My Universe

[btown32]

Originally Posted by JCWeb

Each "year" in the Uni seems to be taking longer to complete,

Do you think it will be quicker to complete fights and years with the new 2.5 version? I know that it makes it a lot easier for me to keep track of things with all the newly added functions. Dont have to do as much writing.

[JCWeb]

I haven't been part of the Beta testing on it (was invited to participate but didn't feel I had the time). I can only hope it gets rid of some of the bugs with the existing version.

I track my Uni through lots of paper, one sheet to track the records of each RL fighter, a ratings list of each RL boxer at the end of every year --I don't really bother tracking the TCs who right now just about all have negative PP totals. One thing I notice is that when I recycle the TCs in my Uni (zero out their records and give them a new name), those fights are mysteriously deleted from the RL boxer's "History."

Bottom line, I have kind of reached a comfort level with the Uni as it is, would be reluctant to change things. The main reasons it takes so longer is (1) more boxers in the database plus (2) getting through the bouts faster is probably not my #1 priority right now...

[JCWeb]

Dateline: August 18, 1923 -- St Nicholas Arena, NY City -- 19-year-old LH "Slapsie Maxie" Rosenbloom makes his pro debut here tonight in a four-rounder against winless (0-1) TC, Steve Creamer. Rosenbloom, a slick boxer, enters the ring as a heavy favorite.

Round one: Rosenbloom comes out aggressively, flicking the jab while staying on the outside. After a brief clinch, Maxie connects with an uppercut from the outside. There's a clash of heads, and then Rosenbloom connects with a punch that is part hook, part uppercut. Creamer is not throwing much leather and appears to be an ideal first opponent for Rosenbloom. The bell sounds after a lacklustre first round, which was all in Rosenbloom's favor.

Round two: Maxie moves inside, and both men clinch and hug for the first half of the round. Finally Rosenbloom takes a step back, fires an uppercut to the chin. Creamer retreats, Rosenbloom charges with his shoulder. No more punches land -- the crowd boos the lack of action.

Round three: Once again, Rosenbloom seeks to assert himself on the inside, but is once again tied up by Creamer. This time, Maxie works free and blasts an overhead right. He follows with an uppercut and doubles up on his jab. Creamer is wild with a left hand. Rosenbloom scores repeatedly, landing another uppercut and a hook, looking very impressive by scoring well, dominating the action.

Round four: Rosenbloom moves back to the outside, and Creamer -- who is sporting a welt under his left eye -- seems just content to survive. Rosenbloom connects with a right, then lands a solid hook to the head. Maxie works the head and body as Creamer simply lacks the skills to counter. Rosenbloom misses with a cross, then Creamer lands a couple of shots but it's a case of too little, too late as the bell sounds to end the bout.

Judges' cards show a UD for Rosenbloom (39-37, 40-36, 30-36) who wins his debut convincingly, to move to 1-0 (0) with 239 PPs. He is set to see more action in September 1923.

[JCWeb]

Dateline September 15, 1923 -- Boston Garden: Hot ring prospect "Slapsie Maxie" Rosenbloom takes on his second pro opponent here tonight, in a four-round prelim bout versus Cuban TC, Lazaro Carillo who lost his only previous bout.

Round one: Bell sounds, Rosenbloom fights aggressively from the outside. He nails Carillo with a hook to the body, then follows immediately with a right cross. Carillo is in full retreat as Rosenbloom continues his assault with a combined head and body attack. Rosenbloom's superior hand speed and quick movement is too much for his Cuban opponent to handle. Rosenbloom bobs and weaves his way inside, but then he misses with a roundhouse left. Carillo is not throwing much leather, and Rosenbloom probes an opening with a jab, then connects with a short hook. Tough luck for the hapless Castillo, as that punch opens a serious cut over the right eye. The ref, Arthur Donovan, has seen enough, and he waves the fight off.

It goes down as a TKO win for Rosenbloom at 2:27 of the first. Maxie moves to 2-0 (1) and 279 PPs. No more bouts until November, as Maxie takes a bit of a breather then back to some more training as he steps up to six round bouts.

[JCWeb]

Nov. 17, 1923: St. Nicholas Arena, NYC: Popular LH prospect "Slapsie Maxie" Rosenbloom makes his third pro start here tonight, taking on TC Rod Delano, who is winless in three bouts, in a scheduled six-rounder.

First round, Rosenbloom stays on the outside, looking for an opening. An early clash of heads causes Delano to take a step backward. Rosenbloom quickly takes advantage, staggering his opponent with a strong cross. He misses with an uppercut, and leaves himself open for a hook to the head from Delano. Undeterred, Maxie pins Delano in a neutral corner, then digs inside with an uppercut. Delano, staggered, remains standing. Good side-to-side movement from Rosenbloom impressed the judges.

Round two, Rosenbloom moves inside. Delano fires and misses, but Maxie nails him with a big uppercut. A stunned Delano is left open for a quick hook to the head, and Rosenbloom's superior ring movement and boxing skills mean there is no rest for Delano. Delano sneaks home a jab late in the round, otherwise it's all Rosenbloom.

Third round, Maxie continues to press the action on the inside while Delano elects to stay outside. Rosenbloom scores with a blow that's part hook, part uppercut. He forces Delano into a neutral corner but can't follow up. Later in the round, Rosenbloom unleashes an uppercut to the jaw followed by a hook to the head. Delano replies with a short hook to the ribs, then Maxie lands a hook to the ribs right before the bell for another strong round.

Round four, Maxie is on the attack, looking for a KO. The two dance around the ring for a minute, then Rosenbloom finds the range with a short hook to the inside. Maxie stuns Delano with a three-punch combo, but can't follow up. Lots of clinching by Delano to survive the round.

Fifth round, and this time Maxie is content to stay outside, awaiting his chances. Rosenbloom uses the jab to set up a strong combination. Delano swings and misses. Maxie is on target with a cross, a jab, and then lands an overhead right but whiffs on a wild hook that may have finished matters. Delano manages to stay afoot even after Maxie hands out more punishment in the form of an uppercut and a late flurry right before the bell.

Final round of six, and Rosenbloom seems to content to go the distance for an easy points win. Delano is bothered by a swollen left eye. After some cliniching, Maxie sticks the jab, followed by a strong attack to the head and body of Delano. Delano tries to land a hook, but is smothered by Rosenbloom's strong defense. The final bell sounds.

The reading of the judges' cards is a mere formality -- it's a UD 6 (60-54 on all three cards) for Rosenbloom. Maxie moves to 3-0 with 311 PP, and he's likely to be scheduled for another six-round bout in December.

[JCWeb]

December 1, 1923 -- Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens: In tonight's opener, Canadian WW Jimmy "Baby Face" McLarnin makes his pro debut, facing fellow Canadian, TC Dick Mishler, who lost in his only previous contest. McLarnin will be trained by Bill Brady.

Round one: McLarnin, a versatile fighter, starts out tentatively by boxing from the outside. McLarnin lands to the chest and neck of Mishler, then after some clinching by Mishler, "Baby Face" unleashes a barrage to the head and body and follows with a strong combination that has Mishler in full retreat. McLarnin is wild with the hook as he measures his opponent. McLarnin misses with an uppercut, but Mishler leaves himself wide open for a huge shot that puts him on the deck. A groggy Mishler arises at the count of nine, and while McLarnin is able to land a jab followed by a cross, there isn't time to finish matters. Strong start for McLarnin, however.

Second round, and a much more confident McLarnin shifts tactics, moving inside and stalking his man. Mishler misses with the left and is vulnerable to a hard shot from McLarnin to the top of the head. A follow up cross also lands, and Mishler is trapped in the corner. A huge left by McLarnin, and Mishler seems ready to go at any moment. After some posturing, a wicked uppercut from McLarnin finds its target, and Mishler slumps to the canvas with less than a minute left. This time he is counted out. McLarnin by knockout at 2:40 of round two.

A successful debut for McLarnin, who earned 241 PPs for his efforts. McLarnin is likely to merit attention as one of boxing's great young prospects heading into 1924.

[mh2365]

Always good to see you back at it JC

[JCWeb]

Thanks, mh. One more bout to report on before the 1923 year-end wrap ups.

December 15, 1923 -- Uline Arena, Washington DC: LH prospect "Slapsie Maxie" Rosenbloom goes for win #4, taking on TC Phil Hinson (0-3) in a scheduled six-rounder.

Round one: Maxie starts slowing, measuring his opponent from the outside. He swings and misses, and a short uppercut gets through for Hinson. Rosenbloom steps up the pace, scoring with a jab and a quick flurry that backs Hinson into the ropes. A couple of more shots land for Maxie, and Hinson returns to his corner showing signs of swelling under his left eye.

Round two: Rosenbloom moves to the inside, while Hinson tries to stay away on the outside. Not much action, and just about all the scoring blows are landed by Rosenbloom, who uses his jab to set up a double left hand. After some holding and hitting, Rosenbloom lands a leaping shot. Hinson finally connects with a big left right before the bell.

