My Universe

[JCWeb]

June 17, 1921 -- Sydney, Australia -- Pancho Villa takes on former FLY WBA Champ, Sid Smith, in a scheduled 10-round affair. Villa is a rising star in the division, while Smith is struggling now, in the twilight of his career.

Round one, Villa comes out early, establishing the jab. Villa lands a top-notch uppercut that sends Smith reeling. Smith tries to cover up while Villa continues to fire at will. A cut is opened over Smith's left eyebrow, and Villa smashes his face with another uppercut. The bleeding from the nasty cut worsens. Villa sneaks in a jab, and then Smith finally goes down in a barrage of punches. There's nothing left to save the former champ this time.

Villa by KO at 2:52 of the first, the biggest win of his fledgling career. He moves to 14-1 (8) overall, and he moves to the top five in the FLY ranks with 638 PPs. Smith, on the other hand, decides to hang up the gloves for good after this debacle.

[JCWeb]

July 4, 1921 -- Kiel Auditorium, St Louis MO -- Unbeaten MW prospect Mickey Walker goes for win #14 in succession against a former WBA champion, Italy's Kid Locke, who is in the twilight of his long career. Walker is favored despite still being at Pre-Prime in this scheduled 10-rounder.

Round one, there's alot of clinching as the fighters try to manuever for a better position. Walker connects with a right cross, while Locke is off target with a combination. Walker lands a few more blows before the bell sounds.

Second round, Walker works the inside and stuns Locke with a hook to the head. The veteran fires back with a jab, then Walker gets in a right cross. Walker circles his opponent, connects with a lead right but can't follow up. Walker dominates the action, nailing Locke with an uppercut right before the bell.

Round three, Walker is looking to finish matters and he has Locke in serious trouble after landing some strong shots. Walker is warned for low blows but he goes on to dominate the action, building a huge points lead.

Fourth round, Locke is working the inside but leaves himself open to a short uppercut to the jaw from Walker. A three-punch combo lands, and Locke is in full retreat. Then Locke gets a break -- he shoots an uppercut that rips open a gash above Walker's left eye. Could be trouble for the Toy Bulldog.

Round five, Locke looks to target the cut, which is still oozing blood despite the best effort's of Walker's cornermen. Walker stays out of range and then unleashes a powerful uppercut. Walker follows up his jab with a strong cross, and Locke cannot find the range. Midway through the bout, the unofficial cards have Walker way ahead, 50-45.

Round six, the cut over Walker's eye is still a concern, and Locke rallies to land a clean jab that results in the doctor being called in to examine Walker's cut eye. A leaping shot by Walker falls short, and Locke lands some more blows near the end of the round -- Walker's right eye starts to swell as a result. Turns out to be Locke's best round of the bout, and at this stage Mickey Walker appears to be in real trouble against the ex-Champ.

Seventh round, the cut is patched up, and Walker's confidence is restored. He lands a straight right and, with both men mixing it up on the inside, Walker puts Locke on the canvas with a strong hook. Locke is back up at the count four, but he goes down again on wobbly legs, barely surviving the round. Great effort by Walker to turn the tables on the aging veteran.

Round eight, Walker is on the attack, landing a hook to the chin, but Locke counters with a hook of his own. Walker shoot home a straight right, and once again Locke is in survival mode as he barely lasts the round once again.

Round nine, Walker lands a glancing right, but Locke fights back, shooting home a right. Walker can't find the range for most of the round, but he follows his jab with a big uppercut that puts Locke down for the count right as the bell sounds.

Walker by KO at 3:00 of round 9 to go 14-0 (13 KOs), moving to 659 PPs and putting him one bout away from an official ranking. For Locke, it turned out to be his final bout as he went out, on his shield, like a true champion, perhaps passing the torch to a likely future MW Champ.

[JCWeb]

July 23, 1921: Cow Palace, San Francisco: Unbeaten LH prospect Tommy Loughran heads west to take on fellow prospect Charlie Nashert aka Young Fitzsimmons. Nashert carries a 9-1 record into the 10-round bout.

Round one: Good hand speed shown by Loughran early in the bout; he scores with an uppercut to the cheek of Nashert. Nashert counters by landing a few isolated punches of his own, but Loughran dominates the rest of the action in the opening round.

Round two: Louhgran fights on the outside, while Nashert tries to work inside. Loughran is effective with the speed jab, and Nashert whiffes as he struggles to find the range. Another strong round for Loughran.

Round three: Loughran switches roles and works the inside versus Nashert, who retreats to the outside. Loughran lands a clean jab, Nashert responds with a hook to the ribs and follows up with a hook to the head. Loughran rallies -- it's a close round.

Round four: both men probe for openings from the outside. A cross connects for Nashert. Loughran misses. Nashert works the jab. Loughran scores with a big left. Nashert retreats but shoots home the jab. Slight edge to Nashert.

Round five: both work the inside this time, and Loughran connects with a two-punch combo. He traps Nashert in the corner and several exchanges follow, with some heavy leather landing. Good action round, Loughran is ahead 49-46 according to the unofficial ringside expert.

Round six: Nashert works inside, Loughran stays outside. Loughran shoots the jab and is scoring well. Nashert sneaks in a straight right. Loughran rips off a jab, and swelling is visible under both of Nashert's eyes as Loughran's two-fisted attack is having its effect. An uppercut scores for Loughran right before the bell.

Round seven: Nashert moves inside, getting more aggressive. Loughran shoots the jab and assumes a defensive minded posture. Not much action, Nashert seems to be tiring by this point.

Round eight: More of the same, Loughran scores from long range and stays away from Nashert's power.

Round nine: Nashert launches an all-out attack, lands a few punches but misses even more, and slick defense and the jab keep Loughran in control.

Round ten: Loughran works off the ropes as a weary Nashert continues to pursue him, still not finding the range. The bout goes the distance.

Scores are 99-92, 99-91, 96-94 for a UD 10 for Tommy Loughran, who moves to 13-0 (6) for 630 PPs.

In other developments, FLY Pancho Villa emerges as #1 in the rankings with a 14-1 record and is set for a championship challenge against Jimmy Wilde. More on this in the year-end reports to come later. Loughran and Walker will continue to be tracked until they emerge as championship contenders.

[JCWeb]

October 15, 1921 -- Boston Garden: Unbeaten MW Prospect is one win away from a perfect 15-0 record and a top 20 ranking. He is heavily favored against veteran TC, Ray Thun of Denmark, who carries a decent 9-11 career record (not bad for a TC) into the bout.

First round, Walker nails Thun with an uppercut. Thun steps back but bangs home a hook to the body. Walker works his way inside, where the two men tussle for a moment. Then the Toy Bulldog gets to work, doubling up with a couple of strong body shots followed by a cross and then a hook to the head. Thun is forced to cover up to last the round.

Round two, Walker is pressuring Thun on the inside. It's all Walker this time as he unleashes a strong uppercut followed by a hook, then a three-punch combo. Thun's right eye is starting to swell already. Walker then measures his man, landing a wicked uppercut that causes Thun to drop to the canvas. The wobbly-legged Dane arises at the count of nine, but the ref waves it off.

TKO at 2:50 of round two for Walker. Mickey's record is now 15-0, all but one by knockout. His 672 PP put him at #17 in the MW rankings. He looks to remain active, fighting again in a month or so.

[JCWeb]

October 29, 1921 -- Comiskey Park, Chicago -- The focus shifts to unbeaten LH prospect Tommy Loughran who puts his 13-0 record on the line against another unbeaten prospect, LH Roleaux Saguero of Cuba. Saguero enters the 10-round contest with a 9-0 (8) mark.

