My Universe

[JCWeb]

November 13, 1926 -- Rome, Italy, Sports Palace: Unbeaten HW prospect Max Schmeling climbs into the ring in a scheduled 10-rounder (his first 10-round bout in his 10th pro fight) against Alberto Abbondari, an Italian trial horse (journeyman would be too kind a word, human punching bag would be more accurate) whose 0-13 career mark speaks volume for his lack of ring skills. Should be another easy win to pad Max's record.

First round, Schmeling unleashes a flurry of blows, two of which were solid punches that landed cleanly. Abbondari pushes Max but leaves him open for a couple of more strong shots. A hook to the head, and the Italian is in big trouble now. Max follows with a sharp combination, and Abbondari takes his first trip to the canvas. He bounces back up at the count of four, ready to absorb more punishment that Max is more than willing to dish out. Schmeling pins his hapless opponent in the corner and lands an uppercut. He follows with a short jab to the chest, and then Abbondari is ready for the coup-de-grace, another big time uppercut. He takes another trip to the canvas, and this time he is counted out at 2:08 of round one.

It's Schmeling's third straight first round stoppage, running Max's record to 10-0 (9), worth 511 PPs. Already plans are underway for another outing in December, and word is Max's handlers are looking for another soft touch before taking on more serious opposition in 1927.

[JCWeb]

November 27, 1926 -- Convention Hall, Atlantic City, NJ: Making his third pro start here tonight is Jimmy Braddock, a highly regarded New Jersey fighter. His opponent, in a 6-round tilt, is Doug Bates, who is winless in three bouts. On paper, this shapes up as an easy win for Braddock.

Round one, Braddock starts cautiously, then nails Bates with a jolting uppercut on the inside. Bates ties up Braddock, who gets his arms free and fires a straight right that scores. Then Braddock doubles up on the jab but is off target. Bates responds by flicking a jab out. Braddock plods forward, doing just enough to take the round in a rather pedestrian fashion.

Second round, Braddock steps up the pace, working inside. He struggles to find the range for the first minute of the round. Then a cross connects, followed by a lead right, a straight right, then a combination rocks Bates. A cross scores for Bates, and Braddock is backed up into a corner. A quick hook to the head connects for Braddock. Bates is more active this round, but Braddock still has the upper hand.

Round three, Braddock continues to press the action on the inside. He fires home a right after blocking Bates' jab. The two lean on each other at ring center. Bates lands a stiff jab but misses with the follow-up. Braddock staggers his opponent with a hook to the midsection. Bates delivers a flurry but no clean shots are landed. Braddock bears down, connects with an uppercut that sends Bates' mouthpiece flying. He misses with a second uppercut, but connects with a cross. Braddock sneaks in another uppercut right before the bell, and the heavy leather landed has caused Bates' left eye to start puffing up.

Round four, Braddock positions himself to deliver a strong shot. Bates drops his defenses, enabling Braddock to land a knockout punch. Bates slumps to the canvas and is counted out at 0:29 of round four.

The win lifts Braddock to 3-0 (2), worth 315 PPs. He plans to stay busy, lining up another bout in December.

[Lee]

Good stuff as always JC, you have no idea how many late nights at my old job your recaps would get me through when my head was ready to explode!!

[JCWeb]

Thanks, Lee. The Uni is now in late December 1926 and two of the prospects being tracked are both fighting on the same undercard at St. Nicholas Arena in New York City. Date is December 27, 1926.

First up in a six-rounder is Jimmy Braddock, who takes on the winless TC, Charles Parkins. As usual, Braddock comes out swinging, trapping Parkins in the corner but finding a straight right blocked by the gloves of his opponent. Then a left from the "Cinderella Man" misses, landing high on Parkins' shoulder. A flurry scores some points for Braddock, Parkins misses with a left and a right. Braddock rips a hook to the head. Braddock nails Parkins with an uppercut, misses with a follow-up but scores with a stinging jab right before the bell. Good start for Braddock.

Round two, the two mean lean on each other as Braddock works inside. He tries to double up on his jab but can't find the range. A short hook to the head, then a follow-up cross by Braddock has the crowd roaring its approval. He works the head and body, landing a quick uppercut, as Parkins adopts a defensive posture to avoid further punishment.

Third round sees Braddock looking to land a haymaker, and his timing is off early in the round. He wings a big left that is sidestepped by Parkins. Braddock lands a glancing cross, but Parkins manages to keep his distance for most of the rest of the round except for a late-round uppercut that appears to stagger Parkins.

Round four, Braddock keeps up the pressure, scoring a quick flurry and finding the range with a lead right. He sneaks in a jab, then doubles up on a hook. From then on it's all Braddock, and Parkins is now offering little resistance. A jab, then an uppercut, and then the ref decides to call a halt at 2:38 of round four.

It goes down as a TKO win and runs Braddock's record up to 4-0 (3 by KO), worth 347 PPs. Braddock plans to keep busy, and his manager, Joe Gould, is looking to line up a bout in January 1927.

Next up, the Roman Warrior, Tony Canzoneri ...

[JCWeb]

St Nicks arena, 12-27-1926, it's an 8-rounder featuring the unbeaten LW-JWW prospect, Tony "the Roman Warrior" Canzoneri. His opponent is journeyman/trial horse Frank McCovey, who is winless in six prior bouts.

First round, Canzoneri is off target on his first flurry of blows. He persists and then sneaks home a right, splitting McCovey's gloves with a straight jab. Tony misses with a follow-up punch, and the two fighters clinch at ring center. Canzoneri takes a step back, and then fires a couple of shots to the chest and neck after gaining some punching room. McCovey misses with a cross. Good ring movement by Canzoneri, who is proving an elusive target for his frustrated opponent. Canzoneri bobs and weaves his way inside, connecting with a hook just before the bell. The crowd roars in response.

Round two, Canzoneri crowds his opponent on the inside, keeping up a frenetic pace. He rips a hook to the head, then follows with a cross. He corners his hapless opponent and drills him with a lead right. Then another right cross scores for Tony C, and McCovey swings and misses with a weak counter. After a lull in the action, a combination scores for Canzoneri, then he delivers a hook to the head that sends McCovey reeling to the canvas. He is counted out just before the bell.

It goes down as a KO-2 for Canzoneri at 3:00 of round two, running his record to 6-0, all wins inside the distance, worth 407 PPs. Expect to see Tony back in the ring in January 1927 along with Braddock.

[PWillisTheMan]

Time for the year in Review? Yours are the best.

[Infinity]

It really is nice to see you active again!

[JCWeb]

December 31, 1926 -- Amor Bahn, Munich, Germany: Unbeaten HW prospect Max Schmeling takes on his countryman, veteran TC Mats Schumacher. Schumacher's lifetime record of 1-14-1 pales in comparison to Schmeling's perfect 10-0, particularly when one considers that his only win was via a DQ.

First round, Schmeling comes out swinging, as usual, but is wild with a hook. Schumacher scores with a hook, Max appears to be in trouble early in the round. Schumacher picks off a Schmeling jab, then has the ring cut off and is momentarily trapped in his own corner. Schmeling pops a jab home, then the two tie each other up. Max fires a shot that glances off Schumacher's shoulder. Max flicks a quick jab, then follows with a big left that is deftly sidestepped by his opponent. Schmeling sneaks in an uppercut, then scores with a right cross just before the bell. Big round for Schmeling.

