History of the (Boxing) World Part I

[DJgreen_72]

Also from April...

Galveston City Auditorium
Galveston, Tx. USA
04-27-1901

HW - Jack Johnson 8-1-1(5) def Mexican Pete Everett 26-13-0(25) via UD 10
Lil Arthur cruised to an impressive win over the tough veteran from Colorado. Dispelling the notion that he is simply a defensive fighter, Johnson put Everett on the canvas twice and won almost every round en route to victory.

WBU Welterweight Championship:
Billy Gardner 14-2-9(11) def Rube Ferns 36-8-2(28) via TKO 1
Gardner opened a horrific gash across the forehead of the betting favorite Ferns with a flurry of punches early in the 1st round. The Irish born Garder, now a resident of Lowell, Massachusetts, set a record that may stand for some time as the referee stopped the fight at 1:07 of the first round, making it the shortest title fight on record.

Billy Gardner (not to be confused with Middleweight champion George Gardiner) wins the Welterweight title in record time.

Next Up...Notable fights for April 1901

[DJgreen_72]

Notable fights for April 1901...

WW - Young Pluto 16-8-13(9) def Watty Austin MD 10 6-2-0(1)

HW - Jimmy Ryan 19-19-10(17) def Denver Ed Martin 7-3-0(7) KO 3
Every single bout of Martin's has ended with a KO, either him or his opponent

MW - Charley Johnson 64-20-39(46) def Jewey Cook 37-17-1(10)

LW - Rufe Turner 15-2-1(12) def Tim Callahan 48-6-27(12) TKO 10

HW - Marvin Hart 11-0-0(10) def Charlie Haghey 0-2-1 UD 10
The Fightin' Kentuckian remain unbeaten

Next up...May 1901 including EBU title fights from Australia...Tommy Ryan vs Harry Peppers (Ryan's first fight at Middleweight), George Dixon tries to hang on to the Featherweight title vs undefeated Aurelio Herrera...and much much more!

[DJgreen_72]

Brisbane, Australia
05-11-1901

Opening Bout:
LW - Aussie Jack McAuliffe 36-9-5(27) def Jim Popp 6-5-7(4) via KO1

EBU Bantamweight Championship:
(C) Pedlar Palmer 21-2-1(6) def Harry Forbes 46-6-16(17) via KO 13
Despite the misgivings of WBU promoters JD Green & Tex Rickard, Forbes is one of two American fighters to travel overseas to compete for EBU titles. The EBU scheduled the fights thinking by matching their champions against "lesser" opponents they could prove the superiority of the EBU fighters (European and British Commonwealth). For 12 1/2 rounds, journeyman Harry Forbes proved the EBU wrong. Forbes dominated the fight, sending Palmer to the canvas in the 5th. Palmer rallied late however, eventually swarming Forbes in the 13th with a tornado of punches. In the end a crushing uppercut laid Forbes out and preserved Palmer's title reign. Scorecard at the time of the knock-out (no ringside judges in the EBU, just the referee's decision): 114-111 Forbes.

EBU Welterweight Championship:
Gabriel Baggio(RFG) 12-0-0(6) def Otto Crib 19-1-2(16) via KO 8
The virtually unknown Baggio of Italy pulled off a stunning upset. Silencing the partisan Aussie crowd, Baggio (Overall Rating - 5) completely out classed Crib knocking him down in the 5th and out for good in the 8th.

EBU Light Heavyweight Championship:
(C) Panos Stratis 8-1-0(4) def Jack Stelzner 14-5-5(9)
Much like Harry Forbes, Stelzner is a talented fighter but by no means the best the US has to offer. The Greek born Stratis easily out boxed Stelzner for 15 rds on his way to a lopsided unanimos decision.

Panos Stratis
EBU Light Heavyweight Champion
8-1-0(4)
(RFG) Overall Rating - 8

Next up...George Gardiner defends the WBU Middleweight title against Jack Bonner in Chicago, Il.

[DJgreen_72]

Two more cards from May 1901...

