My Universe - Page 76

JCWeb · 12-31-2021, 11:41 AM

This report covers fistic action from the second half of December 1946. As in the first half of the month, there are no WBA title bouts are included in this report.

This wraps up the fistic action for 1946, and I was able to keep pace as this coincided with the end of another year in real life. In fact, I was pleased to hit the Boxing Day card on December 26!

Dec. 21, 1946: A nice card at New York’s Madison Square Garden is topped by a pair of featured bouts matching some fighters with strong drawing power. In the first co-feature, NABF HW Champ Billy Conn, the “Pittsburgh Kid,” faces former EBU LH Champ Anton Christoforidis. This is the third meeting of these two, with Conn having prevailed via points wins in both of their prior encounters. This bout follows a similar pattern as the two prior ones, with Conn gradually building an early edge in the punches landed stat by putting defense first. After five rounds are in the books, this translates into a two-point edge (49-47) in favor of Conn, according to the unofficial scorecard. In the second half of the bout, Christoforidis, who finds himself trailing, attempts to apply more pressure, but with limited success. Conn maintains his lead the rest of the way and takes a fairly comfortable UD 10 win (98-92, 99-92, 99-93) to run his career record to 40-8-3 (16). Christoforidis, who is set to hit Post-Prime career stage in 1947, ends the bout at 30-17-3 (13). Then, in the second co-feature, WBA WW Champion “Sugar” Ray Robinson, instead of defending his WW title, decides to test the waters in the MW division, and he takes on LABF MW Champ Jose Basora in a 10-round, non-title bout. No prior meetings, and, after a couple of close opening rounds, Robinson takes charge after connecting with a hard cross early in round three. “Sugar Ray” continues to dominate most of the action and, midway through round five, Basora is showing the effects, when a trace of swelling appears under his left eye. However, late in the round, Robinson gets careless, and Basora decks him with a solid hook. Robinson recovers after taking an eight count, fortunate that the bell sounds before Basora can do further damage. At the midway point, the unofficial scorer has Robinson up by one (48-47) after awarding Basora just a 10-9 round despite the knockdown in the fifth. In the second half of the bout, Robinson, while remaining active, elects to fight from the outside, forcing Basora to come to him. Near the end of round seven, Robinson rocks Basora with a hard right, forcing the Puerto Rican fighter to cover up. Later in the round, however, with Robinson swarming all over and Basora not responding, the ref steps in to call a halt – perhaps prematurely. Nonetheless, the bout goes into the books as a TKO 7 for Robinson, making this a successful foray into the MW ranks. Post-bout career records: Robinson, 31-1-1 (22); Basora, 29-7-1 (20). Interestingly, at the time of the stoppage, Robinson was ahead on only one of the judges’ cards, trailing on one, and even on the other. Heading into 1947, Robinson will be faced with an intriguing choice: continue to campaign as a MW, or return to WW for a mandatory defense of his WBA WW title. Many boxing fans will be anxiously awaiting his decision.

Dec. 26, 1946: Next is the traditional Boxing Day card, this year at the Earls Court in London. After a lengthy programme of preliminary bouts, the main event on the card took place, a Commonwealth Flyweight title bout that saw GBU Flyweight Champ Peter Kane challenge Teddy Gardner for Gardner’s CBU Flyweight title. This encounter was the third time the two have met, with Kane besting Gardner in both their earlier meetings. This time around, Kane started well, gaining the upper hand with a big round in round two. After several rounds on the back heel, Gardner goes on the offensive, mixing it up on the inside with Kane in rounds four and five. However, Kane maintains his composure and, according to the unofficial scorer, Kane has forged a solid lead (59-55) at the midway point. In the second half of the bout, Kane’s superior stamina becomes a factor, as Gardner gradually weakens, and Kane is able to grind out a UD 12 (116-113, 115-113, 115-114) to take the belt. Post-bout career records: Kane, 36-8-1 (13); Gardner, 26-7-1 (11).

Dec. 27, 1946: Next fight card is in Miami, another Friday night affair. Squaring off in the feature are two LW contenders: former WBA and Commonwealth LW Champion Lefty Satan Flynn faces Lulu Costantino, a former USBA LW titleholder. The two have not before and therefore, the action is slow to develop. Starting in round three, Flynn, the slugger, moves inside and tries to apply pressure on Costantino, the boxer. With a minute left in round three, Flynn lands a solid cross, dropping Costantino to the deck. Costantino manages to the beat the count and is able to successfully cover up to survive the rest of the round. Even with the 10-8 round due to the knockdown, at the midway point, Flynn only has a narrow one-point edge (48-47), according to the unofficial card. Since the punches landed stats favor Costantino, Flynn continues to press the action, continuing his role as the more active of the two. Both fighters continue to battle away until the final bell, and Costantino is able to drop Flynn in the final round, evening up the knockdown count at one apiece. Then, with seconds remaining, Flynn goes down a second time from a wicked hook to the head, but this time, he is saved by the bell as time runs out. The bout goes to the scorecards and, as one might expect, there was a great disparity in the judging, the end result being a draw (93-93, 95-91 Flynn, 92-94 Costantino). Post-bout career marks: 36-15-4 (19) for Flynn; 26-7-3 (11) for Costantino.