Round two, Schmeling bulls his way inside. A leaping shot falls just short. A short, clean cross catches Schumacher flush on the jaw, and he folds like an accordion. He is counted out after just 55 seconds of round two.

The KO win lifts Schmeling's record to 11-0 (10 KOs), worth 522 PPs. He plans to take a brief break before returning to the ring in March, perhaps taking on another top prospect this time.

The Munich card concludes all 1926 action. For those interested, it will be about a week before the year-end reports.

[JCWeb]

Now, for the first of the long-awaited year-end reports for 1926.

1926 HW Title Bouts

WBA

Jack Dempsey CH (47-4-1) vs Young Stribling #5 (21-2)

It's the Manassa Mauler versus the King of the Canebrakes, and Dempsey enters the bout riding an eight-bout win streak. Stribling is coming off an impressive UD 10 win over veteran Fred Fulton, but this is his sternest test to date.

After a huge opening round, Dempsey moves inside in round two. However, a cut develops over the Champ's right eye, and furthermore a charged-up Stribling takes the round. Dempsey ignores the cut, going for the quick finish in round three. Stribling survives, and both men wage war on the outside in the fourth round, where Stribling is warned for a low blow. The cut proves troublesome, reopening in round five. Dempsey perseveres, piling up points but not quite able to put Stribling in trouble. In the middle rounds, Stribling's right eye begins to swell from the repeated blows landed by Dempsey. Dempsey gets more aggressive as Stribling starts tiring around round 10. In a bloody round 11, Stribling is cut on the bridge of the nose while the gash over Dempsey's eye is reopened. After a solid round for the Champ in round 12, Dempsey leaves himself open for some sharp exchanges that cause the cut to reopen. This time the staunch of blood cannot be controlled, and the ref stops in. TKO for Stribling, and the WBA title changes hands as a result of the sudden stoppage.

Young Stribling CH (22-2) vs Gene Tunney #1 (38-7-2)

Stribling takes on the #1 contender, the ex-Champ, the "Fighting Marine," who enters a prohibitive favorite, rebounding with two wins after a TKO loss to Harry Wills.

After a close opening round, Tunney outboxes Stribling to take round two. Stribling is ineffective trying to force the action on the inside in round three. Tunney suffers a cut over the left eye in the fourth, slowing him noticeably. Stribling steps up the pace, targeting the cut to take round five. Unofficial scores are even (48-48) after five. Tunney's right eye starts to puff up in round six as the Champ keeps up the pressure, reopening the cut. Stribling works on the cut, and Tunney has to use all his skills to keep out of trouble. Stribling keeps banging away and puts Tunney on the deck for a six-count in round 9. Tunney battles back to take round 10, and once again the unofficial scorer has an even bout headed into the championship rounds. After a couple of quiet rounds, things really get interesting in round 13 when Stribling is cut over his left eye. Then Tunney suffers a split lip as the Champ battles back in round 14. The late rally continues into the final round, and it's enough to enable to Champ to keep his belt in a hard-fought battle. The scorecards have it a draw (145-142 Tunney, 142-142, 143-142 Stribling).

Young Stribling CH (23-2) vs Martin Burke #9 (28-7-1)

First meeting of the two; Burke has two successive wins (SD over Bob Roper and a TKO over Swede Harry Persson) to set up the title shot.

Strong start for the Champ, who takes the opening stanza. A defensive struggle on the outside, not much action in round two. Third round, Stribling opens up, moving inside, finally finding the range. Burke tries his luck on the inside in round four but he can't make much of an impression on the Champ. A huge shot lands for Stribling in the toe-to-toe action in round five, and Burke goes down for a five-count. Stribling continues to pound away, piling up a huge points lead through the middle rounds. Burke gets increasingly desperate as the bout enters the late rounds. Then, in round 14, there's a huge clinch at ring center and Stribling is caught leaning on the neck of his opponent. In a controversial call, the ref signals a halt and awards the bout to Burke via a DQ because of the foul. The crowd hoots its disapproval, and a couple of days after the bout a rematch is ordered for early 1927.

NABF: Nominally, the belt is still in the hands of Harry Wills, who did not defend it in 1925. Having refused to cooperate with the governing bodies, however, right now it looks like the belt may be declared vacant.

USBA: Homer Smith defends this title versus Jack Thompson, who is going for his first title try in his 55th pro bout. Thompson takes full advantage, emerging with a MD 12 to take the crown. He then defends against the better-known and higher-rated Gene Tunney. The "Fighting Marine" is sharp early, connecting with a huge shot that has Thompson on the canvas in round 2. After a second KD in the fifth, Tunney keeps up the pressure until the ref saves Thompson from further punishment; goes down as a TKO 6 for Tunney.

CBU: Veteran Bartley Madden defends versus Storbeck. Madden struggles with the cagey South African fighter in the early going, but then pulls ahead in the later rounds to register a UD 12 to keep the title.

GBU: "Fainting" Phil Scott defends versus Jack "The Gorgeous Gael" Doyle, surviving a scare in round five when Doyle nails Scott with a big cross. Eventually Doyle wears down in the later rounds, and it goes down as a UD 12 for Scott.

EBU: Erminio Spalla defends versus the CBU Champ, Madden, in his native Italy, but suffers a cut over the eye that leads to a late stoppage; thus, the belt changes hands and goes to Madden.

OPBF: Tom Heeney defends versus fellow Kiwi Brian McCleary, and looks a sure winner as the bout goes the distance. However, it's surprisingly close when the cards are read, as Heeney escapes with a MD 12 but keeps the belt.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1927 HW Division Profile

Total: 205 RL: 128 TC: 77

RL by Career Stage:

End: 11
Post: 18
Prime: 40
Pre: 40
Beginning: 19 (12 New)

Rated: 77
800+: 14
500+: 30
200+: 69

Jan 1927 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan 1926 in Parens):

Champ: Martin Burke 29-7-1 (8) (1183) (+13)
1. Gene Tunney 28-7-3 (24) (1781) (NC) (USBA Champ)
2. Harry Wills 54-6-1 (44) (1722) (NC) (NABF Champ)
3. George Godfrey 30-6 (21) (1486) (NC)
4. Jack Dempsey 48-6-1 (46) (1418) (-4)
5. Bartley Madden 45-12-3 (18) (1316) (-1) (EBU, CBU Champ)
6. Young Stribling 22-3-1 (14) (1182) (-1)
7. Tom Heeney 25-5-1 (8) (1019) (+4) (OPBF Champ)
8. Fred Fulton 36-14 (29) (1018) (-2)
9. Erminio Spalla 26-9 (19) (939) (-1)
10. Charley Weinert 39-17-1 (20) (883) (+5)

Also: 35. Phil Scott 20-11-2 (5) (519) (-6) (GBU Champ)

Comments: Four of the above (Wills, Dempsey, Madden and Weinert) will be at Post in 1927, symptomatic of an aging division. Burke, who won the title on a foul, is over 500 PP below the top-rated HW, Tunney. He has won his last three since dropping a UD to Godfrey. Tunney fought two title bouts and also scored a UD 10 versus Godfrey. Wills, despite winning his last 11, is still waiting for another title shot. Godfrey moved up with a UD 10 over a fading Jack Dempsey. Dempsey finished the year off well, with a TKO over Weinert, after losing the title belt. Madden won two title bouts in 1926. Similarly, Stribling's efforts in three title bouts are chronicled in the prior post. Heeney dropped a UD 10 to Wills then took a UD from Fulton in addition to the OPBF title action. Spalle recovered from his EBU title bout loss with a KO over Bob Roper. Weinert surged into the top 10 by virtue of a 10-bout win streak, but then was stopped by Dempsey.

