My Universe

[JCWeb]

October 27, 1925 -- Harringay Area, London -- German HW prospect Max Schmeling returns to London for his fifth career bout, his second appearance here in London. Tonight he faces British TC Matt Durbin in a scheduled six-round affair.

First round, Durbin swings and misses, leaving himself open to a powerful Schmeling uppercut that lands right on the button. Durbin goes down in a heap and arises at the count of nine. Schmeling's killer instinct kicks in, and he moves forward to apply pressure on his still groggy opponent. Durbin walks into another uppercut, and this time he goes down for good.

Schmeling by KO at 1:37 of the first round, his fourth KO in five wins. He now stands at 342 PPs. He is expected to be in action again in January 1926.

[JCWeb]

Another year in the books, so on to the year-end reports.

1925 HW Title Bouts

WBA

Gene Tunney CH (33-6-2) vs George Godfrey #3 (26-3)

Tunney defends versus the Leiperville Shadow, whom he edged out via a SD 12 for the USBA Title back in 1923.

Tunney outboxes the challenger to take round one. Both stay outside for round two, and Tunney comes on strongly to take the round and also dominates round three action. More of the same in rounds four and five, as Tunney builds a 49-46 lead on the unofficial scorecard. Godfrey tries to get more aggressive in the middle rounds, while Tunney stays away from any heavy blows. Finally, Godfrey tires badly and gradually wears down, leading to a late stoppage. Tunney by TKO 15.

Gene Tunney CH (34-6-2) vs Jack Dempsey #1 (44-4-1)

Rematch of the 1923 title fight, won by Tunney (UD 15). Dempsey has gone 5-0 (4 KOs) since that loss and is itching to regain the title.

Tunney looks sharp early, taking the initial round. Dempsey suffers a nick under his right eye in round two, but still manages to outhit the defensive-minded Tunney. The Manassa Mauler stuns the Champ with a three-punch combo late in round three, forcing Tunney to cover up. The cut below Dempsey's eye is reopened in round four, in what is essentially an even rouond. Round five, Dempsey breaks through with a barrage of blows that leaves Tunney defenseless. Gene is down for a six-count, and then a powerful hook by Dempsey leads to an early end. Dempsey by TKO 5 to regain the title.

Jack Dempsey CH (45-4-1) vs Giuseppe Spalla #8 (25-6)

Dempsey takes on the European Champ, the Italian Spalla.

Dempsey connects with a strong combination, staggering his opponent in the initial stanza. Dempsey continues to apply the pressure in round two, and Spalla's right eye starts to puff up. More of the same in round three. Spalla manages to stay afoot until round five, when a strong shot by Dempsey causes the first knockdown. A solid hook leads to a second KD in round seven. Spalla suffers a cut over his eye and survives until round nine, when another KD and more punishment causes the ref to stop it. TKO 9 for Dempsey, his 44th KO win of his career.

Jack Dempsey CH (46-4-1) vs Harry Greb LHW Champ (45-7)

Dempsey accepts the challenge from WBA LH Champ, Harry "The Human Windmill" Greb.

Dempsey traps Greb in the corner in round one, and he follows up with a knockdown late in round two. It's a quick end to the night for Greb, who is out on his feet and another TKO (in three) for Dempsey.

NABF: Dempsey vacates the belt after winning the WBA Title. USBA Champ Fred Fulton steps up, hammering out a 7th round KO over "Joplin Ghost" Jeff Clarke to take the belt. Then he takes on ex-Champ Harry Wills, who puts Fulton down and out with a big hook. KO 5 for Wills.

USBA: Fulton defends versus Bob Roper, taking a TKO 6 before moving up to the NABF title. Martin Burke takes on Charley Weinert for the vacant belt, with Burke dominating in a UD 12 win. Burke then turns back the aging Jeff Clarke, winning a UTD 7 after a butt cut caused an early stoppage. Finally, Homer Smith proved to be a tough challenger, taking the crown via a SD 12 after scoring the bout's only KD in the sixth.

CBU: Irishman Bartley Madden retained the belt, making successful defenses versus Tom Heeney (UD 12), Brit "Fainting Phil" Scott (TKO 6 on cuts stoppage), and Brian McCleary (TKO 9).

GBU: Scott retains the belt he won in late 1924, as there appears to be a paucity of solid British HWs at the present time.

EBU: Spalla defends versus Hans Breitenstrater, making quick work of the German with two KDs in the first round, before winning via TKO 4.

OPBF: Initial OPBF Title bout pitted New Zealand's Tom Heeney versus Aussie George Cook. Heeney, "The Hard Rock from Down Under," took the title via UD 12, dominating most of the action.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1926 HW Division Profile

Total: 202 RL: 125 TC: 77

RL by Career Stage:
End - 12
Post - 21
Prime - 35
Pre- 43
Beginning - 14 (11 New)

Rated: 76
800+: 15
500+: 34
200+: 69

Jan 1926 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1925 in Parens):

Champ: Jack Dempsey 47-4-1 (45) (1749) (+1)
1. Gene Tunney 36-7-2 (23) (1724) (-1)
2. Harry Wills 50-6-1 (42) (1639) (NC)
3. George Godfrey 27-5 (20) (1386) (NC)
4. Bartley Madden 43-12-3 (17) (1258) (NC)
5. Young Stribling 21-2 (13) (1103) (+4)
6. Fred Fulton 34-13 (27) (1102) (-1)
7. Erminio Spalla 25-7 (18) (989) (NC)
8. Paul Samson-Korner 32-9 (14) (952) (NC)
9. Jeff Clarke 47-20-3 (32) (945) (+4)
10. Bob Roper 25-4-3 (15) (931) (-4)

Comments: Dempsey regained the WBA title and has now won eight in a row; his 45 KOs place him fifth on the all-time HW KO list. Tunney remains the top contender, bouncing back with a SD over Godfrey and a TKO versus Samson-Korner. Wills rides a 7-bout win streak, registering KOs over Madden, Heeney and Stribling in 1925. Godfrey's only win in three bouts was a KO over Roper. Madden suffered a KO loss to offset gains from his three CBU title defenses. Stribling won three of four, including wins over Fulton (UD) and Samson-Korner (KO) but was beaten by Wills. Fulton slipped after losing both his 1925 bouts. Spalla split two title bouts. Samson-Korner maintained his position with a UD over Miske, despite suffering two KO losses. Clarke lost twice but a TKO win over LH Tommy Gibbons recouped his top 10 status. Roper lost two bouts and barely kept a top 10 spot.

Other Notables: Only fighter to drop out of the top 10 was Heeney, who slipped from 10th to 11th, suffering a first round KO loss to Wills. He did manage to win the OPBF title, and his record of 23-4-1 (8) is worth 856 PPs. One spot behind him is new USBA Champ Homer Smith, who has won his last three to finish at 33-16-2 (15), worth 850 PP. His victim, Martin Burke, is one spot lower, having a four-bout win streak snapped in the title loss. Floyd Johnson advanced with three wins and a draw, including wins over Firpo and Al Johnson, to wind up 14th. Roberts slipped to 16th. Top newcomer is Holland's Jack DeMave, who has reeled off 15 straight wins at the start, including a KO over previously unbeaten Bob Lawson and a SD versus Swede Harry Persson, to place 19th. Canada's Larry Gains at 16-1 (13) is one spot behind, his only loss to John Metoquah who checks in at 16-1 (6), one more spot back at #21. Basque strongman Paulino Uzcudan, another Metoquah victim, also compiled a 16-1 (9) start to debut at #24. Finally, GBU titleholder Phil Scott checks in at #29, with a 19-10-2 (5) mark, worth 534 PPs, snapping a three-bout loss skid with a KO win versus John Lester Johnson.

Prospects: Lawson finished the year at 12-1 (9) after suffering his initial loss to DeMave. Germany's Franz Diener remained unbeaten at 11-0 (9); Frankie Campbell kept winning to end the year at 11-1 (7). Seifert, who lost to Lawson, finished at 11-1 (6). "Boston Gob" Jack Sharkey is a perfect 10-0 (7). "Black Uhlan" Max Schmeling stands at 5-0 (4), as does American Tuffy Griffith.

Retirements: Eight HWs left the ranks in 1925. Their career marks:

Otto Flint (GER) 1911-25 31-20-3 (22) EBU Champ Highest Rank: 9
Dick Rice (UK) 1910-25 20-29-3 (6) No Titles Highest Rank: 44
Carl Morris (USA) 1910-25 34-22 (22) WBA Champ Highest Rank: 4
Marty Cutler (USA) 1910-25 29-30-1 (13) No Titles Highest Rank: 36
Sailor Jack Carroll (USA) 1911-25 22-23-5 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 48
Frank Moran (USA) 1908-25 41-29-2 (20) No Titles Highest Rank: 6
Ragnar Holmberg (SWE) 1912-25 23-26-1 (7) No Titles Highest Rank: 29
Dan Daily (USA) 1911-25 27-25-5 (13) No Titles Highest Rank: 37

Looking Ahead: a few more years before the era of Dempsey, Tunney and Wills comes to an end. Gains, Uzcudan, Sharkey, and Schmeling are the likely future stars, joining Stribling and Heeney who are top contenders already. Eleven newcomers are set to join the ranks in 1926, including such notables at Jimmy Braddock, UK's Tommy Farr and Don Shortland and Norway's Otto Von Porat.

[Ric915]

Great Stuff JC, Really love these end of year write ups

[bear]

Originally Posted by Ric915

Great Stuff JC, Really love these end of year write ups

I second Ric's opinion.

[JCWeb]

Thanks, guys -- onto the LHW report.

1925 LHW Title Bouts

WBA

Harry Greb CH (43-7) vs Kid Norfolk #3 (34-9-3)

Fifth meeting of these two sluggers, who had split their four prior bouts. Greb won the last encounter, via a DQ, for the WBA Title in 1924.

