kid (May 1949) (2)

LW

WBA: Ike Williams (Oct. 1948) (8)
NABF: Joe Brown (Mar. 1950) (3)
USBA: Freddie Dawson (Aug. 1949) (1)
CBU: Norm Gent (Sep. 1947) (3)
GBU: Harry Hughes (Dec. 1947) (3)
EBU: Harry Hughes (Dec. 1949) (0)
OPBF: Charlie Ashenden (Sep. 1949) (0)
LABF: Enrique Bolanos (Sep. 1947) (0)

FW

WBA: Willie Pep (Apr. 1949) (6)
NABF: Ciro Morasen (Nov. 1948) (2)
USBA: Eddie Compo (Dec. 1950) (0)
CBU: Keith Francis (Apr. 1950) (0)
GBU: Ronnie Clayton (Oct. 1949) (1)
EBU: Ronnie Clayton (Nov. 1950) (0)
OPBF: Tsuneo Horiguchi (Jan. 1950) (2)
LABF: Simon Vergara (Dec. 1949) (0)

BW

WBA: Fernando Gagnon (Sep. 1949) (4)
NABF: Manuel Ortiz (Aug. 1950) (0)
USBA: Harold Dade (Sep. 1950) (0)
CBU: Stan Rowan (June 1950) (1)
GBU: Frankie Williams (Nov. 1950) (0)
EBU: Stan Rowan (Mar. 1950) (0)
OPBF: Elley Bennett (Aug. 1950) (1)
LABF: Luis Galvani (Jan. 1949) (1)

FLY

WBA: Black Pico (Nov. 1950) (0)
NABF: Dado Marino (June 1950) (1)
USBA: Dado Marino (June 1943) (1)
CBU: Peter Kane (Jul. 1950) (0)
GBU: Peter Kane (Jan. 1950) (0)
EBU: Peter Kane (Sep. 1950) (0)
OPBF: Jimmy Laffin (June 1950) (0)
LABF: Vacant

* - It should be noted that Moore, as previously reported, is planning on renouncing the WBA LH title in order to campaign as a HW in 1951.

Comments: Louis extends his reign as the longest serving WBA Champ. Longest reigning regional titleholder is USBA Flyweight Champ Dado Marino. Three Brits (Woodcock in HW, Mills in LH and Kane in FLY) hold down three regional titles at once (the trio of titles being the EBU, CBU and GBU title belts). Greatest turnover was in the MW division where all seven of the active titles changed hands. Least amount of turnover (1 of 8) was in the LW division. Overall turnover of 54% (32 of 59 titles changing hands) was slightly less than last year.

[JCWeb]

Pleased to report that 1951 action is now underway ...

This report includes bouts from the first half of January 1951. No WBA title bouts are included in this report.

Jan. 5, 1951: The year commences with a Friday night card at Buffalo. Topping the agenda is a matchup for the USBA LW title. In it, Freddie Dawson makes his second title defense, and his opponent is Beau Jack, the challenger he defeated in his first defense in 1950. In this rematch, Jack assumes the mantle of aggressor, moving inside in round three to gain a slight lead in the punch count stats. Then, in round five, the two elect to exchange blows on the inside, and Jack again comes out ahead, building an even larger lead in the punches landed stats. At the midway point of the contest, Jack is well ahead (59-55) on points, this according to the unofficial scorer at ringside. Trailing, and seeing his endurance running low, Dawson is forced to take some chances in the second half of the bout in an effort to try to retain the title. In round nine, an overly aggressive Dawson gets careless and goes down, courtesy of a Jack hook; he arises at the count of four, but the damage has been done. By the end of the 10th round, there is noticeable swelling under the right eye of Dawson. Jack eases up in the final couple of rounds to coast to a comfortable UD 12 win (117-110, 118-109, 119-109) to lift the belt, improving to 37-9-2 (22) as a result. Dawson ends up at 26-4-3 (6) after the loss.

Jan. 6, 1951: To the Stadium in Liverpool for the next fistic action. Topping the card is a GBU MW title clash, with Randy Turpin challenging Tommy Davies for the belt. Davies, who won the title from Vince Hawkins and is making his first defense, took a split duke from Turpin back in 1949. However, Turpin was at Pre-Prime back then and has since shown marked improvement, with six wins in his last seven bouts, including a sixth round KO of Hawkins to set up this title challenge; meanwhile, Davies has just hit Post-Prime given 1951 was his real-life retirement year. As it turns out, it takes less than a full round for Turpin to assert his superiority, decking Davies with a big hook, then landing blow after unanswered blow to force an early stoppage with just seconds left in the opening stanza. Impressive TKO 1 for Turpin, who is the new GBU MW Champion as a result. Post-bout records: Turpin, 23-3 (18); Davies, 30-15-5 (9).