Racquet Club of Chicago
Chicago, Il., USA
05-18-1901

Opening Bout:
LHW - Joe Choynski 51-13-5(33) def Chuck Turner 6-9-1(3) via KO 2
Choynski's return to the ring after being stopped in February by current WBU LHW champ Jack Root.

WW - Young Peter Jackson 38-8-9(24) def Jim Judge 10-6-2(4) via KO 6
Jackson starts the road back to title contention after being upset in May by journeyman Owen Ziegler with an easy win over local club fighter Judge.

WBU Middleweight Championship:
(C) George Gardiner 30-1-3(22) def Jack Bonner 52-20-15(35) via UD 15
A sneaky lead left hook from Bonner in the 2nd opened a sizable cut over Gardiner's right eye. The cut re-opened a few time during the fight forcing Gardiner to fight a defensive style, allowing Bonner to hang around and making this fight closer than it ever should have been. In the end Gardiner gritted out a tough but fair unanimous decision: 144-143, 144-143, 145-142.


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

Westchester County Center
Westchester, NY., USA
05-25-1901

Opening Bouts:
HW - Marvin Hart 12-0-0(10) def James J. Walker 0-8-0 via KO 1
In a division dominated by a champion in James J Jeffries that lacks legitamate challengers to his throne, Hart could earn a title shot early in his career. Of course, he'll need to step up from knocking out winless club fighters first.

LW - Bobby Dobbs 79-19-26(57) def New York Jack O'Brien 13-8-12(5) via TKO 6 (referee's decision)
Dobbs continues to work towards a title shot in the lightweight division, a title currently worn by Joe Gans.

Co-Feature:
MW - Tommy Ryan 66-2-10(49) def Harry Peppers 16-11-2(13) via TKO 4 (corner "threw in the sponge")
The much anticipated debut of Tommy Ryan at middleweight. Peppers held strong, out boxing Ryan in two of the first three rounds. But in the fourth a pair of hooks to the body followed by a vicious uppercut sent Peppers falling back into the ropes. Ryan unloaded for the next minute. The referee was about to jump in to stop the fight when Peppers' corner tossed in the sponge to save their fighter any more punishment. Rumors have already begun swirling about a possible Ryan/Gardiner fight for the WBU Middleweight title.

Main Event:
For the WBU Featherweight Title:
(C) George "Little Chocolate" Dixon 64-9-28(31) vs Aurelio Herrera 33-0-2(30)
Although barely mentioned in newspaper reports, this is the first recorded instance of a black fighter and a hispanic fighter boxing for a world championship. Dixon is coming off two thrilling come from behind title bouts against Young Corbett II and Solly Smith. Herrera is an undefeated Mexican fighter who resides in Bakersfield, Ca. The question most had: would the 31 year old Dixon, whose held some version of the Bantamweight or Featherweight titles off and on for over a decade, still have the goods to tangle with the younger, stronger, faster challenger?

No.

Herrera battered Dixon from the opening bell. A right hand landed flush on Dixon's chin late in the first that put him down for a count of 7. Dixon held on until the 4th round until a vicious combination dropped him to the canvas for good.

Winner by 4th Rd knock-out and NEW WBU Featherweight champion...
Aurelio Herrera 34-0-2(31)

Aurelio Herrera poses for a photograph with NY State Athletic commisioner Jos Wood hours after winning the WBU Featherweight title.

Up next...A card from Philadelphia featuring Joe Walcott vs Owen Ziegler

[DJgreen_72]

Philadelphia Athletic Club
Philadelphia, Pa., USA
05-27-1901

Opening Bouts:
LHW - Joe Butler 44-16-3(33) def Matt O'Neal 8-9-0(4) via UD 10

BW - Tommy Feltz 29-3-8(18) def Al Brown 2-7-0 via UD 8

WBU Lightweight Championship:
(C) Joe Gans 97-7-14(62) def Kid McPartland 39-12-12(16) via TKO 11
A truly dominate victory by the champion. Gans landed nearly four times as many blows as the overmatched McPartland. McPartland's right eye was badly swollen, one ringside reporter describing it as looking, "like an over ripened and badly bruised tomato." Gans was well ahead on points when the referee waved off the fight in the 11th to save Kid McPartland from serious injury. Scorecards: 100-90, 100-91, 99-92.

