My Universe

[JCWeb]

Dateline San Francisco, October 28, 1916 -- Once again, the "Manassa Mauler" (Jack Dempsey) and the "Fighting Marine" are in action on the same card at San Francisco's Cow Palace. First up is Tunney, who puts his unbeaten, KO win streak on the line in an 8-round bout versus TC Roy Millard, whose 1-7 career mark (including 4 KO losses) is not going to scare anyone. Tunney enters the ring in tip-top condition.

Tunney starts the action by working his way inside, pinning Millard against the ropes. He snaps Millard's head back with a strong shot and follows up with an uppercut. A jab to the chest and a series of strong blow has Millard staggering. Tunney also manages to bloody Millard's nose as he dominates action in the initial stanza, but Millard makes it to the bell.

Round two, Tunney has trouble finding the range. Midway through the round he connects with a couple of body shots and then an uppercut leads to some swelling around Millard's right eye. Millard looks vulnerable as Tunney tags him with a couple of hard jabs at the end of the round.

Third round sees Tunney become more aggressive, landing a solid cross. A big hook by Tunney lands flush and has Millard hanging on, and he manages to stay on his feet despite taking a fearful beating from Tunney.

Round four, Tunney moves inside and lands a volley at the outset. Millard scores with a hook. Tunney responds with a right hook of his own. Millard fights back, landing a lead right and a jab to the jaw of Tunney. Tunney manages to reopen the cut on Millard's nose, but it is the best round for Millard thus far.

Round five action commences with Millard still dripping blood from the cut on his nose. Tunney drops Millard to the canvas with a strong shot, but Millard bounces back up. Tunney takes charge, landing two shots to the head. Millard looks like he is ready to go! The cut is ripped open again, and a jab sets up a second knockdown. Millard is up again but the third KD follows quickly, ending the bout.

Tunney by TKO at 2:41 of round five. He moves to 7-0, all by KO, with 433 pp.

[JCWeb]

The Oct 28 Cow Palace fight card continues until the co-feature which matches unbeaten prospect Jack Dempsey with the 18th ranked HW, veteran Carl Morris, one of the Great White Hope HWs, whose 21-6 (12) record includes wins over Luther McCarty, Denver Ed Martin, Al Palzer, John Lester Johnson, and Colin Bell. However, two recent KO losses to top 10 contenders Frank Moran and Harry Wills have caused Morris' stock to decline, and Dempsey is favored against a very tough opponent.

Round one, Dempsey controls the action, moving in behind a solid combination. The Manassa man follows up with a hook and a jab, moving in to cut the ring off. A straight right hand is blocked by Morris, but Dempsey staggers Morris right before the bell with a strong right hand. Solid start by Dempsey.

Second round and Dempsey is the clear aggressor, picking off a Morris jab and scoring with a cross of his own. He then unloads with a straight right, a hard cross and a hook to the head -- staggering Morris. Morris is trapped in a corner and Dempsey hones in with a devastating cross. A volley of punches leaves Morris hanging on. Dempsey misses with a roundhouse left just as the bell sounds.

Round three, Morris starts well, landing a cross and a combination, ducking under a big right by Dempsey. Dempsey pursues his man and nails Morris with a right hook. A stunned Morris covers up and clinches to try to last the round. Dempsey works his way inside, lands two quick jabs, causing swelling around the left eye of Morris. Dempsey scores with a solid uppercut to end the round.

Both men seem willing to mix it up on the inside in round four, and Dempsey pushes Morris against the ropes but is off target with his punches. Morris lands a hook to the head but Dempsey keeps moving forward. Dempsey is telegraphing his punches, and the bell sounds after a good round for Morris.

Round five, Morris is the aggressor while Dempsey elects to stay on the outside. Dempsey scores with a jab, and the swelling around Morris' eye worsens. Then Dempsey unleashes a barrage of punches and Morris goes down! After taking an 8-count, Morris arises to face Dempsey's killer instinct with a full minute and a half left in the round. Dempsey is wild with the left, connects with a hook to the body, then a left hook and a right hook, but Morris manages to barely hang on to last another round.

Dempsey seems to be looking for the knockout in round six, but a wary Morris is more defensive-minded. Dempsey takes a Morris cross to the chin as he works his way inside, where he find the range with a straight right that staggers Morris. Dempsey follows up right another right and a crushing uppercut that again has Morris barely hanging on.

For the second time in 18 bouts, Dempsey is forced to go past the sixth round. This time he seems determined to keep the KO streak alive, hurting Morris early in the round with a big uppercut. Then a left hook to the body has Morris clutching and grabbing while gasping for air. A Dempsey jab gets through and a nasty cut appears above the right eye of Morris. A three-punch combo staggers Morris, followed by an uppercut that snaps his head back, and Morris crumples to the canvas. Morris arises but is on shaky legs and it doesn't take much longer for the ref George Siler to waive it off. Dempsey by TKO at 2:45 of round 7.

The win moves Dempsey's record to 18-0, all by KO, and 786 pp. Jack is now knocking on the door of the top 10 in the HW ranks, moving up to #11, and another bout is in the offing for December of 1916.

[SAL]

JC, sent you a PM.

[JCWeb]

December 16, 1916 - New Orleans. LA: Top heavyweight prospect Jack Dempsey faces his toughest test yet as he takes on Ireland's Bartley Madden with a Top 10 ranking at stake, in addition to Dempsey's 18-bout consecutive win streak. Going into the bout, Madden was ranked #10, one spot ahead of Dempsey, with a 21-2-2 (11) career mark. In prior bouts, Madden had narrowly lost to former WBA champ Jack Johnson while holding top contenders Tommy Burns and Otto Flint to draws. Madden had never been stopped and only been down once in his 25 previous bout, so the "Manassa Mauler" has his work cut out for him should he hope to keep his consecutive KO streak alive.

Round one, the bell sounds and Madden is able to stay away from Dempsey in the early going, despite being backed into a neutral corner. Madden lands a solid hook while Dempsey is flailing away. Dempsey finally breaks through with a hook to the head of Madden, but Madden has a slight edge in the opening stanza.

Second round sees Dempsey as the aggressor, pressing the attack on the inside while Madden stays on the outside. Dempsey bangs a right cross to the temple, and Madden lands a hook to the head. Dempsey responds with a series of blows, including a big hook, a combination and then a stinging jab and a right hook to take the round.

Third round, Dempsey again presses forward against the defensive-minded Madden. Madden connects with a jab from way outside, then works his way free from the corner while scoring with an uppercut. Dempsey shoots a jab just before the bell but the edge in the round goes to the Irishman.

Round four, Dempsey is off the stool quickly and hunting for the KO shot. He runs into a short hook from Madden, then Dempsey whiffs with a roundhouse left while Madden is accurate again, landing a cross to score more points. Dempsey looks befuddled as the round goes clearly to Madden.

The fifth round sees a reversal of roles as Dempsey tries his luck on the outside and it is Madden working on the inside. Madden scores with a sharp combination, and a left hook from Dempsey is blocked by Madden's defenses. Madden lands another combination, then doubles up on his hook, and Dempsey once again is on the short end of the score.

For the first time in his career, Dempsey trails on points at the halfway point, by as much as 49-46 according to one ringside expert.

Dempsey is back on the attack in round 6, but there is not much action until a flurry late in the round which sees Dempsey land a crushing cross but Madden is able to follow up with a combination right before the bell.

Round seven, Dempsey is headhunting again, and absorbs a right cross from Madden before landing a three-punch combination followed by a right hand. Madden fights back, landing a hook. The Manassa Mauler presses forward, scoring with an uppercut followed by a cross that gets Madden's attention. It is Dempsey's best round of the bout, but he is unable to follow up and put Madden in greater difficulty.

The eighth round sees Dempsey pressing the attacking, landing a strong cross and following with a devastating uppercut that forces Madden to retreat. Dempsey doubles up on the jab, setting up a sharp combination followed by a cross that staggers his opponent. Another right gets in near the end of the round, another strong one for Dempsey but Madden manages to stay on his feet.

Round nine, both men are tiring from the fast pace of the bout. Dempsey connects with a three-punch combo and follows up with a big left. Then he misses with a jab, but regains control right before the bell to score with a hard jab and an uppercut. Will Dempsey's rally during rounds 7, 8 and 9 be enough to carry the day?