Round one: Loughran opens up with two quick jabs; his Cuban opponent clinches. Another exchange of blows favors Loughran, who follows up with a combination. Loughran lands a lead right but can't follow up. A late flurry right before the bell favors Saguero. Overall, a strong start for Tommy Loughran.

Second round, Loughran fights outside while Saguero is the aggressor, moving inside. Saguero hurts Loughran with a hard hook, and Tommy covers up. Sagurero tries to take advantage but can't follow up on his early success. Loughran bobs and weaves through most of the round, and he even manages to land a couple of jabs late in the round.

Round three, Saguero is looking for the KO while Loughran wisely adopts a defensive posture, staying on the outside. A cross connnects for Loughran. Saguero scores with a combination. Saguero tries to follow up, but he is wild with a hook that misses badly. Loughran slips the lead right from Saguero and surprises the Cuban with an uppercut. Loughran misses with the jab but scores with a left right before the bell. Slight edge to Loughran in a low scoring round.

Fourth round in what is shaping up to be an interesting encounter. This time Loughran works inside while Saguero stays outside. Loughran works to establish the jab first, then lands a right that catches Saguero flush. The Cuban is then vulnerable to a Loughran hook to the head, and then a huge combination puts Saguero on the canvas. He arises at the count of eight and tries to cover up to last the round. Loughran is swarming all over his man, scoring with a quick uppercut, a jab, and then a barrage that results in the bout's second knockdown. This time Saguero can't recover. The bout goes as a KO for Loughran at 2:30 of round four.

The win moves Loughran to 14-0 (7 KOs), worth 676 PPs. One more bout (in December) and he qualifies for a LH ranking, perhaps as high as a spot in the top ten.

[JCWeb]

November 6, 1921 -- New Orleans' Coliseum Arena: Unbeaten MW prospect Mickey Walker, now ranked #17 with a 15-0 (14) career mark, takes on veteran MW Al Grayber, who carries a #14 ranking and a 36-15-4 (10) record into the 10-round bout. It promises to be a good action bout, and it lives up to its billing.

Round one: Walker leads out with a stinging jab, then moves inside to rip an uppercut. Grayber connects with a cross. Walker lands another uppercut that staggers Grayber. Walker pins his opponent against the ropes, and tees up a straight right just before the well. Strong start for the Toy Bulldog.

Round two: Walker works inside, setting up things with a strong jab. Grayber connects with a lead right. Walker works the jab to set up the uppercut, then unleashes a lead right which is slipped by Grayber. Grayber rallies to make the round close as he nails Walker with a nice uppercut right before the bell.

Round three: This time it's Grayber working the inside while Walker stays on the outside. Walker staggers Grayber with a big hook, dominating the action early in the round with superior hand speed. Grayber counters with a big right that lands flush on Walker's chin. Walker has a late flurry, but Grayber is there to jab away, making it an even round.

Close bout heading into round four, and both men work inside. Grayber fires the jab while Walker is off target a bit. More solid shots connect from Grayber, including a huge left that has Walker reeling against the ropes. Best round of the fight for Grayber, and it's the first time in his career that Walker has looked vulnerable.

Round five, and a frustrated Walker is head-hunting while Grayber wisely stays outside. A cross from Grayber staggers Walker, who is forced to cover up as Grayber follows up with an uppercut. Grayber rips a hook to the head, then is warned for a low blow. This gives Walker some respite, but then another shot to the head from Grayber leaves him vulnerable again. It's a severe test for Walker, who manages to stay on his feet and last the round despite signs of swelling around his right eye. A hook to the head near the end of the round by Walker shows he's still in the fight.

The unofficial card at the halfway point has Walker ahead by one, 48-47.

Sixth round, and Grayber is trying to force the action on the inside while Walker stays outside. Walker nails Grayber with an uppercut, then follows with a hook to the ribs. Grayber responds with a hook to the midsection of Walker. Walker moves inside again, nailing Grayber with an uppercut to the chin. Another hook to the body and Walker seems to be winning again.

Round seven, both men mix it up on the inside, leading to a good action round. Grayber flicks the jab, Walker lands a straight right. Grayber connects with a right, Walker sticks a jab to Grayber's chest. Walker lands an uppercut and holds a slight edge in an action-packed round.

Round eight, Walker is once again looking to end it. A solid cross has Grayber reeling. Grayber wings a right. Walker follows with a strong hook than stuns Grayber. Grayber is forced to hold on as Walker unleashes a big hook but misses with a left-right combination. A solid uppercut by Walker punctuates his control at this stage in the bout.

Round nine, Grayber is now getting desperate, looking for the knockout. Walker stays inside and scores with a jab that forces Grayber to retreat. A lead right scores for Walker, who follows up with a hook that lands cleanly. Grayber then connects with a hook to the head. Walker wisely covers up to last the round.

Final round of the bout, and Grayber is pulling out all the stops, connecting with a right to the jaw of Walker, followed by a strong combination. Walker recovers, establishing the jab, but Grayber follows with a right hook to the head, forcing Walker up against the ropes. Grayber is cut above his left eye in the following exchange, and then the final bell sounds.

It's been a tough fight for Mickey Walker, who is rewarded with the judges' unanimous verdict, by the scores of 97-94, 97-94, 97-95. A game effort by Grayber who pushed the unbeaten young MW.

The win moves Walker to 16-0 (15), and his 730 PP are good enough to rise to #16 in the overall MW rankings.

[kenyan_cheena]

Nice write-up, JC. That was a tough test for Walker. I haven't really taken much of a look at your uni but I'll have to change that, I think.

[JCWeb]

thanks, KC

One more bout before the year-end reports ... December 24, 1921 -- NY City, Polo Grounds -- Unbeaten LH prospect Tommy Loughran carries his unbeaten 14-0 mark into a bout with #20 ranked LH Jack Reeves, who has compiled a 12-3 (8) career record thus far.

Round one: Loughran begins by sticking the jab, combines slick defense with ring movement. Tommy follows up with an uppercut midway through the round, whereas Reeves cannot find the range. Another Loughran probing jab sets up a strong shot that lands -- part hook, part uppercut. Huge edge for Loughran after round one.

Second round, Reeves tries to force his way inside while Loughran stays outside. A two-fisted attack by Loughran forces Reeves to take a step back. Loughran follows with an uppercut, a hook to the head, and a two-punch combo. A flurry late in the round also favors Loughran, who is building up a sizable lead by this point.

Round three, both men try to slug it out on the inside. Loughran sticks a jab to the chest of Reeves, who manages to slip a lead right. Reeves manages to stagger Loughran with a big hook, his first telling blow of the bout. Loughran doubles up on the jab, and there is noticeable swelling under the left eye of Reeves.

Fourth round sees both men content to work the outside. Loughran scores to the head and the body, Reeves responds with a quick jab, but Loughran re-establishes control with his jab. Late in the round, Loughran scores with a hook to the head, and a late flurry by Reeves has little effect.

Round five, it's Loughran working inside while Reeves stays outside. Loughran dominates the action with an uppercut, a straight right, then a three-punch combo that staggers his opponent. Loughran continues to pile up the points, and the unofficial cards have Tommy well ahead, 50-45, after five.

Round six, Loughran is looking to finish his man but leaves himself open for a right cross from Reeves. Loughran recovers and uncorks a strong uppercut. A big left from Loughran is sidestepped by Reeves. Reeves sneaks in a right, but Loughran digs a hook to Reeves' side. Good action round, but Reeves is still standing after a whirlwind blitz by Loughran.