Dec. 28, 1946: Next is a card in St. Louis. In the featured bout, the USBA MW title is on the line. The title, recently held by Freddie Apostoli, was vacated when Apostoli moved up and captured the NABF MW title. Paired together for the vacant belt are “Belter” Ben Brown and Ralph DeJohn. This bout represents the first meeting of these two veterans of the MW ring wars, both of whom will be slipping into Post-Prime career stage in 1947. Solid opening few rounds from Brown, a slugger who shows some keen defensive skills in the early going. Brown moves inside and wins the fourth round in dominating fashion and, early in the fifth, he manages to draw blood from a cut over DeJohn’s mouth. DeJohn, to his credit, continues to battle and keep the bout close; at the midway point, the unofficial scorer had Brown up by just one (58-57). Into the second half of the bout, and the cut on DeJohn’s lip continues to ooze blood, plus there is some puffiness noticeable around the right eye of DeJohn. As the two battle on into the later stages, Brown maintains a lead in the punches landed category, but and he finally breaks through by decking DeJohn with an overhand right late in the ninth. DeJohn is able to scramble to his feet with seconds left in the round, but he is sporting a cut over his right eye, an added bonus for Brown, who did the damage with an uppercut earlier in the round. DeJohn soldiers on, but the impact of the cuts and the knockdown is sufficient to sway the three judges, who reward Brown with a UD 12 victory (117-111, 116-112, 118-110). Post-bout career records: Brown, 37-12-3 (21); DeJohn, 31-15-1 (11).

Dec. 31, 1946: The year winds down with a final New Year’s Eve card on the French Riviera at the Palais des Sports in Cannes. A pair of Flyweights do battle in the main event, a 10-round non-title affair matching former WBA Flyweight Champ, an aging Jackie Jurich (now at Post-Prime career stage) against an up-and-coming Frenchman, Emile Famechon. The two have not met before, but Famechon enters the bout riding a four bout winning streak, including an upset TKO over Jackie Paterson to capture the EBU Flyweight crown. In this encounter, there is little to choose between the two, as there is a lot of feinting and maneuvering but little in the way of solid punches landed in the opening few rounds. In round three, Famechon, a slugger, tries to bull his way inside but finds his efforts thwarted by some excellent defense from Jurich. Headed into the middle rounds of the contest, Jurich has pulled ahead to a nice lead in the punches landed stats. At the midway point, the unofficial card shows Jurich as having built a nice, solid points lead (49-46) – something that may come in handy in facing a Frenchman on French soil. Despite running low on stamina, the French fighter keeps swinging away freely as the bout heads into the later rounds. Meanwhile, Jurich continues to grind away, staying out of trouble as the bout enters its final stages. Famechon closes well, jarring Jurich in the final round with a sharp combination while also causing some puffiness to appear under the left eye of the former Champion. However, Jurich remains upright and survives the onslaught, doing just enough to take a UD 10 (97-94, 96-95, 97-94) – a result that is not well received by the pro-Famechon crowd in Cannes. With the win, Jurich improves his career record to 37-8-1 (10). Good effort from Famechon, who slips to 20-6-1 (17) with the loss.

Good to get another year in the books, just as the real life calendar year is about to end. Year-end summary reports will be coming up soon.

JCWeb · 01-02-2022, 01:37 PM

HW
Division Profile

Total: 179 RL: 101 TC: 78

RL by Career Stage:
End - 7
Post - 19
Prime - 33
Pre - 25
Beginning - 17 (9 New)

Rated: 64
800+: 14
500+: 32
200+ : 57

Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens):