Tenth and final round, and Dempsey looks like he wants to keep that KO streak intact as he sneaks in behind hard jab to start his attack. Madden flings a lead right that is slipped by Dempsey. Madden gets in a right cross, and The Manassa Mauler digs in a couple of body shots. Madden wings a left just before the bell sounds. Bartley Madden has become the first HW to last the distance with Dempsey, but did his early lead hold up? (The unofficial count from the ringside expert had the bout 96-94 for Madden, but several other ringsiders thought Dempsey had done enough in the second half of the bout to pull out the win.)

After an interminable wait, the judge's scorecards are read: 96-94 for Madden, 95-95 even, and then ... 95-95 even, a majority draw! After the bout, Dempsey's career record stands at 18-0-1 (18) with 790 pp, gaining just 4 pp from the draw with the higher-rated Madden.

Jack Dempsey's consecutive win streak and his aura of invincibly is shattered, and going into 1917 his future is a bit clouded, although after one more bout he will reach the Prime of his career stage. A rematch with Madden in February, perhaps?

[Romdawg88]

Wow, Madden almost got the upset heck of a effort by him. I wonder how Dempsey will react to this minor setback.

[JCWeb]

... and after one more bout he will be at Prime. Benny Leonard was held to a draw early on by none other than Special Delivery Hirsch but went on to recover and take the WBA title a few bouts later. Of course, the fact that Dempsey had to struggle a bit to get the draw may factor in as well, but right now I am thinking if he gets through his final bout at Pre-Prime he will then do all right.

Year-end 1916 reports coming up in the next few days...

[JCWeb]

1916 HW Title Bouts

WBA

Sam McVey CH (42-10-2) vs Sam Langford #1 (52-7-1)

Langford, winner of his last five, seeks to regain the WBA belt against McVey, who is riding a 7-bout win streak, having lost to Langford in a 1913 title clash. Fifth meeting between the two, strong past edge to Langford with 3 wins (2 by KO) and a draw in prior bouts.

McVey starts well, landing a big uppercut but Langford is quick to respond, countering with a big hook to take a close round one. Langford is the aggressor in round two, but McVey lands some countershots in a solid round for the Champ. Langford presses forward, nailing McVey with a big uppercut in round four. It's a close bout, 48 all after the first five stanzas. Langford looks good in a close round six, powering his way to the inside behind a strong hook and uppercut. McVey retaliates when he works off the ropes to score a huge uppercut to Langford's jaw. McVey pulls ahead in the middle rounds, featuring a strong round 10 when a vicious uppercut opens a a cut over the right eye of Langford. The cut reopens and McVey withstands a late rally by Langford to keep the belt. McVey by MD 15 (145-141, 143-143, 145-141).

Sam McVey CH (43-10-2) vs. Tom Cowler (16-6-2)

McVey, looking for an easier opponent after the "war" with Langford, travels to England to take on Tom Cowler, the "Cumberland Giant." McVey looks confident, as Cowler has yet to even capture the GBU title, although he looked good in a recent KO win over Goerge "Boer" Rodel.

McVey gets off to a fast start, working inside and piling up points against the lumbering Cowler, who is an inviting target for the quick-fisted McVey. The overmatched Cowler winds up taking a fearful beating, but somehow manages to remain upright and stay off the canvas. Swelling gradually develops around the right eye of the game challenger, and the predictable result is a late round stoppage for McVey. McVey by TKO 12.

Sam McVey CH (44-10-2) vs Colin Bell #6 (23-9-3)

McVey heads down under to defend versus the highest rated Aussie, Colin Bell. It is Bell's first try for the WBA title, and recent wins over Arthur Pelkey, Albert Pooley and Bill Brennan have set him up for this opportunity.
McVey is favored to win his 10th in a row.

McVey once again starts off well, taking the opening round and then staggering Bell with uppercuts and crosses in a strong round 2. Bell regains his composure, has a good round 4 but it's 49-46 McVey after the first five, according to the ringside expert. Toe-to-toe action in round 6 sees McVey follow up a double jab and cause a mouse to form around Bell's left eye. McVey looks to finish Bell but the big Aussie hangs in and the bout heads to the later rounds. McVey drops Bell for an 8-count in round 12 and coasts to a UD verdict. McVey by UD 15 (146-138, 147-137, 146-138).

NABF: Jack Johnson, the aging former WBA champ, makes two title defenses versus "Sailor" Meehan and Frank "The Pittsburgh Dentist" Moran. Meehan is outclassed in a one-sided affair that results in a lopsided UD 12 for Johnson. Moran proves to be a tougher test, and a cut over Moran's eye from an accidental butt reopens late in the fight, causing them to go to the scorecards after 11 for a STD 12 win for Johnson (105-104, 103-106. 105-104). Johnson keeps the crown heading into 1917, but it appears his days near the top are numbered.

USBA: Harry Wills, the "Black Panther," defends against 16-0 prospect Fred Fulton, the "Rochester Plasterer." Fulton applies the pressure from the outset but is totally outclassed by the slick boxing and counter-punching Wills. Wills puts Fulton on the canvas in round 7, and again in round 11 en route to a clear-cut UD 12 win (118-108, 118-108, 118-110).

CBU: One title defense by Canadian Tommy Burns, versus the GBU champ, Bombadier Billy Wells. Burns cruises to an easy UD 12 win, dropping Wells twice in the process.

GBU: The belt changed hands in 1916 as Wells took on young Joe Beckett, who broke open a close bout with a dominating performance in round 5 that led to a TKO stoppage in that round. Then Beckett took on another young Brit, Charlie Penwill, who had defeated him earlier in the year. Beckett turned the tables on Penwill in the title tilt, letting loose with a devastating cross and inflicting enough punishment to lead to a 6th round TKO stoppage to maintain the belt into 1917.

EBU: German Otto Flint made his first EBU title defense in over a year, taking on England's Penwill , who was doing well until he ran into a Flint right that landed right on the button to put Penwill down for good. Flint by KO in round 5. Then Swede Ragnar Holmberg got another shot at Flint's belt, but this time Flint seized the initiative early, flooring the Swede in round three and again near the end of round 6, and Holmberg did not get up after the second KD. Flint by KO 6.

[meade95]

Originally Posted by JCWeb

December 16, 1916 - New Orleans. LA: Top heavyweight prospect Jack Dempsey faces his toughest test yet as he takes on Ireland's Bartley Madden with a Top 10 ranking at stake, in addition to Dempsey's 18-bout consecutive win streak. Going into the bout, Madden was ranked #10, one spot ahead of Dempsey, with a 21-2-2 (11) career mark. In prior bouts, Madden had narrowly lost to former WBA champ Jack Johnson while holding top contenders Tommy Burns and Otto Flint to draws. Madden had never been stopped and only been down once in his 25 previous bout, so the "Manassa Mauler" has his work cut out for him should he hope to keep his consecutive KO streak alive.

Round one, the bell sounds and Madden is able to stay away from Dempsey in the early going, despite being backed into a neutral corner. Madden lands a solid hook while Dempsey is flailing away. Dempsey finally breaks through with a hook to the head of Madden, but Madden has a slight edge in the opening stanza.

Second round sees Dempsey as the aggressor, pressing the attack on the inside while Madden stays on the outside. Dempsey bangs a right cross to the temple, and Madden lands a hook to the head. Dempsey responds with a series of blows, including a big hook, a combination and then a stinging jab and a right hook to take the round.

Third round, Dempsey again presses forward against the defensive-minded Madden. Madden connects with a jab from way outside, then works his way free from the corner while scoring with an uppercut. Dempsey shoots a jab just before the bell but the edge in the round goes to the Irishman.

Round four, Dempsey is off the stool quickly and hunting for the KO shot. He runs into a short hook from Madden, then Dempsey whiffs with a roundhouse left while Madden is accurate again, landing a cross to score more points. Dempsey looks befuddled as the round goes clearly to Madden.

The fifth round sees a reversal of roles as Dempsey tries his luck on the outside and it is Madden working on the inside. Madden scores with a sharp combination, and a left hook from Dempsey is blocked by Madden's defenses. Madden lands another combination, then doubles up on his hook, and Dempsey once again is on the short end of the score.

For the first time in his career, Dempsey trails on points at the halfway point, by as much as 49-46 according to one ringside expert.

Dempsey is back on the attack in round 6, but there is not much action until a flurry late in the round which sees Dempsey land a crushing cross but Madden is able to follow up with a combination right before the bell.

Round seven, Dempsey is headhunting again, and absorbs a right cross from Madden before landing a three-punch combination followed by a right hand. Madden fights back, landing a hook. The Manassa Mauler presses forward, scoring with an uppercut followed by a cross that gets Madden's attention. It is Dempsey's best round of the bout, but he is unable to follow up and put Madden in greater difficulty.