Other Notables: Roper fell one spot from last year to #11, losing to Spalla. Samson-Korner, the German veteran, slid all the way from #8 to #16, going 0-2 for the year; he has now lost his last three and appears done, now at End career stage. "Joplin Ghost" Jeff Clarke has also seen his best days, sliding 10 spots to #19, having dropped his last four in a row. Larry Gains has won six of his last seven to run his record to 19-2 (14), the one loss a KO defeat to fellow Canadian Joe McAuliffe. Top newcomers to the ratings list are Jack Sharkey at #20, who is a perfect 15-0 (12), scoring a TKO over Jack Roper and adding UD wins over Johnny Grosso and Benny Touchstone to his resume in 1926; Bob Lawson, whose 16-1 (11) career start places him one spot lower at #21; and Aussie banger George Thompson, who was active in 1926, fighting seven times to run his record to 17-0 (11).

Prospects: In addition to the well-chronicled careers of Max Schmeling and Jim Braddock, Harold Mays was unbeaten at 12-0 before dropping a five-round technical decision to Phil Mercurio. Touchstone drew with Jack Gagnon, lost to Sharkey. Roper was also unbeaten until the loss to Sharkey; he then suffered a DQ loss to Clayton "Big Boy" Peterson. The draw with Touchstone is the only blemish on Gagnon's11-0-1(2) career thus far. Feasting on TC opposition was Italian Vittorio Campolo, who is off to an excellent 11-0 (9) start. Tuffy Griffith won a battle of two 10-0 unbeatens with a TKO win over Tom Sayers to run his record to 11-0 (9) as well. Otto Von Porat, a Norwegian, has impressed in his first seven starts, going 7-0 (5). Winning his debut via KO was Tommy Farr, a highly touted British prospect.

Retirements: No fewer than nine HWs hung up the gloves in 1926.

Dan Flynn (USA) 1906-26 39-29-6 (13) No Titles Highest Rank: 13
Gunboat Smith (USA) 1909-26 36-24-4 (25) No Titles Highest Rank: 8
Fighting Bob Martin (USA) 1919-26 17-10-2 (14) USBA Champ Highest Rank: 10
Bill Brennan (USA) 1913-26 33-20 (25) WBA Champ Highest Rank: 4
Ern Waddy (AUS) 1910-26 33-32-3 (17) No Titles Highest Rank: 34
Nick Van Den Bergh (SAF) 1918-26 23-12-3 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 24
Joe Cox (USA) 1911-26 27-33-2 (6) No Titles Highest Rank: 43
Joe Beckett (UK) 1912-26 33-21-1 (26) CBU, GBU Champ Highest Rank: 10
Billy Miske (USA) 1913-26 34-21-2 (19) NABF, USBA Champ Highest Rank: 3

Looking Ahead: After the Stribling-Burke rematch, expect to see Tunney look for another shot at the WBA crown. Wills is likely to yield his position to younger fighters, as are Dempsey and Madden. Heeney, Weinert and a young Larry Gains can be expected to establish or solidify their positions among the top contenders. Look for Sharkey and Thompson to make further inroads in their development, and for Schmeling to secure a high ranking as he continues his well-guided career. There will be 12 newcomers to the division in 1927, including Ernie Schaaf who is rated a 7.

[JCWeb]

1926 LH Title Bouts

WBA

Harry Greb CH (45-8) vs Jimmy Delaney #9 (26-5-1)

Greb holds a TKO 7 win over "Duluth Jimmy" back in 1924. It will be Delaney's first title shot as Greb begins to experience the effects of aging.

After a close opening round, Greb opens up and dominates the action on the inside in round two. Both men whale away on the inside in the third, and Greb continues to pile up a points lead. Delaney starts to get more aggressive in the middle rounds, but he can make no impression on a determined Greb. The "Human Windmill" nails Delaney with a nice uppercut in round 8, sending the Duluth fighter to the canvas. Greb looks to finish matters, putting Delaney on the deck for a second time (this one for a 9-count) a round later. Delaney really piles on the pressure in the later rounds, rallying and even tagging the Champ with a big combination that forces Greb to cover up in the 13th. Greb tempers his naturally aggressive tendencies, settling for a comfortable UD 15 decision win. Scorecards are 146-136, 144-138, 145-136, all for Harry Greb.

Harry Greb CH (46-8) vs Tommy Loughran #6 (26-4-1)

First meeting of the veteran Greb and one of the brightest new stars in the division, Loughran, who earns the title shot after going 2-0 after his most recent loss, a SD to Jimmy Slattery for the NABF title.

Loughran's strong defensive boxing skills are on display as he takes the opening round. Greb looks slow in the outside action in round two, again ceding the round to Loughran. Good action round in the third, as Greb bulls his way inside and starts to connect some. Loughran moves inside, lands a few strong shots, and Greb's left eye is starting to puff up as a result. Close round in round five, but the ringside expert has it 50-46 for the challenger, Loughran. Greb keeps moving forward but just can't penetrate Loughran's defenses in the middle round of the bout. Greb becomes increasingly frustrated in the later rounds, and it's sad to see a great Champion past his peak unable to cope with a younger, quicker, slicker and equally skilled opponent. Bout goes the full 15 and it goes down as a UD 15 for the new LH Champ, Tommy Loughran (147-138, 147-138, 144-141).

Tommy Loughran CH (27-4-1) vs Jack Delaney #3 (29-2)

Tough initial defense for Loughran versus "Bright Eyes" Delaney, the Canadian slugger, setting up a classic boxer versus puncher matchup.

Slight edge for the Champ in round one. Loughran takes advantage as both men fight outside in round two. Delaney does better, getting off the mark in round three. Both men battle inside in the fourth, which is essentially an even round. More of the same as the two exchange blows in some good toe-to-toe action in fourn five. Loughran nails Delaney with a three-punch combination that forces the challenger to cover up. The Champ continues to pepper Delaney until the ref decides to deduct a point for holding and hitting, making it 47-all on the unofficial card. Another close round in round six, with Loughran being the one pressing the action on the inside. Delaney recovers with a strong round one the inside in round seven. Delaney continues as the aggressor in the eighth, but the Champ has a good round, dodging most of the heavy leather while countering effectively. Loughran puts together some more good rounds to gradually pull ahead on the unofficial card (95-94) heading into the Championship rounds. Delaney looks tired in round 11, but then he surges after Loughran sustains a cut below his left eye, which is also starting to swell up. Loughran battles back, flicking his jab repeatedly until Delaney's left eye also starts to puff up. Loughran's defense holds up through the final round and he keeps his title, winning a narrow by unanimous decision (144-140, 143-141, 144-140).