Seventh round sees Reeves moving back to the inside, Loughran to the outside. Not much action, Loughran lands a cross and several jabs, and Reeves connects with a lead right but can't follow up.

Round eight, more of the same as Loughran settles in to a more defensive posture. Reeves connects with a straight right and sneaks in a jab, but otherwise the slick defense of Loughran dominates the round.

Round nine, Reeves is the aggressor, but there's alot of clutching and grabbing and very little in the way of action, as Reeves tires and Loughran targets his swollen eye with the jab.

Round 10 sees an all-out attack unleashed by a tired Reeves, who uses the jab to set up a right hook to the head that stuns Loughran. Tommy recovers to nail Reeves with a cross right before the final bell.

The judge's scorecards announce a predicted UD 10 for Loughran, by counts of 99-91, 99-91, and 100-90. His 15th win against no defeats move him to the #10 LH spot in the rankings, worth 717 PPs. Looks like a title shot could be in store in the next year or so.

[JCWeb]

On to the year-end review for 1921, starting with the HW Title bouts.

WBA

Jeff Clarke CH (39-12-3) vs Harry Wills #1 (36-3-1)

Wills, unbeaten in his last six, gets a chance to regain the WBA title belt he lost to Dempsey back in 1918, and he holds a KO win over Clarke in a prior title match.

Wills rocks Clarke with a three-punch combination in the opening round, forcing the Champ to cover up. Wills has the Joplin Ghost on the defensive in round two, continuing to land the more telling blows. Wills applies even more pressure in round three, and the Black Panther continues to pile up the points through round five, when he decks Clarke with a solid cross for the bout's first knockdown. A second KD for Wills follows two rounds later. Clarke decides to get more aggressive, staggering Wills with a sharp combination in round 9. Wills is relentless, however, flooring Clarke for a third time in the 11th and then twice more in the final two rounds to regain the belt with a UD 15 win (148-132, 149-131, 148-132).

Harry Wills CH (37-3-1) vs Bill Brennan #2 (29-9)

Brennan, the NABF Champ, takes on Wills after impressive KO wins over Carl Morris and Jack Dempsey. It is the first meeting of the two.

Brennan surprises Wills with a wicked right hand that lands flush for a flash KD in round one. The Black Panther recovers, absorbing some more punishment from Brennan in round two, finally finding the range in the third with some solid blows that rip open a cut above Brennan's right eye. Wills targets the cut, but in round five he gets careless, and Brennan decks him for a second time. Wills bounces back in round six, ripping open the cut which worsens quickly -- and a hapless Brennan sees his title hopes dashed by a TKO stoppage. Wills by TKO 6 (cuts) to retain the belt.

Harry Wills CH (38-3-1) vs Fred Fulton #6 (28-7)

This bout is a rematch of a December 1920 USBA title contest, won by Wills in a first round KO. Fulton has registered two KO wins (over Clarke and Beckett) to set up the title bout.

After a strong start in round one, Wills goes to work building up points in the early rounds. Fulton is decked in the fourth and arises after a six count. Wills can't follow up in the following round as Fulton adopts a more defensive posture. A cut above the Champ's left eye is cause for concern, and Fulton targets the cut in rounds 6 and 7. Fulton applies even more pressure in round 8, but a strong defensive effort by the Black Panther keeps him ahead in the bout. Fulton is one the receiving end of a Wills uppercut in round 9, and he gradually wears down in the later rounds as the Champ's corner brings the cut under control. Finally, in round 14, three KDs for Wills and it ends on a TKO for the Champ. Wills by TKO 14.

NABF: Bill Brennan gave a title shot to the ex-Champ, Manassa Mauler Jack Dempsey, and the bout was going Dempsey's way when a huge gash appeared over Dempsey's right eye; however, Dempsey could not put Brennan away, and Brennan staggered the ex-Champ with a huge left hook in round 7. Jack eschewed a cover up, which turned out to be a big mistake as Brennan poured it on to secure a TKO win in the 7th. A second title defense against Billy Miske did not go so well for Brennan; Miske recovered from a cut below the right eye by decking Brennan in the 9th round which was the key moment in the bout, resulting in a UD 12 and the transfer of the belt to Miske.

USBA: The belt was vacated by Wills, the new WBA titleholder, and veterans Sam McVey and Frank Moran were matched for the vacant title. No knockdowns in this one as a workmanlike McVey piled up enough points to secure a MD 12 decision. Ex-Champ Joplin Ghost Jeff Clarke then reversed an earlier loss to McVey, scoring two early KDs over the aging ex-Champ and winning on a cuts stoppage in round 10. Clarke was then dethroned by up-and-comer George Godfrey, "The Leiperville Shadow" who extended his career starting unbeaten streak with a deserved MD 12 win after landing several strong shots during the bout.

CBU: Veteran Aussie Colin Bell defended versus British Champ Joe Beckett, and a late rally by Bell fell short as Beckett lifted the belt in a UD 12 with a surprisingly strong showing. Beckett then took on the challenge of Canadian vet, "Boston Tar Baby" Sam Langford, and the result was a see-saw bout as each man was down in the first half of the bout. Then Beckett seized control, decking Langford for a second time in round 7 before finally finishing him off late in the final stanza. Beckett by KO 12.

GBU: No title bouts as Beckett was busy with the two CBU title bouts.

EBU: Ireland's Jim Coffey gave a title shot to his countryman Bartley Madden, who repeated his earlier success and lifted the belt with a dominating UD 12 win. Madden defended versus German Paul Samson-Korner, piling up points and winning via a late round cuts stoppage in the 12th. Italian Giuseppe Spalla was the next challenger, and Madden dominated to register a UD 12 victory. The final title challenge of the year came from former Champ Otto Flint, who proved to be a tough opponent for Madden, who staggered Madden with a big hook in the fifth. The German, however, was slowed by a cut -- and some strong defense from Madden, who hung on to score a very close UD 12 win.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1922 Division Profile

Total: 181 RL: 103 TCs: 78

RL by Career Stage:

End - 12
Post - 10
Prime - 38
Pre - 21
Beginning - 16 (13 New)

Rated: 65
800+: 15
500+: 28
200+: 50

Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from last year in parens)

Champ: Harry Wills 39-3-1 (32) (1718) (+1)
1. Bartley Madden 39-7-3 (14) (1470) (+1)
2. Jack Dempsey 32-3-1 (31) (1296) (+1)
3. Billy Miske 30-10-1 (18) (1089) (+7)
4. Bill Brennan 29-11 (23) (1088) (+2)
5. Sam McVey 53-16-2 (33) (1042) (NC)
6. Fred Fulton 28-8 (21) (1012) (+3)
7. George Godfrey 19-0 (15) (953) (new)
8. Jeff Clarke 40-14-3 (28) (952) (-8)
9. Carl Morris 32-13 (21) (935) (+2)
10. Otto Flint 29-12-2 (21) (858) (+4)

Comments: All at Prime except McVey, now at End, and Godfrey at Pre (one more bout to hit Prime). Harry Wills extended his win streak to nine by recapturing the title. Madden has reeled off seven in a row, including a SD over Miske. Dempsey went 3-1 for the year, suffering his third career loss to Brennan but scoring KOs over McVey, Devere and Carl Morris. Miske moved up with a TKO over Langford and a UD over Moran but suffered the tough loss to Madden. Brennan could not build on his win over Dempsey, suffering two straight losses to Wills and Miske. McVey won a MD win over Moran, but two more losses and some more aging effects indicate this may be his last hurrah. Fulton registered TKOs over Cook and Beckett but then failed in his title bid. Godfrey debuted at an even higher spot than Dempsey, extending his career unbeaten record with KOs over Fat LaRue and Samson-Korner in addition to a UD over Battling Jim McCreary and then taking the USBA title from Clarke, who faded to #8 and likely to hit Post-Prime soon. Rounding out the top ten are Morris, by virtue of his KO of Bob Devere, and Otto Flint, by virtue of his MD 10 of Langford, who fell out of the top 10 list for the first time in over 15 years.