The eighth round sees Dempsey pressing the attacking, landing a strong cross and following with a devastating uppercut that forces Madden to retreat. Dempsey doubles up on the jab, setting up a sharp combination followed by a cross that staggers his opponent. Another right gets in near the end of the round, another strong one for Dempsey but Madden manages to stay on his feet.

Round nine, both men are tiring from the fast pace of the bout. Dempsey connects with a three-punch combo and follows up with a big left. Then he misses with a jab, but regains control right before the bell to score with a hard jab and an uppercut. Will Dempsey's rally during rounds 7, 8 and 9 be enough to carry the day?

Tenth and final round, and Dempsey looks like he wants to keep that KO streak intact as he sneaks in behind hard jab to start his attack. Madden flings a lead right that is slipped by Dempsey. Madden gets in a right cross, and The Manassa Mauler digs in a couple of body shots. Madden wings a left just before the bell sounds. Bartley Madden has become the first HW to last the distance with Dempsey, but did his early lead hold up? (The unofficial count from the ringside expert had the bout 96-94 for Madden, but several other ringsiders thought Dempsey had done enough in the second half of the bout to pull out the win.)

After an interminable wait, the judge's scorecards are read: 96-94 for Madden, 95-95 even, and then ... 95-95 even, a majority draw! After the bout, Dempsey's career record stands at 18-0-1 (18) with 790 pp, gaining just 4 pp from the draw with the higher-rated Madden.

Jack Dempsey's consecutive win streak and his aura of invincibly is shattered, and going into 1917 his future is a bit clouded, although after one more bout he will reach the Prime of his career stage. A rematch with Madden in February, perhaps?

A Dempsey Vs Madden rematch is a must.......As Dempsey will likely only improve this next year......Though does Madden take this draw and use it to propel himself towards his own title shot...and to hell with giving Dempsey a rematch??

[JCWeb]

1916 HW Division Profile

Total: 153 RL: 79 TCs: 74

RL By Career Stage:
End - 5
Post- 10
Prime - 45
Pre - 16
Beginning - 3 (New -3)

Rated: 64
800+: 11
500+: 21
200+: 52

Jan 1917 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from 1916 in Parens):

Champ: Sam McVey 45-10-2 (28) (1494) (NC)
1. Sam Langford 54-8-1 (42) (1413) (NC)
2. Jack Johnson 73-9-6 (51) (1323) (NC)
3. Joe Jeannette 44-7 (31) (1216) (NC)
4. Harry Wills 23-2-1 (19) (1167) (+1)
5. Tommy Burns 45-12-3 (31) (1129) (-1)
6. Colin Bell 23-10-3 (11) (1010) (NC)
7. Frank Moran 30-11-1 (18) (909) (+2)
8. Jeff Clarke 28-8-2 (21) (892) (-1)
9. Gunboat Smith 26-8-1 (18) (858) (+2)
10. Bartley Madden 21-2-3 (11) (802) (-2)

Comments: McVey is clearly the top HW, having won his last 10 in a row and successfully defended against the top contender, Langford. Langford did look impressive in wins over Flint, Jeannette and Gunboat Smith to maintain his spot as top contender despite not holding any title. Johnson, now at End career stage, and Jeannette, who moves to Post in 1917, are the only top contenders not at Prime career stage. Johnson's two major wins (SD over Moran and MD versus Madden) kept him from demonstrating the effects of aging, probably for the last time. Wills fought only twice, defending his USBA belt but only managing a draw with CBU champ, Burns. Burns had another up-and-down year, defending the CBU belt versus lesser competition but losing to Jeannette. Bell looked impressive in a KO win over up-and-coming New Zealander Albert Pooley, but his career has been momentarily stalled by his recent WBA title defeat at the hands of McVey.
Moran had a solid year, with decision wins over Gunboat and Homer Smith and KOs versus Jim Coffey and Charley Miller, with the narrow NABF title loss to Jack Johnson the only blemish. Joplin Ghost Jeff Clarke won three in a row versus Bell, Miske and Battling Jim Johnson but a severe KO 2 loss to Gunboat Smith stalled his progress. Smith moved to the top 10 by virtue of that win, but the loss to Langford dropped him back one spot. Bartley Madden clung to the #10 spot with the excellent performance (a draw) with Dempsey to go with a UD 10 win over Miller despite a loss to Jack Johnson.

Other Notables: The saga of the "Manassa Mauler," Jack Dempsey has been well chronicled, and he debuts in the year-end list at #11, just one spot short of the top ten (a win over Madden in bout #19 would have put him there). Right behind him at #12 is the quintessential Great White Hope, big Jess Willard, who slipped two spots after a KO loss to Jeannette but registered a UD 10 versus EBU titleholder Otto Flint. Jess' career record now stands at 21-3 (14). EBU champ Flint stands at #14 with a 21-5-2 (18) mark and 652 pp, as the loss to Willard prevented further progress. Billy Miske is ranked #13 after wins over Miller and LH Jack Dillon but a loss to Clarke kept him from advancing further; his career record of 19-2-1 (11) is an excellent one. Fred Fulton, who started by reeling off 16 consecutive wins, has lost his last two to Wills and Dempsey to drop him to 16-2 (11), good for 15th overall. Irishman Bob Devere debuts at #19, after suffering his first loss to fellow Irishman Jim Coffey; his overall record is now 14-1-1 (10). Bill Brennan, now #17 at 17-4 (14), struggled when faced with tougher competition, suffering consecutive defeats at the hands of Bell and Gunboat Smith. New Zealander Pooley was unbeaten but dropped to 15-2 (12) and the #20 spot after KO losses to Bell and Coffey. GBU HW champs still get no respect in the rankings, and Joe Beckett looks to improve on his #29 ranking -- 18-5 (17) career mark with 407 pp -- in 1917.

Prospects: All the HW prospects who debuted in 1915 and 1916 are still unbeaten, having feasted on TC opposition. Leading the way are Agile Andre Anderson at 9-0 (8) and Bud Gorman at 9-0 (4). German Paul Samson-Korner has won all seven of his bouts inside the distance. Fat LaRue at 5-0 (3) and Aussie George Cook at 5-0 (1) have also kept their records unblemished.

Retirements: Five HWs hung up the gloves in 1916, not counting former LH and HW champ Philly Jack O'Brien who will be listed in the LH report.

Bill Lang (AUS) 1905-1916 20-18-2 (10) No Titles Highest ranking: 17
Joseph "Jewey" Smith (SAF) 1908-16 14-15-2 (9) No Titles Highest rank: 15
Gunner Moir (UK) 1903-1916 23-23-3 (12) EBU, GBU Champ Highest rank:14
Charles Horn (USA) 1910-16 15-12-1 (5) No Titles Highest rank: 24
Mike Schreck (USA) 1900-16 36-26-1 (24) USBA Title Highest rank: 7

Looking Ahead: Another WBA title try could be in the offing for Wills in 1917, with perhaps a greater prospect for success this time around. Look for Johnson and Jeannette to finally drop in the ratings, and the newer guys like Dempsey, Willard, Miske, Brennan and Fulton should start crashing the Top 10 ranks and perhaps annex a lesser title belt. Flint could be vulnerable to a EBU title challenge from someone like Madden, and a Burns-Bell matchup for the CBU title could be interesting. Leading the new crop of HWs for 1917 are Brit Herbert Crossley and "The Wild Bull of the Pampas," Luis Firpo.

Predictions: First, a look back at last year. The "bold" one -- Jack Johnson regaining the WBA belt -- did not happen. However, I did OK with the other forecasts, as Dempsey reached the top 20 (almost the top 10) despite the KO streak being snapped. Fulton did lose -- twice. Wells lost the GBU belt to one of the two boxers mentioned (Beckett) and the only one that didn't come true (Flint dropping the EBU belt to Madden) didn't happen as the two did not meet.
For next year, my "bold" prediction will be that Harry Wills will take the WBA crown from McVey. Still too soon for Dempsey to reach the top spot, but I will predict a NABF or USBA title for Jack, probably after another tune-up fight or two. I will once again predict Madden over Flint for the EBU belt, and look for Frank Moran to move up to the top five by year's end.