Third round, more of the same while Rosenbloom stays on the inside, pressing the action. Hinson bounces a shot off Rosenbloom's shoulder, and Maxie replies with a straight right hand. Hinson connects with a short uppercut. Rosenbloom misses with a right and a left, but scores with a hook to the head. Late in the round, a solid combination puts Hinson on the defensive. Another strong round for Rosenbloom.

Round four, Rosenbloom is more aggressive, looking for the KO. He stalks his man but can't connect with a telling blow. Hinson is off target but able to defend himself versus Rosenbloom's repeated forays. However, the overall impact is apparent as Hinson appears to tire near the end of the round.

Fifth round, Rosenbloom continues to apply the pressure from the inside. Maxie flicks the jab, Hinson jabs back, Rosenbloom blocks the next shot and follows with a hook. Rosenbloom works the head and body, wearing down his opponent. Some good action near the end of the round, and it's all Rosenbloom who connects with another hook to the head and an uppercut to the chin. Hinson, staggered, survives to hear the bell.

Final round, and this time Maxie is content to work outside. Rosenbloom connects with a hook and follows with a lead right. Hinson is short with a right and tries to retreat. Rosenbloom corners his man and fires away with a continuous barrage. Finally, the ref decides Hinson has sustained enough punishment and calls a halt with just eight seconds left in the bout.

Rosenbloom by TKO at 2:52 of the sixth. Maxie winds up the year at 4-0 (2), with 343 PPs.

[JCWeb]

Finally, to the first of the year-end reports for 1923. A new HW Champ ...

WBA

Jack Dempsey CH (38-3-1) vs Bill Brennan #5 (31-12)

Dempsey carries an impressive 8-bout win streak (all by KO) into the bout with Brennan, whom he TKO'd in 7 previously. Brennan seems an unlikely challenger, having dropped a UD to George Godfrey his last time out.

In round one, Brennan gets the Champ's attention, staggering the Manassa Mauler with a huge cross. Dempsey covers up and lasts the round. Round two, both swing away from the inside, Dempsey establishes control, dominating the action. Round three, a straight right from Dempsey staggers his opponent, and Dempsey's killer instinct kicks in, proving too much for Brennan, who is out on his feet. TKO in 3 for Dempsey.

Jack Dempsey CH (39-3-1) vs Gene Tunney #4 (27-6-2)

First clash of these two ring giants in my Uni, as Tunney, a former LH Champ and the reigning USBA Champ, is thought to pose a serious challenge to Dempsey. This is one bout that lives up to expectations, so here's a few more details than usual ...

Round one, Dempsey works the jab, and he catches Tunney in the corner with an uppercut and then, late in the round, staggers Gene with a hard shot off the top of Tunney's head. Second round, slick defense by Tunney and Dempsey, working on the inside, can't connect. Both men stay outside in round three, Dempsey fires away with a straight right hand, but otherwise the action is slow to develop, slight edge to the Champ. Fourth round, Dempsey is again stalking Tunney, who connects with a straight right and emerges with a slight edge despite a Dempsey combination that connects near the end of the round. Fifth round, both men move inside, Dempsey backs up Tunney with a huge cross and takes the round with a strong uppercut. The unofficial ringside observer has it 48-47 for the Champ, in a very close bout.
Sixth round, an aggressive Dempsey scores with a big uppercut, followed by a right hand, but Tunney battles back to make it an even round. Round seven, with both men fighting inside, Tunney follows a quick uppercut with a jab en route to a huge scoring round. Dempsey's right eye starts to swell -- this could mark a huge turning point in the bout! Round eight sees some good action, as both men refuse to give ground, and Tunney connects with a left right combination, staggering Dempsey with a solid uppercut to take the round. Round nine, Tunney presses the attack, connecting with a short uppercut, sidesteps a left from the Manassa Mauler, then seals the round with a three-punch combo late in the round. Dempsey is the aggressor in round ten, staggering the Fighting Marine with a big uppercut, followed by a hook. Strong round for the Champ, but by now Tunney is ahead, 96-95, on the unofficial card.
Round 11, Dempsey is back in Tunney's face again, sneaking home a cross, but Tunney uses his jab effectively to pile up points for the rest of the round. Round 12, a frustrated Dempsey is showing signs of tiring, but he rallies strongly to rock Tunney with a straight right, followed by a hook to the head. Tunney stays outside in round 13, nailing Dempsey with a huge uppercut to take the round. Dempsey's swollen right eye has worsened. Round 14, Dempsey can't connect with his haymakers, and Tunney takes another round on points. Final round -- looks like Dempsey needs a KO to keep the belt -- and while he lands a few shots, it's essentially an even round.

After this titanic struggle, the crowd noise subsides as the judge's decision is unanimous -- 145-141 on all three cards, for the new champ, Gene Tunney! Tunney becomes the third LH WBA Champ to move up and capture the HW Title, following in the footsteps of Bob Fitzsimmons and Phila Jack O'Brien.

Gene Tunney CH (28-6-2) vs Paul Samson-Korner #5 (28-5)

For his first title defense, Tunney takes on a rugged customer, the EBU title holder, Paul Samson-Korner. No prior bouts, S-K has won his last six while Tunney is riding a four-bout win streak.

First round, a good start by Tunney. Round two, both stay outside, and Tunney connects with a sharp combination that forces the German challenger to cover up. Samson-Korner is more aggressive in round three, but Tunney outboxes him to easily take the round. Round four, more of the same, as Tunney outclasses his opponent. The fifth round sees Tunney repeatedly connect, until late in the round the ref steps in to save Samson-Korner from further punishment. Tunney by TKO 5 to keep the belt.

Gene Tunney CH (29-6-2) vs Albert Pooley #11 (29-11)

Tunney journeys down under to give a title shot to the New Zealander, Pooley.

Tunney piles up points to build a lead in round one. Pooley moves inside in round two, but Tunney catches him with a strong hook. Finally, in round three, it is over very quickly as Tunney unleashes a barrage of blows to put Pooley away late in the round. Tunney by KO 3.

NABF: Billy Miske starts the year with the belt, but in an action bout, he succumbs to a barrage by Fred Fulton, who pummels the defenseless Miske to score a TKO 5. Fulton then takes on George Godfrey, who turns the tables on Fulton and connects repeatedly to register a TKO 3 win. Godfrey then takes on ex-Champ Harry Wills in a much awaited bout between two of the best black HWs of the 1920s. KDs in rounds 7 and 10, sealed by a third KD in the final round, are enough to result in a surprise UD 12 win for the younger Godfrey.

USBA: In a battle for the USBA belt vacated by Dempsey, Gene Tunney makes short work of Fighting Bob Martin, who walks into a Tunney cross in round one and is counted out. Tunney defends once more, overcoming a strong challenge from Godfrey to take a SD 12 despite suffering a swollen left eye. The belt is vacated once more, and Fighting Bob Martin takes on "Joplin Ghost" Jeff Clarke. A perfect cross lands for Martin to register a KO in round 5 to make him a surprise winner over the veteran Clarke.

CBU: Joe Beckett defends versus South Africa's Fred Storbeck, second meeting of the two (Storbeck won a TKO 10 back in 1915 when both were at Pre). This one is a close bout, with both men on the canvas, but Storbeck takes a UD 12 to wrest the belt. He then defends versus aging Aussie vet Colin Bell, who tires badly before losing via TKO to Storbeck on a late cuts stoppage.

GBU: Beckett retains this belt but makes no defenses in 1923.

EBU: Bartley Madden takes on Samson-Korner, who takes advantage of an early cut to register a TKO 7 win via a cuts stoppage to take the title. He defends it versus Italian Erminio Spalla, this time surviving a cut eye to escape with a SD 12 verdict to retain the title.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1924 HW Division Profile

Total: 193 RL: 116 TC: 77

RL by Career Stage:
End - 8
Post - 25
Prime - 35
Pre - 33
Beginning - 15 (14 New)

Rated: 69
800+: 11
500+: 29
200+: 52

Jan 1924 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1923 in Parens):

Champ: Gene Tunney 30-6-2 (20) (1509) (+6)
1. Jack Dempsey 40-4-1 (39) (1497) (-1)
2. Harry Wills 42-5-1 (35) (1400) (-1)
3. George Godfrey 24-3 (18) (1354) (+1)
4. Bartley Madden 38-9-3 (14) (1294) (-2)
5. Paul Samson-Korner 28-6 (22) (1164) (+4)
6. Fred Fulton 31-10 (24) (1083) (+1)
7. Bill Brennan 31-14 (23) (1033) (-2)
8. Bob Roper 21-1-3 (13) (860) (+5)
9. Tom Heeney 19-0-1 (7) (844) (+10)
10. Fighting Bob Martin 16-3-2 (13) (822) (+12)

Comments: Three newcomers in the bottom three slots, all but the veteran Brennan and one of the newcomers (Martin) at Prime, those two at Post in 1924. Tunney won all five bouts in 1923, two USBA title contests and three WBA title bouts. Dempsey had a nine-bout KO win streak snapped by the loss to Tunney, but he bounced back with a TKO over Godfrey to capture the NABF title (a bout unintentionally omitted in the prior post). Wills KO'd Storbeck but suffered the loss to Godfrey. Godfrey went 2-2 for the year, all in title bouts. Madden recorded a trio of UD wins over Brennan, Beckett and "Fainting Phil" Scott to bounce back from his title loss to Samson-Korner, who trails him in the rankings. Fulton TKO'd Martin Burke after suffering the loss to Godfrey. Brennan slid down the list after suffering three straight losses. Roper moved into the top group after going unbeaten in his last six, including UDs versus Devere and Flint, a KO over Squires, while being held to a draw by Tom Heeney. Heeney, "The Hard Rock Down Under," remained unbeaten, registering UD wins over Martin, Devere and Clarke. Rounding out the top ten is new USBA Champ Martin, surprise winner of the USBA title after suffering losses to Heeney and Tunney.