NABF: Jimmy Slattery starts the year with the title, and he defends twice, first against former Champ "Bright Eyes" Delaney, whom he decks with a combination in round three, keeping up the pressure throughout the bout all the way to a UD 12. Then USBA Champ Ad Stone is the challenger, and the bout is decided when Stone hurts Slattery with a sharp combination, followed by a pair of knockdowns, and Slattery is then counted out -- KO 4 for Stone.

USBA: A busy Ad Stone (prior to his NABF title bout) is quite busy, defending four times, taking the measure of Bobby Brown (TKO 7), Lou Bogash (TKO stoppage on cuts, in four), "Duluth Jimmy" Delaney, who hits the canvas three times before being counted out in round nine, and finally veteran Tommy Gibbons who is no match for the younger man, suffering a real beating before the ref decides to stop it midway through round seven.

CBU: Only one title bout in 1926, as Len Harvey takes on Jack Bloomfield. The overmatched challenger suffers an early cut and Harvey administers a frightful beating but cannot put the game challenger away. UD 12 for Harvey.

GBU: Gypsy Daniels is matched with Tom Berry after Harvey relinquished the belt to focus on the more prestigous titles like the EBU and Commonwealth belts. Berry survives a first-round knockdown, putting Daniels on the deck in round eight, then squeaking through via a narrow SD 12 as the bout goes the distance. Berry then defends his title once, versus an aging and overmatched Harry Reeve, UD 12 win for Berry.

EBU: First defense in over a year sees Len Harvey take on the Swiss, Charles Baechli. Baechli manages to keep the bout close for a few rounds before Harvey steps up the pace in the middle rounds, dominating the rest of the way to take a lopsided UD 12.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1927 LH Division Profile

Total: 126 RL: 80 TC: 46

RL by Career Stage:

End: 3
Post: 13
Prime: 27
Pre: 20
Beginning: 7(5 New)

Rated: 58
800+: 13
500+: 23
200+: 47

Jan 1927 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan 1926 in Parens):

Champ: Tommy Loughran 28-4-1 (11) (1358) (+7)
1. Ad Stone 23-1 (15) (1196) (+8) (NABF, USBA Champ)
2. Jack Delaney 29-3 (19) (1118) (-1)
3. Len Harvey 26-2 (11) (1089) (+3) (CBU, GCU Champ)
4. Tommy Gibbons 44-16-2 (18) (1021) (+1)
5. Jimmy Slattery 21-5-1 (8) (983) (-1)
6. Maxie Rosenbloom 19-0-1(10) (961) (+10)
7. Lou Bogash 30-12-1 (16) (951) (+3)
8. Young Tony Marullo 19-6-2 (12) (919) (+12)
9. Harry Greb 46-10 (25) (918) (-9)
10. Kid Norfolk 36-13-2 (18) (902) (-8)

Also: 38. Tom Berry 19-13-2 (9) (323) (+15) (GBU Champ)

Comments: Three of the above (Gibbons, Greb, and Norfolk) are now at Post-Prime Loughran won all four of his bouts in 1926, en route to annexing the WBA title. A busy Ad Stone won six bouts (five of them title tilts), in addition to a UD 10 over Battling Siki. Delaney banged out a TKO win over aging ex-Champ Georges Carpentier but failed twice when title belts were on the line. Harvey continue to box his way to wins, his toughest challenge resulting in a SD 10 over Slattery. Tommy Gibbons staved off the effects of aging, but a TKO loss to Stone snapped a three-bout win streak. Slattery lost both his 1926 contest, sliding down the rankings as a result. Rosenbloom remained unbeaten, racking up TKOs over Nashert, Nichols and McTigue before going the distance in sterner tests versus Jeff Smith (MD 10) and Kid Norfolk (UD 10) to move into the top ten. Bogash decisioned Jeff Smith after a KO over Norfolk. Marullo went 2-2 for the year, advancing rapidly when he stopped ex-Champ Greb in 7. The loss dropped Greb further in the rankings, as the "Windmill" started showing his age. Rounding out the top group is another veteran, Kid Norfolk, who also struggled with just a UD 10 win over Jack Dillon, another aging vet, versus three 1926 losses.

Other Notables: Two top ten dropouts from last year were "Duluth Jimmy" Delaney, who still recovered after two title losses to register a UD 10 over previously unbeaten Paul Berlenbach, still dropping three spots to #11; and perennial MW and LHW contender Jeff Smith, who dropped all the way from #3 to #12 after losing all three bouts in 1926. Berlenbach, the top newcomer to the rankings this year, won his first 15 by KO, then scored UDs over Frank Farmer and Ray Pelkey before bowing to Delaney; he ends up the year at #13. Still unbeaten and debuting at #15 is Young Firpo, off to a 15-0-1 (13) career start with 4 KOs in his last four over Earl Blue, Eddie Trembley, Martin Perez and Ray Pelkey; the only blemish being a TD with Abie Bain. Italian Rinaldo Palmucci stands at #23, despite a UD loss to Jimmy Hanna; wins versus Arndt and Osk Till helped him to pile up a 14-1-1 (12) record.

Prospects: Charley Belanger is now 13-0 (12), with a KO versus Perez to go with his TC wins.Tiger Jack Payne stepped up to a UD win over Steve Choynski to end the year at 12-0 (6). Lou Scozza has racked up 11 straight KO wins to start his career, with George Courtney being his 11th victim after 10 TCs succumbed to his two-fisted attacks. Harry Fuller (10-0, 9), Pal Silvers (8-0, 5), Mike Mandell (7-0, 6) and Arthur Flynn (7-0, 4) were able to maintain clean slates versus TC opposition.

Retirements: Four retirements from the division in 1926. One of them, ex-Champ Leo Houck, had an impressive total of 90 bouts.

Larry Williams (USA) 1911-26 33-26-1 (17) No Titles Highest Rank: 10
Dick Smith (UK) 1919-26 22-24-1 (5) No Titles Highest Rank: 13
Georges Carpentier (FRA) 1908-26 49-18-2 (30) WBA Champ 1916-17, 1922
Leo Houck (USA) 1902-26 51-34-5 (14) WBA Champ 1910 Highest Rank: 1

Looking Ahead: Loughran heads an impressive list of top ranked LHs, many of whom will be coming into their own in the next few years. Rosenbloom starts to hit Prime with his next bout, and he is likely to be contending for a title soon. Berlenbach, Firpo, along with Bogash, are well-poised to advance further as well. The international (non-U.S.) contigent is relatively weak, however. Belgian Gustave Roth is the highest ranked of five newcomers set to join the ranks in 1927.

[JCWeb]

Back to the year-end reports after a bit of a break to attend to other matters.

1926 MW Title Bouts

WBA

Mickey Walker CH (28-1) vs Mike O'Dowd #2 (39-14)

Second meeting, Walker won via a KO 2 back in 1924. O'Dowd, suffering the effects of the aging rules, appears to be in the ring for a final large payday.