[JCWeb]

1916 LH Title Bouts

WBA

Tommy Gibbons CH (19-2-1) vs Bob McAllister #2 (26-5-1)

Second meeting of the two, and Gibbons is seeking revenge for a TKO loss to McAllister for the USBA belt in 1914. Gibbons has won five straight since that bout, and McAllister has won his last two (versus O'Brien and Levinsky) since his last loss, to Carpentier, in 1915.

Gibbons is off to a strong start in round one. Both work hard on the inside in rounds two and three, and there is puffiness around the right eye of McAllister by the end of the third stanza. By the end of round four, McAllister's accumulated punches have caused a mouse to form under the left eye of the champ. Both retreat to the outside in an uneventful round five. Both men move forward, neither retreating an inch in the middle rounds. Near the end of the ninth, McAllister comes on strong with a big hook to the head of Gibbons. Gibbons appears to take a narrow lead into the later rounds, but McAllister comes on strong in rounds 11 and 12. Gibbons, the title at stake, starts pressuring his opponent in the last few rounds. The scorecards are read, and it's a split decision -- 144-143 Gibbons, 145-143 McAllister, and the final judge gives the nod to McAllister by 145-143. McAllister's spurt in rounds 11 and 12 appeared to make all the difference.

Bob McAllister CH (27-5-1) vs Georges Carpentier #1 (29-2-1)

The Frenchman, holder of the EBU belt, challenges for the WBA title. Despite a recent loss to Battling Levinsky, Carpentier's earlier win over McAllister in April 1915 makes him a worthy challenger.

The "Orchid Man" is sharp early, taking the bout to the champ in round one. Carpentier presses the advantage in the second but McAllister responds with a hard hook to the head. Round three, McAllister lands a cross on the inside, but the Frenchman stays away and piles up points to take the edge. More slick defense from the Frenchman in round four, but McAllister reasserts himself and the "unofficial card" has the champ by 48-47 after the first five rounds. A mouse forms around Carpentier's left eye in round six. Another close round in the 7th, where the Frenchman is the aggressor. Not much action in rounds 8 and 9. Toe-to-toe action in round 10, and Carpentier lands a hook and McAllister is staggered by a follow-up cross. (95-all at this point on the unofficial card.) Carpentier follows up in the 11th and puts McAllister on the canvas late in the round. This turns the tide in Carpentier's favor and he dominates the action in the later rounds to capture the belt. Carpentier by UD 15 (144-140, 144-141, 144-140).

Georges Carpentier CH (30-2-1) vs Harry Reeve #15 (15-7-1)

Despite a recent loss to Leo Houck, Reeve (as GBU champ) is the first defense for the Frenchman, who enters as a heavy favorite, having defeated Reeve twice by KO for the European title in 1914 and 1915.

Carpentier starts off well, pressing the attack and taking the early points advantage (49-46 after five according to the ringside expert). Reeve matches Carpentier on the inside in a strong round 6. Even worse, in round 8 the Orchid Man walks into a Reeve combination and is down for an 8-count. Fortunately for the Frenchman, Reeve starts to tire from round 9 on and can't capitalize on his success. Carpentier drops Reeve with an overhand right near the end of the 12th to cinch the victory. A game Reeve battles on and lasts the distance, despite two more trips to the canvas. Carpentier retains the title by UD 15 (146-134, 143-137, 144-136) in a bout that proved much closer than anticipated.

NABF: McAllister relinquished the title after winning the WBA belt and previously unbeaten Mike McTigue took on Bob Sweeney for the title. The bout was described previously here (see post #218), and Sweeney won the title in a terrific bout. But next up was former WBA champ Jack "The Giant Killer" Dillon, who started well, stunned Sweeney in the fourth and then knocked him down in round 7 en route to a UD 12 verdict (115-112, 116-111, 116-111).

USBA: Frank Farmer defended versus former champ Leo Houck, and Houck compiled the early points lead through the first half of the bout. Farmer rallied with a strong round 7, but Houck bounced back to open a cut above Farmer's eye that worsened, leading to a TKO 11 (cuts) win for Houck. Houck didn't keep the belt for long, as Charles Grande proved to be too aggressive and too strong for a surprising UD 12 verdict (115-113 on all three cards) to lift the belt.

CBU: Dave Smith held the belt but did not defend in 1916.

GBU: Similarly, Harry Reeve kept the belt without defending.

EBU: A title bout was necessitated when Carpentier won the WBA crown. Battling Siki, the Senegalese, had an easy time of it versus aging TC veteran Chuck Carrick, knocking out Carrick halfway through round one.

[JCWeb]

1916 LH Division Profile

Total: 60 RL: 28 TCs: 32

RL by Career Stage:
End - 0
Post - 1
Prime -15
Pre - 8
Beginning - 4 (New-2)

Rated: 20
800+: 3
500+: 13
200+: 19

Jan. 1917 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from 1916 in Parens)

Champ: Georges Carpentier 31-2-1 (21) (946) (+1)
1. Bob McAllister 28-6-1 (19) (939) (+1)
2. Tommy Gibbons 21-3-1 (11) (884) (-2)
3. Battling Siki 17-3-2 (11) (737) (+6)
4. Jack Dillon 31-5-3 (15) (736) (-1)
5. Battling Levinsky 25-9-1 (14) (647) (+3)
6. Charles Grande 17-6-1 (6) (616) (+8)
7. Leo Houck 35-16-4 (12) (615) (-3)
8. Bob Sweeney 18-5-1 (13) (576) (+2)
9. Howard Morrow 22-10-1 (16) (535) (+4)
10. Dave Smith 26-10 (21) (534) (-4)

Comments: Everyone listed above at Prime in 1917, except for Smith who hits Post as 1917 was his RL retirement year. Carpentier recovered from a TKO loss to Levinsky to capture the WBA crown. McAllister captured the WBA title and lost it, scoring a TKO over lowly-ranked Clay Turner to keep the #1 contender spot. Tommy Gibbons lost the belt via a SD but bounced back with UD wins versus Dave Smith and Larry Williams. Siki lost to Williams but won three in a row, including a MD over Levinsky and a win by DQ over ex-Champ Jack Dillon to go with his capture of the EBU belt. Dillon's comeback effort was stalled as he lost to HW Billy Miske in addition to the unfortunately DQ loss to Siki. Levinsky's career remained a rollercoaster ride, as the TKO win over Carpentier was offset by a loss to Siki and a draw with Grande, who went 3-0-1 for the year to move up 8 spots to #6, by virtue of wins over Houck, McTigue and Wiggins. Houck beat Reeve and Farmer but lost when favored to Grande for the US belt. Sweeney scored a TKO win over McTigue and a MD over Morrow but suffered a loss to Dillon and was held to a draw by Farmer. Morrow recovered from the loss to Sweeney with wins over Lloyd and Smith to keep his Top 10 spot. Smith had a four-bout win streak snapped with successive losses to Gibbons and Morrow.

Other Notables: Frank Farmer dropped out of the Top 10, sliding seven spots to #12, losing to Houck and Dave Smith while only managing a draw with Sweeney. Also, the retirement of former champ, all-time great Phila Jack O'Brien (#7 the prior year) also opened up a top ten spot. Top newcomer is Kid Norfolk, who holds down the #11 spot with a 15-1 (11) record, including a UD 10 over McTigue after a TKO loss to Chuck Wiggins. Dick Smith is #13 after a 13-1-1 (3) start to his career, featuring a SD win over Turner but a loss to Norfolk. Mike McTigue struggled after pounding out 15 KOs in his first 15 bouts, losing to Sweeney, Grande and Norfolk. Wiggins, the "Hoosier Playboy," holds down the #16 spot with a 12-4 (8) mark. British beltholder Harry Reeve is far down the list at #18, with a 15-8-1 (12) mark and only 265 pp.

Prospects: All the recent additions continued to work their way through TC opposition, led by Steve Choynski, who compiled a 10-0-1 (4) record. Eddie Trembley is now 8-0 (7), but with 7 KOs and 7 wins in 7 bouts, Gene Tunney, the "Fighting Marine," is the best of the lot. Ed Kruvosky and Pat McCarthy have stayed unbeaten, but Lou Bogash stumbled out of the gate, losing by a foul in his initial bout.

Retirements: Two former champs, including one all-time great, hung up the gloves in 1916.

Jack "Twin" Sullivan (USA) 1900-16 43-27 (19) WBA Champ Highest rank:1
Phila Jack O'Brien (USA) 1896-1916 63-12-5 (27) WBA LH and HW champ

With 63 wins in 80 bouts and World titles in two different divisions in a 21-year career, O'Brien is certainly a future Hall of Fame candidate.