Action is slow to develop in the early rounds, with Greb pressing the action on the inside to take an early lead. Norfolk bounces back, scoring with a big uppercut to take rounds three and four. Greb's left eye starts to swell up. Greb pulls ahead in some close-in, toe-to-toe action in round five. Middle rounds see Greb gradually pull ahead on points, although Norfolk has his moments and keeps the bout reasonably close. Round 11, Norfolk moves inside but Greb takes advantage, opening a cut over the challenger's left eye. Greb targets the cut but Norfolk recovers, staggering the Champ with a right cross. Norfolk rallies with a huge round 13 to take the bout into the final rounds. Greb maintains the initiative in the final rounds. No knockdowns, and Greb escapes with a very close UD 15 (144-141, 144-141, 143-142).

Harry Greb CH (44-7) vs Ad Stone #5 (17-0)

The unbeaten young USBA Champ, Stone, challenges the veteran, Greb.

Stone holds his own early, connecting with a big uppercut to Greb's jaw in round one. The Champ recovers quickly, moving inside to take round two. The two sluggers battle it out in round three, another huge round for Greb. More of the same in rounds four and five, and the unofficial card has Greb way out in front (50-45) after five. Stone is more aggressive, and Greb gets careless in round six as Stone puts him on the deck for an eight-count. Stone is unable to follow up in round seven. Greb steps up the pace, finally cornering Stone in round 10, putting him on the canvas, following up until the ref steps in. Greb by TKO 10 to keep the belt.

NABF: Tommy Gibbons starts the year with this belt, and he manages to defend versus Lou Bogash, taking a SD 12 despite suffering a cut lip late in the bout. Gibbons, now in the twilight of his career, fails in his next defense, versus a youthful Jimmy Slattery who hands the aging veteran a fearful beating, winning a UD 12. Finally, Slattery takes on Tommy Loughran, surviving an early cut and using a strong right hook to score a late KD for a SD 12 victory.

USBA: Loughran takes on the unbeaten upstart Ad Stone, who surprises Tommy with a strong effort, surviving a 10th round KD to register an upset, UD 12 win for Stone.

CBU: Len Harvey defends versus Gypsy Daniels in a bout that also has Daniels' EBU title up for grabs. Harvey dominates the action, taking a solid UD 12.

GBU: Harvey retains the GBU title without making a defense.

EBU: Gypsy Daniels defends versus aging veteran Harry Reeve, who is in trouble right away, down twice in the opening round and again in round six. It ends a round later, TKO 7 for Daniels. Then, Harvey annexes this belt from Daniels in the same bout where he defended his CBU title (via UD 12).

[JCWeb]

Jan 1926 LH Division Profile

Total: 125 RL: 79 TC: 46

RL by Career Stage:
End - 2
Post - 16
Prime - 33
Pre - 21
Beginning - 7
New - 4

Rated: 57
800+: 10
500+: 22
200+: 44

Jan 1926 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1925 in Parens):

Champ: Harry Greb 45-8 (25) (1594) (NC)
1. Jack Delaney 28-1 (18) (1268) (+1)
2. Kid Norfolk 35-10-2 (18) (1133) (+2)
3. Jeff Smith 45-15-4 (18) (1090) (NC)
4. Jimmy Slattery 20-9-1 (8) (974) (+6)
5. Tommy Gibbons 42-15-2 (17) (936) (-4)
6. Len Harvey 22-2 (11) (910) (NC)
7. Tommy Loughran 24-4-1 (10) (881) (-2)
8. Jimmy Delaney 26-5-1 (19) (878) (+1)
9. Ad Stone 17-1 (10) (875) (+2)
10. Lou Bogash 28-11-1 (15) (752) (-3)

Comments: Greb kept the title for another year and carried a 10-bout win streak into his losing effort versus Dempsey, the HW Champ. "Bright Eyes" Jack Delaney moved up on the strength of a four-bout win streak, his 1925 victims including Jeff Smith and Battling Levinsky. Norfolk won two of three bouts during the year, bouncing back with a SD 10 over Charlie Nashert; his best win was a UD 10 over Smith early in the year. Smith only won once in 1925, taking a MD 10 over "Duluth Jimmy" Delaney, but that win halted a seven-bout winless slide. Slattery has won his last three, scoring a UD 10 over Levinsky to go with his NABF title wins after dropping an earlier SD to Jimmy Delaney. Gibbons went 2-2 for the year, scoring a KO over Joe Lohman after an unsuccessful foray into the HW ranks. Harvey won both his 1925 bouts, taking a UD over Bogash in addition to his title win. Loughran failed to impress in 1925, managing just a SD versus George Nichols while falling short in two NABF and USBA title efforts. Duluth Jimmy won three of four in 1925, looking very impressive with a one-round KO over Levinksy in his most recent bout. Stone got off to a 17-0 career start, then failed when stepping up for his first WBA title try. Bogash rounds out the top 10, despite two 1925 losses to go with a narrow SD win over lightly regarded George Manley.

Other Notables: McTigue, who ranked #8 in the prior year, slid down to #12 after going winless in his last three fights, after scoring a UD 10 over Gypsy Daniels. Bobby Brown, who won four in a row (including KOs versus McTigue, Siki and Lohman) wound up one spot short at #11, compiling a 18-4-1 (14) record. Veteran Jack "Giant Killer" Dillon is still a factor, checking in at #13. "Slapsie Maxie" Rosenbloom debuts at #16, after being held to a draw by Eddie Huffman in his last bout, the only blemish in a 14-0-1 (7) career start.

Prospects: "Astoria Assassin" Paul Berlenbach continued to rack up KO wins, now totaling 14 in 14 bouts; his 1925 victims include Yale Okun, Abie Bain and Roy Wallace. Huffman, who held Rosenbloom to a draw, followed up with a UD over Brit Charlie Tonner to end the year at 11-1-1 (8). Okun lost his last three, all via KO, to finish a disappointing 10-3 (9). Rinaldo Palmucci, like Berlenbach, has KO'd all his opponents thus far, to go 11-0, but he has only faced TC opposition. Two Canadian prospects squared off, with Charley Belanger besting Harry Dillon; Belanger wound up at 6-0 (5) while Dillon finished the year at 7-1 (5). Newcomer Lou Scozza got off to a strong start, knocking out his first four opponents.

Retirements: Two LHs hung up the gloves in 1925.

Charles Grande (USA) 1912-25 26-24-2 (8) USBA Champ Highest Rank: 6
Carl Augustine (USA) 1921-25 8-10 (5) No Titles Highest Rank: UNR

Looking Ahead: Greb hits Post-Prime in 1926, which means others are likely to have a shot at his WBA crown. Loughran needs to rebound from some recent subpar performances. McTigue also has underachieved. Berlenbach and Rosenbloom can be expected to reach Top 10 status in another year. Only four newcomers, with Mike Mandell (a 7-rated boxer) the most promising.

[JCWeb]

1925 MW Title Bouts

WBA

Johnny Wilson CH (34-15-1) vs George Robinson #15 (33-19-6)

First title shot for the veteran Robinson, who is the highest ranked available opponent for Wilson, who holds two prior wins over Robinson.

Wilson looks sharp early, taking the first three rounds. Robinson gets more aggressive in round four, does better, but Wilson's defense dominates. Robinson's right eye starts to swell up, and it's an inviting target for the Champ, who piles up an unassailable points lead. Robinson tires badly in the late rounds, and it's an easy UD 15 win for Wilson (150-134, 150-134, 149-135).

Johnny Wilson CH (35-15-1) vs Mickey Walker #3 (25-1)

First meeting of the two, as Walker gets a chance to regain the MW title.

Great start for the Toy Bulldog, as the challenger dominates in round one. Both stay outside in round two, not much action. Round three, Walker moves inside and dominates the action. After a close round four, the two battle on the inside in round five, then all of a sudden a vicious cross from Walker catches Wilson and knocks him out. Walker by KO 5 to regain the crown.

Mickey Walker CH (26-1) vs Jock Malone #6 (24-8-2)

First meeting, as Walker gives Malone (the USBA Champ) a World title shot.

Walker nails Malone with an uppercut to take round one. The Champ suffers a cut under the right eye in round two -- but the cut is not in a dangerous location. Malone is more aggressive in round three, but he cannot break down Walker's excellent defense. Both stay outside in round four, and the cut is reopened by a Malone uppercut. Not much action in round five, Walker well ahead (50-46) at this point, according to the unofficial card. Malone has the edge in toe-to-toe action in round six. Walker catches Malone with a wild overhand right, puts him down for an eight count in round seven, and then Malone can't withstand further punishment in the following round. Walker by TKO 8.

Mickey Walker CH (27-1) vs Bryan Downey #1 (39-13-3)

Walker accepts the challenge from Downey, who he defeated (UD 10) in 1922. Walker enters having won his last four, Downey has won his last three.

Slight edge to Downey in a low-scoring opening round. Slight edge to the Champ in long-range action from the outside in round two. Walker fights inside in round three, another close round. The Champ gradually pulls ahead on points in rounds four and five (49-48 Walker on the unofficial card). Walker pushes the pace, keeping Downey on the defensive in the middle rounds. Downey gets more aggressive in rounds eight and nine, but he is off target with most of his punches. Walker puts Downey on the canvas in round 10, taking a 97-93 lead by virtue of the 10-8 round. Downey's right eye starts to swell up from the accumulated blows. Downey goes down again in round 12, and finally a solid hook (after a third KD in round 13) delivers the coup-de-grace. Walker by KO 13.

NABF: Gordon McKay starts the year with this belt, and he defends it versus Downey. Downey scores a KD in round three, survives cut over the right eye to take a solid UD 12 to take the title. He defends versus Battling Ortega, punishing his opponent who suffers a split lip, a swollen left eye, and finally a large gash over the other eye that leads to a stoppage. Downey by TKO 8 (cut).

USBA: Joe Borrell defends versus Jock Malone, who proves a worthy challenger as Borrell suffers an early cut that leads to a TKO 4 for Malone. Malone takes on McKay, the former NABF titleholder, both men suffer cuts, and the end result is a technical decision after a stoppage in round 9 that goes Malone's way (the butt cuts were ruled to be accidental).