"The Toy Bulldog" gets off to a strong start, dominating the action in the opening round. Repeated blows cause puffiness around O'Dowd's left eye. O'Dowd surprises Walker with a strong cross in round two, forcing the Champ to cover up. Both stay outside in round three, but O'Dowd suffers a cut over the right eye. Walker keeps up the pressure and builds a 49-44 lead after five. The bout comes to a premature end a round later when the cut becomes too severe for O'Dowd to continue. It goes down as TKO 6 (cuts stoppage) for Walker; not much argument from the challenger's corner.

Mickey Walker CH (29-1) vs Rene DeVos #8 (30-6-2)

Next to take on Walker is the EBU Champ, DeVos, and it's a grudge match as Walker seeks revenge against the only fighter to defeat him, back in 1924.

Strong start for Walker, who takes the opening round. Walker takes charge in round two, working effectively on the inside. DeVos does better in round three, and Walker's left eye starts to puff up. The "Little Fox" has the edge in the outside exchanges in round four. Round five, some toe-to-toe action on the inside, and it's a really close round, too close to call. The unofficial scorer has DeVos up by one (48-47) at this point. After another close round, Mickey Walker struggles with his timing in round seven. He presses the attack in round eight, holding a slight edge on points. After another close round in the ninth, Walker takes charge and dominates round 10. Close bout (95-all) heading into the Championship rounds. Walker continues to carry the bout to his opponent into the later rounds. Two more rounds (12 and 13) go down as even or too close to call. Walker battles through an even round 14, then lands a vicious uppercut in the final round, forcing DeVos to cover up. Turns out the late rally in the final round is the difference; Walker keeps the title via a very narrow UD 15 (144-143, 145-142. 144-143).

Mickey Walker CH (30-1) vs Len Johnson (17-6)

After surviving the close scrape with DeVos, Walker goes for perhaps an easier opponent, the reigning GBU Champ, Johnson, who is not even ranked in the top 20. First meeting of the two.

The Toy Bulldog gets off to a sluggish start, so Johnson holds his own in the opening round. Walker has the better of it as both stay outside in round two, then the Champ moves inside, pressing the action in round three. Johnson rallies to do the same in round four, but Walker has the best of the inside action in round five, pulling ahead by one (48-47) on the unofficial scorer's card. Johnson keeps it close until Walker unleashes a barrage of blows in round seven, putting the British Champ on the canvas. Walker keeps up the pressure into the later rounds, sealing the win with a second KD in round 11. Johnson arises after a seven count, but Walker wastes no time in putting his man in further difficulty, causing the ref to setp in. Walker by TKO 11.

Mickey Walker CH (31-1) vs Panama Joe Gans #6 (44-8-1)

Gans gets a second shot at Walker's WBA title after falling short in 1923 (UD 15 win for Walker). Gans dropped his last bout via a DQ loss to Grayber that ended an undefeated streak of five bouts (four wins, one draw) extending all the way back to 1924.

After gaining a slight edge in round one, Walker bangs away on the outside in round two, another close round. Third round sees the Champ press home the attack on the outside, nailing Gans with a combination. The two exchange uppercuts on the inside, another close round. More toe-to-toe action in round five, another close round. Unofficial scores have "The Toy Bulldog" on top (48-47) after five. Gans bangs away on the inside while Walker stays inside in the sixth, neither man holding an edge. After another close round in the seventh, round eight is a strong one for the Champ who gets inside Gans' defenses to score with some heavy blows. Lots of action in round nine, as both men look to land some heavy leather; Gans' right eye starts to swell as a result. Walker pulls ahead after another strong round in the 10th, but now Walker's left eye is also puffing up as a result of the brutal exchanges throughout the bout. Final rounds, Gans is cut over the right eye in the 12th and it leads to a stoppage just 30 seconds into the final round. Because the cut is ruled as caused by an accidental butt, the scorecards prevail, and it's a solid UTD 15 win for Walker (135-130, 137-128, 137-128).

Mickey Walker CH (32-1) vs Billy Shade #14 (26-9-2)

A fifth title clash for Walker in 1926, and he takes on the lower rated of the two Shade brothers, Billy, who was won his last two, a TKO over veteran Joe Borrell and a UD versus Frankie Schoell.

Bad luck for Shade, who suffers a cut over the left eye in the opening round. Walker moves inside, targeting the cut in round two. A huge round for the Champ, who wings a big right that has Shade in trouble. A bit of a breather as both men elect to work outside in round three, not much action in a close round that slightly favors Walker. The Toy Bulldog applies more pressure in round four, catching Shade with a huge left. The Champ also gets the better of the inside action in round five, and he is well ahead on the unofficial card (50-45) after five. Shade tries to get more aggressive in the middle rounds, but it just plays into Walker's hands, as he rips a huge left hook, staggering the Challenger, in round eight. Shade battles back to have his best round a couple of rounds later, in the 10th, but he is still well behind on the unofficial card at this point (99-91 for Walker). The cut is reopened, and Shade's right eye starts to swell, but the game challenger is able to last the distance. Walker puts Shade on the canvas three times en route to a solid UD 15 win (148-133, 148-132, 148-133).

NABF: Brian Downey defends three times, first against Dave Shade whose chances dry up quickly when he suffers an early cut that leads to a TKO 6 stoppage win for Downey. Next up is Tiger Flowers, who battled to a draw with Downey in a prior bout and manages to keep this one close before Downey ekes out a MD 12 win. Then veteran Al Grayber is the challenger, and he stuns Downey with a strong shot in the fourth before being decked with a solid cross that proves key as Downey pounds out a UD 12 win to keep the title once again.

USBA: Jock Malone starts the year with this belt, scoring a solid UD 12 win over veteran Mike Gibbons who is bothered by a late cut. Then Johnny Wilson manages to lift the belt, surprising Malone by taking a SD 12 in a very, very close bout. Wilson, already at Post, cannot hold off the younger Jack McVey, who survives an early cut to make the most of his first title shot, gradually pulling ahead in the middle rounds to post a UD 12 win.

CBU: Frank Moody defends versus fellow Brit Billy Bird who stuns the Champ with some strong shots in rounds four and five before taking charge with a KD in round 7, taking a UD 12 to the lift the belt despite a late rally from Moody. Bird then defends versus Aussie Alf Stewart, who wins dramatically after opening a gash over Bird's eye that proves too difficult to control. TKO 9 for Stewart. Then Moody travels to Australia, looking to regain the title, but Stewart nails Moody with a big hook for a knockdown in the third, following up with a second KD before delivering a KO blow in the fifth.

GBU: Roland Todd defends versus Len Johnson, who gradually builds a points lead and repeatedly pounds away at Todd's swollen right eye en route to a UD 12 decision win. Johnson demonstrates some knockout punching power in his successful title defense versus Moody, whom he decks once in round five before taking a KO 10 win.