Other Notables: New CBU Champ Storbeck fell one spot short, at #11, with a 28-13-8 (7) mark, with 794 PPs, after suffering a KO loss to Wills after capturing the belt. Dropping out of the top ten were Billy Miske, who fell 10 spots to #13 after three straight losses; Jeff Clarke, who slid from #8 to #14 despite KO wins over Carpentier and Weinert; and reigning GBU titleholder Beckett, loser of two UDs during the year, who wound up #17 (down seven spots) with 730 PP and a 32-14 (25) record. Italian Erminio Spalla wound up #19, with a 21-5 (14) career mark, impressing with KO wins over JL Johnson and Carl Morris after losing a narrow EBU title tilt. His brother Giuseppe blasted out former LH great Carpentier in two, finishing the year at #23. Carpentier struggled in his first full year as a HW campaigner, going 0-3 to wind up at #24. Top newcomer to the rankings was the yet-to-be fully tested Sully Montgomery, debuting at #28 with a 17-1 (7) career mark. South African John Henry Squires, at 14-3 (8), rounds out the top 30.

Prospects: Young Stribling continued to remain unbeaten, KOing Jim Barry and King Soloman along with a UD over Chilean Rojas en route to a 14-0 (11) start. New Zealander Cyril Whitaker remained unbeaten at 10-0 (4) after taking a win over countryman Brian McCleary via a foul. Ralph Brooks, 11-1-1 (4) was handed his first loss by Mack House. Still perfect versus TC opposition are Jack Dorval, 8-0 (6), James Jackson, 8-0 (5) and John Metoquah, 8-0 (4). Larry Gains remained unbeaten, downing fellow Canadian Elzear Rioux.

Retirements: Two former Champs, one RL Champ who didn't win a belt.

Fat LaRue (USA) 1916-23 20-11-2 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 19
Jess Willard (USA) 1911-23 28-16-1 (19) No Titles Highest Rank: 9
Sam Langford (CAN) 1902-23 69-18-2 (49) WBA Champ
Bob Devere (IRL) 1914-23 21-14-2 (14) WBA Champ Highest Rank: 7
Jim Barry (USA) 1906-23 39-30-3 (20 ) No Titles Highest Rank: 8
George Davis (USA) 1912-23 22-20-2 (16) No Titles Highest Rank: 26

Looking Ahead: Tunney completes his meteoric rise to the top, but Dempsey and Wills are still there as top contenders. Heeney is likely to challenge for a CBU title, if not a WBA title shot. Aging veterans like Brennan, Clarke, and Miske are likely done as serious contenders. Phil Scott should be expected to take Beckett's GBU title belt. Young Stribling is the best of the new prospects, and a strong group of newcomers for 1924 will be paced by two RL HW Champs, Max Schmeling and Jack Sharkey.

[JCWeb]

1923 LH Title Bouts

A topsy-turvy year with new titleholders at all levels. The World Title belt changes hands twice, resulting in an undefeated Champion at year's end.

WBA

Harry Greb CH (35-6) vs Kid Norfolk #1 (31-6)

Greb faces Norfolk, the #1 contender who scored a UD 12 over him in a 1920 NABF title clash.

After a close opening round, Greb moves inside but can't gain an advantage in round two. Norfolk works inside in round three, a good action round and it's still anybody's fight. An aggressive Greb seizes the advantage with a strong round four. Round five sees both men flailing away on the inside, advantage to Greb who is ahead 50-46 according to the ringside expert's scorecard. Round six, Norfolk battles back, landing a solid right hand to take the round. More of the same in round seven, with Norfolk continuing to take the fight to Greb as the "Human Windmill" takes a breather. Greb tries to battle back in round 8, but the momentum is with Norfolk, who takes another close round. Norfolk continues as the aggressor in round 9, then Greb responds with a strong round 10. It's a close bout, and Greb is up by two (97-95) on the unofficial card. Even round 11 with both men fighting inside. A cut above the right eye slows the Champ in round 12. Norfolk targets the cut, but Greb continues to pile up points. A solid round 14 for the challenger, and it all comes down to the final round. Norfolk launches an all-out assault, re-opening the cut above Greb's eye. A well fought bout, regardless of the outcome. The scorecards are read and, in a bit of a shocker, the UD goes for the challenger and new champion -- Kid Norfolk (144-142, 144-141, 144-141).

Kid Norfolk CH (32-6) vs Bob Sweeney #9 (30-14-2)

Norfolk defends versus Sweeney, who took a SD 12 from the Kid back in 1920. Norfolk has won 6 of 8 since, and Sweeney is coming off a UD where he handed Young Tony Marullo his first pro loss.

Norfolk gets off the mark early, taking the opening round and moving inside with a strong round two. He follows up by taking round three, then exhibits strong defense to counter Sweeney's aggressive approach in round four. Sweeney nails the Champ with a big uppercut to take round five, but still trails 49-46 on the unofficial card. Sweeney leaves himself open for a Norfolk overhand right, and he slumps to the deck for a 9-count in round six. The toe-to-toe action in round 7 sees Norfolk score his second KD of the fight. A wicked hook to the head results in a third trip to the canvas for the challenger in round 8. A fourth KD occurs in round 12, and Sweeney is lucky to last the distance. Norfolk retains the title by a lopsided UD 15 (148-133, 147-133, 147-133).

Kid Norfolk CH (33-6) vs Jack Delaney #3 (23-0)

Norfolk accepts the challenge of NABF/CBU titleholder, "Bright Eyes" Delaney, on Delaney's home turf in Vancover, Canada. First meeting of the two.

Round one, it's a strong start for the challenger. Both stay outside in round two, again the edge goes to Delaney. Norfolk moves inside in round three, a close round. Delaney moves inside and dominates the action in round four. Both battle on the inside in the fifth round, and Delaney has the upper hand, building a 50-45 lead on the unofficial card. A more aggressive Norfolk presses the attack in round six, as Delaney's left eye starts to puff up. Round 7 sees another strong round for Delaney, with both men staying outside. Norfolk is the aggressor in round eight, but it's no better than an even round. Another close round in the 9th, then Delaney continues to outbox the Champ in round 10, maintaining a huge lead (100-90) on the unofficial card. Norfolk cuts the ring off and finally catches Delaney with a strong shot, putting the challenger on his seat for a 6-count in round 11. Norfolk continues to apply pressure, but Delaney's defense holds up in rounds 12 and 13. Delaney suffers a cut forehead in the 14th, but Norfolk is too tired to take advantage. Delaney survives the late rally to take the title via a UD 15 (144-140, 146-138, 144-140).

NABF: Tommy Gibbons starts the year off with the belt, defending versus Leo Houck whom he decks in the ninth round en route to a solid UD 12 win. Next up is the unbeaten phenom, Jack "Bright Eyes" Delaney, who proves too much for the veteran and, in a punishing bout, it is Delaney by UD 12. Delaney then vacated the belt after becoming WBA Champ, and ex-Champs Harry Greb and Jack "Giant Killer" Dillon are matched up, with Greb gaining the upper hand with two early KDs, coasting to a UD 12 win to take the belt.

USBA: Battling Levinsky takes on Mike McTigue for the USBA title vacated by Gene Tunney, who moved up to launch his successful HW campaign. McTigue takes the early lead and nails Levinsky with a clean uppercut in round eight. Levinsky manages to survive a second KD later in the round, and battles back to score a final round KO while behind on two of three scorecards. He then defended versus Frank Farmer in a rather lacklustre bout, pounding out a UD 12 decision. Finally, up-and-comer Tommy Loughran took advantage of his first title shot, taking a close SD 12 from the Battler (116-114, 114-115, 116-114).

CBU: Brit Jack Bloomfield defends versus Canadian Jack "Bright Eyes" Delaney, who takes advantage of a cut midway through the bout en route to a one-sided UD 12 verdict to take his first title. Delaney defends versus another British hopeful, Tom Berry, dominating from the outset and finishing with a TKO in round 8 as the ref saved Berry from further punishment.