Other Notables: Dropping out of the top 10 were Devere, who lost all three bouts and fell five spots to #12, one below New Zealander Albert Pooley, who scored a TKO win over Devere; Langford, who managed a KO over Jess Willard but could not keep pace with his younger rivals and fell six spots to #14. But Aussie Colin Bell, who took a UD loss to Luis Firpo, tumbled all the way from #4 to #25. CBU and GBU Champ Joe Beckett moved to #13, now sporting a 30-12 (24) record with 802 PPs. Still unbeaten, Bob Roper debuts at #19 with a 15-0-2 (11) and 584 PPs, the only blemishes being two draws with Martin Burke and Battling Jim McCreary. "Phainting Phil" Scott, who suffered his first loss to Al Corbett, checks in at #22 with a 14-1 (4) career start.

Prospects: Heading the list are Fighting Billy Murray and Al Roberts, who have identical 12-1-1 marks after drawing with each other. German Hans Breitenstrater suffered his first loss, to Scott, but TK0'd Frenchman Marcel Nilles in 9 to go 12-1 (11). Young Bob Fitzsimmons is 12-1 (2), suffering a KO loss to journeyman Dan Daily. Still unbeaten at 11-0 (4) is Sully Montgomery; all wins versus TC cans. New Zealand's Tom Heeney is off to a 10-0 (4) start, also versus TC opponents. Bearcat Wright at 10-1-1 (9) has only lost to Fighting Bob Martin; his one draw came against Brad Simmons, who has a 8-1-1 (4) record at this point. Still unbeaten are South African John Henry Squires, Canadian Jack McAuliffe and Chilean Quinton Romero Rojas, all with perfect 6-0 marks. Floyd Johnson is off to a 4-0 start, and late in the year it was a good debut for Young Stribling.

Retirements: Only one in 1921, but look for many more soon.

Jim Savage (USA) 1908-21 31-21-2 (17) No Titles Highest Rank: 13

Looking Ahead: Abandoning the "predictions" business from prior years, but will try to give a general report on likely upcoming fights and fighters in this section. In this vein, the key story-line for 1921 will be whether or not Dempsey can regain the title. Miske is a likely title challenger, too, along with Madden. Veterans McVey and Clarke are on the way out, and will be interesting to see if Godfrey can keep his unbeaten streak going. Pooley has risen in the ranks, and he should be expected to challenge for the CBU belt. Further down the list, Luis Firpo at #20 with an 18-3-1 (14) will be expected to deliver on his promise. Hard to see any really great prospects out there, but Tom Heeney may be the best of them. It will be interesting to see Stribling develop. None of the 13 new fighters starting up in 1922 is rated above a 7.

[mh2365]

good stuff JC

[JCWeb]

1921 Title Bouts

WBA

Harry Greb CH (30-4) vs Battling Siki #11 (33-9-3)

Second meeting, with Greb holding a 1-0 edge after a UD 10 win in 1919. Siki gets the title shot after consecutive losses to Tunney and Dillon.

After a close opening round, the Senegalese challenger presses the attack on the inside and Greb sustains a cut over the right eye in round two. Greb establishes the jab to take round three, but is still bothered by the cut. Greb pressures Siki to take rounds four and five to build a 49-47 lead after five. Both men stay outside in round six, and Siki scores well. Greb battles on the inside in rounds 7 and 8, but Siki stands his ground. He then fires a huge uppercut that decks the Champ in some exciting, toe-to-toe action. Siki has Greb on the defensive in round 10, peppering him with strong shots to build a 97-93 lead on the unofficial card. The cut over Greb's eye is sliced open in the 11th round, and (after an even round 12) both me are knocked down in round 13. Finally, the cut over Greb's eye reopens once more and causes a late stoppage. Siki by TKO 14 (cuts).

Battling Siki CH (34-9-3) vs Battling Levinsky #6 (36-13-1)

Siki's first defense is against Levinsky, whom he defeated in a prior bout (MD 10 in 1916). Levinsky's last two wins have come versus lesser LHs.

Levinksy catches Siki with an overhand right in round one, flooring the new Champ for a 9-count. Levinsky continues to follow up in round two, piling up points. In round three, Siki does well as both men fight inside. Round four is a close one, as both men stay outside. Siki presses on the inside in round five, but runs into some strong defense by Levinsky. Levinksy continues to dominate into the bout's middle rounds. Siki is the aggressor, finally breaking through to dominate round nine -- causing Levinsky's right eye to swell. Levinsky soon re-establishes control in round 10, then coasts in the later rounds. Levinsky wins a comfortable UD 15 (144-140, 147-137, 147-137).

Battling Levinsky CH (37-13-1) vs Gene Tunney #3 (22-5-1)

This is a rematch of a 1919 bout, which saw a UD 10 win for Levinsky.

It's a cagey start by both men, and both men have their moments in rounds three and four. Levinsky rallies in round five, his best of the fight. The Champ begins to find the range, landing some telling blows in round six. Tunney's left eye starts to swell up. After some close middle rounds, Tunney goes on the attack in round 10. Levinksy works the inside in round 11, a close, even round. Tunney hangs on versus an aggressive Levinsky in round 12. Levinsky is cut above the right eye late in round 14, but it has little effect on the outcome. The bout goes the distance, and it's a draw. Levinsky keeps the belt into 1922.

NABF: Sweeney starts the year with the belt, but Jack Dillon lifts the belt after dominating the action (including 3 KDs of Sweeney) to score a 10th round TKO. Dillon takes on Kid Norfolk in a close, bruising battle, that results in a MD 12 for Norfolk. Then it's the third new titleholder in three bouts, as Tommy Gibbons builds an early lead and withstands a strong late rally from Norfolk to capture a MD 12 win.

USBA: Gibbons meets Tunney for the USBA belt vacated by Dillon who moved up to the NABF belt. Gibbons is bothered by an early cut, and Tunney applies the pressure to win by a late stoppage after scoring two KDs. In a rematch of a 1920 battle, Tunney takes on Greb, scoring three KDs to pull ahead on points in the late rounds -- UD 12 for Tunney.

CBU: No defenses -- veteran Harry Reeve keeps the belt.

GBU: Reeve defends versus Jack Bloomfield, who proves a worthy challenger as he nails Reeve with an uppercut and follows with a KO blow to take the belt via a second round KO.