EBU: Rene DeVos defends versus a pair of Italians, first Mario Bosisio, who offers little resistance while lasting the distance (a UD 12 win for DeVos) and then Leone Jacovacci, who suffers a bloody nose and assorted cuts that leads to an early stoppage (TKO 7, on cuts) for DeVos, who keeps the belt.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1927 MW Division Profile

Total: 162 RL: 97 TC: 65

RL by Career Stage:

End: 8
Post: 14
Prime: 40
Pre: 20
Beginning: 15 (8 New)

Rated: 70
800+: 15
500+: 38
200+: 64

Jan 1927 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan 1926 in Parens):

Champ: Mickey Walker 33-1 (24) (1656) (NC)
1. Bryan Downey 42-14-3 (18) (1511) (NC) (NABF Champ)
2. Mike O'Dowd 40-11 (16) (1292) (NC)
3. Dave Shade 26-9-4 (9) (1049) (+6)
4. Jack McVey 25-5 (15) (1044) (+11) (USBA Champ)
5. Panama Joe Gans 44-9-1 (18) (997) (-2)
6. Rene DeVos 32-7-2(16) (994) (NC) (EBU)
7. Al Grayber 36-24-4 (13) (985) (+9)
8. Jock Malone 26-11-2 (9) (957) (-3)
9. Hein Domgorgen 21-4 (12) (935) (+5)
10. Johnny Wilson 39-19-1 (12) (931) (-8)

Also: 26. Len Johnson 17-7 (11) (590) (+20) (GBU Champ)
28. Alf Stewart 20-7-2 (15) (569) (+9) (CBU Champ)

Comments: Downey and O'Dowd now at Post, Grayber at End career stage heading into 1927. Walker continues to dominate, making five successful title defenses to run his winning streak to 10 since his only loss. Downey won all three bouts in 1926, but hits Post in 1927. O'Dowd took a UD 10 from McKay to maintain his high position in the rankings. Dave Shade has won eight of his last nine, moving smartly up the ranks after a UD win over Malone and a MD 10 versus Wilson. McVey leapfrogged into the top five, having now won his last six and captured the USBA title. Panama Joe slipped as a result of the DQ loss to Grayber followed by the title loss to Walker. DeVos only fought for titles, either defending the EBU belt or as a losing challenger for the WBA crown. Grayber's upset win over Gans kept his career going. Malone dropped a UD to Dave Shade for his second loss in a row. Domgorgen surged into contention, going 4-0 for the year, with wins over Duffy, Thil and Bosisio. Wilson rounds out the top 10 after suffering two losses during the year to Jack McVey.

Other Notables: Tiger Flowers finished just outside the top 10 at #11 with a 30-10-1 (16) career mark thus far. Slipping five spots to #12 was Frankie Schoell, who dropped two UDs to Wilson and Billy Shade before rebounding with a win over Italian Joe Gans. Mike Gibbons also fell five spots to #13, ending a two-loss skid with a UD 10 over Augie Ratner. Billy Shade is next at #14, blasting out Borrell and decisioning Schoell before his title bout loss. Falling from #10 to #15 was Gordon McKay, who dropped both his 1926 encounters to extend his losing streak to four bouts. Top newcomer to the rankings at #36 is Filipino Ceferino Garcia, who rang up his first 16 opponents (12 by KO) before suffering a KO loss at the hands of veteran Aussie Frank Burns. Vince Dundee debuts one spot lower, winding up at 14-1 (9) after bouncing back from his first loss to Joe Roche with a UD 10 over Tillie Herman. German Walter Funke struggled with some tougher competition, losing to Bosisio, Thil and Moore, but impressed with a KO win over Jackie Clark.

Prospects: Gorilla Jones moved to 14-0 (12) after adding a UD 10 over Bert Colima to his victories over a series of TC opponents. Young Terry dropped a UD to Vince Dundee, struggled to a MD over Arturo Schaekels and managed a draw with Eddie Whalen to end the year at 12-1-1 (8). Schaekels suffered the loss to Terry but registered a SD win over Poldi Steinbach; he is off to a 11-1-1 (4) career start. Whalen remains unbeaten, the only blemish in a 11-0-1 (7) record being a draw with Harry Ebbetts. German Karl Sahm (10-0, 7), Italian Enzo Fiermonte (9-0, 4), American Walcott Langford (9-0, 4), Cuban Relampago Saguero (6-0, 5) and American Herman Ratzlaff (6-0, 3) all have feasted on TC opposition.

Retirements: Three MWs hung up the belt in 1926.

Whitey Wenzel (USA) 1910-26 30-27-6 (16) No Titles Highest Rank: 31
Zulu Kid (USA) 1912-26 23-23-7 (14) No Titles Highest Rank: 40
George Brown (USA) 1909-26 37-27-3 (18) USBA Champ Highest Rank: 7

Looking Ahead: Walker, much like Benny Leonard in the LW division, has become a dominant force over several years. Dave Shade appears to be his toughest challenger at the moment. Domgorgen is well-positioned for a run at the EBU title. It is also possible that someone like Thil, Kid Charol or Ceferino Garcia would win a breakthrough bout. Gorilla Jones leads the group of prospects likely to crack the top 20 in the next year. Ben Jeby and the UK's Jock McAvoy head up a group of eight newcomers to the division in 1927.

[Ric915]

Just love these year end write ups

[Tommysixfingers]

Originally Posted by Ric915

Just love these year end write ups

I agree. They are quite good. Well done JC.

[CONN CHRIS]

Originally Posted by Tommysixfingers

I agree. They are quite good. Well done JC.

These are always very well done.


As always John.

[JCWeb]

Thanks, guys. Next up is the WW division, which saw some title shifts in 1926.

1926 WW Title Bouts

WBA

Ted Kid Lewis CH (46-13-4) vs Pinkey Mitchell JWW Champ (26-9-3)

Lewis takes on the reigning JWW Champion. First meeting of the two, expected to be an easy win for the "Kid."

Slight edge for Lewis in round one. Both work outside in round two, but Lewis keeps up the pressure. The Champ moves inside for round three, but Mitchell holds his own, finally finding the range. Mitchell steps inside in round four, another close round. Round five sees another close round as both men whale away from the inside. The unofficial scorer has Mitchell up by a narrow margin (48-47) after five rounds. Round six, it's Mitchell applying the pressure on the inside, but Ted Kid Lewis is on target and takes the round. Both stay outside in round seven, another good round for Lewis. Mitchell is the aggressor in round eight, but he cannot break through Lewis' tough defense. Both move inside in round nine, but Mitchell cannot find the range as Lewis continues to pile up a points lead. Round ten, Lewis is on the defensive and all of a sudden, he is called for a blatant foul. The result is a surprising DQ decision, handing the title to Pinkey Mitchell, who was trailing on all scorecards.

Pinkey Mitchell CH (27-9-3) vs Young Jack Thompson # 7 (20-0-2)

First meeting of the two. Tough test for Mitchell, facing an unbeaten challenger, Thompson, who has wins in his last three bouts after being held to draws by Tenorio and Harmon earlier in his careeer.