GBU: Bloomfield defended his other belt versus teenage sensation Len Harvey, who scored two KDs early in the bout, sealing the UD 12 with a third KD in round 11. At the tender age of 16, Harvey becomes one of the youngest title belt holders in history.

EBU: Senegalese Battling Siki meets veteran Harry Reeve, but he seems woefully unprepared for Reeve's early assault as he stuns Siki with a three-punch combo in the opening round. A left hook from Reeve in round 6 has Siki in trouble, and the bout ends with a surprise TKO victory for Reeve in round 7. The EBU title changes hands again as Reeve takes on Swiss hope, Charles Baechli, who survives an early KD to open a cut over Reeve's eye and take the belt on a blatant low blow in the final round.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1924 LH Division Profile

Total: 114 RL: 73 TC: 46

RL by Career Stage:
End - 1
Post - 9
Prime - 24
Pre - 28
Beginning - 11 (6 New)

Rated: 39
800+: 7
500+: 17
200+: 33

Jan 1924 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan. 1923)

Champ: Jack Delaney 24-0 (18) (1136) (+5)
1. Harry Greb 38-7 (21) (1390) (-1)
2. Jeff Smith 44-11-3 (18) (1302) (new)
3. Kid Norfolk 33-7 (18) (1135) (-2)
4. Tommy Gibbons 35-13-2 (16) (1018) (-2)
5. Tommy Loughran 20-1-1 (8) (906) (+4)
6. Battling Levinsky 41-16-2 (16) (905) (NC)
7. Mike McTigue 28-13-4 (20) (723) (NC)
8. Bob Sweeney 30-15-2 (20) (722) (NC)
9. Jack Dillon 47-11-6 (16) (721) (-5)
10. Jimmy Delaney 21-3-1 (15) (667) (+1)

Comments: Only two newcomers to the top ten, with Jeff Smith (who was #2 at MW last year) supplanting Georges Carpentier (#6 ranked LH) who had a very undistinguished campaign as a HW. All listed at Prime except Sweeney at End and Dillon at Post. Jack "Bright Eyes" Delaney won all five bouts in 1923, scoring a KO over Bob Sweeney in addition to four title bout wins. Greb bounced back quickly from the title loss to Norfolk with UD wins over Smith and Jack Reeves. Smith won one, lost one, drew one in his initial campaign as a LH and is perhaps overrated as his MW PP totals carried forward; his one win (a UD 10) came at the expense of Mike McTigue. Norfolk slid after his title loss to Delaney snapped a three-bout win streak. Gibbons won two of three, wrapping up 1923 with a KO 1 over HW George "One Round" Davis. Loughran recovered from his first loss (to Dillon) with UD wins versus Reeves and Bogash prior to capturing the USBA belt. Levinsky had won three bouts in 1923 before the title loss to Loughran; he defeated Brit Jack Bloomfield in addition to two title bout victories. McTigue maintained his top ten status despite no wins (two draws, two losses) in four 1923 bouts; his two draws came in contests with lower ranked opposition (Duluth Jimmy Delaney and Young Tony Marullo). Sweeney won only one of three during the year, a UD 10 to hand Marullo his first loss. Dillon slipped badly, with two losses and two draws, being held to a draw by lowly-rated Joe Lohman. Jimmy Delaney stepped into the top ten, drawing with McTigue and decisioning Reeves after suffering a TKO loss to Frank Farmer.

Other Notables: Checking in just outside the top group is Young Tony Marullo, who had a busy year (six bouts), suffering his first loss (a UD to Sweeney) but scoring a MD 10 over Gypsy Daniels and battling veterans McTigue and Leo Houck to draws, fashioning a 15-1-2 (10) career mark thus far to debut at #11 with 640 PPs. Jack Reeves, who won only two of five, registered an upset UD over Dillon but dropped his last two to Greb and Jimmy Delaney. New GBU Champ Len Harvey suffered his first loss (a UD 10 to Jimmy Slattery) but gathered momentum with four straight wins to finish up at #13, with a 15-1 (9) record good for 633 PPs. Jack Bloomfield, who lost both his title belts, went 0-4 for the year and slid all the way from #10 to #17 as a result. Lou Bogash won three of four but dropped a UD to Loughran and wound up the year at #15. Ted Jamieson rallied to win his last four to finish at #16. EBU Champ Baechli won three of four, suffering a loss to Lohman, and is only ranked #22 despite a 18-5 (8) career mark for 368 PPs.

Prospects: No dominant prospect emerged as those LHs with 11-14 bouts seem fairly evenly matched. Jimmy Slattery tops the list with a 13-1 (8) mark, his only loss a MD 10 at the expense of Eddie McGovern. George Manley suffered a second loss (a UD to Brown) but managed a UD versus McGovern. Hambone Kelly lost three of four to drop to 11-3 (9); both he and Wesley Ketchell, who won his last three, sported wins over Sunny Jim Williams, who lost all four 1923 tilts to slip to 9-4-1 (4). Bobby Brown, at 10-0-1 (8), remained unbeaten, with a technical draw with a TC the only blemish thus far. Ad Stone, at 10-0 (4) defeated Earl Blue in addition to his TC triumphs. Leo Lomski finished the year at 10-1-1 (3) after dropping a MD 10 to George Nichols. Art Weigand dropped to 6-1 (5) after a DQ loss to a TC. Best of the 1923 newcomers were Maxie Rosenbloom and Paul Berlenbach, each of whom has won their first four.

Retirements: None in 1923.

Looking Ahead: With Greb still in his Prime and Loughran on the rise, Jack Delaney is likely to face some stiff challenges in 1924. Len Harvey and Gypsy Daniels are likely to emerge as the top contenders for the vacant CBU crown, previously held by Delaney. Young Tony Marullo and Jack Reeves are on the cusp of arriving as Top 10 contenders. Baechli, the EBU champ, appears vulnerable, no matter who the next challenger might be. Only six newcomers to the LH ranks in 1924, and none rated above 7 (George Courtney and Young Firpo the highest ranked newcomers).

[JCWeb]

1923 MW Title Bouts

WBA

Panama Joe Gans CH (34-4) vs Mike O'Dowd #1 (34-6)

Ex-Champ O'Dowd gets a chance to regain his belt, having defeated Gans by a MD 15 in September 1919. Gans has won five in a row since that loss.

Things start off poorly for O'Dowd, who suffers a severe cut over the right eye in the initial round. Panama Joe targets the cut in a closely competitive round two. Gans presses forward in round three, but O'Dowd manages to withstand the pressure while his corner keeps the cut under control -- for now. Round four, not much action -- an even round. Fifth round sees an aggressive O'Dowd doing well, in his best round of the bout by far. It's even (48-all) at this point on the unofficial scorecard. Both move inside in round six, and it is another strong round for the ex-Champ, O'Dowd. Both stay outside and the cut is reopened in round seven. Round eight, O'Dowd tries to protect the cut as Gans probes on the inside for an opening. The cut is patched up for round nine, and the action swings back to O'Dowd's favor. Finally, round 10, the cut reopens once more, and this time the ringside doctor expresses concerns, and the bout goes down as a TKO 10 for Panama Joe Gans on a stoppage due to cuts.

Panama Joe Gans CH (35-4) vs Mickey Walker #2 (21-0)

First meeting of the two, and the popular Walker enters the ring with the USBA title belt won earlier in the year.

Action is slow to develop in round one, slight edge for the Champ. Round two, the Toy Bulldog presses the action on the inside, who lands a few heavy shots that find the target, causing Gans' left eye to puff up. Third round sees both men pound away from the outside, again the edge to the challenger. Slight edge for Panama Joe, who moves inside in round four. Both move inside in round five, Gans suffers a flash knockdown, but Walker is cut over the right eye. Walker is ahead after five (49-45) on the unofficial card. Gans targets the cut, but Walker manages to stay away, land a few shots to take round six. Round seven, the cut is still a concern, but Walker rips an uppercut to stagger the Champ. More toe-to-toe action follows in round eight, Gans lands a big cross to gain the upper hand. Walker steps up the attack in round nine, nailing Gans with a straight right; Gans' knees buckle, but he remains upright. Gans comes back with an aggressive posture in round 10, nailing Walker with a combination. Mickey slumps to the canvas but bounces up at a 7 count. The champ has cut the margin to 96-92 on the unofficial card, with five rounds left. Gans continues to set the pace, but Walker is much more cautious, protecting his lead and his cut eye. Gans tires noticeably in the final rounds, and his title belt slips away as well. It goes the distance and Mickey Walker, still unbeaten, lifts the WBA belt via UD 15 (144-139, 143-140, 1144-139).

NABF: Ex-Champ O'Dowd steps up to take on Canadian Eugene Brosseau for the belt vacated by Gans. O'Dowd is out of the gate quickly, working the jab, and he breaks through to register a fifth-round TKO. Later in the year, Frankie Schoell provides an unexpectedly stiff challenge, taking an aggressive approach while O'Dowd impresses with his slick boxing skills. O'Dowd escapes with a SD 12 to keep the title.