CBU: Brit Frank Moody takes on Australia's Alf Stewart, staggering the challenger with a huge combination in the opening round en route to a fifth round KO win.

GBU: Billy Bird and Roland Todd are matched for this title belt, which was vacated by Moody. Bird staggers Todd with a strong uppercut, but suffers a late cut as Todd battles back to score a UD 12 win.

EBU: This belt, which remains vacant as a result of a drawn title fight in 1924, sees more action in 1925 as former Champ Rene DeVos is matched against CBU titleholder Frank Moody. Moody suffers a split lip and manages to win the belt via a late DQ in the 12th and final round. In a rematch, DeVos turns the tables as Moody suffers an injured hand; it goes down as a TKO 10 for DeVos. DeVos then defends versus the new British champ, Todd, pounding out a UD 12 to keep the belt heading into 1926.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1926 MW Division Profile

Total: 156 RL: 91 TC: 65

RL by Career Stage:
End - 4
Post - 17
Prime - 38
Pre - 20
Beginning - 12 (10 New)

Rated: 65
800+: 13
500+: 32
200+: 63

Jan 1926 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1925 in Parens):

Champ: Mickey Walker 28-1 (22) (1489) (+2)
1. Bryan Downey 39-14-3 (17) (1396) (NC)
2. Mike O'Dowd 39-10 (16) (1300) (+1)
3. Panama Joe Gans 44-7-1 (18) (1293) (+2)
4. Johnny Wilson 37-16-1 (12) (1179) (-4)
5. Jock Malone 25-9-2 (9) (1003) (+4)
6. Rene DeVos 30-6-2 (15) (945) (+2)
7. Frankie Schoell 24-7-3 (10) (905) (+3)
8. Mike Gibbons 47-15-4 (15) (901) (+4)
9. Dave Shade 24-8-4 (9) (881) (+28)
10. Gordon McKay 25-12 (14) (880) (-6)

Comments: An aging group, as Gibbons is already at End career stage, with O'Dowd, Wilson and McKay at Post in 1926, to be joined by Downey in 1927. Walker regained the title with three wins in 1925 to extend his win streak to five bouts. Downey scored a TKO over Jacovacci in addition to his title bout efforts. The veteran O'Dowd dropped a decision to Gans but still moved up with wins over lesser opponents like Ashe (TKO), Gibbons (MD) and Duffy (SD). Panama Joe won four bouts but was held to a draw by Battling Ortega; his wins were all UDs, over O'Dowd, Domgorgen, McCarron and Clark. Ex-Champ Wilson recovered with UD wins over Billy Shade and Tiger Flowers to maintain his top five status. Jock Malone won two of three, all title tilts. DeVos has won his last three, adding a MD 10 over Schoell in addition to his European success. Schoell won three of four, including a TKO over Billy Shade and a UD versus Ortega. Gibbons' career saw a resurgence, with wins over Borrell (MD) and Grayber (UD) halting a three-bout winless skein. Dave Shade made an improbable leap up the rankings, winning all five of his 1925 bouts (making it six in a row); he impressed with KOs over Borrell and Phil Kaplan. McKay slid down the ranks by losing a UD to Shade, suffering three losses in four bouts (only managing a TKO 10 over Jackie Clark).

Other Notables: Dropping out of the top 10 were Tiger Flowers, who slid four spots to #11 as the result of losses to B. Shade (TKO) and Wilson (UD) and Joe Borrell, who went 0-4 for the year to fall all the way from #6 in 1925 to #20 a year later. CBU Champ Frank Moody checks in at #12, scoring a TKO over Angelo in addition to two wins in three title clashes; his career record stands at 32-11-3 (12), worth 827 PPs. Augie Ratner is one spot further back at #13, racking up wins over Borrell (MD), Clark (UD) and McVey (SD) but suffering a KO loss to Flowers. German Hein Domgorgen moved up to #14, despite having his 8-bout win streak snapped by a UD loss to Panama Joe Gans. The talent rich division was tough on newcomers; Cuban Kid Charol was the top debutant at only #28 in the rankings, winning 16 of his first 17 before suffering a UD 10 loss at the hands of Domgorgen. Newly crowned GBU Champ Todd's 21-9-4 (6) career mark is worth only 544 PPs, leaving him in the #30 spot.

Prospects: German Walter Funke won all four of his 1925 bouts to wind up the year at 13-1 (7), having suffered an earlier loss to Domgorgen. Ceferino Garcia and Poldi Steinbach continued to pound on TC opposition to compile identical 12-0 (10) career starts. Jamaican Frisco McGale ended the year at 11-0-1 (4). American Vince Dundee is off to a promising 10-0 (7) start. Joe Roche struggled once he got past TC opponents, dropping a KO loss to George Fifield and managing a draw against Edouard Tenet to finish at 10-1-1 (6). Tenet is even worse off, at 10-2-1 (5), having suffered an earlier loss to Steinbach. Feasting on TC competition were Gorilla Jones, 8-0 (7); Young Terry, 8-0 (5); Eddie Whalen, 7-0 (4); Walcott Langford, 6-0 (3). Harry Ebbetts suffered an upset loss to a TC and checks in at 5-1 (4).

Retirements: A total of 10 (!) MWs left the ranks in 1925.

Stockyards Tommy Murphy (USA) 1912-25 25-25-1 (16) No Titles Highest Rank: 40
Johnny Howard (USA) 1912-25 25-18-4 (11) No Titles Highest Rank: 19
Eugene Brosseau (CAN) 1919-25 21-7-1 (18) No Titles Highest Rank: 11
Bob Moha (USA) 1906-25 35-30-10 (15) NABF Champ Highest Rank: 14
Fighting Billy Murray (USA) 1910-25 30-21-4 (18) USBA Champ Highest Rank: 5
Jake Ahearn (UK) 1909-25 32-27-5 (15) EBU, CBU, GBU Champ Highest Rank: 12
Eddie Revoire (USA) 1911-25 28-22-3 (10) No Titles Highest Rank: 20
Al McCoy (USA) 1909-25 33-25-5 (20) USBA Champ Highest Rank: 3
Terry Mitchell (USA) 1910-25 32-32-1 (14) No Titles Highest Rank: 26
Happy Littleton (USA) 1912-25 28-21-5 (20) No Titles Highest Rank: 12

Looking Ahead: Walker appears to represent the cream of the division right now, although Gans, DeVos, Dave Shade and Tiger Flowers are legitimate contenders. It will be a daunting task for the young prospects to emerge, although Filipino Ceferino Garcia looks like a contender for a newly-minted OPBF title. Freddie Steele tops the list of 10 newcomers, who will fill the ranks, replacing the 1925 departees to keep this talent-laden division filled with possible contenders and future champions.

[JCWeb]

1925 WW Title Bouts

WBA

Ted Kid Lewis CH (43-13-4) vs Jimmy Jones #8 (16-5-2)

No prior meetings; Jones is coming off a UD 10 over veteran Packey McFarland. Lewis enters the bout riding an 8-bout win streak.

The unfortunate challenger suffers a cut over his right eye in round one. Lewis piles up points in a huge round two, and Jones' eye starts to swell. Jones appears overmatched as Lewis takes charge, working well on the inside in round three. A breather as both men stay outside in round four, and the cut over Jones' eye is patched up, only to be re-opened by a sharp Lewis counter late in the round. Round five, Lewis targets the cut, piling up a points lead (50-45 on the unofficial card) but also suffering from a cut over his own right eye. Undaunted, Lewis presses forward, pressuring Jones until the cut is re-opened, causing a 7th round stoppage. Lewis by TKO 7 (cut).

Ted Kid Lewis CH (44-13-4) vs Tommy Robson #2 (33-14-1)

This will be a rematch of the 1924 title bout, which was a SD 15 win for Lewis.

Strong start for Lewis in round one. Round two, Lewis seizes the initiative and wins the round, fighting inside. Both stay outside in round three, another strong round for the Champ. Robson tries his luck on the inside in round four, but is thwarted by Lewis' excellent defense. After some toe-to-toe action in round five, Lewis pulls ahead to a large lead (50-45, according to the unofficial card). Robson tries to get aggressive in the middle rounds, but Lewis holds his own. Robson's left eye is starting to swell. Robson finally has a strong round in the 10th, but it appears to be too little, too late as Lewis is well ahead (99-93) on the unofficial card. No KDs, solid performance by Lewis who adopts a defensive posture in the later rounds. Lewis by UD 15 (149-137, 148-137, 149-137).

Ted Kid Lewis CH (45-13-4) vs Paul Demsky #12 (19-7-1)

Lewis travels to Australia to face Demsky, the newly-crowned OPBF Champ.

Lewis looks sharp early, and Demsky is already battling a swollen left eye after just three rounds. More bad news for the challenger in round four, as a severe cut over the right eye bothers Demsky. Lewis dominates action on the inside in round five and is well ahead on points (50-45) according to the ringside expert. Demsky tries to protect the cut, which is ruled caused by an unintentional butt, but eventually it is reopened and leaves to an early end. The scorecards tell the story; it's a UTD 9 for Lewis (80-73 on all three cards after eight completed rounds).

NABF: Pete Latzo defends this title versus Young Corbett III, battling a cut throughout the second half of the bout before escaping with a MD 12 victory. Then Tommy Robson challenged Latzo and, in a close bout featuring alot of hard-hititng, Robson emerged with the belt via a MD 12 despite suffering a cut over his eye.

USBA: Jack Sparr took on two challengers in 1925. Up first was Willie Harmon, who put up a good effort until bothered by a late cut, then a KD in the final round was the nail in the coffin; solid UD 12 win for Sparr. Second defense was against Jimmy Jones, who started strongly but faded in the later rounds, and Sparr was again the victor via a UD 12.

CBU: Bermondsey Billy Wells put his title on the line versus Aussie Paul Demsky, and Demsky was in trouble early, suffering a cut below his left eye, allowing Wells free rein en route to a UD 12 win.