Mitchell is decked in the opening round, falling after a delayed reaction to a powerful cross from Thompson. Both fight outside in round two, and a big hook from Thomson stuns Mitchell. The Champ, who appears overmatched, shows signs of swelling around his left eye this early in the bout. Thompson presses forward on the inside in round three, but Mitchell keeps it even. Mitchell moves inside in round four, another close round until the challenger finishes strongly. Round five, both men battle on the inside, edge to Thompson who now has a comfortable lead (50-46) according to the unofficial ringside observer. Round six, Mitchell presses on the inside, but he runs into some heavy leather from Thompson. The swelling gradually worsens, such that the ref steps in and finally calls a halt. It goes down as a TKO 6 win for Thompson, the new Champ.

Young Jack Thompson CH (21-0-2) vs Morrie Schlaifer #11 (21-6)

Another first-time meeting in a WBA title bout. Schlaifer takes a six-bout win streak into his first title contest, including five TKO wins in his last five, most recent being a TKO 1 over Jack Zivic and a TKO 9 versus veteran Eddie Shevlin.

Thompson gets off to a strong start, taking round one. Not much action in the second as both men stay on the outside. Round three, Schlaifer is the aggressor, but he can make no impression on Thompson, so it's another strong round for the Champ. Good action round in round four, with the edge once again going to the Champ. More of the same in round five, then the bout ends prematurely when an increasingly frustrated Schlaifer is called for blatant head-butting in round six, leading to another win by DQ. This one is not nearly as controversial as the call in the Ted Kid Lewis-Pinkey Mitchell bout, as Schlaifer was clearly on the short end of the scorecards. Thompson via DQ 6 to keep the belt.

NABF: Tommy Robson starts the year with the belt, which he puts on the line versus Pete Latzo. Latzo, boxing beautifully, builds a huge points lead and hands on despite a late rally by Robson to score a UD 12 to take the belt. He defends versus Young Corbett III, who races off to a strong start in the opening round. However, a cut over the eye of Corbett turns the tables, leading to an early stoppage (TKO 4 for Latzo). Next challenger is Willie Harmon, who rips open a severe cut over Harmon's eye with a strong combination, and this time the TKO on cuts goes against Latzo, TKO 4 win for Harmon. Harmon then defends versus George Levine, scoring a KD in round seven en route to a solid UD 12 win.

USBA: Jack Sparr defends versus Young Jack Thompson, the undefeated young contender who piles up an impressive points lead, scores a KD in round eight, then takes the title with a UD 12 win. Thompson then vacates the USBA title after winning the WBA belt. Willie Harmon is matched with Johnny Adams for the vacant belt. Harmon is well ahead when he is decked by a wild overhand right from Adams in round eight. Harmon recovers, finishing strongly in the final round to secure a close UD 12 win. Harmon then successfully challenges for the NABF title, and former NABF Champ Tommy Robson continues the musical chair of champions, taking on Baby Joe Gans, building an early lead to secure a solid UD 12 verdict for the title.

CBU: Bermondsey Billy Wells defends versus British Champ Hamilton Johnny Brown, and Wells builds an early points lead and seals the win in round nine, when the challenger suffers a split lip and cut eye. Nonetheless, a late rally by Brown makes it close, so Bermondsey Billy escapes with a SD 12 victory. Next up is Aussie Jack Carroll, who entered the bout with an impressive 17-1-1 mark, one bout short of Prime. Carroll is overpowered by Wells, bothered by a swollen right eye and an easy UD 12 victim for Wells who manages to keep the belt for another year.

GBU: Hamilton Johnny Brown takes on Alf Mancini, who gets careless in round eight and is decked by a Brown hook. Still, he puts up a spirited challenge, and Hamilton Johnny escapes with a MD 12 win.

EBU: A second matchup of Wells and Brown for this, the second of Wells' two titles, occurs later in the year. Lots of action from the opening bell, and Brown's left eye is starting to swell after just four rounds. A Wells hook puts Brown on the canvas briefly in round five. A late cut over the eye adds to Brown's woes, and Wells keeps up the pressure to secure a UD 12 win to retain the belt.

OPBF: Aussie Paul Demsky accepts a challenge from Filipino Macario Flores. With the bout in Manila, Flores is inspired the hometown crowd and it takes a late surge by Demsky to secure a draw to keep the belt. He then takes on fellow Aussie Jack Carroll, who starts well, survives a strong uppercut from Demsky that nearly decks him in round eight, to take a UD 12 and capture the title. Then Carroll accepts the challenge of Filipino Lope Tenorio, who also benefits from the hometown Manila crowd in a bruising bout where both men suffer the effects of swollen eyes. Tenorio proves the tougher fighter in this one, taking a SD 12 to capture the OPBF belt.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1927 WW Division Profile

Total: 110 RL: 69 TC: 41

RL by Career Stage:

End: 3
Post: 10
Prime: 32
Pre: 22
Beginning: 2 (2 New)

Rated: 52
800+: 10
500+: 32
200+: 47

Jan 1927 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan 1926 in Parens):

Champ: Young Jack Thompson 22-0-2 (15) (1056) (+9)
1. Bermondsey Billy Wells 40-7-1 (16) (1467) (NC) (CBU, EBU Champ)
2. Ted Kid Lewis 48-14-4 (22) (1155) (-2)
3. Packey McFarland 64-9-5 (30) (1056) (+1)
4. Tommy Robson 36-17-1 (19) (988) (-2) (USBA Champ)
5. Willie Harmon 21-4-2 (10) (951) (+13) (NABF Champ)
6. Young Corbett III 23-5-1(10) (930) (+2)
7. Pete Latzo 23-8-1 (11) (868) (NC)
8. Jimmy Jones 18-9-3 (8) (864) (+6)
9. Jimmy McLarnin 18-0 (15) (811) (New)
10. Jack Britton 59-19-4 (19) (809) (-7)

Also: 11. Hamilton Johnny Brown 18-8-4 (9) (770) (+2) (GBU Champ)
23. Lope Tenorio 17-2-4 (6) (617) (+3) (OPBF Champ)

Comments: McFarland and Robson at Post, Britton at End while McLarnin at Pre-Prime for two more bouts. Thompson swept to the title, going 3-0 for the year after starting with a TKO win over Jimmy Jones. Bermondsey Billy extended his win streak to 11, finishing out the year with a UD 10 over Robson. Ted Kid Lewis bounced back from the disappointing and controversial DQ title loss with a UD over Jones and a MD win versus Latzo. McFarland kept his high ranking with three wins during 1926, including a DQ over Latzo, a KO versus Shevlin and a TKO over Sparr. Robson only won one of three, dropping the UD to Wells to end the year. Harmon surged into the top five, winning all four of his bouts during the year, including a UD over Tommy Uren in addition to three title bout wins. Corbett won two of three in 1926, losing a title try but compensating with a KO over Loughlin and bouncing back with a UD win over Jack Carroll. Latzo had moved up before suffering two successive losses, most recent being a MD defeat at the hands of Lewis. Jones went 2-2 for the year, winning a TKO from Britton and a UD over Sparr but faltering versus Lewis and the new Champ, Young Jack Thompson. McLarnin debuts in the top ten with a perfect career start, including KOs over Sergeant Baker, Eddie Roberts, Alberts and Basham, and UD wins over Matt Wells and an up-and-coming Vittorio Venturi. Britton slipped to #10 after two key losses to Jimmy Jones and Pinkey Mitchell (a MD to the JWW Champ) but did manage one win (a TKO over Baby Joe Gans).