USBA: Joe Borrell began 1923 with this title and defended versus Johnny Wilson, who succumbed to a barrage of blows until the ref called a halt -- TKO 4 for Borrell. Then Mickey Walker stepped up for his first title try, scoring an early knockdown in round two and following up with two more late in the bout, finishing it with a KO in round nine. Walker moved up to try for the WBA belt, and Borrell is matched with Tiger Flowers for the vacant belt. Both take an aggressive approach, and a stunned Flowers eschews the cover up strategy and pays the price, becoming a KO victim in round four. Borrell defends versus veteran Jack McCarron, outhitting his opponent to piece together a UD 12 win.

CBU: No title defense in 1923, Frank Moody keeps the belt.

GBU: Moody defends the British title versus veteran Jake Ahearn, who can't recover from a wicked hook to the head in round six. Easy UD 12 win for Moody.

EBU: "Little Fox" Rene DeVos defends versus young British hopefully Billy Bird, who suffers an early cut and can't offer much resistance as DeVos scores a solid UD 12 win. He then takes on CBU/GBU Champ Moody, who is bothered by a cut suffered in the opening round that leads to an early end on a cuts stoppage -- TKO 6 for DeVos.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1924 MW Division Profile

Total: 157 RL: 92 TC: 65

RL by Career Stage:
End - 7
Post - 17
Prime - 37
Pre - 20
Beginning - 11 (6 New)

Rated: 67
800+: 8
500+: 32
200+: 59

Jan 1924 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1923 in Parens)

Champ: Mickey Walker 22-0 (17) (1333) (+3)
1. Mike O'Dowd 35-7 (14) (1481) (NC)
2. Panama Joe Gans 36-5 (18) (1371) (-2)
3. Rene DeVos 26-3-2 (13) (1097) (+3)
4. Bryan Downey 33-12-3 (14) (1082) (NC)
5. Joe Borrell 34-14-1 (21) (1050) (NC)
6. Jack McCarron 36-18-4 (15) (896) (+4)
7. Al Grayber 32-18-4 (12) (867) (+2)
8. Jock Malone 22-7-2 (7) (788) (+8)
9. Tiger Flowers 24-6-1 (13) (779) (+8)
10. Frankie Schoell 19-4-3 (9) (761) (+8)

Comments: All the above are at Prime, except for O'Dowd, McCarron and Grayber who hit Post in 1924. Walker moved to the head perhaps a year ahead of schedule, winning both title contests. O'Dowd won two of three and retains the top contender slot. Gans recovered from his title loss with a one-round KO demolition of Tiger Flowers. DeVos, 4-0 for the year, has now won six in a row, including a MD versus Battling Ortega and a SD over Downey, who recovered from the loss with UDs versus Gordon McKay and George Robinson. Downey could only manage a draw with Flowers, however. Borrell remains a strong contender, with his loss to Walker his only loss in his past six. McCarron registered a UD over KO Brown, eked out a SD over Johnny Wilson, going 2-1 for the year. Grayber impressed with a SD win over Mike Gibbons and a KO over LH Charles Grande. Malone advanced with wins over Knockout Brown (MD) and Ortega (SD). Flowers reached the top group wita UDs over Eugene Brosseau and Grayber but slid
backward with successive KO losses to Panama Joe and Borrell. Rounding out the top 10 is Schoell, who impressed with UD wins versus Rosenberg and Dave Shade but fell short in the SD loss to O'Dowd, snapping a five-bout win streak.

Other Notables: Three top 10 contenders fell out of the ranks, one (Jeff Smith, #2 last year) moved up to the LH ranks. Veteran Mike Gibbons fell six spots to #13, registering a UD win over Fighting Billy Murray but suffering losses to Jackie Clark and Grayber. Johnny Wilson went 0-3 for the year, dropping from #8 to #17 as a result. Top newcomer at #15 is Jack McVey, who suffered his first loss (a MD to Clark) while scoring impressive KO wins versus Jimmy Finley, Bert Colima and Italian Joe Gans; he sports a 17-1 (14) career mark. Brit Billy Bird went 2-2 in 1923 to wind up at #24 with a 18-3 (9) record. Frenchman Marcel Thil checks in at #26 with a 13-3 (6) mark, pounding out wins over British prospects Len Johnson and Tommy Milligan. Jimmy Finley recovered from a KO loss to McVey with a one-round KO of Happy Littleton to finish at #27, with a 14-2 (13) record. Buried in 32nd spot is the CBU/GBU titleholder Frank Moody, who had a four-bout win streak snapped in the EBU title loss to DeVos. Still, with a 27-9-3 (10) career mark, worth just 499 PPs, he seems underrated. Finally, George Chip, now at Post-Prime has struggled to the extent he is no longer rated, sporting a -1 PP total (a sad state of affairs for a RL MW Champ).

Prospects: Billy Angelo remains unbeaten, having compiled a 12-0 (11) record. Brit Tommy Milligan defeated countryman Len Johnson after the loss to Thil to wind up the year at 12-1 (10). Phil Kaplan suffered a DQ loss to Italian prospect Mario Bosisio, but avenged the loss with a UD win to post a 12-2 (7) mark. Larry Estridge has blasted out all 10 of his opponents by KO. German Walter Funke handed countryman Hein Domgorgen his first loss. Still unbeaten are Sailor Eddie Burnbrook, 9-0 (7), Cuban Kid Charol, 9-0 (6), Ace Hudkins, 8-0 (6), who have feasted on TC opposition.

Retirements:

Mick King (AUS) 1912-23 20-23-1 (11) CBU Champ Highest Rank: 30
Billy Kramer (USA) 1907-23 31-31-1 (12) No Titles Highest Rank: 9
Frank Mantell (GER) 1906-23 37-23-6 (19) WBA Champ Highest Rank: 4
Albert Crouse (USA) 1910-23 30-19-2 (23) NABF Champ Highest Rank: 5
Joe Chip (USA) 1909-23 31-22-3 (19) No Titles Highest Rank: 4
Al Rogers (USA) 1908-23 27-26-3 (14) No Titles Highest Rank: 18

Looking Ahead: Walker may be set for a long run as MW Champ, but DeVos and Panama Joe Gans remain strong title contenders heading into 1924. Billy Bird looks like a GBU title contender, whereas Eugene Brosseau is a likely CBU challenger despite hitting Post-Prime status. Gorilla Jones tops the six newcomers to the MW ranks in 1924.

[JCWeb]

1923 WW Title Bouts

WBA

Bermondsey Billy Wells CH (28-5-1) vs Jack Britton #5 (53-14-3)

Britton won a UD 10 in a 1920 encounter; Wells has won his last four, but Britton comes off a UD loss to Ted Kid Lewis.

After the usual feeling out process in round one, Wells gains the upper hand as both men stay outside in round two. Round three, Wells moves inside and decks Britton with a solid right hook. Britton bounces back to pull even in round four. The Champ holds off Britton's inside attack to take round five (and is ahead, 48-46, on the unofficial card). Round six, both men elect to stay outside, edge to Wells again. Britton presses the inside attack in another close round in the seventh. Round eight, both men work inside, and Britton has a strong round. More of the same in round nine, and Wells connects with a big hook to stagger Britton. Britton is on the defensive in round 10, as his right eye starts to swell. Britton continues to press in the late rounds, as Wells sits on his lead and captures a surprisingly close MD 15 decision (144-140, 142-142, 143-141).

Bermondsey Billy Wells CH (29-5-1) vs Ted Kid Lewis #1 (37-13-4)

This is the rubber match as the two split two earlier bouts, with Wells winning the more recent bout for the WBA crown in 1922.

Ted Kid Lewis gets off to a strong start in round one. Both stay outside in round two, a close round. Lewis steps up the pace in rounds three and four. Wells moves inside in round five, and the ringside observer calls the bout even, 48-all, after five. Both men fight inside in round six, and a cut emerges on Wells' forehead. Round seven sees Ted Kid Lewis pounds away on the inside, scoring well but failing to put Wells on the canvas. The end comes in round eight, as the cut is reopened and causes a stoppage late in the round. Ted Kid Lewis by TKO 8 (cuts) to recapture the WBA title.

Ted Kid Lewis CH (38-13-4) vs Eddie Shevlin #3 (37-15-5)

Lewis' first defense is against Shevlin, the USBA Champ, who holds a 2-1 edge in three prior bouts.