Looking Ahead: Carpentier will likely face a stiff challenge in 1917 from either Gibbons or Dillon, both of whom would like to regain the WBA belt. Levinsky will continue to try and capture a title. Dave Smith might have difficulty keeping the CBU belt, once his most likely challengers reach Prime career stage. Dick Smith should be expected to challenge either Smith or GBU champ Harry Reeve. McTigue and Norfolk are dark horse candidates to capture one of the lesser belts. Choynski and Tunney appear to be the best among the prospects, but are likely a year away from challenging for a top ten spot.

Predictions: Reluctant to make any for 1917 as just about every one made last year fell flat. Gibbons to keep WBA title? Didn't happen. Levinsky to defeat Farmer for USBA belt? Didn't happen. Other belts to stay the same? Didn't happen, as there were new NABF and EBU champs crowned. This year I will stick my neck out and predict that Gibbons will recapture the WBA belt from Carpentier, and that McTigue will capture the USBA crown now held by Grande. Look for Reeve to successfully defend the GBU title versus Dick Smith. Tunney will keep winning, but the KO streak will be snapped once he starts taking on RL boxers.

[mh2365]

Good stuff as always

[JCWeb]

1916 MW Title Bouts

WBA

Mike Gibbons CH (25-3-1) vs Mick King (15-4)

King is CBU champ but not rated in the Top 20. Gibbons enters as a heavy favorite, having won 9 in a row, while King is coming off losses to Bill Fleming and a CBU title bout with Ahearn.

Gibbons looks to work outside, dominating the early action against an aggressive King. As the bout develops, it's clear King is totally outclassed, but he keeps pushing forward despite taking a beating. Swelling develops around King's left eye in round 9 and worsens, but the Aussie manages to last the distance. Gibbons by UD 15 (150-135, 149-136, 150-133).

Mike Gibbons CH (26-3-1) vs Jeff Smith #4 (24-4)

Smith gets his second WBA title shot after losing on a SD 15 to Gibbons the first time around.

A solid start by the St. Paul Phantom, who builds an early lead (49-46 after the first five rounds, according to the ringside expert). Smith tries to be more aggressive in the middle rounds, and he scores well in round 7 while trapping Gibbons on the inside. The bout remains fairly close (96-94 for Gibbons on the unofficial card) into the later rounds. Smith scores with the uppercut, and swelling is apparent on both eyes of the Champ after round 11. No knockdowns, and the result is another split decision. Gibbons by SD 15 (144-141 Gibbons, 142-144 Smith, 144-141 Gibbons).

Mike Gibbons CH (27-3-1) vs Eddie McGoorty #2 (33-10-1)

McGoorty, the reigning USBA champion, gets his first title shot in seven years, having reached his highest career ranking. First meeting of the two.

McGoorty is the aggressor in the early rounds, but the St. Paul Phantom proves to be an elusive target. McGoorty recovers with a strong round 4 and 5 to close the gap on the scorecards. After a close round 6, round 7 features alot of toe-to-toe action, and McGoorty seems to be getting the best of it near the end of the fight. McGoorty penetrates Gibbons' defenses in round 8, and the champ slumps to the canvas for the fight's first knockdown. Round nine, McGoorty looks to finish Gibbons, who fights back despite the swelling around his right eye. Gibbons' belt is in real jeopardy, as the unofficial scorecard has it 96-93 McGoorty with five rounds left, the title belt on the line. In round 11, Gibbons catches McGoorty on the inside with a strong shot to score a surprise knockout. At the time, McGoorty was ahead on all 3 cards. Gibbons gets off the canvas and keeps the belt via KO 11 in a strong candidate for fight of the year.

Mike Gibbons CH (28-3-1) vs Billy Papke #1 (35-4-3)

2 top MWs battle in Chicago for the WBA title; the two split in their prior two bouts so, in a sense, this is the rubber match.

Papke bulls his way inside in round one and is the early aggressor. Gibbons shows solid defense in round two to resist the heavy attack from the Illinois Thunderbolt. Both work outside in round three, and Papke's left eye is starting to swell by the end of the round. The St. Paul Phantom gets careless in round four, and is nailed by a Papke that puts him on the canvas. A fired-up Papke is looking for the KO in the following round, and the unofficial card shows him with a 48-46 edge at this point. Gibbons gets more aggressive, trapping Papke in the corner in round 6. Gibbons uses the jab more effectively to keep Papke at bay, and after 10 rounds it's a close one, 95-94 Papke according to the ringside expert. Papke tires in the later round as Gibbons rallies to take the last few rounds and keep the title. Gibbons by MD 15 (143-141, 144-144, 144-141)

NABF: Papke makes three defenses during the year, first versus Al Rogers, who is cut early and down in round 5 but hangs around until the ref steps in and stops it -- TKO 10 for Papke. Next up is Joe Borrell, who proves to be a tough opponent. A straight right by Papke has Borrell on the canvas in round 5, and a late rally by Borrell keeps it close. Papke by UD 12 (114-112, 114-112, 115-111). Then George Ashe challenges Papke and manages to stay away from Papke's power to make it a very close bout, in fact, Papke barely escapes with a draw (114-114, 115-113 Papke, 114-114).

USBA: McGoorty gives a title shot to Joe Chip, who survives a fifth round knockdown to go the distance, outdoing his brother George, but it's McGoorty by UD 12 (115-110, 116-110, 115-110). Late in the year, McGoorty defends against Borrell who staggers McGoorty in the very first round with a strong uppercut, and Borrell pounds away until the ref stops it. Borrell by TKO 1 in a shocker.

CBU: Mick King defends against fellow Aussie Les Darcy, who repeats his success in a prior bout from 1914, scoring a KO in round 6 to regain the belt.

GBU: Gus Platts waits over a year to defend the belt, and once again the opponent is Jake Ahearn, "The Brooklyn Dancing Master." It's a close bout, and a late rally by Ahearn gives him a draw, but the "Sheffield Blade" keeps the belt. (Scorecards are 114 all, 114-113 Ahearn and 113-114 Platts).

EBU: Ahearn defends versus Platts and comes on strong in the later rounds to secure a SD 12 verdict (114-116 Platts, 115-113 Ahearn, 115-113 Ahearn). His next opponent, Chic Nelson of Denmark, and Ahearn is recovering from another slow start when he is called for a vicious low blow in round 6, and Nelson is awarded the belt on a controversial DQ.

[Romdawg88]

Tough year for McGoorty, almost has the WBC belt and gets KOed and then follows that up by getting blown out of the water by Borrell. That hurts.

[JCWeb]

Romy, McGoorty is at least still ranked highly, whereas a RL champ like George Chip has had a real rough time of it so far in my Uni, as the MW division is among the most competitive...

Division Profile

Total: 128 RL: 67 TC: 61

RL by Career Stage:
End - 1
Post - 5
Prime - 42
Pre - 13
Beginning - 6 (New - 3)

Jan 1917 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from 1916 in Parens)

Champ: Mike Gibbons 29-3-1 (11) (1354) (NC)
1. Billy Papke 35-5-3 (23) (1195) (NC)
2. Joe Borrell 21-6-1 (14) (950) (+6)
3. Jeff Smith 26-5 (12) (941) (-1)
4. Eddie McGoorty 34-12-1 (29) (906) (-1)
5. Harry Greb 19-1 (15) (845) (+6)
6. Les Darcy 25-6-2 (17) (788) (-1)
7. Albert Crouse 21-6-1 (18) (783) (-1)
8. Jack McCarron 23-9-2 (12) (754) (+2)
9. Joe Chip 23-9-2 (15) (714) (-5)
10. George Ashe 21-3-3 (13) (697) (+6)

Comments: All the above at Prime except for Darcy, who enters his second year at Post-Prime. Gibbons is firmly entrenched as the Champ, now having won his last 13 in a row. Papke kept his NABF belt and retains the #1 contender spot despite being held to a draw by Ashe. Borrell went 3-1 for the year, capturing the USBA belt in convincing fashion (TKO 1 over McGoorty) on top of UD wins over Jeff Smith and Joe Chip. Smith bounced back from losses to Borrell and Gibbons with a UD over Ahearn and a MD over Al Grayber. McGoorty stayed among the top contenders with a UD win over Darcy, despite the losses to Gibbons and Borrell. Greb surged into the Top 10 with KOs over Al McCoy and Gus Christie combined with UDs over McCarron and Johnny Howard to offset his first career loss in a SD setback against Grayber. Darcy recaptured the CBU belt, beat Platts and Mick King, but lost to McGoorty and was held to a draw by George "KO" Brown. "Buck" Crouse suffered a UD defeat at the hands of Mike O'Dowd but recovered with wins over Thomas and Mantell. McCarron impressed in a TKO of Al McCoy and also scored a UD versus Harry Reeve, but the loss to Greb prevented further progress. Joe Chip failed versus top 5 contenders like McGoorty and Borrell, but a win over Mantell kept him in the top 10. Ashe moved into the top group with a UD 10 over Robinson plus draws with Papke (in the NABF title bout) and Eddie Revoire.