Main event:
WW - Joe Walcott 74-8-10(49) def Owen Ziegler 45-27-23(17) via TKO 9
While the World Boxing Union recognized Billy Gardner as the World Welterweight champion thanks to his win over Rube Ferns in April, the influential NY State Athletic Commision did not. They declared this bout for the Welterweight title on the grounds that since Walcott was the last man to hold the title before Tommy Ryan (who vacated the belt after beating Walcott), then Walcott was the rightful #1 contender. As far as the fight here, Walcott was clearly superior. He won almost every round and put Ziegler to the canvas in the 6th. In the 9th Walcott forced Ziegler into the corner and unloaded a barrage of punches which prompted the referee to halt the bout to save the defenseless Ziegler.

"The Barbados Demon" Joe Walcott
NY State Athletic Commision Welterweight Champion

Up next...notable fights from May 1901

[DJgreen_72]

Notable fights for May 1901...


No other big fights other than those already posted, but the following notable boxers picked up wins over "second tier" opponents:

MW - Charles Turner
FW - Abe Attell
LW - Wilmington Jack Dailey
HW - Jack Johnson
FW - Benny Yanger
LHW - Jack O'Brien (2-0 this month)
MW - Frank Craig
MW - Jewey Cook
HW - Denver Ed Martin
FW - Owen Moran
HW - Denver Ed Smith

Next up...A June card from Madison Square Garden featuring the WBU Heavyweight title fight between James J Jeffries and Hank Griffin

[DJgreen_72]

Breaking News...


The WBU has announced two big events planned for July.

First, an all day card of boxing at the Polo Grounds in New York City on the 4th of July! The main event will feature former Welterweight champion Tommy Ryan challenging current Middleweight champion George Gardiner for the World title. Also, Joe Walcott vs Billy Gardner for the Welterweight title and James J Corbett returns to the ring for the first time since February in an 8rd bout with the "Crafty Texan" Frank Childs.

Second, the World Boxing Union and the European Boxing Union have come to an agreement to schedule the United States' "Terrible" Terry McGovern against EBU Featherweight champion Ben Jordan. It will be a title fight, and it will be held July 9th in Paris, France. It was originally believed that the EBU would not schedule the fight for fear that McGovern would take the title with him back to America. EBU officials relented when Jordan persisted, guaranteeing a victory against McGovern and vowing to fight in an unsanctioned bout if neccesary. While a few EBU champions have already defended their titles against American boxers, this is the first time an EBU titlist will put his belt up against a truly top US contender.

[DJgreen_72]

Madison Square Gardens
New York, NY., USA
06-22-1901

Opening Bouts:
BW - Casper Leon 41-14-21(15) def Johnny Reagan 20-8-12(7) via UD 10
The Scicilian Swordfish is back in action. Leon challenged then Bantamweight champion Terry McGovern in March. Leon did little more than survive in the fight, being knocked down 4 times in a lopsided UD loss. Perhaps showing just how far ahead of the pack McGovern really is, while Casper stood no chance whatsoever against McGovern, he thoroughly dominated the tough Reagan here winning almost every round.

BW - Harry Harris 37-3-6(13) def Tommy Feltz 29-4-8(18) via UD 10
Another McGovern victim, Harris gets back in the win column defeating Brooklyn native Tommy Feltz.

WBU Light Heavyweight Championship:
(C) Jack Root 39-0-1(28) def Joe Butler 44-17-3(33) via KO 2
The undefeated Root, who won the LHW title in April when Philadelphia Jack O'Brien broke two fingers in their fight...a fight O'Brien was winning handily...has no problems with the journeyman Butler. After the bout, Root confirmed rumors that he would face Jack O'Brien in a rematch on July 4th at the Polo Grounds, despite having only two weeks to prepare.