GBU: Hamilton Johnny Brown made his first defense in two years, facing veteran Johnny Basham. Two knockdowns in a huge 7th round sealed a UD 12 win for Brown.

EBU: Piet Hobin defended versus Wells, the CBU Champ, who proved to have way too much firepower for the hapless Belgian. Wells annexed the belt via a UD 12, then defended versus Dane Frithjof Hansen, who could not overcome a severe cut. Wells won again, this time via a TKO 12 (cuts stoppage).

OPBF: The initial WW belt for this region saw two Australians, Paul Demsky and Tommy Uren, matched. Demsky seized control early and put Uren on the deck twice in round three, before the ref ordered it stopped. TKO 3 for Demsky.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1926 WW Division Profile

Total: 113 RL: 72 TC: 41

RL by Career Stage:
End - 5
Post - 10
Prime - 29
Pre - 20
Beginning - 8 (3 New)

Rated: 50
800+: 12
500+: 30
200+: 48

Jan 1926 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1925 in Parens):

Champ: Ted Kid Lewis 46-13-4 (22) (1524) (NC)
1. Bermondsey Billy Wells 36-7-1 (16) (1355) (NC)
2. Tommy Robson 35-15-1 (19) (1083) (NC)
3. Jack Britton 58-17-4 (18) (982) (+2)
4. Packey McFarland 62-9-5 (28) (950) (+4)
5. Willie Loughlin 31-13-1 (20) (908) (+1)
6. Eddie Shevlin 41-19-5 (14) (907) (-2)
7. Pete Latzo 21-6-1 (10) (892) (-4)
8. Young Corbett III 21-4-1 (9) (884) (+8)
9. Young Jack Thompson 18-0-2 (13) (854) (+4)
10. Jack Sparr 25-7 (13) (845) (+7)

Comments: Another group of aging veterans, as Britton, McFarland and Shevlin enter 1926 at Post, while Loughlin is at End career stage. Ted Kid Lewis is going strong, having won his last 11 bouts. Bermondsey Billy won all four of his 1925 contests, pushing his win streak to seven. In addition to three title wins, Wells scored a SD 10 over Latzo. Robson won three of four, including a UD 10 over JWW Champ Pinkey Mitchell in addition to his title contests. Britton moved back into the top ranks with UD wins over Alberts and Uren, recovering after a UD loss to Loughlin earlier in the year. A resurgent McFarland registered three wins and a draw in 1925, edging Joe Dundee via SD 10, taking a DQ win over Latzo, a UD versus Tommy Freeman, being held to a draw in a JWW title bout with Mitchell (details in the next report). Loughlin weathered a three-bout loss string, recovering with a UD over Shevlin. Shevlin did well in bouts abroad (a MD over Irineo Flores and a UD versus Hamilton Johnny in the UK), but slipped in the bout versus Loughlin. Latzo suffered three straight losses, but remains a top contender. Young Corbett has now won five of his last six, bolstered by UDs over veterans like Britton and Basham to advance despite the USBA title loss to Latzo. Young Jack Thompson wound up his Pre-Prime career unbeaten, despite two draws with Tenorio and Harmon, and he impressed in a UD 10 over Alf Mancini and a MD in the rematch with Harmon. Finally, Sparr rounds out the top 10 after winning his last five in succession.

Other Notables: New OPBF Champ Paul Demsky struggled to the #11 spot, carrying a 19-8-1 (14) record, worth 805 PPs, into 1926. Uren, loser in that initial OPBF title bout, fell three spots to #12, managing a SD over Basham for his only win in four bouts during the year. GBU titleholder Brown finished at #13, struggling outside the UK with a UD loss to Shevlin and a draw with Jones; his career record now stands at 16-6-4 (8), worth 728 PPs. Jones fell seven spots to #14, after going winless in three 1925 bouts. Also dropping out of the top 10 was veteran Johnny Alberts, who lost his last two (UD to Britton and TKO to Levine) after early season wins over Loughlin (KO) and Marty Cross (SD). Top newcomer to this year's ratings list is Baby Joe Gans, who debuts at #17 after pushing his record to 17-1 (10) with UD wins over two Filipinos, Irineo Flories and Lope Tenorio. UK's Alf Mancini impressed with wins in four of his last five, finishing up at #19 with a 21-4 (9) mark. Aussie Jack Carroll was busy in 1925, fighting six times, winning four with one draw and one loss (a UD to Mancini) to wind up at #24 with an impressive 16-1-1 (11) career start.

Prospects: The well-documented rise of Jimmy "Baby Face" McLarnin, who has compiled 10 KOs among his 12 wins, makes him the top prospect in the division right now. Also unbeaten is Johnny Indrisano, who downed Ruby Goldstein in a battle of undefeated young fighters to end the year at 11-0 (7). Goldstein, at 10-1 (10), is still a leading prospect, as is Sergeant Sammy Baker, who suffered his first loss to Eddie Roberts but TKO'd Tony Vaccarelli. Baker's career is off to a 12-1 (10) start. Al Mello got his first non-TC win versus JW Johnny Jadick; he ends the year at 10-1 (9). Italian Vittorio Venturi has won 10 in a row (five by KO) versus TC competition. Also feasting versus TCs are Cuban Manuel Quintero, at 8-0 (7); Americans Sam Bruce, 8-0 (6) and Don Fraser, 6-0 (4); Brit Jack Hood, 8-0 (2).

Retirement: One retiree, a former European Champ.

Albert Badoud (FRA) 1916-25 30-20-2 (17) EBU Champ Highest Rank: 2

Looking Ahead: Ted Kid Lewis seems entrenched as the WW king at the moment. Young Jack Thompson, now that he has reached Prime career status, needs to prove himself versus top-flight competition. Alf Mancini has emerged as a possible GBU title contender, and look for Jimmy McLarnin to continue his progress and possibly advance to the top 10 in the next year. Cleto Locatelli, a Swiss, is the best of three WWs set to debut as pros in 1926.

[JCWeb]

1925 JWW Title Bouts

WBA

Pinkey Mitchell CH (25-7-2) vs Basil Galiano #2 (18-12)

Mitchell defends versus Galiano, the USBA titleholder. First defense since 1923 -- prior result was a UD 15 for Mitchell (Sept. 1923).

Mitchell dominates from the opening bell. He piles up a huge points lead after the first five rounds (50-45 on the unofficial card). Galiano battles back to make the bout competitive through the middle rounds, but gradually runs out of the steam. Result is a cakewalk for Mitchell, who takes an easy UD 15 (149-137, 149-139, 147-138).

Pinkey Mitchell CH (26-8-2) vs Packey McFarland #3 WW (61-9-4)

Mitchell accepts a challenge from long-time WW contender McFarland, who had failed in several efforts at securing a WBA title in the higher weight class.

After a close opening round, both men stay outside in round two. McFarland steps inside for round three, slight edge to the challenger. The bout remains close into the middle rounds, and Mitchell's left eye starts to swell. McFarland suffers a cut over his left eye in round 8, slowing his progress. Mitchell targets the cut, taking round 9. Some good cornerwork keeps the cut under control, and McFarland rebounds with a big round 10, staggering the Champ with a huge cross. The unofficial card has Mitchell up by two (96-94) heading into the final five rounds. McFarland is the aggressor throughout, but he cannot land another strong shot. The bout goes down to the wire and, when the cards are read, Mitchell keeps the belt via a split draw (143-142 Mitchell, 144-all, 140-145 McFarland).

USBA: No title bouts staged, as Galiano retains the belt.

Jan 1926 JWW Division Profile

Total: 15 RL: 8 TC: 7

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

Rated: 4
800+: 0
500+: 1
200+: 2

Jan 1926 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from 1925 in Parens):

Champ: Pinkey Mitchell 26-9-3 (12) (601) (NC)
1. Johnny Jadick 13-2 (5) (335) (new)
2. Spug Myers 16-13-3 (6) (66) (-1)
3. Basil Galiano 19-15 (3) (-37) (-1)

Comments: All above at Prime, except Jadick who is still at Pre. Mitchell struggled when stepping up to WW, dropping decisions to Robson (UD) and Levine (SD). Jadick suffered his first two losses, both to WWs (dropping UDs to Meyer Cohen and Al Mello); all of his wins are versus TC opposition. Myers went 1-2 versus WWs in 1925, recording a UD win over Phinney Boyle but losing a UD to Simonich and suffering a TKO loss to Jack Zivic. Galiano's only win came versus a WW TC, and he dropped a MD to Lope Tenorio and a UD to Pat Corbett, two lowly rated WWs, in addition to his unsuccessful JWW title bout try.

Prospects: Four younger JWWs remain unbeaten versus TCs. Their records going into 1926 are Harry Wallach, 12-0 (6); Mushy Callahan, 11-0 (5); Mickey Cohen, 9-0 (5); and Brit Jack Kid Berg, 7-0 (4). Newcomer Tony Canzoneri elected to start out his career in the LW division, and for the time being, his results will be tracked in the LW report.

Retirements: Too soon for any, as noone has even hit Post yet.

Looking Ahead: Not clear how much longer this fledgling but very thin division can be sustained with so few fighters. Jadick has yet to be tested against the other contenders, and the low PP numbers are reflective of repeated failures versus medium and lower rung WW fighters. Wallach and Callahan may be in a position to step up and challenge the weak field of incumbent JWWs in another year or so. No newcomers on the horizon for 1926.

[JCWeb]

1925 LW Title Bouts

WBA

Benny Leonard CH (58-2-1) vs Sid Terris #12 (17-0-2)

One bout short of hitting Prime, the unbeaten Terris takes a chance and steps up in class to take on ATG Benny Leonard in his first title effort.

Leonard catches Terris with a wild overhand right in round one; Terris drops to his knees for a count of 3 but continues. Another huge round for the Champ in the second, and he scores a follow-up knockdown, putting Terris on the defensive for the remainder of the round. Leonard continues to press home his advantage, working inside in round three and continuing to pile up a large points advantage. A more aggressive Terris battles back to an even round in round four. Fifth round, Leonard dishes out even more punishment, leading to a halt with just four seconds left in the round. Leonard by TKO 5.