Jan. 6, 1951: To Miami for the next fistic action and, in the main event, two top MW contenders do battle, as former WBA Champ Holman Williams faces Jake LaMotta in a 10-round, non-title bout. The two met once before, back in New York City in 1945, and Williams took a points win. However, for this rematch, Williams is at End career stage, so LaMotta’s fans are hoping for a different result. LaMotta has the edge in the punch count stats in the early going, plus there is some initial swelling under Williams’ right eye. At the halfway point, LaMotta has a solid points lead (49-46), according to the unofficial scorer at ringside. Except for a couple of good moments in the seventh round, Williams is unable to make much of an impression, so LaMotta goes on to take a UD 10 (98-92, 96-94, 98-92). Post-bout career records: LaMotta, 37-6-1 (21); Williams, 59-18-1 (24). Solid effort from LaMotta which should put in back in the picture as far as future WBA title shot is concerned.

Jan. 12, 1951: Next is a Friday night card at the Forum in Montreal. Matched are two up and coming LH contenders, as “Irish” Bob Murphy faces Yvon Durelle, the “Fighting Fisherman,” who is bolstered by a raucous hometown crowd. A minute into the opening round, Durelle connects with a big shot that opens a cut over the right eye of Murphy. The cut is reopened in round four, and this time there is noticeable swelling around the injured eye, so more problems for Murphy’s corner. Murphy, however, has the edge in the punch count stats and, at the halfway point of the contest, he holds a narrow points lead (48-47) on the unofficial card. The action heats up in round seven, and Murphy takes charge, landing punch after punch with increasing force. This causes the ref to call a halt, to save Durelle from further punishment, an action that does not sit well with the Canadian fight fans in attendance. The bout goes into the books as a TKO 7 for Murphy. Post-bout, Murphy improves to 23-4 (20) with the win. For Durelle, it is his first career loss, leaving him at 17-1 (13).

Jan. 13, 1951: To Europe for the next card at Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden. Two Flyweight contenders are matched in the main event, as former GBU Flyweight Champ Terry Allen faces Yoshio Shirai of Japan, a former OPBF Fly titleholder. The bout is scheduled for 10, and, in one prior meeting, Allen recorded a points win over Shirai in 1948 on friendly home turf in London. This time around, Allen pulls ahead to an early lead in the punch count stats, frustrating Shirai. At the midway point, Allen has a narrow lead (48-47) on the unofficial scorer’s card. Shirai takes on the role of aggressor for most of the remainder of the bout, with Allen continuing to rely on boxing mainly from the outside. A late surge by Shirai enables him to secure a draw (95-95, 96-94 Allen, 96-94 Shirai), winning the final round on all three cards. Post-bout career records: Allen, 32-6-2 (4); Shirai, 27-6-3 (13).

Jan. 13, 1951: Next, the scene shifts to Detroit for the next fight card. Topping the agenda is a BW contest, matching LABF BW kingpin Luis Galvani with Canadian Lou Alter in a 10-round, non-title contest. Galvani holds a prior points win over Alter back in 1949, in Toronto, and Alter has hit Post-Prime career stage since then. Galvani gets off to a strong start, dominating the action in round two, then moving inside in round three to do further damage. Alter tries valiantly to battle back, but early in round five, Galvani rains a combination of blows that drops Alter, who takes a four count, then attempts to cover up. After going down a second time later in the round, Alter manages to survive the round but, at the midway point, Galvani has a large points lead (49-45) on the unofficial scorer’s card. Late in round seven, Galvani drops Alter with an overhand right, but Alter is saved by the bell before the count is started. Confident of victory, Galvani eases up in the final few rounds, so Alter is lucky to end the bout on his feet. In the end, Galvani takes a lopsided UD 10 (99-88, 98-89, 99-88) to run his career record to 32-7 (20); Alter ends the bout at 28-13-2 (15).

[JCWeb]

sorry to report that, due to some recent injuries from a very bad fall -- including a fractured left wrist -- there will be an indefinite pause in reports for this universe for the time being.