Other Notables: Top 10 dropouts from the prior year were Al Grayber, who started off well with a SD over Greb, but then lost to Smith and McCoy to tumble from #7 spot to #14, and German Frank Mantell, who went 0-3 for the year to drop 16 spots all the way down to #15. Checking in at #11, just outside the top group, was Fighting Billy Murray, winner of his last 6 in a row, including a KO over George Brown and UDs versus Howard, Palmer and Willie Brennan. Debuting at #15 was the unbeaten top prospect, Panama Joe Gans, who is still unbeaten with a 15-0 (13) mark, piling up KOs over Coffey and Joe Eagan and a SD over fellow prospect Brian Downey after 12 routine wins versus TCs. Mike O'Dowd defeated Downey and Crouse but suffered losses to Johnny Wilson and "KO" Brown to wind up the year in #16 spot, with a 16-3 (9) record. Terry Mitchell rode a 5-bout win streak to the #26 spot and a 21-11-2 (10) career mark. One spot behind was Downey, debuting at #27 with a 14-2 (10) record, his TKO win over Stockyards Tommy Murphy sandwiched between two tough defeats to Panama Joe Gans and O'Dowd. Len Rowlands' 12-3-2 (6) career mark was good for #29 spot as he recovered from three straight losses to score TKO wins over Silent Martin and the hard-luck George Chip, who ended 1916 in #38 spot with a 22-11-2 (13) record. One spot below Chip was the new EBU titleholder, Dane Chic Nelson, with a 14-6 (9) mark and 342 pp. Brit Gus Platts, the GBU champ, did a little better, winding up in #33 spot with a 18-9-3 (8) record and 399 pp.

Prospects: Augie Ratner at 11-0 (10) and UK's Frank Moody at 11-0 (6) kept their slates clean, albeit it against all TCs. Jimmy Darcy and Battling Ortega remained unbeaten, having fought to a draw against each other' Darcy's record is now 10-0-1 (4) and Ortega's, 9-0-1 (7). Frankie Denny suffered a loss on a DQ to mar his otherwise perfect record; his career marks now stand at 7-1 (2). Getting through their first year unscathed were Tillie Herman, now 5-0 (2), Oakland Jimmy Duffy, 5-0 (0), Jock Malone at 4-0 (1), Kid Mexico at 3-0 (2) and Johnny Gill at 2-0 (0).

Retirements: Three former MW titleholders called it quits in 1916.

Hugo Kelly (ITA) 1902-16 29-23-5 (15) WBA Champ
Paddy Levin (IRL) 1903-16 29-18-2 (13) EBU Champ Highest Rank: 1
Frank Klaus (USA) 1904-16 32-13-4 (15) NABF Champ Highest Rank: 1

Looking Ahead: Greb may be a year or two away from taking a crack at the WBA crown, but a NABF or USBA title bid in 1917 looks like a realistic possibility. Darcy, having hit Post-Prime, will probably fade from contention in this incredibly competitive MW environment. McGoorty may have missed his one best opportunity to capture the WBA belt. Guys like Panama Joe Gans and Mike O'Dowd are poised to surge into the Top 10 sometime soon. Rene De Vos of Belgium and Roland Todd of the UK enter the MW ranks in 1917.

Predictions: Did pretty well in last year's predictions. Gibbons held on to the title bout (he hasn't faced Greb yet). Joe Chip had a title shot and lost -- correct. Also right about Darcy regaining the CBU belt. Only incorrect prediction was when I had Greb taking a lesser belt -- he didn't even get a shot.
So, for 1917, I will once again predict that Gibbons will hold off all challengers, keeping the seat warm for "The Human Windmill," Harry Greb. Predict a USBA title belt for Greb in 1917, probably moving up to claim the WBA crown in 1918. Look for Mantell to bounce back and reclaim the EBU belt, which has passed to the hands of some inferior fighters recently. Would like to predict something nice for fighters like Downey and George Chip, but they are just too far down in the rankings to predict anything positive. I will go out on a bit of a limb and predict a Top 10 ranking for Panama Joe Gans, who could wind up becoming a top-flight contender after another year or two of seasoning. Expect to see a minimum of three new faces in the Top 10 of the MW ranks by this time next year.

[JCWeb]

1916 WW Title Bouts

WBA

Ted Kid Lewis CH (22-3-3) vs Art Magirl #7 (19-2)

Lewis defends versus the USBA champ, Magirl, who is one of the hottest fighters in the WW division having won eight straight heading into the bout. First meeting of the two.

Lewis looks sharp early, is overly aggressive in rounds two and three, but Magirl is able to hold his own. Lewis is forced to retreat in round four, as concerns develop in the corner about some swelling around his right eye.
Magirl surprises the Champ with a crushing right hand and follows up with a series of unanswered blows that puts Lewis on the canvas in round five. Lewis recovers quickly with a strong round 6 and 7, but Magirl reasserts himself, pressuring the champ in rounds 8 and 9. Magirl continues to pour on the pressure in rounds 10 and 11, until Lewis is unable to respond, leading to a surprising stoppage in the 11th. Magirl by TKO 11 (a peek at the cards showed the challenger on top 96-94 by virtue of of two strong rounds 9 and 10, plus the earlier knockdown).

Art Magirl CH (20-2) vs Dick Nelson #4 (32-14-4)

Magirl takes on the former WBA champ, Nelson, in their first meeting. Magirl is gunning for his 10th win a row but is only even money in the pre-fight betting.

Action is slow develop in a fairly even first round. Magirl works inside in round two, Nelson sets up shop on the outside and is able to sneak in some countershots. Both move inside in the third, and the Oklahoma Whirlwind is able to find the target with an uppercut and a hook, staggering Nelson. The Dane comes back to stagger the Champ near the end of the fourth, and he holds a 49-46 lead after five on the unofficial card. Magirl takes another strong shot from Nelson in round six but bounces back to apply more pressure in rounds 7 and 8, and there is noticeable swelling around the challenger's right eye. Nelson begins to tire as Magirl is repeatedly beating him to the punch. Round 13, Nelson sneaks in a right and bloodies Magirl's nose. But the Champ recovers quickly, flooring Nelson twice in the 13th and then three times in the final round, leading to a TKO triumph. Magirl by TKO 15.

Art Magirl CH (21-2) vs Albert Badoud #5 (21-5-1)

First meeting and Badoud, the EBU champ, comes in with a five-bout unbeaten streak (four wins and a draw).

Round one, Magirl starts strongly but is cut right below the right eye late in the round. Badoud starts targeting the cut, but by round three it is all Magirl as the Oklahoma Whirlwind connects with a wild overhand right that puts Badoud down for an 8-count. After the KD, Magirl is swarming all over the Frenchman, who cannot fend for himself. Magirl by TKO 3.

NABF: Packey McFarland, unable to arrange a WBA title bout with either Lewis or Magirl, settles for two more successful defenses of his NABF title, first versus Willie Schaeffer, whom he puts on the defensive early, dominating the action until the ref steps in to award him a TKO in the 7th. Next up is Mike Glover, who keeps it close for 6 rounds until McFarland breaks through with a huge uppercut that staggers Glover in the 7th, followed by a combination for a KD in round 10, which enables McFarland to register an easy UD 12 win (117-109, 115-111, 116-112).

USBA: Magirl vacates this title belt, so ex-WBA champ Jack Britton steps into the breach and takes on Kyle Whitney for the vacant belt. Britton repeats his earlier success versus Whitney with a comfortable UD 12 decision (117-111, 118-110, 117-111) and then defends versus Kid Graves, who keeps the bout close and the result -- a draw (117-112 for Britton, 113-115 for Graves, 114-114) seems justified.