WBU World Heavyweight Championship:
vs

(C) James J Jeffries 16-0-2(13) vs Hank Griffin 23-2-3(18)
Griffin made a suprising run through the WBU Heavyweight Tournament, defeating Gus Ruhlin, James J Corbett & Charles McCoy. Jeffries is coming off a successful title defense against George Byers. It was apparent from the opening bell that Jeffries was in a whole different class than Griffin. Jeffries cut Griffin down with vicious body shots before tageting the head later in the fight. Jeffries won almost every round before dropping Griffin in the 8th with a monster left hook. Now the question becomes: can anyone pose a legitimate challenge to the champ?


Winner and STILL WBU World Heavyweight Champion...James J Jeffries

After the bout, a dapper World champ prepares for a night on the town. Jeffries might as well have fought in his suit, as he barely broke a sweat against Hank Griffin.

Next Up...Notable fights for June 1901 and the historic July 4th card at the Polo Grounds!

[DJgreen_72]

Manhattan Field at the Polo Grounds
New York, NY., USA
07-04-1901

Opening Bouts:
WW - LA Kid Wiiliams 11-6-1(4) def Martin Reilly 1-3-0 via KO 7

LW - Billy Hill 25-5-12(18) def Jimmy Briggs 32-3-9(10) via MD 10
Spirited contest between two "fringe" contenders. The fans were highly divided over the result, with many believing Briggs should have gotten the decision.

Foregoing the opening contests, some of the more wealthy fans...those that could afford motor cars...begin to arrive for the main fight card.

HW - James J Corbett 13-4-3(5) def Frank Childs 35-5-7(19) via UD 8
In his first bout since losing to Hank Griffin in February, Corbett easily out pointed the "Crafty Texan" Frank Childs. With a dearth of credible challengers to champion James J Jeffries, Corbett is on the short list of potential opponents for the champ's next fight.

WBU (& NY State Athletic Commision) Welterweight Championship:
vs
Billy Gardner 13-1-9(11) vs Joe Walcott 74-8-10(49)

This was the first unification of a "disputed" title in the WBU era, not including the European champions that is. The WBU recognized Gardner's win over Rube Ferns as the World title bout while the still influencial NYSAC recognized former champion Walcott as their titlist after his win over Owen Zeigler. Both men were out to prove they were the deserving champion. This one was a battle...a nasty battle...from the beginning. Both men refused to break repeatedly, threw punches after the bell and generally displayed a disdain for one another and a lack of sportsmanship. Walcott had a point deducted in the 9th for hitting below the belt. Controversy, which seems to be following Walcott like a jealous ex-girlfriend, erupted in the second. A punch that connected with Gardner's right eye caused immediate swelling. However, many ringside observers claimed it came from a thumb to the eye! Referee JD Green acknowledged the thumb but deemed it accidental. The swelling grew progressively worse over the course of the fight. The bout was fairly even, but near the end of the 9th round, referee Green deemed Gardner unable to continue due the swelling and called the bout. For a second time Joe Walcott is WBU Welterweight champion...and for a second time his win is marred by controversy. Score cards at the time of the stoppage: 77-75(Walcott), 77-75(Walcott), 76-76 & due to the point deduction, the 9th would have been either 10-8 Gardner or 9-9.

Winner via 9th rd TKO and new WBU Welterweight Champion...Joe Walcott!

(In a post fight statement to reporters, WBU co-promoter Tex Rickard raised the possibility of researching "Thumbless" gloves for the boxers. Yeah, like that would ever happen!)

WBU Light Heavyweight Championship:
vs
(C) Jack Root 39-0-1(28) vs Philadelphia Jack O'Brien 42-7-16(9)
Leading up this rematch there was speculation that Root was having trouble staying under the 185lb weight limit. O'Brien had no such problems. Their first fight in April ended when O'Brien, easily ahead on points, broke two fingers on his right hand and could not continue. The injury was fully healed and didn't seem to have any effect on O'Brien's performance. Root fought only 12 days ago, defending the belt against Joe Butler. Whether the short rest between fights had an effect on Root is unclear. What was clear was the dominance from O'Brien. Root had no answers for the constant movement of O'Brien. O'Brien hit Root almost at will with his left jab and straight right and cruised to an easy unanimous decision victory. Scorecards: 146-140, 145-140, 145-140.