EBU: Siki defends versus Brit Tom Berry, who surprises Siki early in round one, then exploits an early cut that leads to a 10th round stoppage -- Berry takes the belt. A rematch occurs later in the year, and this time Siki makes sure with a 7th round KD en route to a UD 12 win.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1922 Division Profile

Total: 102 RL: 62 TCs: 40

RL by Career Stage:
End - 1
Post - 6
Prime - 20
Pre - 20
Beginning - 15 (8 New)

Rated: 34
800+: 8
500+: 17
200+: 28


Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from last year in Parens)

Champ: Battling Levinsky 37-13-2 (15) (952) (+4)
1. Tommy Gibbons 31-10-2 (13) (1033) (+1)
2. Kid Norfolk 29-5 (16) (1032) (+1)
3. Harry Greb 31-6 (20) (1012) (-3)
4. Jack Dillon 44-8-4 (16) (1011) (-3)
5. Gene Tunney 22-5-2 (17) (990) (NC)
6. Leo Houck 47-22-4 (14) (980) (NC)
7. Georges Carpentier 43-8-2 (28) (864) (NC)
8. Bob Sweeney 28-12-2 (20) (755) (NC)
9. Bob McAllister 39-14-1 (21) (722) (NC)
10. Tommy Loughran 15-0 (7) (717) (new)

Comments: Houck has now moved to Post, joining Sweeney and McAllister while Loughran is at Pre; others at Prime. Levinsky fought only twice in the two title bouts, and he still has only the 7th highest PP total. Gibbons took a UD 10 from Carpentier and split two title bouts. Norfolk scored a KO over Grande, then fought two close title bouts, winning one and losing one. Greb recovered from a loss in the title tilt to register a UD 10 over Dillon. Dillon lost his last two, snapping a 6-bout winning streak. Tunney is unbeaten in his last three after suffering a TKO loss to Houck. Houck went unbeaten, downing Tunney (TKO), Tom Berry (UD) and Sweeney (MD) but received no title shot. Carpentier bounced back from the loss to Gibbons by defeating Grande via TKO and Bloomfield with a UD 10. Sweeney lost both his bouts in 1921 and has now lost three in a row. McAllister suffered a UD loss to Bogash but then recovered to win three in a row, including a KO over Jack Reeves and a SD versus Steve Choynski.

Other Notables: Ex-Champ Siki (now EBU titleholder) dropped four spots to #14; his career record stands at 25-11-3 (16) for 541 PPs. Larry Williams went 3-1 for the year and stands at #11, just outside the top group. Two unbeaten young fighters are well-positioned to move up soon. Jimmy Delaney is 18-0 (15) after KOs of Grande and Wiggins and is ranked #13. Jack Delaney, his Canadian counterpart, has blasted out all 15 opponents thus far, and he is one spot back after disposing of Dick Smith, Jack Reeves and Charles Baechli in recent bouts. Bogash checks in at #15, edging Mike McTigue in a SD to run his record to 18-6 (11). British Champ Jack Bloomfield debuts at #21 with a 13-3-1 (11) record, worth 308 PPs. CBU Champ Harry Reeve is #25, with 246 PPs after two more losses dropped him to 22-17-1 (16). Jack Reeves debuts at #23, suffering three straight losses after a 12-1 career start.

Prospects: Swiss Charles Baechli bounced back from the TKO loss to Delaney with wins over Reeves and Dick Smith; his record stands at 12-2 (5). Charlie Nashert dropped a UD 10 to Loughran for his second loss. Gypsy Daniels continued to feast on TC competition, winding up 1921 at 11-0 (9). Roleaux Saguero suffered his first loss to Loughran; the other Cuban LH prospect, Esparraguera, suffered his first loss at the hands of Saguero. Sergeant Jack Lynch improved to 7-2 (6) with some wins versus TCs. Hambone Kelly kept his record unblemished at 7-0 (6). Young Brit Len Harvey KO'd German Rudolf Arndt to go 6-0 (4). Still unbeaten are Sunny Jim Williams, 6-0 (5), Young Tony Marullo, 5-0 (3), Eddie McGovern, 5-0 (3) and Joe Manley, 5-0 (2).

Retirements: Two LHs hung up the gloves in 1921.

Howard Morrow (USA) 1908-21 25-20-2 (16) No Titles Highest Rank: 9
Dave Smith (AUS) 1909-21 33-21 (24) CBU Champ Highest Rank: 6

Looking Ahead: Levinsky now is on top in a musical chairs-like occupation of the WBA throne. Gibbons and Norfolk appear to be the top two contenders. Carpentier is likely to look for some HW competition if unable to regain the EBU title. Greb, Dillon and Tunney appear to be at a crossroads career-wise. Loughran may be ready for a title shot at a lesser belt before the end of the year. The two Delaneys (Jimmy and Jack) are likely to become top contenders by year's end. McTigue and Bogash appear to be struggling but may rebound as others above them start to age. Eight more newcomers to the LH ranks in 1922 will be paced by Ad Stone, Bobby Brown and Leo Lomski.

[Lee]

Siki sure is an enigma, he loses to people he should kill and then will put on a brilliant fight. He truly was erratic IRL and I think the game mirrors this nicely!

[JCWeb]

1921 MW Title Bouts

WBA

Mike O'Dowd CH (29-5) vs Al Grayber #11 (25-13-4)

Grayber qualifies for his first WBA title shot after a UD 10 over Al McCoy. O'Dowd defeated Grayber by a MD back in 1917.

Both boxers are off a slow start in round one, edge to O'Dowd. Both stay outside in round two, which is a close, even round. O'Dowd wins most of the inside exchanges to take round three. Grayber tries to get more aggressive in round four, but O'Dowd starts piling up points; the Champ is ahead 49-47 on the unofficial card after five. Grayber presses on the inside, but effective counterpunching by O'Dowd neutralizes the threat throughout the middle rounds of the bout. Grayber eventually runs out of gas in the later rounds, and it's a dominating UD 15 win for O'Dowd with little in the way of cut and thrust action (no KDs) -- 147-140, 149-138, 147-140 on the judge's cards, all for O'Dowd.

Mike O'Dowd CH (30-5) vs Panama Joe Gans #1 (29-3)

It's the first meeting of the two, as O'Dowd puts a 13-bout winning streak on the line.

It's a cautious start by both in round one. O'Dowd emerges with a slight edge after both men elect to fight outside in round two. Panama Joe presses the action on the inside in round three, but runs into a defensive wall from O'Dowd. After another close round in the fourth stanza, Gans' aggression finally pays off as the right eye of O'Dowd shows signs of swelling. Still, it's 49-47 for the champ, according to the ringside expert. Panama Joe pounds O'Dowd into the ropes in round six, but he can't follow up and the Champ escapes. Not much action in round seven, expect Gans is cut above the right eye. Gans continues as the aggressor throughout the middle rounds, with mixed results. A strong round 10 brings Gans level, 95-95, on the unofficial card. Panama Joe nails O'Dowd with a hard shot off the top of the head to take round 12, and the belt is literally at stake going into the final three rounds. Round 14 is a key one -- Gans' cut is reopened, but he battles his way to put the Champ on the canvas for an 8-count. Final round, both men are flailing away, and it's a really close decision: MD 15 to O'Dowd who retains the belt despite the late knockdown (144-141, 142-142, 144-141).

NABF: Panama Joe Gans defended the belt three times in 1921, first versus Johnny Wilson, whom he decked in round 6 with a wicked hook to the head -- the ref stopped it a few seconds later; TKO 6 for Gans. Next up was Brian Downey, who managed to last the distance and avoided Gans' power for most of the bout -- still went down as a UD 12 for Gans. Finally, Gordon McKay (surprise winner of the USBA belt) stepped up to challenge Gans, but McKay faded after a strong start, as Gans staggered him in round 11 with a huge right hand that cinched another UD win for Panama Joe.

USBA: Mike Gibbons defended versus Gordon McKay. Gibbons piled up a huge points lead, but McKay did not surrender, and a late rally that won him the last two rounds resulted a huge upset -- a UD 12 verdict for McKay (115-114, 115-113, 115-113).