CBU: Johnny Basham meets fellow Brit Arthur Evernden for the belt vacated by Lewis. Basham has Evernden in trouble early, withstands a late surge and finally finishes him off with a KO in round 11. Then he takes on young Aussie Tommy Uren, who gets off to a quick start until a cut above the right eye slows him considerably. Basham sends Uren to the canvas in the 8th and the cut gradually worsens, leading to a TKO 11 stoppage in favor of Basham. Finally, Canadian Frankie Barrieau gets his first title shot, and Basham forges an early lead, then coasts to a UD 12 victory (118-111, 116-111, 117-110).

GBU: Yet another belt up for grabs, vacated by Lewis at the end of 1915. Matt Wells meets Sid Burns in a mismatch, as Wells' superior hand speed enables him to build a huge points lead en route to a UD win (118-110, 115-113, 116-112). Wells then faces the ex-Champ, Lewis, later in the year, and Lewis takes advantage of an early cut to regain the belt with an eighth round stoppage.

EBU: Frenchman Albert Badoud made two more defenses of the EBU title he won in 1915. Dane Waldemar Holberg was expected to provide a stern test, but Badoud had Holberg on the canvas in round one, survived a cut under the left eye, and landed another strong shot in the 6th to finish matters. Badoud by KO 6. Then ex-Champ Jimmy Gardner gave it another try, and Badoud survived a bruising battle to score a SD 12 victory (sorry, don't have the final scorecards for this bout).

[JCWeb]

1916 WW Division Profile

Total: 93 RL: 47 TCs: 46

RL by Career Stage:
End - 3
Post -12
Prime - 21
Pre - 7
Beginning - 4 (new-3)

Rated: 40
800+: 7
500+: 19
200+: 36

Jan. 1917 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from 1916 in Parens)

Champ: Art Magirl 22-2 (19) (1021) (+5)
1. Packey McFarland 36-2-3 (20) (1384) (NC)
2. Jack Britton 39-6-3 (15) (1293) (NC)
3. Ted Kid Lewis 24-4-3 (11) (1009) (-3)
4. Kid Graves 30-8-3 (9) (875) (+4)
5. Dick Nelson 32-15-4 (19) (841) (-2)
6. Albert Badoud 21-6-1 (15) (815) (NC)
7. Mike Glover 25-11-3 (8) (737) (+13)
8. Johnny Basham 21-6-3 (9) (727) (+6)
9. Dixie Kid 49-18-2 (20) (722) (-5)
10. Kyle Whitney 30-13-2 (16) (689) (+6)

Comments: While most everyone listed is at Prime, Glover joins Dixie Kid and Kyle Whitney at Post-Prime in 1917. Magirl, the "Oklahoma Whirlwind," literally had a whirlwind campaign to capture the WBA title while constructing an impressive 11-bout win streak, 10 of the wins by KO. McFarland and Britton still have higher PP totals, with McFarland content to defend his NABF belt twice after outdueling Basham in a UD 10 after starting the year with a lackluster draw with Jimmy Gardner, the fading former champ. Britton registered four wins and a draw in a busy 1916, scoring UDs over Matt Wells and Holberg in addition to his USBA title efforts (including the 12-rounder where Graves held him to a draw). Lewis recovered from the loss of the WBA belt to TKO Wells for the GBU belt and defeat Dixie Kid by a UD 10. Graves leapt up the rankings, mainly on the basis of a UD 10 verdict over ex-Champ Dick Nelson; he is now unbeaten in his last 7, including two draws with Britton and Jimmy Fryer). Nelson slumped in the rankings, his only win in the past year and half coming against the lowly-rated Blink McCloskey. Badoud won both EBU defenses but lost his try for the WBA belt. Glover used a UD 10 upset of Dixie Kid to catapult up the rankings list. Basham also cracked the top 10, losing to McFarland but winning three CBU title tilts. Dixie Kid took a MD 10 from Gardner in an otherwise down year, suffering losses to Kid Lewis and Glover. Rounding out the top group is Whintey, who went 3-2 for the year with an impressive KO 4 of Clabby and a MD 10 over Summers despite losses to Britton and Holberg.

Other Notables: Clabby just missed the top ten, recovering from the KO loss to Whitney with wins over Schaeffer, Summers and McCloskey to move his record to 28-14-3 (9). Dropping out of the top 10 was Wells, who won the GBU belt and a MD 10 over Shevlin, but the losses to Britton and Kid Lewis, dropped him two spots to #12. Holberg slipped from #9 to #14, as the losses to Badoud and Britton outweighed his UD win over Whitney. Willie Schaeffer toppled from #7 all the way to #16, going 0-3 for the year (losses to Britton, McFarland and Clabby). Top newcomer to the rankings was Tommy Robson, who checks in at #21 with a 13-2 (11) mark after suffering a defeat at the hands of Aussie Fred Kay but scoring a UD 10 over Soldier Bartfield to go with his numerous victories over TC opposition. American Phinney Boyle checks in at #26 with a 14-4 (5) mark, suffering two straight losses after an upset win over Australian Tommy Uren. Uren slipped to #34, with two straight losses to knock his record to 14-4 (8), placing him behind fellow Aussie Kay, whose 13-3 (3) record is good for 31st spot.

Prospects: Willie Loughlin had his 12-bout KO win streak snapped when he could only manage a UD win over veteran Harry Lewis; he enters 1917 with a 13-0 (12) mark and is still the hottest prospect in the division. Alex Trambitas is still unbeaten at 7-0 (3), but Belgian Piet Hobin lost on a foul to British TC Robbie Reid to drop his record to 5-1 (2). Brit Bermondsey Billy Wells had no problems taking out his first opponent by KO.

Retirements: Two WWs left the ranks in 1916.

Bartley Connolly (USA) 1904-16 30-19-7 (10) No Titles Highest Rank: 12
Young Joseph (UK) 1903-16 35-27-2 (13) EBU, GBU Champ Highest Rank: 4

Looking Ahead: Magirl has had a meteoric rise to the WBA title, but he has yet to face either Britton or McFarland, each of whom has considerably more experience and a higher over pp total. Graves has also moved into the top five and must be considered a serious title threat after his fine effort versus Britton. Ted Kid Lewis is poised to try to regain the WBA title or perhaps challenge Badoud for the EBU belt. Hot prospect Willie Loughlin is still probably a year or two away from reaching the top 10, but there should be a continuing change of the guard as older veterans like Whitney, Dixie Kid and Glover are likely to fade from the scene.

Predictions: Well, last year's "bold" prediction -- McFarland taking the WBA belt by a KO -- didn't come true as Packey didn't get a title shot during the year. Less "bold" forecasts, like Basham taking the CBU or GBU title, and Graves falling short in a title try (just barely -- he did manage a draw with Britton) were less of a problem.
For 1917, I will go out on that proverbial limb and forecast that Magirl will be deemed a "flash in the pan," losing the WBA title should he face McFarland, Britton or even Graves. Lewis will successfully challenge Badoud for the EBU belt, and Loughlin will be knocking on the door of the Top 10 if not in the top ten by this time next year.

[JCWeb]

1916 LW Title Bouts

WBA

Willie Ritchie CH (28-10-2) vs Benny Leonard #11 (23-0-1)

Leonard, the unbeaten LW phenom, makes his first try for the WBA belt at the young age of 19. Leonard holds a previous TKO win over Ritchie for the NABF belt in 1914, so he approaches the bout with a confident approach.

Leonard looks sharp early, takes the first round. The "Ghetto Wizard" steps up the pace, mounting an inside attack against the flat-footed Ritchie in round two. Leonard continues to dominate the early action to build up a solid points lead. Ritchie tries to battle back, becoming more aggressive, but Leonard's defense is solid. Ritchie then walks into a Leonard uppercut and goes down in round 9, and is staggered by a Leonard cross in round 10. Ritchie tires from his efforts and Leonard coasts to an easy UD win to capture the WBA belt. Leonard by UD 15 (149-134, 148-137, 149-134).

Benny Leonard CH (24-0-1) vs Knockout Brown #7 (28-9-2)

First defense for Leonard is against USBA champ Brown, who is fresh off a one-round demolition of Lockport Jimmy Duffy. First meeting of the two.

Leonard comes out firing, looking impressive landing jabs and following up with a solid cross and hook that puts Brown on the defensive right away. More quick jabs and movement by the Ghetto Wizard continue to confound his opponent in round two. The end comes late in round three when Leonard traps Brown in the corner and lands a strong shot. Leonard by KO 3.

Benny Leonard CH (25-0-1) vs Freddie Welsh #3 (36-8-2)

Leonard takes on former champ Welsh in probably the toughest test yet for the young Champion. Welsh comes in win 9 wins and a draw in his last 10 bouts since he lost the WBA title to Ritchie back in 1913.