Benny Leonard CH (59-2-1) vs Johnny Dundee JLW CH (45-13-2)

Leonard gives the long-time JLW king, Dundee, a title shot. Leonard won a prior non-title bout via a UD 10.

Leonard is sharp early, takes round one handily. Both stay outside in round two, another good round for the Champ. The Scotch Wop shifts strategy, working inside in round three, and it's an even round. Huge round for Leonard, who presses the action on the inside in round four. The two go toe-to-toe in round five, and it's another solid round for the Ghetto Wizard, who is well ahead (50-46) on the unofficial card at this point. Dundee goes on the attack throughout the middle rounds, but Leonard's defense holds firm. Dundee runs out of gas in the later rounds, and Leonard coasts to another successful defense. No KDs, Leonard by UD 15 (147-137, 149-135, 147-137).

Benny Leonard CH (60-2-1) vs Jimmy Goodrich #1 (30-6)

Second title try for Goodrich, who has won his last five after a losing effort in 1923 versus Leonard for the WBA belt.

Leonard is once again off the mark early, taking round one. Both men stay outside in round two, another strong round for the Champ. Goodrich is the aggressor in round three, and he manages to open a cut on Leonard's lip while Leonard's blows cause the challenger's right eye to puff up. Goodrich has his best round thus far in the fourth, as Leonard is protecting the cut. Round five, another close round, but Leonard opens a severe gash over Goodrich's right eye that--along with the swelling--could prove problematic. Leonard keeps the pressure up, forcing Goodrich to cover up in round seven. Two rounds later, the cut reopens and becomes to difficult to control. TKO 9 for Leonard (cuts stoppage).

NABF: Canadian Clonie Tait starts 1925 with this belt and defends versus USBA Champ Andy Chaney. Tait makes a sluggish start, can't get on track, and falls victim to a Chaney right cross, KO 5 for Chaney. Chaney takes on veteran Ever Hammer, taking a hard-won UD 12 in a scrap that saw both men bruised and battered. Chaney then takes on Johnny Kaiser, scoring a KD in the seventh. However, Kaiser battles back to deck Chaney with a huge right cross in the final round, scoring an upset SD 12 win. Finally, Kaiser defends versus Tait, scoring a KD in the ninth round en route to a dominant UD 12 win.

USBA: Chaney vacates the belt, leaving Lew Tendler and Jimmy Goodrich (two top-rated LWs) to battle for the crown. Goodrich steps up the pace in the later rounds, taking the title via a SD 12. Goodrich defends versus Jimmy ("Kid Lucky") Dundee, taking control early and scoring a decisive UD 12. Then, Billy Wallace is the next challenger, and Goodrich rips open a cut over the eye that eventually leads to a stoppage and a UTD 9 win for Goodrich.

CBU: Aussie Billy Grime takes on British Champ, Ernie Rice, who walks into a Grime combination and goes down for a 9-count in round six. Rice also has to struggle with a cut eye and a second flash knockdown later in the fight. Three KDs in round 11 and it's a TK0 11 for Grime.

GBU: Ernie Rice keeps the belt but makes no defense in 1925.

EBU: "French Flash" Benny Valgar is matched with former LW Champ Llew Edwards, who is nearing the end of his career these days. Valgar scores an early KD and mercilessly pounds away at a swollen left eye of the challenger. Edwards' eye gets so bad that the bout is stopped with just two rounds to go. Valgar by TKO 10.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1926 LW Division Profile

Total: 128 RL: 76 TC: 52

RL by Career Stage:
End - 7
Post - 13
Prime - 31
Pre - 15
Beginning - 10 (5 New)

Rated: 56
800+: 12
500+: 26
200+: 48

Jan 1926 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from 1925 in Parens):

Champ: Benny Leonard 61-2-1 (37) (1766) (NC)
1. Jimmy Goodrich 30-7 (10) (1232) (+3)
2. Ever Hammer 36-11-5 (15) (1151) (NC)
3. Lew Tendler 40-9-1 (13) (1108) (-2)
4. Johnny Kaiser 22-4-1 (9) (1065) (+6)
5. Andy Chaney 31-9-2 (12) (1018) (NC)
6. Benny Valgar 30-9-2 (12) (974) (+3)
7. Tommy O'Brien 29-10-3 (15) (890) (+18)
8. Rocky Kansas 38-13-3 (20) (889) (-2)
9. Solly Seeman 23-7-2 (9) (860) (+5)
10. Luis Vicentini 20-2 (10) (828) (+9)

Comments: All the above at Prime (!) career stage. Leonard added three more wins and has now won an impressive 19 bouts in a row, having last tasted defeat back in 1921, 4 1/2 years without a blemish on his record. Goodrich won three of four, all in title bouts, and his loss to Leonard snapped a five-bout win streak. Hammer won two of three, including KOs over Kansas and Charley White. Tendler had an up-and-down year, winning just two of four bouts. He suffered a UD loss to Kansas, and his wins came versus lower rated LWs like Dolan (UD) and Benjamin (TKO). Kaiser has won his last three and took four of five in 1925, including UDs over White and JLW contender Eddie Wagner but fell short in a MD loss to British Champ Ernie Rice. Chaney had a three-bout win streak snapped by that NABF title bout loss to Kaiser. Valgar defended the EBU belt and scored a UD 10 over Jimmy Dundee in his only outings of 1925. O'Brien zoomed up the rankings by virtue of an upset TKO over Kansas; he has four wins and a draw in his last five, impressing in UDs over Grime and Welling while stumbling a bit in a lacklustre draw with aging vet Gilbert Gallant. Kansas' two TKO losses to O'Brien and Hammer wiped out any positive effect from his UD win over Tendler. Seeman moved up with UD wins over Jimmy Dundee and "Clonie T" Tait, but struggled to a draw with Terris and was an unsuccessful in his bid for the JLW WBA title (see next report). Chilean Luis Vicentini rounds out the top 10, having won five in a row now, including 1925 triumphs over Johnny Trambitas (via TKO), Sammy Mandell (UD) and Charley O'Connell (MD).

Other Notables: Three fighters fell out of the top 10 spots, one of whom (#8 Jack Blackburn) retired one bout after becoming the first to hit the 100-bout plateau. Canada's Clonie Tait dropped four spots to #11, suffering losses to Seeman and Kaiser after managing a UD over the aging Blackburn. "Kid Lucky" Jimmy Dundee had a luckless year, dropping from #3 to #12, losing three bouts and managing only a draw with the lowly-rated Red Dolan. Sammy Mandell, who has compiled an impressive 22-4 (7) career start, is still a key win short of breaking into the top 10. In 1925, he won decisions versus Seeman and Terris, but failed in a big matchup with Vicentini. British LW king Ernie Rice sits in #16, two spots behind Mandell, with his 24-8-1 (14) career mark worth 755 PPs. Rice was helped by the MD win over Kaiser despite the CBU title loss to Grime. Grime, in fact, tumbled to #22 after suffering a stunning upset to JLW Mike Ballerino; he ended 1925 at 17-6-1 (13), good for 635 PPs. Sid Terris, unsuccessul title contender, has an impressive 17-2-2 (6) career record but is only ranked #17. Billy Petrolle ripped off three more wins and a draw to end the year at 17-1-1 (13) in the #19 spot, impressing in KO wins over Loayza and Robideau but struggling to a draw with Billy Wallace. Top newcomer is #20 ranked Roy Miller, who added four more wins to wind up at 15-1 (11); his name victims (all UD wins) were Pisano, Waugh and Benjamin. Another top newcomer is Cuban Emory Cabana, who debuts at #26, off to a 14-2 (8) career start (including 1925 UD wins over Arrousey, Pisano and Cuddy DeMarco).

Prospects: Bruce Flowers, after blasting through 10 TCs, stepped up with a UD 10 over fellow prospect Joe Salas to end the year at 11-0 (6). Salas' first loss dropped him to 10-1 (3). Sammy Fuller, at 10-0 (5), and Joe Marcus, at 10-0 (2) have kept clean slates versus TC opposition. Luis Rayo stopped Davey Abad, ending the year at 9-1 (6) -- the loss an upset to a TC early in the year. The KO loss was Abad's first; he now stands at 9-1 (5). Francois Sybille scraped through with a SD and a draw versus TCs to finish up at 7-0-1 (5). Still unblemished at this point are Sammy Dorfman (6-0, 1 KO); Al Winkler (6-0, 1 KO); Lew Kirsch (5-0, 4 KO); Maxie Strub (4-0< 2 KO); Joe Guerrero (3-0, 1 KO). Tony Canzoneri, who won his debut by a KO, is being listed as a LW at this point.

Retirements: Five LWs left the ranks in 1925, led by the record-setting Jack Blackburn.

Jack Blackburn (USA) 1901-25 76-21-4 (26) WBA Champ
Willie Jackson (USA) 1913-25 27-18-4 (21) No Titles Highest Rank: 18
Willie Ritchie (USA) 1907-25 42-27-4 (12) WBA Champ
Llew Edwards (UK) 1914-25 27-15-5 (17) WBA Champ
Johnny Arrousey (USA) 1914-25 26-13-2 (6) No Titles Highest Rank: 26

Looking Ahead: Leonard still has several more years at a Prime, and an opportunity to post some career marks that will be difficult for others to beat. Look to see some new faces emerge among the top LW contenders out of the very talented group of Seeman, Vicentini, Mandell, Terris, and Petrolle. Valgar may be in line for a World title shot. Mason is the only realistic UK challenger to Rice. Five new additions will replace the departed retirees in 1926, but none is rated above a "7."

[JCWeb]

1925 JLW Title Bouts

Johnny Dundee CH (43-13-2) vs Sid Barbarian #1 (22-5)

Second meeting, a rematch of 1922 title matchup that went as a UTD for Dundee.