Action is slow to develop in round one. Lewis starts to connect from the outside to take round two. Lewis tries the inside in the third, but Shevlin holds his own. Shevlin moves inside in round four, but strong counterpunching gives the round to Lewis. Lots of toe-to-toe action in round five, as Shevlin's right eye starts to swell, but late in the round he breaks through and puts the Champ down for an 8-count. Unofficially, the two are even (48-all) after five rounds. Shevlin tries to follow up in round six, but a steady Lewis regains the upper hand. Another close round in the seventh, with Shevlin again forcing the action. More of the same in round eight, with a slight edge to the challenger. A more aggressive Lewis seizes control of the bout in rounds nine and ten, building a 96-93 lead according to the unofficial scorecard. Shevlin continues on the attack, but tires badly in the later rounds, as Lewis picks off his shots and dominates with his jab. Lewis wins a UD 15 (144-140, 146-138, 146-138) despite suffering the one knockdown.

NABF: Packey McFarland made two defenses, first versus George Levine, which he won via a UD 12 in a bout where both men suffered cuts; second, versus Tommy Robson where McFarland once again scored a UD win despite being cut midway through the bout.

USBA: Levine took on Eddie Shevlin, who recaptured the belt with a strong performance, bloodying Levine's nose en route to a solid UD win. Late in the year, Shevlin took on a younger foe, Pete Latzo, who surprisingly built an early points lead and held on to lift the belt -- UD 12 for Latzo.

CBU: Canadian Frankie Barrieau defended versus Brit Johnny Basham, whop got in front early and dominated for a UD 12 to recapture the title he had held previously. Basham defended versus Aussie vet Tommy Uren, who kept the bout close throughout but was the victim of a severe cut that led to a late stoppage -- TKO 12 for Basham.

GBU: Aging vet Matt Wells was matched with youngster Hamilton Johnny Brown for this belt, vacated by Ted Kid Lewis. Brown got off to a strong start and never looked back, registering a UD 12 to capture his first title.

EBU: Frenchman Albert Badoud defended versus Belgium's Piet Hobin, who was looking to avenge a prior loss. Hobin was aggressive from the start, but Badoud stopped him in his tracks with a devastating hook in round six. Hobin rebounded, and took advantage of a severe cut that led to a stoppage -- awarding the title to Hobin via a TKO 10.

OPBF: The initial bout for this title was staged between Australia's Tommy Uren and previously unbeaten Filipino Irineo Flores. Uren was decked by a Flores hook in round three, but recovered to put Flores down late in the fight and take the title via a UD 12. He defended versus another Flores -- Macario -- and hung on to win via a UD 12 despite suffering a cut over his right eye.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1924 WW Division Profile

Total: 106 RL: 63 TC: 43

RL by Career Stage:
End - 2
Post - 8
Prime - 25
Pre - 18
Beginning - 10 (7 New)

Rated: 43
800+: 11
500+: 27
200+: 41

Jan 1924 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1923 in Parens)

Champ: Ted Kid Lewis 39-13-4 (19) (1298) (+1)
1. Packey McFarland 58-7-4 (28) (1255) (+1)
2. Bermondsey Billy Wells 29-7-1 (14) (1126) (-2)
3. Jack Britton 34-15-3 (18) (972) (+2)
4. Johnny Basham 35-16-3 (14) (920) (+4)
5. Pete Latzo 18-2-1 (9) (865) (+12)
6. Eddie Shevlin 37-17-5 (13) (864) (-3)
7. Tommy Robson 29-13-1 (17) (855) (+4)
8. Willie Loughlin 29-10 (19) (854) (-1)
9. Tommy Uren 32-12 (16) (842) (+3)
10. Paul Demsky 17-5 (13) (805) (NC)

Comments: All at Prime except Britton, Loughlin and Uren who start 1924 at Post. Ted Kid Lewis regained the WBA title belt, pushing his win streak to four. McFarland went 4-0 in 1923, downing Basham and Bermondsey Wells in UDs in addition to two NABF title defenses, running his win streak to six. Wells slipped to #2 after losses to Lewis and McFarland. Britton hit Post but managed a UD 10 win over Hamilton Johnny Brown. Basham won his CBU title bouts but lost a UD to McFarland. Latzo emerged despite successive losses to Irineo Flores (a MD) and Magirl (a KO) with UDs versus Jones and Simonich before his surprise USBA title win. Shevlin dropped to #6 after the loss to Latzo; his two title losses in 1923 snapped a three-bout win streak. Robson went 2-1 in 1923, scoring a SD over JWW Champ Pinkey Mitchell and a UD over I. Flores. Loughlin suffered a KO loss to Johnny Adams but recovered to post wins over Jimmy Jones and Kid Graves. Uren won three of four for the year, stumbling with a TKO loss to Marty Cross. Demsky once again rounds out the top 10, winning two of four bouts (a TKO over Sparr and a UD over Adams to offset losses to Cross and Shevlin).

Other Notables: Dropping out of the top 10 was George Levine, who suffered the title bout loss but recovered with a TKO win over Phinney Boyle to halt the slide. GBU titleholder Brown checks in at #12, his 14-3-3 (7) record worth 750 PPs as he moves into Prime career stage. Veteran Johnny Alberts fell from #6 to #13 after suffering a TKO loss to Brown, despite a TKO win over ex-Champ Magirl earlier in the year. Frenchman Albert Badoud lost the EBU title and tumbled all the way from #4 to #16, one spot below his successor, Piet Hobin, who has compiled a 20-10-1 (9) record, worth 675 PP. Leading newcomer to the rankings is Jack Zivic, who suffered his first loss to Willie Harmon but scored a KO over I. Flores and a UD versus JWW Galiano to wind up #17 with a 14-1-1 (7) mark. Harmon wound up one spot behind, with a similar 14-1-1 (8) record, avenging an earlier loss to Zivic. Tommy Freeman is off to a 15-1 (10) career start, winning all four bouts in 1923, including a TKO over Morris Schlaifer and a DQ win over Galiano.

Prsopects: Ted Krache wound up the year at 12-2 (5), winning a SD over Bobby Tracey but suffering a UD loss to Harmon. Pete August slipped to 11-3 (5) after two losses to Harmon and Jones after impressing in a TKO over Brit Alf Mancini. Young Jack Thompson was 10-0, all KOs versus TC opposition. Charley Feraci dropped a MD 8 to Eddie Roberts to finish the year at 10-1 (9). Baby Joe Gans ran his record to 9-0 (6), all versus TCs. Eddie Roberts impressed in a UD over Pat Corbett as well as the MD over Feraci in compiling a 8-0 (5). Filipino Lope Tenorio also remained unbeaten, at 8-0 (3). Jimmy McLarnin and Johnny Indrisano made successful pro debuts.

Retirements: Four WWs hung up the gloves in 1923.

Johnny Summers (UK) 1903-23 47-35-4 (19) CBU, GBU, EBU Champ Highest Rank: 1
Fred Kay (AUS) 1914-23 23-16-1 (5) No Titles Highest Rank: 9
Art Magirl (USA) 1911-23 34-9-1 (28) WBA Champ
Jimmy Fryer (USA) 1910-23 33-22-4 (19) No Titles Highest Rank: 13

Looking Ahead: Lewis is likely to face strong challenges from McFarland and newly emerging contenders such as Latzo and GBU Champ Hamilton Johnny Brown. Demsky and Brown are likely to emerge as challengers for Basham's CBU belt, while Zivic and Harmon will need another year or two to hit Prime. Cuban Manuel Quintero and Brit Jack Hood top the list of newcomers for 1924.

[JCWeb]

1923 JWW Title Bouts

WBA

Pinkey Mitchell #1 (23-6-1) vs Spug Myers #2 (13-7-1)

These two are paired together in the first ever JWW World title bout. First meeting, and Myers is the recently crowned USBA JWW Champ.

Close opening round, as Mitchell works to establish his jab, slight edge goes to Myers. Round two, both stay outside, this time the edge goes to Mitchell who is more successful working his jab. Myers moves inside in round three, and it's essentially an even round. More of the same in round four, with Mitchell's strong defense and counterpunching sufficient to take the round. Fifth round sees Mitchell take the initiative, and Myers' eye starts to puff up. It's 48-47 for Mitchell on the unofficial card. Myers suffers a split lip in round six, and Mitchell follows up to dominate the action in round seven while Myers is clearly bothered by the cut. Myers moves inside for round eight but is outscored by Mitchell. Myers is more aggressive in round nine, which is scored as even. Myers' attack has more effect in round 10, his best round thus far. Mitchell holds a narrow 96-94 lead heading into the final five rounds. Myers takes the fight to Mitchell in round 11, but Mitchell's defense is solid. Things get worse for Myers in round 12, as he suffers a cut over his left eye. The bleeding from the eye is a problem as Myers tires in the later rounds. Mitchell retreats into a defensive shell, confident of victory. The final scorecards reveal he is the first JWW WBA Champ via a UD 15 (144-142, 143-142, 144-141).

Pinkey Mitchell CH (24-6-1) vs Basil Galiano #2 (16-7)

Second meeting of the two, as Mitchell took a UD 10 back in 1921.