CBU: Jake Ahearn kept the belt as he did not defend it during the year.

GBU: Ahearn did, however, put his GBU title on the line against young British hopeful Frank Moody, and Moody took full advantage of the opportunity, staggering Ahearn with a huge uppercut in the opening stanza. Moody then went on to pound out a solid UD 12 win.

EBU: Dane Chic Nelson defended versus another rising British MW, Roland Todd, making his first title shot. It was perhaps a bit too much too soon for the youthful Brit who was on the defensive from the get-go and never recovered. This one went down as a UD 12 for Nelson, no knockdowns in the bout.

[JCWeb]

Jan. 1922 Division Profile

Total: 150 RL: 87 TC: 63

RL by Career Stage:
End - 3
Post- 20
Prime - 34
Pre - 22
Beginning - 8 (5 New)

Rated: 63
800+: 10
500+: 31
200+: 55

Jan 1922 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from last year in Parens)

Champ: Mike O'Dowd 31-5 (11) (1468) (NC)
1. Jeff Smith 40-9-2 (16) (1367) (+1)
2. Panama Joe Gans 30-4 (15) (1328) (-1)
3. Mike Gibbons 40-8-3 (14) (1021) (NC)
4. Johnny Wilson 29-10-1 (11) (979) (NC)
5. Bryan Downey 26-10-2 (14) (895) (+1)
6. Gordon McKay 20-4 (10) (878) (+23)
7. Jack McCarron 33-16-3 (15) (860) (+1)
8. Joe Borrell 29-12-1 (18) (857) (+2)
9. George Brown 34-15-2 (16) (850) (NC)
10. George Robinson 28-13-6 (6) (781) (+6)

Comments: Mike Gibbons enters Post in 1922, which was his last year in RL; all others stay at Prime. O'Dowd has now reeled off 15 wins in a row, turning back just about all major contenders. Jeff Smith, who has now won his last four, is likely to step up as the next logical challenger; he scored a KO over Buck Crouse and UDs versus McCarron, Borrell and Chic Nelson, the EBU champion. Panama Joe Gans has won eight of his last nine, the only setback coming in the WBA title clash with O'Dowd. Gibbons has won four of his last five, rebounding after the USBA title loss with wins over McCarron (UD) and Downey (MD). Wilson won three of five in 1921, including UDs versus McCoy and Ahearn but lost a UD to Downey. Downey stumbled with a MD loss to Gibbons and wound up falling behind Wilson, whom he beat. McKay catapulted up the ranks with a TKO over Ashe, then the USBA title win, before losing to Gans. McCarron registered a UD win over Ratner but lost his last two to Jeff Smith and McGoorty. Borrell impressed with TKOs versus Crouse and Joe Chip, but failed in a UD loss to Smith. "Knockout" Brown was KO'd by Littleton but scored a KO versus Moody and UD versus Robinson. Robinson fills the last spot, by virtue of a TKO win over McGoorty, a MD against Malone, and a SD over Grayber.

Other Notables: Finishing just outside the top ten at #11 was Fighting Billy Murray, who suffered one loss to Rene DeVos but won three other bouts, including a UD over Schoell and a TKO over McGoorty. McGoorty was one of two top 10 dropouts, falling five spots to #12, and Crouse slid all the way from #5 to #19 after going 0-3 for the year. DeVos, the "Little Fox" has won his last five to push his record to 19-2-2 (11). Mickey Walker's rise to prominence has been well document; he debuts at #15 in the rankings with a 16-0 (14) record thus far. One spot behind him is Tiger Flowers, who hit Prime in 1921 and has a 20-2 (13) career mark, despite suffering his second career loss to Jackie Clark. Dave Shade is riding a four-bout win streak to advance to #21 in the crowded rankings, with a 17-2 (7) record worth 635 PP. EBU Champ Chic Nelson is rated #28 with a 24-13--3 (12) career mark, for 564 PP. GBU king Frank Moody is #38 with a 23-7-2 (10) record, for 415 PP. Veteran George Chip continued to plug away, but could only reach #42 in this year's list, with a 30-18-4 (14) mark, still trailing his brother Joe. Finally, CBU Champ Jake Ahearn has had little success outside the US, dropping to #48 with a 30-17-3 (14) mark worth 312 PP.
Newcomers to the ranks (other than Walker) include Billy Shade at #33 with a 14-2-1 (12) mark for 476 PP; Allentown Joe Gans at #37 with a 13-1 (11) record thus far; and the UK's Ted Moore whose 15-2 (4) record puts him at #43.

Prospects: Billy Bird had run off a 12-bout win streak before dropping his first, via DQ, to Ernst Grimm; his record is now 12-1 (8). Tiger Johnny Cline suffered a UD loss to Allentown Joe Gans for his second loss, finishing at 12-2 (9). Sailor Billy Vincent is also 12-2 (with 8 KOs) after suffering his first defeats in SDs to Ted Moore and Bird. Frankie Burns TKO'd fellow Aussie Mick King to keep his unbeaten record; he ends the year at 11-0-1 (7). Dave Rosenberg at 11-1 (4) beat all opponents except for Walker. Bert Colima is 10-0-1 (3), all versus TCs. France's Marcel Thil suffered his second loss (a UD 8 to Ernst Grimm) to slip to 5-2 (3). Meanwhile, Jimmy Finley, Bob Sage, Jac McVey, Alf Stewart, Leone Jacovacci, Mario Bosisio, Len Johnson, and Phil Kaplan all kept their slates clean. Just starting out were Brit Tommy Milligan (now 3-0) and Billy Angelo (1-0), all winning by KOs.

Retirements: Three MWs called in quits in 1921, including one ex-WBA Champ who wrapped up a 20-year career:

Bill Fleming (USA) 1908-21 29-23-3 (12) USBA Champ Highest Rank: 10
Kid Locke (ITA) 1902-21 36-37-5 (12) WBA Champ Highest Rank: 1
Tommy Gavigan (USA) 1910-21 22-23-1 (11) No Titles Highest Rank: 32

Looking Ahead: Will O'Dowd manage to keep the crown for another year? Jeff Smith is the most likely challenger, with Gans likely to get another shot as well. Expect Mickey Walker to surge into the top 10, possibly earning a shot at the NABF or USBA belt (the current champ, McKay, seems vulnerable). Tiger Flowers and Rene DeVos appear to be solid bets to move into the Top 10, while aging vets like Gibbons, Brown, Robinson, and McGoorty appear to have nowhere to go but down. Some of the young Brits, like Moody, Todd, and Moore should supplant the older guys like Ahearn and Chic Nelson in competing for CBU and EBU titles. Cuba's Kid Charol and Ace Hudkins appear to be the best of five new MWs set to debut in 1922.

[JCWeb]

1921 WW Title Bouts

WBA

Tommy Uren CH (26-8) vs Willie Loughlin #3 (22-6)

First meeting of the two. Uren has won his last six, while Loughlin (the NABF Champ) has won his last four.

After an uneventful opening round, Loughlin is on the attack in round two but Uren blunts the attack and wins the round from the outside. Round three is relatively quiet and even. Uren moves inside in round four, gaining a slight upper hand. Loughlin wins most of the inside exchanges to take round five, but the unofficial card has it 49-46 for Uren at this point. Loughlin pulls ahead after a close round six by nailing Uren with a big right hand to take round 7. A huge left and a devastating uppercut from Loughlin have the Champ reeling in round eight. Loughlin lands a few more shots, but can't finish Uren although he decked the Champ late in round 9. It's 95-all on the unofficial card, going into the late rounds with the WBA belt in the balance. A second KD for Loughlin ensues in round 12, as Uren walks into a strong uppercut. There's not enough time for the Champ to recover, and Loughlin lifts the belt with a well-deserved UD 15 win (144-139, 144-139, 143-140).