After a close opening round, both men stay outside in round two -- slight edge for the Champ. Barbarian takes some initiative in round three, then another close round in the fourth. Dundee takes charge in the inside fighting in round five, and he holds a narrow lead (48-47) on the unofficial cards. Barbarian tries to get more aggressive, but is thwarted by strong defense from the "Scotch Wop" who is looking to retain his belt. Barbarian is cut over the left eye in round 7, and the eye begins to puff up noticeably. Dundee targets the cut, and manages to win via a cuts stoppage with just one second left in round 10. Dundee by TKO 10.

Johnny Dundee CH (44-13-2) vs Tod Morgan #3 (18-2)

Dundee's next challenger is Morgan, the USBA titleholder who is just entering Prime career stage.

Morgan is tentative in the early going, and Dundee succeeds in piling up an early points lead. In round three, Morgan moves inside but sustains a bad cut over his right eye. The cut proves troublesome, and Dundee steps up the pace and targets the cut eye. Finally, in round five, the cut is ripped open, blood freely flowing, and the ref has no choice but to call a halt. Dundee by TKO 5 (cuts stoppage).

Johnny Dundee CH (45-13-2) vs Solly Seeman #8 LW (23-6-2)

Top 10 LW Solly Seeman drops down in weight to challenge Dundee.

Strong start for Dundee, who takes the opening round. Both men feel their way into the bout, staying outside in round two, an even round. Seeman moves inside in round three, but the Champ's lightning quick counters put him on top. Seeman suffers a nick under his right eye in round four, and by the end of round five Dundee has pulled well ahead on the unofficial scorecard after putting Seeman on the deck with a huge uppercut. Seeman recovers quickly and battles Dundee to an even round in the sixth. Seeman tries to be more aggressive in the middle rounds, but Dundee proves to be an elusive target, slipping punches and wearing down his less experienced opponent. The cut eye is examined by the ring physician, and the bout is allowed to continue. It lasts the distance and goes down as a lopsided UD 15 for Dundee (147-136, 145-138, 145-138).

USBA: Tod Morgan defended this belt against Eddie Wagner, and Morgan apparently was on his way to victory when he suffered an injured hand that forced him to abandon the bout, which meant Wagner was the victor by an 11th round TKO.

Jan 1926 JLW Division Profile

Total: 17 RL: 12 TC: 5

RL by Career Stage:
End - 0
Post - 3
Prime - 6
Pre - 1
Beginning - 2 (1 New)

Rated: 9
800+: 1
500+: 7
200+: 9

Jan 1926 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from 1925 in Parens):

Champ: Johnny Dundee 46-14-2 (15) (1093) (NC)
1. Eddie Wagner 28-13-1 (15) (791) (+3)
2. Sid Barbarian 23-6 (12) (731) (-1)
3. Steve Sullivan 33-20-6 (8) (641) (NC)
4. Mike Ballerino 17-4-2 (5) (636) (+3)
5. Tod Morgan 18-4 (8) (600) (-3)
6. Jack Bernstein 18-9 (5) (550) (NC)
7. George Chaney 38-26-2 (19) (430) (-2)
8. Vincent Martin 23-16-2 (15) (245) (NC)

Comments: Three of the above (Sullivan, Chaney and Martin) at Post, all the others at Prime. Dundee has not lost at JLW, his recent losses all coming to LWs when he stepped up in weight. Wagner annexed the USBA title and also register UD 10 wins versus LW Llew Edwards and George Chaney; his only loss in 1925 was a UD to top LW contender Johnny Kaiser. Barbarian suffered the title bout loss but scored two wins versus LWs (a MD over Billy Wallace and a UD over Robideau) to remain a top JLW contender. Sullivan struggled, now winless in his last five and dropping a UD to LW veteran Gallant and managing only a draw with George Chaney. Ballerino's upset win over CBU LW Champ Grime boosted his stock, coming after a UD win over Bernstein after only a draw versus aging LW campaigner Herb McCoy. Morgan slid down the rankings, after an 18-2 career start, dropping the WBA and USBA title bouts. Bernstein went 2-1 in 1925, losing to Ballerino but scoring UD wins over Chaney and LW Al Gordon. Chaney struggled, with three losses and a draw versus other JLWs before rebounding with a TKO over journeyman LW Ritchie Mitchell. "Pepper" Martin brings up the rear, despite a KO win over aging veteran LW Joe Rivers which was his first win in two years.

Prospects: Frankie Klick continued to hone his skills versus JLW and LW TC competition; his career is off to a 8-0 (7) start. Leslie Wildcat Carter took a UD 4 in his initial pro bout.

Retirements: None as of yet.

Looking Ahead: The "Scotch Wop," Dundee, continues to rule the roost in this division, and right now Wagner and Barbarian appear to be the top challengers. Tod Morgan, the highest rated fighter in the active group (a "10") has been disappointing upon reaching Prime career stage. Pete Nebo will be the new addition to the division in 1926.

[JCWeb]

1925 FW Title Bouts

WBA

Louis Kaplan CH (21-3-1) vs Al Foreman (14-5)

Foreman, the newly crowned GBU Champ, earns a title shot.

Good start by Kaplan, who takes the opening round and is doing well in round two until Foreman comes on strongly at the end. Round three, Foreman fights inside, but Kaplan counters effectively to take the round. Foreman's left eye is starting to swell. Kaplan presses forward in round four, padding his lead. Another strong round for the Champ after some inside fighting in round five; the unofficial card has Kaplan well ahead (50-46) at this point. Foreman suffers a cut over the right eye in round six. Foreman tries to get more aggressive, but after repeated frustration, he starts to tire and carry his hands low. The cut is reopened in round 10 and again in round 11, finally causing a stoppage. Kaplan by TKO 11.

Louis Kaplan CH (22-3-1) vs Andre Routis #2 (23-5-2)

Routis challenges Kaplan after a DQ win over veteran Bud Ridley. Kaplan has won his last four. No prior meetings.

Action is slow to develop in round one. Kaplan comes on strongly in round two, and Routis' right eye starts to puff up. Routis moves inside for round three, an even round. Kaplan then moves inside in round four, another close round. Round five sees some good toe-to-toe action, favoring the Champ who has the lead on the unofficial card (49-46) at this point. Routis gets more aggressive, but Kaplan builds his points lead in the middle rounds. Kaplan, leading, retreats into a defensive shell in the later rounds. Key moment of the fight comes in round 13, when a severe gash is opened over Kaplan's left eye. Bleeding from the cut is too severe to allow the bout to continue, and Routis wins via a TKO 13 (cuts stoppage).

Andre Routis CH (24-5-2) vs Young Johnny Brown #5 (21-3-1)

No prior meetings. Brown, the reigning EBU Champ, has won his last four while Routis has won his last three.

Routis takes an early lead in the opening stanza. Both men stay outside in round two, and Brown is on target more often to take the round. The challenger moves inside in round three, which is a close round. Routis takes charge, fighting inside in round four, slight edge to Brown. Both men battle on the inside in round five, a good action round which sees the Champ outhit Brown, putting him on the canvas late in the round with a vicious right cross. The 10-8 round puts Routis ahead (48-46) in the unofficial scoring. Routis tries to follow up in round six, but Brown recovers quickly to take the round. Brown is more aggressive in round seven, making the bout an even contest. Both men fight inside in round eight, slight edge to Routis. Brown steps up the pace in round nine, another even round. Brown forces the action on the inside in round 10, outscoring the Champ. At this point it's anyone's bout; the unofficial scorer has Routis up by one (95-94). Brown gets more aggressive in rounds 11 and 12, and the Champ begins to tire. Late in round 12, Brown suffers a cut over his left eye. Undeterred, Brown battles back to take round 13. The cut is reopened in round 14, but Brown battles on and the bout goes to the scorecards. Young Johnny Brown, who impressed the judges in the late rounds, takes the title via a SD 15 (143-142, 141-144, 144-142).

NABF: Incumbent Benny Bass defends versus Canadian Leo Roy, the current CBU Champ, taking a decisive UD 12 after putting Roy on the canvas in round 9. Bass then takes on Panama's Jose Lombardo, in a thrilling bout which sess Bass down twice the opening round. Bass battles back, turning the tables on Lombardo who is out on his feet as Bass whales away in round five. Bass by TKO 5 to retain the belt.

USBA: Mike Dundee defends versus Chick Suggs, and both men battle through cut and swollen eyes before Dundee emerges as the victor via a MD 12. Dundee is back to take on Babe Herman, who surprised Dundee with a wicked cross that put the Champ on the canvas in round seven. Dundee battled back to escape with a draw, retaining the belt. Then veteran Bud Ridley took the measure of Dundee, taking charge early and coasting to a win as Dundee battled cuts and swelling for most of the bout. UD 12 win for Ridley. Ridley then accepted the challenge of "the Bronx Express," Carl Duane, who put up a good effort but fell short as Ridely triumphed again, this time via a MD 12.

CBU: Canadian Leo Roy defended versus Australian Jimmy Hill, with Roy taking an early points lead into the later rounds, then surviving despite suffering a cut on the bridge of his nose. Roy by UD 12.

GBU: Foreman, lacking credible RL challengers, selected veteran British TC Arthur Bradford who served as nothing more than a glorified punching bag. Foreman put Bradford down and out in round one with a strong combination, KO 1 for Foreman.

EBU: Veteran French challenger Eugene Criqui takes on Young Johnny Brown, and it's an action-filled bout as Brown has Criqui down once in each of rounds six and seven. Criqui battles back, putting Brown on the deck with an uppercut in round eight. Brown sustains a cut eye a round later, but soldiers on to take the belt with a UD 12 win. He then defends in a much more placid bout versus Johnny Cuthbert, scoring an early KD en route to a solid UD win. Brown vacates the belt after winning the WBA title, leaving it open for Andre Routis to return to the fray, pounding out a UD 12 win over the Dane, Knut Larsen, who suffers an early cut and does not offer much resistance.