WBA Champ: Joe Louis 54-1-1 (52) (2218) (NC)
1. Roscoe Toles 44-14-6 (8) (1683) (NC) (NABF)
2. Tommy Gomez 31-5-1 (28) (1450) (NC) (USBA)
3. Pat Comiskey 28-6 (18) (1359) (+3)
4. Alberto Santiago Lovell 38-17-1 (29) (1316) (+3) (LABF)
5. Max Schmeling 70-11-1 (15) (1292) (-2) (EBU)
6. Nino Valdes 19-3-2 (15) (991) (+14)
7. Nathan Mann 32-15-3 (23) (970) (+9)
8 Lee Q. Murray 29-9-1 (23) (969) (-4)
9. Bruce Woodcock 23-2 (19) (949) (-1) (GBU)
10. Jersey Joe Walcott 52-12 (31) (944) (-5)

Other Notables: 11. Bill Poland 29-10-1 (17) (910)
12. Connie Norden 25-6-1 (15) (867)
13. Gus Dorazio 28-13-8 (8) (805)
24. Tami Mauriello 24-6-2 (15) (590)
25. Freddie Beshore 17-2-2 (2) (562)

Top Prospects: Joe Weiden 9-0 (5)
Nick Barone 7-0 (3)
Cesar Brion 6-0 (1)
Don Cockell 3-0 (1)
Marty Marshall 3-0 (0)

Retirements:

Unknown Winston (USA) 1929-1946 30-30-1 (13) No Titles Highest Rank: 49
Abe Simon (USA) 1935-1946 32-12-2 (23) NABF Champion Highest Rank: 3
Eduardo Primo (ARG) 1933-1946 27-19-5 (14) LABF Champion Highest Rank: 30

Outlook for 1947: Joe Louis’ dominance continues, with no strong contenders at the present time. However, LH Ezzard Charles is contemplating a move to HW, and Jersey Joe Walcott seeks to recover from a tumble in the HW rankings after four straight losses. A resilient Max Schmeling, entering his final season or two, managed to regain the EBU HW crown. Nino Valdes zoomed up the rankings list, largely the result of a shock KO win over Walcott; thus, the big Cuban looms as a dangerous opponent for any in the top flight, as he aims for a WBA, NABF or LABF title shot in 1947. Bruce Woodcock is the top British and European hope, while 1947 new arrivals include some potential top contenders and future Champions such as Rocky Marciano and Roland LaStarza.

JCWeb · 01-02-2022, 09:44 PM

LHW
Division Profile

Total: 120 RL: 74 TC: 26

RL by Career Stage:
End - 2
Post - 10
Prime - 29
Pre - 20
Beginning - 13 (8 New)

Rated: 44
800+: 12
500+: 28
200+ : 39

Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens):

WBA Champ: Ezzard Charles 24-2 (21) (1481) (+5)
1. Billy Conn 40-8-3 (16) (1646) (NC) (NABF)
2. Lloyd Marshall 32-6-4 (27) (1480) (-2)
3. Archie Moore 38-4-4 (27) (1393) (NC) (USBA)
4. Harry Matthews 28-6 (19) (1338) (-2)
5. Melio Bettina 40-10-6 (16) (1209) (+1)
6. Young Joe Louis 31-14-1 (14) (1017) (+2)
7. Eddie Booker 31-10-3 (17) (974) (-3)
8 Gus Lesnevich 37-16-3 (16) (910) (+3)
9. Jimmy Bivins 25-4-3 (19) (906) (+1)
10. Freddie Mills 31-13-2 (15) (900) (+4) (GBU, EBU)

Other Notables: 11. Anton Christoforidis 30-17-3 (13) (846)
12. Tommy Yarosz 22-4-2 (9) (780)
14. Henry Hall 17-3-2 (4) (734)
15. Jack A. Johnson 23-11 (18) (738) (-2) (CBU)
20. Oakland Billy Smith 21-5-4 (16) (640)
26. Joey Maxim 16-5-4 (5) (514)

Top Prospects: Sam Baroudi 11-0 (3)
Bob Murphy 10-0 (10)
Harold Johnson 7-0 (4)
Bob Foxworth 5-0 (2)
Jimmy Slade 2-0 (0)

Retirements:

Tommy Tucker (USA) 1936-1946 23-15-2 (13) No Titles Highest Rank: 17
Tiger Jack Fox (USA) 1928-1946 60-14-1 (42) WBA Champ 1933-34, 1941, 1943
Tony Shucco (USA) 1928-1946 39-26-5 (14) WBA Champ 1941 Highest Rank: 2

Outlook for 1947: With Ezzard Charles succeeding Lloyd Marshall as WBA LH Champ, the big questions hanging over the division is how long until Charles decides to move up to HW, hoping to eventually pose a serious title challenge to long-time HW Champ Joe Louis. Meanwhile, the division remains packed with talent, notably Billy Conn and Archie Moore, who may be the best of an impressive array of former and perhaps future WBA titleholders. Freddie Mills, who has had an up-and-down career, regained his top 10 contender status with after capturing the EBU title to go with his GBU belt – could a challenge to CBU titleholder Jack A. Johnson be in his immediate future? Tommy Yarosz is well poised to move into top 10 contender status, and Joey Maxim will try to right the ship after a disappointing first couple of years at Prime career stage. Harold Johnson appears to be the best of the current crop of prospects, and three U. S. boxers (Don Bucceroni, Eddie Cotton and Julian Keene) top the list of newcomers to the LH ranks, with Canadian Yvon Durelle also among those set to debut in 1947.