Willie Loughlin CH (23-6) vs Jack Britton #1 (49-11-3)

No prior meetings; Britton has won twice since losing to Uren in a 1920 WBA Title bout.

After a slow start by both, Britton struggles to find his timing fighting outside in round two. Strong defense from Britton blunts Loughlin's inside attack in round three. A hard uppercut from Loughlin staggers Britton in round five, but the unofficial observer has the Champ behind by 49-46. Loughlin steps up the pace in the middle rounds, and Britton's left eye shows signs of swelling. Britton bounces back to stagger Loughlin with a left hook to take round 9, regaining control to hold a 95-94 edge into the last five rounds. Loughlin's right eye starts swelling in round 11, as Britton's punches are repeatedly finding their target. Finally, the bout ends abruptly in round 13 when Britton is DQed for blatant rabbit punching. Loughlin by DQ 13 (despite trailing Britton on two of three cards at the time).

Willie Loughlin CH (24-6) vs Tommy Robson #8 (26-9-1)

Robson, the new USBA Champ who is fresh off a UD win over ex-Champ Magirl, gets a title shot -- it's the first meeting of the two.

Loughlin breaks open a relatively even opening stanza by nailing Robson with a straight right. Round two is also even, but Robson's inside attack has its effect as a dangerous cut appears above Loughlin's right eye. Robson targets the cut, but Loughlin fires back with a strong cross that forces the challenger to cover up in round three. Round four sees Loughlin use the uppercut effectively to take the round. Both men move inside in round five, but Robson is able to rip open the cut which becomes too dangerous to allow the bout to continue. Robson by TKO 5 (cuts stoppage) to take the title.

Tommy Robson CH (27-9-1) vs Ted Kid Lewis #2 (33-12-4)

It is Kid Lewis' second WBA title try, as he dropped a close one to Art Magirl back in 1918. The two have not faced each other before now.

The bout starts with a long feeling-out process and not much action until late round two, when Lewis starts repeatedly scoring well. Robson tries his luck on the inside, but Lewis still maintains the edge in round three. Lewis continues to pound away, building a 49-45 points lead according to the unofficial scorer. Lewis remains the aggressor in rounds six and seven, despite exhibiting signs of swelling under his right eye. Robson, who is falling behind, gets more aggressive later in the bout, but tires in the later rounds so Lewis is able to score a comfortable UD 15 win (144-138, 147-135, 146-136) in a bout with no knockdowns.

NABF: Former NABF titleholder Packey McFarland is matched with Canadian Frankie Barrieau for the belt vacated by Loughlin. McFarland unleashes a barrage of blows in the opening round, then lands a telling blow in round two. Barrieau battles back but lacks the stamina and fades in the late rounds -- UD 12 for McFarland. Packey's run this time is a short one, as he runs into long-time nemesis Jack Britton in his first defense, who nurses a small points edge into the final rounds to register a MD 12 win.

USBA: Ex-WBA Champ Art Magirl defends versus Robson, who gets off to a quick start, causing Magirl's left eye to start swelling as early as round two; Magirl comes back strongly in round four, staggering Robson with a huge hook. The battle rages into the late rounds, when Magirl suffers a split lip, and eventually fades, allowing Robson to take a UD 12 win. Robson then vacates the belt (after winning the WBA title) and Eddie Shevlin takes on the youthful Ray Long. Shevlin breaks open a close bout by decking Long in round nine, squelching a late rally by the challenger -- UD 12 for Shevlin. Finally, Shevlin defends versus Marty Cross, who suffers an early cut which winds up leading to an early stoppage -- TKO 5 for Shevlin.

CBU: Bermondsey Billy Wells retains the belt but makes no defenses.

GBU: Bermondsey Billy takes on former CBU titleholder Johnny Basham, and the bout is decided early on when Basham suffers a bad cut above the eye in round one, and a 7th round knockdown is the coup-de-grace for Basham who succumbs on a cuts stoppage two rounds later. Wells by TKO 9 (cut).

EBU: Ted Kid Lewis defends versus Frenchman Albert Badoud, and the result in two prior bouts between the two is repeated as Badoud is cut above the eye in round six; Lewis keeps up the pressure and scores his third successive TKO win over Badoud (this one in round 10). Lewis steps up to the WBA belt and then Badoud gets another opportunity, versus the Bermondsey Billy Wells, the CBU and GBU beltholder. Wells starts well but Badoud gradually steps up the pressure throughout the bout -- and it goes down as a SD 12 for Badoud, who annexes the vacant crown.

[JCWeb]

JWW Division

The first of the two active "junior" divisions, so it will be a short report.

Title Bouts: None

Jan 1922 Division Profile

Total: 7 RL: 3 TCs: 4

RL by Career Stage:
Prime - 1
Pre - 2
Beginning - 0 (0 New)

Only two rated boxers at this point:

1. Pinkey Mitchell (USA) 20-4-1 (11) (471) (NC)
2. Basil Galiano (USA) 15-21 (3) (318) (new)

Comments: It was a busy, productive year for Mitchell, who fought six times, winning five and drawing one. The draw was with WW Joe Simonich, whom he beat in a rematch. Mitchell beat Galiano via UD 10 in the first (and probably not the last) meeting of the two JWWs. He also registered a MD 10 over WW Georgie Ward. Galiano's lost to Mitchell was his second, but he defeated prospect Spug Myers .

Prospect: Spug Myers suffered a second loss to WW Schlaifer after the first loss to Galiano, and he wound up the year at 11-2 (6), but all 11 wins were versus TC opposition.

Retirements: Too soon.

Looking Ahead: It's likely to be 1923 before seeing a WBA title clash, but Mitchell and Galiano are likely to be the two protagonists. No newcomers to this division in 1922.

[JCWeb]

NOTE: Last post header should have read "Jr Welterweight," not "Jr Lightweight" -- A BIG THANKS TO MODERATOR CHRIS FOR FIXING THIS. Moving right along ...

1921 LW Title Bouts

WBA

Sam Robideau CH (28-14-1) vs Llew Edwards #2 (22-7-4)

Robideau, surprise winner over Benny Leonard, takes on the reigning EBU Champ in his first title defense. It's the first meeting of the two, and Edwards is coming off a draw with Benny Valgar of France.

The action is slow to develop in round one, which is judged even. Both fight on the outside in round two, and Edwards gains a slight edge. It's Edwards' round in the third as he dominates Robideau on the inside. Round four, Robideau dictates the action by moving inside himself, taking the round. Both mix it up on the inside in round five, and the Champ appears to have a slight edge although the unofficial card has it 48-47 for Edwards. Round six proves to be an eventful one as Edwards connects with a short hook, putting the Champ on the deck for an eight-count. Robideau tries to cover up but Edwards is keen to finish the bout, and the ref waves it off before Robideau takes more punishment. Edwards by TKO 6.

NABF: Rocky Kansas defends versus the new CBU Champ, Canadian Clonie Tait. Kansas builds a slim early lead, but Tait rallies to take the later rounds and annexes the belt via a SD 12 (the final round going to Tait proved decisive). Tait then gave ex-WBA champ Benny Leonard a shot to regain the belt he held on his way up, and Leonard took full advantage, dropping Tait in round 11 en route to a decisive UD 12 win.