Leonard again looks strong early, winning the opening round easily. Welsh battles to a standstill in round two, tries his luck on the inside in the third but Leonard takes the round. A couple of more rounds, more of the same, and some swelling outside the left eye of the Welsh Wizard, and the unofficial card has Leonard well ahead by 50-46 after five. Leonard appears on his way to an easy win when a cut opens above the Champ's left eye in round 10. Leonard recovers, nailing Welsh with a big left hook in the 11th. Round twelve, and Welsh targets the cut which is finally closed in the corner before round 13. Leonard then seals the win with two KDs of the tiring Welshman in the 13th, followed by a third KD in round 14. Leonard by UD 15 (149-133, 150-132, 148-134).

NABF: Jack Blackburn takes on Ray Bronson for the NABF belt vacated by Leonard. Bronson starts well, but soon Blackburn wrests control, punctuating his dominance with a barrage of blows in round 7 to send Bronson to the canvas before coasting to a UD 12 win (117-110, 116-111, 116-111). Blackburn then takes on aging vet Harlem Tommy Murphy, who keeps the bout close for awhile, but falters badly in the middle rounds, going down in the 5th round to a vicious uppercut by Blackburn who once again takes a lopsided UD verdict (119-109, 118-110, 117-111). Blackburn then takes on USBA champ Knockout Brown in what proves to be a lopsided affair, with Blackburn seizing control with a KD in round 3 and finally finishing Brown off in the 11th. Blackburn by KO 11.

USBA: Brown defended the belt versus an aging vet, Young Erne, who proved to be a surprisingly strong challenger, in a close bout which Brown barely hung on to win. Brown by MD 12 (116-114, 115-115, 116-113).

CBU: Welsh, holder of the EBU and GBU titlesm seeks to add a third crown by taking on CBU champ Phil Bloom, in a bout where Welsh's British belt is also at stake. Bloom lacks the weapons to pose a serious threat to the "Welsh Wizard," who goes on to dominate in a UD 12 effort (118-110, 118-110, 115-113) to now hold three belts (EBU, CBU and GBU) simultaneously. Welsh travels Down Under to take on Herb McCoy of Australia, ripping open a cut above McCoy's left eye in round two that proves to lead to a late stoppage. Welsh by TKO 11.

GBU: Welsh defended the belt against Bloom in the same bout for the CBU title (see above paragraph).

EBU: Welsh did not defend this belt during the year.

[JCWeb]

1916 LW Division Profile

Total: 117 RL: 64 TCs: 53

RL by Career Stage:
End - 5
Post - 10
Prime - 31
Pre - 11
Beginning - 7 (New-3)

Jan 1917 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from 1916 in Parens)

Champ: Benny Leonard 26-0-1 (17) (1312) (+4)
1. Jack Blackburn 58-8-1 (20) (1398) (+2)
2. Willie Ritchie 31-11-2 (11) (1305) (-2)
3. Freddie Welsh 36-9-2 (19) (1292) (-1)
4. Fighting Dick Hyland 35-21-4 (20) (1103) (+11)
5. Jem Driscoll 56-9-1 (30) (1102) (-4)
6. Ray Bronson 30-11-6 (8) (919) (-1)
7. Harlem Tommy Murphy 31-21-1 (10) (840) (-1)
8. Knockout Brown 29-11-2 (21) (767) (-1)
9. Louis de Ponthieu 19-3-1 (6) (730) (+1)
10. Ad Wolgast 28-15-2 (14) (716) (+4)

Comments: Welsh joins two of the above list (Murphy and KO Brown) at Post-Prime in 1917 while the remaining will still be at Prime. Leonard seems set to dominate for awhile, after the capturing the WBA title and running his win streak to 12 bouts in a row. Blackburn, the NABF champ, still has a higher rating, after reeling off four more wins in 1916 to extend his win streak to six. Ritchie, the former champ, recovered from the loss of his WBA belt with wins over Bronson, Black and Murphy. Welsh was busy holding down three different title belts, but lost to Leonard when the World title was at stake. Hyland scored a huge upset win over Driscoll to propel him back into the Top 10 after a lengthy absence. Driscoll's six-bout win streak was snapped by that MD 10 loss to Hyland but he won his other four bouts in 1916, although two (Wolgast and Duffy) were narrow SD verdicts. Bronson struggled in his two losses to Blackburn and Ritchie and narrowly squeaked past Charley White in a SD win to stay in the top ten. Murphy, despite getting older, remained in the top group after a DQ win over Herb McCoy, but lost to higher ranked fighters. Brown slipped after KO defeats for the WBA and NABF titles, and barely got past Young Erne, another aging veteran, indicating his days as USBA champion may be numbered. de Ponthieu suffered a KO loss to Driscoll but registered a UD 10 over Young Donahue. Wolgast moved to the top ten after a so-so season mainly on the strength of a TKO over Lockport Jimmy Duffy, but a TKO loss to Hyland and a SD defeat at the hands of Driscoll prevented further progress.

Other Notables: Willie Beecher ended the year at #11, scoring a UD 10 over Aussie Herb McCoy to move closer to the top group. Dropping out of the top ten were Lockport Jimmy Duffy, who slid from #8 to #12 after a winless 1916 (he was also winless in 1915) and Matty Baldwin, who lost all four bouts in 1916 and crashed all the way to #30 from #9 last year. Paul Koehler pulled up to the #14 spot, boosting his career record to 30-14-2 (7) with a five bout unbeaten streak. Lew Tendler debuted at #16 in the rankings, moving to a 17-1 (9) career mark featuring UD wins over Brits Llew Edwards and Phil Bloom to go with a pair of MD wins versus Arthur Douglas and Young Tommy Coleman. Ever Hammer is ranked #19, sporting a 17-3-1 (9) mark, one spot ahead of Rocky Kansas, who got back on track with wins over Terry Brooks and Joe Shugrue along with two draws to move his record to 18-4-2 (15). Other top newcomers to the rankings were Red "Sunburst" Dolan at #22 with a 14-1 (5) mark, losing only to Johnny Arrousey, and Willie Jackson at #27 with a 15-3-1 (12) record. Llew Edwards debuts at #38 with a 14-2 (12) mark, his career stalled after losses to Tendler and veteran Rudy Unholz. Further down were Johnny Drummie, #41 at 12-3 (6) and Johnny Ray, #46 at 10-4-1 (6), indicating how tough the competition in this division really is.

Prospects: All the prospects got through the year unbeaten versus TC opposition. Andy Chaney is 10-0 (8), Jimmy Dundee is 9-0 (5), Joe Benjamin is 8-0 (6), Frankie Farren is 8-0 (3), Eddie "Kid" Wagner at 7-0 (4), all looking ahead to tougher tests in 1917. Sailor Friedman at 4-0 (1), Clonie Tait at 4-0 (0), Benny Valgar at 2-0 (1) and Tommy O'Brien at 1-0 (0) all got through their initial year unscathed.

Retirements: Two more departed the LW ranks in 1916. Their records:

Johnny Allen (USA) 1902-16 27-25-2 (5) No Titles Highest Rank: 25
Alf Goodwin (AUS) 1910-16 16-10 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 31

Looking Ahead: Leonard appears poised for a long title run, but a showdown encounter with ex-Champ Blackburn appears to be in the offing. Blackburn appears likely to hold onto the NABF crown, but Knockout Brown (along with Harlem Tommy Murphy and Freddie Welsh) are likely to suffer the effects of aging in the coming year. Hyland is likely to challenge for Welsh's CBU title, while de Ponthieu and Brit Llew Edwards (along with veteran Jem Driscoll) are likely contenders in Europe and Britain. Tendler appears to be best of the newcomers, but there is a long list of guys like Bronson, Wolgast, Beecher, Duffy, White and Koehler ahead of him. Tommy Cello, Alex Hart and Emanuel Jacobsen are set to enter the fray in 1917.

Predictions: I was correct with the forecast of a WBA crown for Leonard in 1916, but predicting four new fighters in the Top 10 was a bit too much as only two spots changed hands. For 1917, I will predict a Leonard-Blackburn title bout, ending in a win for Leonard. Welsh will gradually slip and lose all three belts, starting with either the GBU or EBU belt, which will be won by Driscoll. And this time I will tone down my prediction and say only three new faces in next year's top ten list.

[Romdawg88]

If Blackburn doesn't take down Leonard no one is going to touch him for a very long time. So whats the record for longest undefeated streak cause I think that Benny has a shot at breaking it.