JCWeb · 01-03-2022, 12:41 PM

MW
Division Profile

Total: 168 RL: 108 TC: 60

RL by Career Stage:
End - 5
Post - 12
Prime - 31
Pre - 28
Beginning - 22 (13 New)

Rated: 64
800+: 20
500+: 44
200+ : 61

Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens):

WBA Champ: Marcel Cerdan 45-7-3 (29) (1651) (+5)
1. Charley Burley 40-3 (27) (1650) (-1)
2. Freddie Apostoli 38-14-2 (24) (1623) (NC) (NABF)
3. Tony Zale 42-8-2 (26) (1622) (NC) (-2)
4. Holman Williams 52-12-1 (24) (1488) (-1)
5. Steve Belloise 29-7-2 (14) (1299) (+1)
6. George Abrams 31-9-2 (11) (1270) (+4)
7. Jose Basora 29-7-1 (20) (1260) (+1) (LABF)
8 Dave Sands 27-3 (17) (1225) (-1) (CBU)
9. Jake LaMotta 24-3 (18) (1143) (+2)
10. Ben Brown 37-12-3 (21) (1001) (+2) (USBA)

Other Notables: 11. Antonio Fernandez 41-23-5 (13) (991)
12. Raul Rodriguez 23-7-1 (14) (957)
13. Al Hostak 41-13-3 (31) (937)
19. Dick Turpin 28-8-1 (11) (834)
31. Bert Lytell 17-1-5 (4) (660)
34. Vince Hawkins 18-10-3 (7) (635) (GBU)

Top Prospects: Mark Hart 13-1 (9)
Rocky Castellani 12-2 (3)
Laverne Roach 12-0 (5)
Carl Olson 10-1 (7)
Cyrille Delannoit 8-0 (2)
Randy Turpin 5-0 (3)

Retirements:

Wicky Harkins (USA) 1934-1946 27-23-4 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 45
Teddy Yarosz (USA) 1929-1946 45-23-6 (14) WBA Champ 1940 Highest Rank: 2
Eddie Pearce (SAF) 1932-1946 32-24-2 (10) No Titles Highest Rank: 49
Jock McAvoy (UK) 1927-1946 42-26-6 (26) CBU, GBU, EBU Champion Highest Rank: 8
Arthur Sadd (UK) 1929-1946 37-29-3 (20) No Titles Highest Rank: 36

Outlook for 1947: Marcel Cerdan bested Charley Burley and is now in his second stint as WBA MW Champion, and this division remains one of the most competitive, with an impressive array of contenders, including current top 10 guys like Zale, Apostoli, Williams, Belloise, Sands and LaMotta, perhaps soon to be joined by WBA WW Champ Ray Robinson, who tested the waters with a TKO stoppage of LABF MW Champ Jose Basora. In the UK, Dick Turpin seems well poised to challenge Vince Hawkins for GBU MW honors. Randy Turpin and “Bobo” Olson populate the prospect ranks, and Lester Felton (a “9”) is the best of an impressive 13-strong group of newcomers to the division for the upcoming year’s action.

JCWeb · 01-03-2022, 08:30 PM

WW
Division Profile

Total: 141 RL: 98 TC: 43

RL by Career Stage:
End - 5
Post - 19
Prime - 42
Pre - 20
Beginning - 12 (9 New)

Rated: 72
800+: 24
500+: 41
200+ : 68

Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens):

WBA Champ: Ray Robinson 31-1-1 (22) (1751) (+1)
1. Henry Armstrong 48-10-3 (40) (1532) (+1)
2. Marty Servo 31-7-1 (11) (1384) (-2)
3. Joe Legon 33-15-6 (14) (1359) (+1) (LABF)
4. Norman Rubio 27-6-3 (13) (1311) (+13) (NABF)
5. Izzy Jannazzo 42-12-5 (13) (1205) (+1)
6. Michele Palermo 43-14-10 (11) (1201) (+1)
7. Tommy Bell 24-2 (15) (1181) (+14) (USBA)
8 Georgie Crouch 33-13-4 (17) (1171) (+5)
9. Jackie Wilson 33-12-2 (17) (1164) (+5)
10. Fritzie Zivic 39-17-6 (16) (1086) (-5)