OPBF: OPBF Champ Elino Flores had a busy 1925, defending three times. First up was Mike Flynn, a journeyman Aussie slugger who put a surprisingly spirited challenge before losing the UD 12 to Flores. Next up was the previously unbeaten Filipino prospect, Johnny Hill (not to be confused with Aussie vet Jimmy Hill); Hill suffered an early cut that proved to be problematic, leading to a TKO 4 for Flores. Finally, Filipino vet Johnny Datto made his third try for the OPFBF belt, but Datto lacked the firepower to contend with Flores, who sealed a UD 12 win (and his fourth successful title defense) with a 9th round knockdown.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1926 FW Division Profile

Total: 109 RL: 66 TC: 43

RL by Career Stage:
End - 3
Post - 8
Prime - 30
Pre - 16
Beginning - 9 (4 New)

Rated: 53
800+: 9
500+: 24
200+: 48

Jan 1926 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from 1925 in Parens):

Champ: Young Johnny Brown 22-3-1 (12) (992) (+20)
1. Andre Routis 25-6-2 (25) (1025) (+2)
2. Benny Bass 24-3-2 (10) (1018) (+3)
3. Louis Kaplan 23-4-1 (8) (1007) (-3)
4. Bud Ridley 34-9 (17) (924) (+2)
5. Mike Dundee 30-7-2 (18) (923) (-1)
6. Eugene Criqui 44-11-6 (20) (822) (-5)
7. Babe Herman 20-7-2 (11) (810) (+14)
8. Chick Suggs 24-8-3 (9) (809) (-6)
9. Jose Lombardo 20-4-1 (14) (787) (-1)
10. Dick Finnegan 20-5 (8) (-1)

Comments: Everyone listed still at Prime, except Ridley who hits Prime in 1926 (his RL retirement year). Brown won the title but still has only the fourth best PP total; he has won five in a row, four in 1925 (three title tilts plus a UD 10 over Ansel Bell). Routis won three of four, regaining the EBU title, winning and losing the WBA belt, also registering a DQ 7 win versus Ridley. Bass made two title defenses and has gone unbeaten (five wins and a draw) in his last six outings. Ex-Champ Kaplan recovered from his title defeat with a MD 10 over Finnegan that kept him among the top rated FWs. Ridley recovered from the DQ loss to Routis by TKOing Red Chapman and capturing the USBA belt. Dundee lost the USBA crown to Ridley, snapping an 8-bout unbeaten string that went back to mid-1923, but recovered with a bounceback UD 10 win over Danny Edwards. Criqui lost the EBU belt, defeated Finnegan (via UD 10), then dropped a UD to Suggs. Babe Herman surged into the top 10 by virtue of wins over Flores (via TKO), Suggs (MD) while drawwing with Farr and Mike Dundee. Suggs struggling, losing twice and only managing a UD over Criqui. Lombardo defeated Kilbane (UD) and Datto (KO 5) before falling short in his NABF title try. Rounding out the group is Finnegan, who went 2-2 for the year, winning a split duke from Jimmy Hill, a UD over Anderson, but falling short versus Kaplan (MD) and Criqui (UD).

Other Notables: The two top 10 dropouts from 1925 fell far from contention. Kilbane, #8 in 1925, slid all the way to #22, losing three of four, dropping UDs to Roy and Lombardo and a SD to Kid Julian; his only win was a UD over prospect Eddie Shea. Joey Sangor lost all three bouts to drop even further, down 21 spots from #10 to #31. Finishing one spot short of the top 10 at #11 was OPBF Champ Flores, winner of three title defenses but a TKO loser to Babe Herman; his 22-3-1 (10) career record merits 702 PPs. CBU titleholder Roy is #15, falling short in his NABF bout versus bass, held to a draw by Brannigan, banging out a UD 10 over Kilbane to end up a 18-6-2 (6), worth 631 PPs. GBU Champ Foreman is mired at #37, dropping the WBA title affair but retaining the GBU belt, winding up 1925 at 15-6 (12) but with only 359 PPs due to some unfortunate setbacks in the 1923-24 time frame that still prevent a higher ranking. Bobby Garcia has won his last four, including 1925 wins over Johnny Farr (UD) and Eddie O'Keefe (KO) to end up at #12 with a 17-6 (10) career mark. OPBF challenger Johnny Hill dropped to 16-2 (4) after a second loss to Danny Kramer, to end the year at #17. Top newcomer was Eddie Shea, who scored UDs over Frankie Albano and Wilbur Cohen, then struggled to a draw with Knud Larson and dropped a UD to Kilbane to end up at #23 with a 14-2-1 (11) start.

Prospects: Phil Zwick ended up the year at 11-1 (7), suffering his first loss via SD to Milton Cohen after being fed a steady diet of TCs. Still perfect versus TC competition were Ignacio Fernandez, 7-0 (6); Sailor Willie Gordon, 7-0 (5); Al Tripoli, 5-0 (1); Willie Smith, 4-0 (3). Panama's Santiago Zorilla was held to a draw in his second outing but then registered a UD 6 versus the same TC opponent to end up at 2-0-1 (1). Frenchman Maurice Holtzer got off to an unblemished 2-0 start, both wins inside the distance.

Retirements: Two FWs hung up the gloves in 1925.

Lee Johnson (USA) 1910-25 26-30-5 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 11
Ty Cobb (USA) 1909-25 32-30-3 (11) NABF Champ Highest Rank: 5

Looking Ahead: Unlike other divisions, since the days of Attell and Kilbane there has been no dominant figure in the FW division, just a series of short-time champions as illustrated by the current situation. Expect more of the same for the near-term future, although Bass has the credentials to possibly become a long-term Champ. Four newcomers set to join the division in 1926, paced by Brit Nel Tarleton.

[JCWeb]

1925 BW Title Bouts

WBA

Charles Ledoux CH (48-17-1) vs Memphis Pal Moore #2 (36-11-5)

Ledoux won a prior bout (UD 10) back in 1919 and has won his last three, while Memphis Pal has not won since late 1923. However, Ledoux is beginning to suffer the aging effects, having recently hit Post-Prime.

After a close opening round, Memphis Pal opens up and takes round three. Ledoux moves inside in round three, a close round. Another close round four, with Moore pressing the action on the inside. Memphis Pal gains the upper hand in the toe-to-toe inside action in round five. The unofficial scorer has the challenger ahead (50-45) at this point. Ledoux becomes more aggressive in the middle rounds, but Moore's defense holds. Moore's left eye starts to swell but a tiring Ledoux cannot take advantage of the situation. Ledoux's right eye swells up in the late rounds, and Moore takes the title with a strong UD 15 win (148-139, 149-138, 147-140).

Memphis Pal Moore CH (37-11-5) vs Pete Sarmiento #6 (32-5-2)

Memphis Pal is lured to the Far East to take on Sarmiento, the reigning OPBF Champ. The two had battled to a draw in a non-title tilt in 1924.

Good start by the challenger in round one. Moore responds to take round two. Sarmiento moves inside and has the edge in round three. Moore presses forward in round four, an even round. Both men battle on the inside in round five, and the challenger pulls ahead to a slight lead (48-47) on the unofficial card. The Champ gets more aggressive in the middle rounds, and the bout remains close. Sarmiento nails Moore with a devastating uppercut in round 11, and the Champ is forced to cover up. Sarmiento is unable to follow up, and Moore tries to battle back as he tires in the later rounds. No knockdowns, and the scorecards show a close but unanimous verdict for Sarmiento (144-142, 144-141, 144-141) who becomes the new WBA Champ.

Pete Sarmiento CH (33-5-2) vs Bud Taylor #6 (20-4)

Sarmiento makes his first defense versus Bud Taylor, the "Blonde Terror of Terre Haute." First meeting of the two, and Taylor has won his last three to set up the title shot.

Both men are cautious in the opening two rounds, with Taylor starting to find the range in rounds two and three before being slowed by a cut over the right eye near the end of round three. Sarmiento targets the cut, which is reopened late in round five. It's another close bout, with Sarmiento holding a narrow lead (48-47) after five rounds. Sarmiento continues to plug away, while the cut is patched up. Taylor does well in rounds six and eight, with round seven being even. Sarmiento gets aggressive, takes round nine. The challenger bounces back to take the 10th round, putting him ahead with five rounds left (96-94) in the unofficial count. Taylor does well in round 11 until Sarmiento lands a winging right late in round. Sarmiento picks up the pace in the later rounds, and a late surge is enough to keep the belt -- at least according to two of the three judges. Sarmiento by SD 15 (141-144. 144-141, 144-141).

NABF: Jack Kid Wolfe and Harold Smith are matched for the belt vacated by Memphis Pal upon his ascension to the WBA crown. Smith scores a couple of quick knockdowns in the fifth, Wolfe battles back with a strong round 7, then Smith catches Wolfe with a combination that leads to a stoppage a round later. Smith by TKO 8. Smith defends versus Bushy Graham, who appears overmatched in his first title effort, going down to a barrage of blows in round one, with the ref calling a halt in round 6. Smith then defends versus the emerging Panama Al Brown, who starts well as Smith is troubled by an early cut. However, Brown's penchant for fouling gets him in trouble and finally decides it, DQ win for Smith in 10 despite Brown's having the best of the boxing action throughout the bout.

USBA: Amos Carlin starts 1925 with the belt, defending versus Joe Burman whom he puts on the deck twice (in rounds 8 and 11) en route to a UD 12 triumph. Then Little Jack Sharkey challenges Carlin, who again puts forth a solid effort and receives the UD 12 nod from the judges. Then Bud Taylor steps up and builds and early lead, gradually wearing down Carlin to take a UD 12 and the title. Late in the year, Taylor took on Abe Goldstein, surviving a bloody nose early in the fight to take another UD 12 verdict.

CBU, GBU: Johnny Brown retained both these titles but made no defenses in 1925.

EBU: Harry Lake defended versus the youthful Nipper Pat Daly, who landed a couple of good shots midway through the bout and hung on for a UD 12. Daly then defended versus another Brit, Teddy Baldock, who battled back after trailing early to score a KD in round eight to turn the tables on his countryman. Baldock by UD 12 to take the title.