After a strong start in round one, Mitchell is put on the defensive by Galiano in round two, an even round. Mitchell moves inside to apply pressure in the third, which is another even round. Mitchell piles up points in round four as both men stay outside. Round five, Galiano is back on the attack, and Mitchell is cut over the right eye. A check of the unofficial card has Galiano up by one (48-47) at this point. Galiano tries to target the cut, but the momentum swings back to the Champ in rounds six and seven. Round eight, Mitchell reopens the cut in an exchange from the outside. Galiano continues to flail away for the next two rounds, and Mitchell scores well to take a 96-94 lead on the unofficial card. Galiano, tiring badly, goes headhunting in the later rounds with no effect. Mitchell's strong defense enables him to post a solid UD win (148-137, 146-139, 148-138, indicating the unofficial scorer may have been too generous to Galiano in awarding him some of the close early rounds).

USBA: It's Spug Myers versus Galiano in the initial USBA JWW title bout, and Galiano suffers a cut eye midway through the bout, allowing Myers to dominate the rest of the way to post a lopsided UD 12 win.

Jan 1924 JWW Division Profile

Total: 14 RL : 8 TC: 6

RL by Career Stage:
End or Post - 0
Prime - 3
Pre - 0
Beginning - 5 (3 New)

Rated: 3
800+: 0
500+: 1
200+: 2

Jan 1924 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1923 in Parens)

Champ: Pinkey Mitchell 25-6-1 (12) (703) (+1)
1. Spug Myers 14-8-1 (6) (321) (+1)
2. Basil Galiano 16-9 (3) (0) (+1)

Comments: All three rated JWWs still at Prime heading into 1924. Mitchell won the two JWW title bouts but faltered when stepping up to take on WW Tommy Robson, dropping a SD. Myers split the two JWW title bouts and won only one of three versus WW competition, dropping MDs to Graves and Bartfield but scoring a SD over Simonich. Galiano, on the other hand, struggled, losing both JWW bouts and a UD 10 to WW Jack Zivic to extend his consecutive loss streak to five, probably setting himself up for a bout with a WW TC opponent to lift his PP total above zero.

Prospects: Two newcomers to the division got off on the right foot. Mushy Callahan won all four bouts (with no KOs) against TC opposition, and Johnny Jadick scored a KO win in his debut.

Retirements: Way too soon for that in this fledgling division.

Looking Ahead: It will remain Mitchell and Myers as the top two, unless and until Galiano starts doing better. The division will remain thin, but three newcomers (led by British boxer Jack Kid Berg) will add some life to the division starting in 1924.

[JCWeb]

1923 LW Title Bouts

WBA

Benny Leonard CH (49-2-1) vs Andy Chaney #4 (26-5-2)

Leonard, whose most recent loss was to Chaney (a KO 7 shocker back in 1921) seeks revenge. Chaney has won his last four to set up this title shot.

Edge to Leonard in a close round one. Both focus on defense in round two, not much in the way of action. Chaney tries to work inside in round three, but it's a strong round for Leonard. The Champ presses his advantage on the inside, taking round four. Round five, both stay outside, another close round. It's Leonard up by two (49-47) according to the ringside expert's card at this point. Round six, the two exchange blows on the inside, once again to Leonard's advantage. Chaney can't break through on the inside in round seven, and a Leonard countershot puts him on the deck in round eight. Chaney has his best round of the bout in round 10, but still trails badly (98-92) going into the final five rounds. Leonard connects with an overhand right to register his second KD in round 11, en route to an easy UD 15 win (148-134, 146-136, 148-134).

Benny Leonard CH (50-2-1) vs Jimmy Goodrich #7 (23-4)

First meeting of the two. Goodrich, the new NABF Champ, is riding a three-bout win streak while Leonard is unbeaten in his last eight.

After a close opening round, Leonard is target on the outside but Goodrich does well enough to keep the bout close (47-all on the unofficial cards) after five, despite some swelling under his right eye. Leonard steps up the pace in rounds six and seven, gradually pulling ahead. Goodrich tries to get more aggressive, to no avail. The badly swollen eye impedes the challenger, and Leonard scores the bout's only knockdown with a right cross in round 13. Another masterful performance by the Ghetto Wizard, who keeps his belt with a dominant UD win (147-136 on all three cards).

Benny Leonard CH (51-2-1) vs Lew Tendler #1 (35-6-1)

Top contender Tendler tries for the title again, having lost a TKO to Leonard back in 1919. Tendler enters the bout having won 7 of his last 8.

A slow start by both men in round one, edge to Leonard. The Champ takes charge in round two, unleashing a heavy barrage from the outside. Tendler works the inside in the third, but Leonard's jab finds its target, opening a cut below Tendler's left eye. Round four, Tendler is on the defensive, protecting the cut. A huge round five gives Leonard a strong lead (50-45) on the unofficial card, after five. Both move inside in round six, and this time Tendler is able to hold his own. Edge to Leonard in round seven, who wins the outside exchanges and causes Tendler's cut to reopen. The cut is reopened again in the eighth round, causing a visit from the doctor to Tendler's corner. A more aggressive Tendler rebounds to take round nine. Leonard is also on the defensive in round 10, and the unofficial card has Leonard up by five (98-93) heading into the final rounds. Tendler presses the action, but his left eye starts to swell up and fatigue sets in. Leonard wins another solid UD 15 (15-139, 145-139, 147-137), this time versus a top-rated contender.

Benny Leonard CH (52-2-1) vs Rocky Kansas #1 (36-9-3)

Third meeting -- Leonard won the prior two.

Leonard takes charge from the outset, and there is plenty of action as Kansas also opens up, trying to fight back. The bout ends suddenly with a TKO stoppage as Kansas is near collapse with six seconds left in round one, and Leonard's hand is held in triumph.

NABF: Sam Robideau and Jimmy Goodrich are matched for the NABF title vacated by Leonard once he regained the WBA title. Goodrich, in his first title bout, dominates the action, taking advantage of an early cut to force a stoppage. Goodrich by TKO 6. Late in the year, Goodrich defends versus USBA Champ, Andy Chaney, piling up an early points lead and gradually wearing down his opponent. Easy UD 12 win for Goodrich.

USBA: Andy Chaney defends against Red Dolan, who is outmatched and suffers a swollen right eye that enables Chaney to post an easy UD 12 win.

CBU: Aussie Herb McCoy starts the year with the belt, but he falls behind Canadian challenger Clonie Tait, who seals a solid UD 12 win with a knockdown in round nine. Tait defends versus his countryman, Gilbert Gallant, who takes advantage of an early cut that leads to a TKO stoppage in the ninth -- Gallant takes the belt. Later in the year, he defends against GBU beltholder Ernie Rice, who scores the bout's only KD but loses the UD 12 to an otherwise dominant Gallant.

GBU: Ernie Rice defended versus ex-Champ Llew Edwards and, in a surprise, Rice surprises Edwards with a strong shot that results in a KO 8 for Rice, who keeps the belt into 1924.

EBU: "French Flash" Benny Valgar defends versus veteran Phil Bloom, scoring two KDs in round seven en route to a decisive UD 12 victory. Valgar then takes on the much younger British challenger, Harry Mason, who builds an early lead only to have Valgar come back with a strong second half of the bout to escape with a MD 12 win.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1924 LW Division Profile

Total: 124 RL; 71 TC: 53

RL by Career Stage:
End - 5
Post - 15
Prime - 24
Pre - 19
Beginning - 8 (7 New)

Rated: 49
800+: 13
500+: 27
200+: 42

Jan 1924 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1923 in Parens)

Champ: Benny Leonard 53-2-1 (30) (1551) (NC)
1. Rocky Kansas 36-10-3 (19) (1246) (+1)
2. Lew Tendler 35-7-1 (10) (1214) (+2)
3. Jimmy Goodrich 25-5 (10) (1072) (+7)
4. Andy Chaney 27-7-2 (11) (1047) (-1)
5. Charley White 44-20-6 (13) (1033) (+6)
6. Ever Hammer 32-10-5 (13) (1030) (+6)
7. Jack Blackburn 73-17-4 (26) (1018) (+2)
8. Lockport Jimmy Duffy 38-19-4 (17) (997) (NC)
9. Sam Robideau 29-19-2 (10) (925) (-2)
10. Jimmy Dundee 25-8-3 (9) (917) (-4)

Comments: Blackburn and Duffy at End career stage, White slipped into Post, rest at Prime. Leonard has once again emerged as dominant, extending his win streak to 11 with four powerful title defenses in 1923. Kansas, who had won seven in a row before his one-round loss to Leonard, stepped into the top contender slot, by virtue of TKO wins over Robideau and Duffy. Tendler had secured UDs over Dundee and Joe Rivers before suffering the title loss to Leonard. Goodrich captured the NABF belt and made a strong move up the rankings, but only managed a MD 10 over lowly-rated Aussie Billy Grimes after giving a credible effort versus Leonard. Chaney managed to win only one of three title tilts in 1923, as he continued to struggle against top echelon LWs. White won all four bouts in 1923, with UDs versus Valgar and Hirsch and a TKO over Tommy O'Brien. Hammer also won all his 1923 fights, scoring a TKO 10 over Sammy Mandell and following with a UD over JLW contender Barbarian and a DQ over Dundee. Blackburn battled the effects of aging, winning his last three (including a one-round KO over Willie Ritchie). Ditto for Duffy, who registered a UD over Blackburn but then suffered the TKO loss to Kansas. Robideau bounced back after successive losses to Goodrich and Kansas, registering his first win (a UD over Red Dolan) since December 1920 to retain his top 10 status. Rounding out the top group was a fading Jimmy Dundee, winless since 1921, whose best effort in three 1923 contests was a draw with Tommy O'Brien.