Winner by unanimous decision and new WBU Light Heavyweight champion...Philadelphia Jack O'Brien!

WBU Middleweight Championship:
vs
(C) George Gardiner 30-1-3(22) vs Tommy Ryan 66-2-10(49)
Promoters JD Green and Tex Rickard promised firework here on the 4th of July...but they wouldn't come in this fight. Despite, or perhaps because of, the fearsome reputation of each these fighters the fight was cautious and defensive from beginning to end. Ryan had KO'd Joe Walcott before moving to Middleweight and destroying top contender Harry Peppers. Gardiner had beaten Mike Donovan so badly in January that Donovan still hasn't returned to the ring due to the injuries he sustained. While most expected an all out war, both men were content to stay outside and box for most of the fight. There were a few flurries of action. In the 3rd and again in the 10th both men stopped and traded in the center of the ring to the roar of the crowd. Ryan got the better of both exchanges. In the end, Ryan displayed superior defense and counter punching skills and won a one-sided decision. Scorecards: 147-141, 147-143, 145-142.

Winner by Unanimous decision and new WBU Middle weight champion...Tommy Ryan!

Here at the Polo Grounds on the 4th of July we saw "Gentleman" Jim return to the ring, Joe Walcott become a two-time champion (albiet a controversial one) and Tommy Ryan become the first to win WBU titles in two weight classes. Up next...Terry McGovern vs Ben Jordan from Paris, France.

[DJgreen_72]

Le Velodrome
Paris, France
07-09-1901

The atmosphere in Paris this day was electric. European fans were looking forward to "their" champion Ben Jordan shutting the mouth of the "petulant American" Terry McGovern. Rumors of violence and even death threats prompted WBU promoter JD Green to hire armed security to escort McGovern to and from the arena. Before their title fight, just one opening bout...and it was for the European Union Heavyweight title!

EBU Heavyweight Championship:
(C) Bob Fitzsimmons 62-4-4(57) vs Denver Ed Smith 37-8-5(23)
Despite his advanced age (38), Ruby Robert has no trouble dispatching the game but outclassed Smith. Denver Ed Smith was sent to the canvas 4 times, including twice in the 13th rd. The second 13th rd knockdown proved to be the last as Smith could not beat the referee's 10 count.

Winner via 13th rd KO and still EBU Heavyweight Champion...Bob Fitzsimmons

EBU Featherweight Championship:
vs
(C) Ben Jordan 13-1-1(6) vs Terry McGovern 56-2-5(40)
The acrimony between the two men was well documented leading into the fight. From the opening bell both men went straight after the other, throwing defense out the window in an all-out brawl. Jordan got the better of the opening round, with the standing room only crowd on it's feet roaring approval. McGovern came back and out hit Jordan in rounds 2 and 3. Near the end of round 3 a hard shot by Jordan opened a gushing cut on the right eyelid of McGovern. Despite the best efforts of his cornermen, McGovern's cut was still bleeding into the fourth. McGovern spent most of the round trying to defend the wound while Jordan opened up and peppered him with jabs and crosses, easily winning the round. After another failed attempt to close the gash, McGovern started the 5th still bleeding. Perhaps fearing an early stoppage by the British referee, McGovern went after Jordan like a man possesed. He hit Jordan with everything he had. And Jordan could not withstand the attack. He was sent back into the ropes by a vicious hook around the 2:00 mark of the round. Seconds later, McGovern finished him with a thunderous uppercut that sent Jordan collapsing to the canvas. Even using the ropes for leverage, Jordan was unable to climb to his feet before the count reached 10. The raucous crowd turn deathly silent as McGovern was victorious by a 5th rd Knock Out!

Winner via 5th Rd KO and New EBU Heavyweight Champion...Terry McGovern!

[Lee]

DJ, love the flavor you capture with these old pictures, good stuff!

[DJgreen_72]

Originally Posted by Lee

DJ, love the flavor you capture with these old pictures, good stuff!

I'd say I'm a bit of a history buff, mostly WWI & WWII eras, so I enjoy finding them myself