USBA: Lew Tendler defended versus Jimmy Dundee and carried a narrow lead into the late rounds when Dundee staged a late rally, taking the final round decisively, to lift the belt via a SD 12. Dundee took on a former champ, Willie Ritchie, in another close bout that came down to another SD 12, this time for Dundee as defending champ.

CBU: Tait defended the belt versus ex-CBU titleholder, Aussie Herb McCoy. McCoy seized control in round 5 when he staggered Tait with a hook to the head; McCoy overcame a late rally from Tait to score a UD 12 win to regain the belt. McCoy then defended against another Canadian, Gilbert Gallant, and McCoy won a close bout despite a late cut above the eye -- McCoy by UD 12 to keep the title into 1922.

GBU: Aging vet Jem Driscoll defended versus Phil "Ring Gorilla" Bloom. Driscoll was cut above the right eye in round two, and he struggled into the later rounds, when Bloom had the vet on the canvas in round nine; eventually, the cut led to a late stoppage. Bloom by TKO 10 (cuts) in what proved to be the final bout of Jem Driscoll's illustrious 21-year career.

EBU: Edwards defended twice, versus the "French Flash" Benny Valgar, who battled to a draw after Edwards had to rally and connect with an 11th round knockdown after Edwards had been down early in the fight. Late in the year, Edwards dominated the action against another French challenger, Louis de Ponthieu, ending the bout with a dramatic 12th round KO.

NOTE: I must admit messing up with the last bout -- Edwards was still listed as EBU titleholder after winning the WBA belt, and I scheduled the de Ponthieu bout as an EBU title defense when Edwards should have been defending the EBU belt -- have corrected the situation and declared the EBU title belt vacant heading into 1922.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1922 LW Division Profile

Total: 122 RL: 69 TCs: 53

RL by Career Stage:
End - 2
Post - 14
Prime - 29
Pre - 12
Beginning - 12 (8 New)

Rated: 46
800+: 14
500+: 28
200+: 42

Jan 1922 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from last year in Parens)

Champ: Llew Edwards 24-7-4 (15) (1238) (+4)
1. Lew Tendler 31-5-1 (10) (1186) (+2)
2. Jimmy Dundee 25-4-1 (9) (1140) (+8)
3. Benny Leonard 44-2-1 (25) (1129) (-2)
4. Willie Ritchie 38-17-4 (12) (1059) (+1)
5. Clonie Tait 21-7 (6) (1049) (+7)
6. Sam Robideau 28-16-1 (10) (1048) (-6)
7. Lockport Jimmy Duffy 35-15-4 (16) (1022) (+1)
8. Andy Chaney 23-5-2 (11) (978) (+6)
9. Rocky Kansas 29-9-3 (17) (977) (-7)
10. Herb McCoy 32-15-1 (13) (973) (-1)

Comments: Edwards and McCoy will join Duffy at Post in 1922, rest still at Prime. Llew Edwards moved to the top of the heap by defeating a caretaker Champion (Robideau) who was fortunate to be handled the title from the great Benny Leonard on a foul call. Tendler went 4-1 in 1921 and won versus Kansas (SD 10), Hammer, Andy Chaney and McCoy (all UDs) and his only setback was the SD loss to Dundee for the USBA title. Dundee came out on the right end of three split dukes to go 3-0 for the year, adding a SD versus Benny Valgar to the two narrow USBA title wins. Leonard, who averted defeat in his first 45 outings, suffered his second straight loss, a TKO on cuts to Andy Chaney; he bounced back to defeat Hirsch by UD 10 (a rematch of an earlier draw) before regaining the NABF title to position himself as a serious challenger. Ritchie scored a UD over Hammer, but was held to a draw by Duffy in addition to the SD loss to Dundee. Tait went 2-2, losing both NABF and CBU titles but rebounding with a UD 10 over the hapless Robideau, who went winless after starting the year as Champion. Duffy won a TKO over Jem Driscoll and a UD over Mexican Joe Rivers despite being past his prime. Andy Chaney couldn't follow up on his TKO win over Leonard, dropping a UD 10 to Tendler and only managing a draw with the lowly-ranked Willie Beecher. Kansas was winless in 1921, his best effort being a draw with Charley White. McCoy lost to Tendler but slipped to #10 despite regaining and defending the CBU title.

Other Notables: Charley White dropped out of the top ten, losing five spots to #11, with a UD loss to aging vet Driscoll being the key factor, as it erased the progress made by UDs over Hammer and Hirsch. Hammer dropped seven spots to #14 after a winless year (three losses, one draw). Aging vet Jack Blackburn hangs on at #12, scoring a UD 10 versus George "KO" Chaney and a TKO over Joe Benjamin. One behind at #13 is French Flash Benny Valgar, who impressed in the draw with Edwards and three wins but dropped a close SD to Dundee. GBU Champ Bloom checks in at #17, with an impressive TKO over Cross contributing to his 683 PP based on a career record of 27-16-3 (11). Top newcomer to the list is Sid Barbarian at #18 with a perfect 15-0 (10) start -- including a UD over Ray and two wins (MD and UD) over Charley O'Connell. Another fighter to watch is Jimmy Goodrich, whose 18-3 (9) mark is good for #29 -- Goodrich suffered two tough losses to break a 13-bout win streak but impressed in his first outing at Prime, a TKO over veteran "Hop" Harry Stone.

Prospects: Billy Wallace tops the list with a KO versus Johnny Trambitas to go with 11 TC victories to go 12-0 (9). Solly Seeman also remained unbeaten, reaching 10-0 (8), all versus TCs. Billy Grime of Australia (9-0, all by KO), Sammy Mandell (9-0, 6 KOs) and Brit Harry Mason (9-0, 1 KO) all kept their slates clean versus TC opponents. Joe Ryder stumbled with losses to RL opponents Goodrich, J. Trambitas, and JL Mike Ballerino and wound up the yeart at 8-4-1 (2). Trambitas' loss to Wallace dropped him to 9-2 (4). Harry Vogel, at 8-1 (7) also suffered a loss to Ballerino. Johnny Kaiser, at 8-1 (7), suffered a UD 8 loss to Billy Wallace. Joe Glick, at 5-0 (5), Archie Walker, at 4-0 (1), and Chileans Stanislaus Loaya at 3-0 (2) and Luis Vicentini at 2-0 (1) all got off to strong career starts. Harry Kahn stumbled and lost a UD 4 in his second bout, going 2-1 (0) for the year.

Retirements: Three retirements, including two former WBA Champs.

Freddie Welsh (UK) 1905-21 39-19-3 (19) WBA Champ
Young Tommy Coleman (USA) 1905-21 37-24-3 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 14
Jem Driscoll (UK) 1901-21 65-17-2 (32) WBA Champ

Looking Ahead: Interesting to see how much longer Benny Leonard has to wait to a chance to regain the WBA title. Tendler and Dundee will likely remain strong challengers. Expect to see Kansas rebound, but it looks like Robideau, Duffy,and McCoy are likely to fall out of the top ten, as could be the case with Edwards, who hits Post next year. Benny Valgar at #13 seems underrated, and younger guys like Barbarian and Goodrich are likely to be knocking on the door of the top ten in 1922. With the retirement of Driscoll, Bloom may be set for a long run as GBU Champ. Guys like Billy Petrolle and Sid Terris top the eight newcomers debuting in 1922.