OPBF: No title bouts have been announced as Sarmiento relinquished the belt after winning the WBA crown.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1926 BW Division Profile

Total: 93 RL: 56 TC: 37

RL by Career Stage:
End - 2
Post - 14
Prime - 23
Pre - 10
Beginning - 7 (7 New)

Rated: 25
800+: 9
500+: 24
200+: 41

Jan 1926 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from 1925 in Parens):

Champ: Pete Sarmiento 24-5-2 (18) (1132) (+5)
1. Joe Lynch 34-8-2 (15) (1371) (NC)
2. Charles Ledoux 49-15-2 (34) (1260) (-2)
3. Memphis Pal Moore 38-12-5 (12) (1125) (-1)
4. Harold Smith 22-2-2 (12) (974) (+4)
5. Charley Phil Rosenberg 19-3-2 (10) (960) (+11)
6. Pete Herman 46-7-4 (15) (959) (-2)
7. Abe Goldstein 28-8-3 (10) (948) (-4)
8. Bud Taylor 20-5 (9) (912) (+10)
9. Bushy Grahan 17-4 (8) (738) (+6)
10. Panama Al Brown 18-2 (10) (729) (+9)

Comments: Lynch joins Ledoux at Post in 1926, others at Prime except for Herman who is at End. Sarmiento has won his last four, recovering from a SD loss to Lynch early in the year to score KOs over Johnny Brown and Carl Tremaine prior to taking the WBA title. Lynch still has the most PPs, based on the SD win over Sarmiento, UDs versus Williams and Marks, then battling to a draw with Herman. Ledoux also drew with Herman, then lost his title, finishing up with a UD win over Rubidoux. Memphis Pal Moore won two of three in 1925, taking a UD 10 from O'Gatty after the title loss. NABF Champ Harold Smith has now won five straight, winning over Tremaine (UD 10) in addition to his title bout wins. Rosenberg fashioned a three bout win streak, zooming up the rankings as a result of UD wins over Philly Pal Moore, Herman and Jack Kid Wolfe. Herman, the aging vet and former Champ, kept active with a UD win over Philly Pal Moore in addition to the two draws, but lost to Rosenberg. Goldstein struggled, dropping the USBA title bout, managing only a draw with Brown and escaping with a SD over O'Gatty and a MD versus Burman. Taylor had a good year, winning three of four, taking a SD over Charley Phil in addition to his title bout appearances. Graham surged into the top ten with wins over Canadian Vic Foley and a MD versus O'Gatty but appeared overmatched in his first title bout. Finally, Panama Al Brown wound up his Pre-Prime career stage with impressive wins over Mayberry (UD), Burman (TKO) and Rubidoux (SD) to go with the disappointing DQ loss to Smith.

Other Notables: Significant turnover as four top ten guys from the prior year dropped from the top group, including Kid Williams (#9 last year) who retired. Packey O'Gatty dropped five spots to #12, dropping three of four in 1925, only managing a MD over Marks in his one successful outing. Wolfe slid eight spots to #14, after having dropped his last three. Former USBA Champ Carlin dropped from #10 to #19, his only win over the lightly regarded Dixie LaHood not enough to overcome three losses. CBU and GBU titleholder Johnny Brown checks in at #13, compiling a 20-3-3 (16) career record, worth 689 PPs, despite going winless in 1925 (losing the WBA title clash and holding Goldstein to a draw). New EBU Champ Baldock. whose career mark now stands at 17-5 (9), for 549 PP, only stands at #21, despite three wins in a row. Other notables include Cannonball Eddie Martin, who emerged at 17-3-3 (13), good for 16th spot, taking out Mayberry via TKO and Little Jack Sharkey via UD 10 after a loss to Rubidoux early in the year. Vic Foley reeled off four wins, all UDs (over Milton, Williams, Hellman and Tremaine) to end the year at #17. Top newcomer to the ranks is Happy Atherton, at #23 with two UD wins over Bartlett and Catena and a loss to Baldock to end up the year at 15-2 (7).

Prospects: Archie Bell advanced beyond the TC stage with flying colors, TKOing Jerome and Midget Smith, decisioning Vic Burrone, to keep a clean slate, now 13-0 (7). Sammy Bienfeld reeled off 12 in a row before struggling, dropping his last two, a SD to Smith and a UD loss to Davey Adelman. The win over Bienfeld was followed by a technical loss to Burrone, dropping Adelman to 11-1 (5). Burrone now stands at 11-2 (5), having suffered the recent loss to Bell and an earlier loss to Bienfeld. Filipino Frisco Grande struggled to a MD win over UK's Nat Pincus but then lost twice, to Connie Curry (UD) and TC Mark Barker to end up the year at 11-3 (6). Still unbeaten, albeit all versus TCs, is hot Italian prospect Kid Francis, who is now 10-0 (8).

Retirements: A couple of BWs left the ranks in 1925, including one who briefly held the WBA crown in 1917.

Kid Williams (USA) 1910-25 43-20-3 (17) WBA Champ Highest Rank: 1
Vince Blackburn (AUS) 1015-25 21-22-2 (9) CBU Champ Highest Rank: 18

Looking Ahead: Hard to predict, although Panama Al Brown is probably set to challenge for at least the NABF title if not the WBA belt in the next year or so. Look for aging vets like Lynch, Herman and Ledoux to fade from the scene. Some of the young British BWs, such as Brown, Baldock, Daly and Lake, need to step up. There is an impressive crop of seven newcomers, including Filipinos Speedy Dado and Pablo Dano, American Pete Sanstol, and a talented trio of Brits (Alf Pattenden, Dick Corbett and Johnny King).

[JCWeb]

1925 FLY Title Bouts

WBA

Pancho Villa CH (25-2-1) vs Frankie Ganaro #5 (18-5)

First meeting of the aging veteran the new phenom. Genaro is in the midst of a 7-bout win streak, capturing the USBA and NABF belts in the process. Villa has not lost in the past four years, since hitting Prime (but this will be his first bout at Post-Prime).

Solid start by the challenger in round one, who follows up with another strong round in the second. Villa moves inside and starts to connect in round three. Genaro moves inside but cannot do much in round four, another round for Villa. Villa works the jab but can't follow up in round five. The unofficial card of the ringside observer has a slight lead (48-47) for Genaro at this point. Not much action in rounds six and seven. Genaro pulls ahead after some sharp inside exchanges in round eight. Villa tries to get more aggressive, but Genaro counters and pulls ahead even further (97-93) on the unofficial card. By this point the aged veteran Villa starts tiring badly, and his punches lack sting and are repeatedly off target. Genaro goes on to score an impressive UD 15 win (148-137, 148-137, 146-139) to take the belt.

Frankie Genaro CH (19-5) vs Newsboy Brown #1 (18-1-1)

Genaro holds a SD 10 win over Brown in a 1923 meeting when both were at Pre-Prime.

Strong start by Genaro, who takes round one. Brown turns the tables, getting the better of the outside exchanges in round two. Edge to the Champ, who fights inside in round three. Brown moves inside in round four, but neither man lands many punches in a boring round. The Champ dominates the inside action in round five, securing a slight edge on the unofficial card (48-47). Genaro continues to press home his advantage in round six, and Brown's left eye starts to puff up. Brown tries to get more aggressive in the middle rounds, with mixed results. Then the bout comes to a sudden and surprising end in round 10, as Genaro delivers a deliberate head butt after an inside exchange and is immediately called on it by the ref. Brown by DQ 10 to take the WBA crown.

Newsboy Brown CH (19-1-1) vs Elky Clark #2 (20-4-1)

Second meeting, with Brown owning a KO 7 over Clark earlier in the year. Since that time, Clark won the GBU title while Brown was busy capturing the WBA belt.

Clark staggers Brown with a solid hook in round one. He continues to apply the pressure as the Champ can't get on track, so rounds two, three and four all fall for the challenger. The fifth round sees some toe-to-toe action on the inside, a close round. The unofficial scorer has Clark well ahead (50-45) after five. Brown presses the action on the inside in round six, a close round. Clark looks strong in round seven. Finally, the Champ gets more aggressive in round eight, his best round of the fight thus far. He continues to close the gap in rounds 9 and 10, and the unofficial scorer has Clark up by a narrower margin (97-94) after ten. Brown gamely soldiers on, applying the pressure although his punches lack steam in the later rounds. Clark survives the late rally from the Champ and captures the title via a UD 15 (145-141, 145-140, 144-141).

NABF: Johnny Buff and Black Bill are matched together for this belt, which is vacated by Genaro after he wins the WBA crown. In a bruising battle, Buff survives a cut eye and takes a narrow SD 12 win. In a rematch two months later, Black Bill is more aggressive, and the Cuban catches Buff with a strong shot for an early KD and goes on to take a UD 12 verdict.

USBA: Buff starts off 1925 with this belt and defends versus Corporal Izzy Schwartz. Buff breaks open a close bout, gradually building a lead in the middle rounds, taking advantage of a late cut to register a UD 12 win. Then Buff moves up to take the NABF title, and Newsboy Brown battles ex-Champ Frankie Mason for the vacant crown. Mason suffers a severe cut that leads to a late stoppage, TKO 10 for Brown. Newsboy then defends versus Pinky Silverberg, building a solid lead and then holding on for a UD 12 win despite being bothered by a late cut. The title is vacated again after Brown takes the WBA crown. Young Zulu Kid and Johnny McCoy are matched for the vacant title, and McCoy stuns Kid with a solid uppercut in an otherwise lacklustre bout that goes as a UD 12 for McCoy. Finally, a fifth title bout is staged, and McCoy defeats Silverberg, pulling ahead in the middle rounds for a UD 12 win.

CBU: Jimmy Wilde retains this belt and made no defenses in 1925.

GBU: Wilde defended versus Elky Clark, who got off the canvas from an early knockdown and took the measure of the aging ex-Champ to win a SD 12.

EBU: No title defenses here, either, as Jimmy Wilde retains the belt.

OPBF: Australia's George Mendies retains this title, lacking any credible challengers during 1925.