Other Notables: Falling one spot short at #11 is the GBU Champ, Hamilton Johnny Brown, who fought three title bouts and scored a TKO over George Levine. Jack Sparr slid two spots to #12 after dropping a TKO to McFarland and a UD to Jones, his only win a TKO over veteran Willie Loughlin. Joe Dundee won three bouts in a row to rise to #14, sporting a 23-7-4 (10) career mark. Loughlin, who was ranked #5 heading into 1926, retired. Eddie Shevlin went 0-3 during the year, extending his losing streak to four as he plunged 11 spots to #17. Tenorio, the new OPBF Champ, fought two draws with Alger and August, won the title after suffering an earlier loss to Jack Carroll. Other notable newcomers to the rankings include Cuba's Manuel Quintero, whose 13-0-2 (10) career start is good for 25th position, the two draws coming in bouts with Indrisano and Macario Flores; Ruby Goldstein, winner of four after suffering his initial loss to Indrisano, scoring a MD over JWW Harry Wallach and a KO over Mickey Cohen among his wins in compiling a 14-1 (12) record, good for 27th spot; and finally Johnny Indrisano, who debuts at #31 with a 14-1-1 (8) start, the only blemishes being the draw with Quintero and a tough MD 10 loss to Billy Alger.

Prospects: Italian Vittorio Venturi wound up the year at 13-1 (6), scoring a UD over Al Mello and a TKO over Mickey Cohen after testing himself and coming up a bit short versus the highly-regarded McLarnin. Don Fraser has reeled off 12 straight, including a UD over veteran Phinney Boyle in addition to his TC wins. Sam Bruce suffered his initial loss to Quintero, defeated Matt Wells (KO) and Clyde Hull (UD) and wound up the year at 12-1 (9). Brit Jack Hood wound up at 11-1 (5), the one loss coming at the expense of highly-touted JWW Jack Kid Berg. Andy DiVodi was unbeaten until running into Manuel Quintero; he now stands at 10-1 (10). Clyde Hull's only loss in a 10-1 (5) start was to Bruce. Feasting versus TC opposition is Jimmy Leto at 9-0 (6), Jackie Fields at 8-0 (6), Freddie Polo at 7-0 (5), Buckey Lawless at 7-0 (4), My Sullivan at 6-0 (4), Swiss Cleto Locatelli at 5-0 (2) and Canade Lee at 5-0 (1).

Retirements: Five WWs left the ranks in 1926.

Jimmy Clabby (USA) 1906-26 41-32-3 (11) No Titles Highest Rank: 8
Willie Loughlin (USA) 1914-26 31-15-1 (20) WBA Champ Highest Rank: 3
Matt Wells (UK) 1909-26 32-34-5 (3) GBU Champ Highest Rank: 8
Frankie Barrieau (CAN) 1913-26 25-24-3 (10) CBU Champ Highest Rank: 11
Ray Long (USA) 1917-26 23-12-3 (6) No Titles Highest Rank: 13

Looking Ahead: Thompson's hold on the top spot appears tenuous, as two British boxers (Wells and Ted Kid Lewis) look like very serious title contenders (Lewis perhaps most deserving given the controversial DQ loss to Mitchell). McLarnin, who has been brought along slowly thus far, will be ready to challenge for a NABF or CBU title once he hits Prime after a couple of more tune-up bouts. Only two newcomers slated to join the division in 1927 (Tiger Jack Randall and Italy's Saverio Turiello).

[JCWeb]

1926 JWW Title Bouts

WBA

No title defenses in 1926, as Pinkey Mitchell retains the belt, see WW posts which recount his exploits in making a temporary move up in weight class to successfully challenge for that belt. A mandatory defense is expected for 1927.

USBA: On the other hand, there was much more action with four USBA title clashes, and the belt changed hands in three of them. First, Basil Galiano defended versus Spug Myers, overcoming an early cut to score a late knockdown in the 10th en route to a UD 12 win. Then Johnny Jadick challenged for the title, recovering from an early beating around both eyes to display some slick boxing skills, enough to gain a MD 12 verdict from the judges to lift the belt. Jadick took on Myers in his initial defense, and this time Spug rose to the challenge, opening a cut on the nose of Jadick that reopened twice before leading to a very late stoppage when Jadick was ahead on two of the three cards. Myers by TKO 12 (cuts stoppage). Then, another of the new guard, Mushy Callahan, was up to the task, ripping a gash over Myer's left eye that eventually worsened, leading to another late cuts stoppage. Callahan by TKO 10 (cuts).

Jan 1927 JWW Division Profile

Total: 16 RL: 9 TC: 7

RL by Career Stage:

End: 0
Post: 0
Prime: 3
Pre: 5
Beginning: 1 (1 New)

Rated: 6
800+: 1
500+: 2
200+: 4

Jan 1927 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan 1926 in Parens):

Champ: Pinkey Mitchell 28-10-3 (12) (1056) (NC)
1. Mushy Callahan 15-1 (7) (550) (New) (USBA Champ)
2. Johnny Jadick 15-3-1 (5) (314) (-1)
3. Spug Myers 18-5-4 (7) (254) (-1)
4. Harry Wallach 12-4 (8) (138) (New)
5. Basil Galiano 22-16 (4) (138) (-2)

Comments: Mitchell made a successful foray into the WW ranks during the year, capturing the WBA WW belt for three months, then rebounding to score a UD 10 over aging veteran Jack Britton. Callahan dropped a UD 10 to Jack Kid Berg but recovered by capturing the USBA title and also besting two WWs, OPBF title contender Macario Flores and Alex Trambitas. Jadick also contended for the USBA JW belt, drew with WW Tony Vaccarelli after besting Wallach in a MD 10. Myers scored a UD 10 triumph over Wallach and battled to a draw with aging WW veteran Frankie Barrieau. Wallach went 0-4 for the year, losing both JWW tilts in addition to dropping a MD 10 to WW Ruby Goldstein and a UD to Meyer Cohen. Galiano slipped in the rankings despite winning three of four, including a split duke over Alex Trambitas and a TKO over aging WW Ray Long, his only loss being the USBA title bout with Jadick.

Prospects: Jack Kid Berg is poised to emerge as a top new talent after going 14-0 (7) in his first 14 bouts. He has looked impressive in UD 10 wins over WW Jack Hood and JWW contender Callahan. Mickey Cohen had more difficulty, suffering back-to-back KO losses in 1926 to WWs Venturi and Goldstein; he stands at 11-2 (7) heading into 1927.

Retirements: None, and none contemplated in near future as no one in the division is at Post-Prime even.

Looking Ahead: There will be a mandatory WBA title defense coming up in the first part of the year for Mitchell. Look for Berg to crack the ratings at or near the top contender spot. Will have to either create a GBU or CBU belt for him, or perhaps allow him to take on Mitchell or whomever for the WBA title even though he won't be at Prime career stage. The one newcomer to the division for 1927 will be Battling Shaw, who in real life was Mexico's first official World Champion (in the JWW class, of course).