Other Notables: CBU Champ Gallant wound up one spot short, at #11, finishing the year at 33-16-7 (8) with 888 PPs after two title bout wins. One spot below at #12 was the top newcomer, Johnny Kaiser, who surprised with a MD 10 over Ritchie but was held to a draw by JL Mike Ballerino; his record is now 16-2-1 (9) with one more bout to go at Pre-Prime. Ritchie dropped eight spots to #13 after the loss to Kaiser and a one-round KO loss to Blackburn) but managed a SD win over Tait. Llew Edwards slid all the way from #1 to #14, with two more losses to extend his consecutive loss string to three. GBU titleholder Ernie Rice stands one spot lower at #15, despite two wins to run his record to 20-6-1 (13), worth 733 PPs. France's Valgar, the EBU Champ, suffered a loss to White to go with two EBU title defenses to finish at 25-7-2 (11), good for 18th spot with 688 PPs. Sammy Mandell suffered his first two losses (a TKO loss to Hammer and a UD loss to Eddie Wagner) but recovered with a UD win over Joe Benjamin to run his career mark to 17-2 (7), good for 19th spot. One spot below is Solly Seeman, who won all four of his 1923 contests, including a TKO 5 over Joe Welling, to run his win streak to six. Other notable newcomers include Aussie Billy Grime, at #25 with a 14-3-1 (11) record and Brit Harry Mason, whose 16-2 (2) career start ranked him at #26.

Prospects: Chilean Luis Vicentini scored a UD 10 over countryman Stanislaus Loayza to remain unbeaten, with a 13-0 (8) record thus far. Sid Terris added wins over Meyer Grace and Emanuel Jacobsen to run his career mark to 12-0 (6). Al Gordon kept his slate clean, registering a MD 10 over Jack Silver to enter 1924 at 11-0 (6). Billy Petrolle had to go the distance for the first time versus Harry Kahn, and his record, 10-0 (9), remains excellent. Archie Walker suffered his first loss to Vicentini but recovered with a MD 10 over Joe Glick to finish the year at 12-1 (6). Glick checks in at 11-2 (9), suffering losses to Walker and Joe Ryder. Still perfect versus TC competition are Roy Miller, at 7-0 (6); Augie Pisano, at 7-0 (2); Cuddy DeMarco, at 6-0 (1) and Cuban Emory Cabana, who knocked out his first three opponents.

Retirements: Only one LW hung up the gloves in 1923.

Ray Bronson (USA) 1905-23 38-21-7 (11) USBA Champ Highest Rank: 4

Looking Ahead: No one seems to be in a position to challenge Leonard, who has already turned aside all the top LW contenders -- oftentimes with ease. Goodrich made a strong move up the rankings, and appears to be among the top contenders along with Kansas and Tendler. Kaiser and Mandell are likely to reach top 10 status once they hit career stage, replacing aging vets like Blackburn, Duffy, White and Ritchie. Petrolle appears to be the best of the younger prospects. Sammy Fuller (a 9-ranked fighter) tops seven newcomers set to debut in 1924.

[JCWeb]

1923 JLW Title Bouts

WBA

Johnny Dundee CH (37-12-2) vs Tommy O'Brien #3 (24-5-1)

O'Brien steps down from the LW division (#19 at year-start) to challenge Dundee, "the Scotch Wop," after having won his last seven.

After a close opening round (slight edge to the Champ), both work outside in round two, with O'Brien gaining the upper hand. Dundee moves inside for round three, essentially an even round. In the fourth, O'Brien is the aggressor but Dundee scores the points. Round five is an even round, lots of toe-to-toe action on the inside. Dundee is up by two (50-48) on the unofficial card. He presses the action in round six, but the challenger does well. After a close round seven, Dundee takes charge with an aggressive approach in rounds eight and nine. O'Brien counters with a strong round 10. The unofficial card has it even (97-all) but Dundee gradually wears down O'Brien in the later rounds to take a lopsided UD 15 win. (146-139, 147-138, 145-141). O'Brien returns to the LW ranks.

Johnny Dundee CH (38-12-2) vs Steve Sullivan #2 (31-15-4)

Dundee, who holds a 3-1 edge in prior bouts, hopes to repeat his TKO win for the JLW title from 1922.

After a cautious start by both men in the opening stanza, Sullivan suffers a cut below the left eye in round two. Dundee follows up by working the inside in round three, another strong round for the Champ. A big left hook staggers Sullivan in the fourth, and the cut is reopened. Sullivan bounces back in round five, and the unofficial card has him trailing by just one (48-47) at this point. Sullivan moves inside in round six, slight edge to the Scotch Wop. Both stay outside in the seventh, an even round -- Sullivan's cut is still a problem. Dundee continues to target the cut, but Sullivan lands some shots of his own to cause the Champ's right eye to start swelling up. After ten, the unofficial card has it 96-95 for the Champ -- a close contest. In some toe-to-toe action in round 11, Dundee suffers a cut above his right eye. Sullivan piles up points in round 12. Both cuts are re-opened in round 13. Dundee makes a late rally in the final two rounds to save the title belt. Final scores are 140-144, 145-141, 144-140, a SD 15 for Dundee.

Johnny Dundee CH (39-12-2) vs Eddie Wagner #2 (23-10-1)

Second title try for Wagner, who fell short in a UD 15 to Dundee in 1921.

A slow start by both men in round one. Not much action in round two, as both men stay on the outside. The Champ connects with a sharp uppercut to take round three. Wagner returns the favor with a strong round four. Both work inside in round five, and it's another strong round for the Scotch Wop, who holds a 49-48 edge on the unofficial card. Wagner's corner has to deal with a cut below the left eye. Dundee has the advantage in rounds six and seven. Wagner battles back and it's Dundee still up by one (97-96) heading into the final rounds. Strong defense by Dundee holds off a late surge by the challenger. In the end, it's another squeaker as Dundee prevails once more in a SD 15 (147-140, 143-145, 144-143).

USBA: This continued to be the only lesser belt contested, and Sid Barbarian defended it twice in 1923, first versus Jack Bernstein, who sustained an early cut that led to a stoppage -- TKO 7 for Barbarian and second, versus Steve (Kid) Sullivan, where Barbarian suffered a cut below the eye, battled back to take a close MD 12 to keep the title into 1924.

Jan 1924 JLW Division Profile

Total: 12 RL: 9 TC: 3

RL by Career Stage:
Prime - 5
Pre - 3
Beginning - 1 (1 New)

Rated: 8
800+: 1
500+: 5
200+: 8

Jan 1924 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1923 in Parens):

Champ: Johnny Dundee 40-12-2 (12) (1003) (NC)
1. Sid Barbarian 20-3 (11) (789) (+1)
2. Tod Morgan 16-0 (8) (700) (new)
3. Steve Sullivan 32-17-4 (8) (733) (-2)
4. George Chaney 35-21-1 (16) (677) (new)
5. Eddie Wagner 23-11-1 (13) (661) (-2)
6. Mike Ballerino 13-3-1 (5) (434) (new)
7. Jack Bernstein 13-6 (4) (301) (-3)

Comments: All at Prime or Pre-Prime. Dundee escaped with wins in all three title bouts (two by SD) to extend his win streak to four. Barbarian won two USBA title bouts but lost to Ever Hammer when stepping up to LW. Morgan added three more wins, two versus LWs Loayza and Dolan but has yet to face the top names in the JLW Division. Sullivan dropped after the two close title bout losses but registered a UD 10 over veteran LW Special Delivery Hirsch. Chaney went 3-0 for the year, extending his win streak to four with a UD over Ballerino, a SD versus Bernstein and a win over veteran LW "Hop" Harry Stone. Wagner went 2-2 in 1923 bouts, scoring UDs over LWs Benjamin and Mandell, but faltering versus Red Dolan and in his title bout. Ballerino managed a draw versus top LW prospect, Johnny Kaiser, and his only win in four 1923 bouts was a UD 10 over Johnny Arrousey, a lowly-rated LW. Bernstein has only one win in his last seven, a UD 10 over Ballerino.

Retirements: None so far, Chaney has one more year at Prime.

Looking Ahead: Barbarian is the only credible challenger to Dundee right now, and the Scotch Wop appears vulnerable based on recent results. Morgan has yet to prove himself versus top-notch opposition, but could be a title hope once he hits Prime in a year or so. Frankie Klick is the one newcomer to the division in 1924.