Other Notables: 11. Egisto Peyre 24-4-2 (12) (1075) (EBU)
12. Billy Graham 21-6-1 (16) (1073)
14. Jack McNamee 40-16-2 (23) (1011) (OPBF)
15. George Costner 23-5-2 (14) (1008)
17. Ernie Roderick 37-20-4 (8) (942) (GBU, CBU)
22. Jimmy Sherrer 19-0 (11) (853)
25. Bernard Docusen 18-0-3 (4) (764)
28. Kid Gavilan 14-0-1 (2) (699)

Top Prospects: Johnny Bratton 13-0 (9)
Frankie Fernandez 11-0 (10)
Joe D’Amato 7-0 (6)
Eddie Thomas 6-0 (1)
Bobby Dykes 4-0 (1)

Retirements:

Al Lust (CAN) 1941-1946 13-12 (10) No Titles Highest Rank: 65

JWW: Jack Kid Berg (listed in upcoming LW report)

Outlook for 1947: If and when Ray Robinson makes the move to MW, there will be a free-for-fall scramble for top honors in the WW division, particularly given the fact that four of the top five ranked contenders (all but Norman Rubio) are at Post-Prime career stage. In addition to Rubio, newly crowned USBA WW Tommy Bell is a potential challenger, as is the Italian duo of Palermo and Peyre, both of whom are still at Prime career stage. Poised to move into the top 10 is “11” rated Billy Graham. Further down the list but poised to move up are Jimmy Sherrer, Bernard "Big Doc" Doucsen and Kid Gavilan, all of whom are yet to taste defeat. Meanwhile, the lack of credible challengers means McNamee and Roderick are likely to retain their respective (OPBF and GBU belts), although the two are likely to battle for a CBU title once again. Unbeaten Johnny Bratton tops the list of prospects, and Vic Cardell and Don Williams (two “8” rated guys) look to be the best of the nine newcomers set to join the ranks in 1947.

JCWeb · 01-04-2022, 02:44 PM

LW
Division Profile

Total: 152 RL: 97 TC: 55

RL by Career Stage:
End - 9
Post - 14
Prime - 38
Pre - 22
Beginning - 14 (5 New)

Rated: 63
800+: 19
500+: 37
200+: 59

Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens):

WBA Champ: Ike Williams 29-3-1 (24) (1438) (+8)
1. Bob Montgomery 32-4-2 (19) (1437) (-1)
2. Lefty Satan Flynn 36-15-4 (19) (1291) (-1)
3. Joe Brown 26-1 (17) (1279) (+8) (NABF)
4. Vic Patrick 27-3 (19) (1277) (-2) (OPBF)
5. Beau Jack 29-4 (19) (1174) (+7)
6. Sammy Angott 34-10-6 (11) (1111) (+9) (USBA)
7. Lew Jenkins 33-9-4 (16) (1078) (+2)
8 Lulu Costantino 26-7-3 (11) (1073) (+2)
9. Dave Castilloux 36-17-3 (9) (1068) (+4) (CBU)
10. Chester Rico 25-11-5 (12) (1007) (-6)

Other Notables: 11. Julie Kogon 26-10-2 (8) (955)
12. Allie Stolz 26-7-3 (10) (949)
13. Humberto Sierra 19-3 (7) (903) (LABF)
14. Enrique Bolanos 21-2 (18) (859)
16. Aldo Spoldi 47-16-6 (17) (834) (EBU)
23. Freddie Dawson 17-1-2 (5) (723)

Top Prospects: Maxie Docusen 12-0-2 (1)
Art Aragon 12-1 (9)
Wesley Mouzon 11-1-1 (6)
Tommy Campbell 10-0 (8)
Jimmy Carter 7-0 (4)
Arthur King 6-0

Retirements:

Tony Morgano (USA) 1929-1946 37-27-6 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 16
Harry Mizler (UK) 1933-1946 26-27-6 (6) GBU Champ Highest Rank: 29
Jack Kid Berg (UK) 1924-1946 56-25-5 (9) WBA LW Champ 1942-43, 1943-44
WBA JWW Champ 1928-34
George Latka (USA) 1937-1946 25-15-4 (10) No Titles Highest Rank: 39
Billy Marquart (CAN) 1936-1946 21-20-2 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 44

Outlook for 1947: Ike Williams dethroned “Bobcat” Bob Montgomery to become the new WBA Champion, but all 10 of the top contenders are still in Prime career stage, so seeing the title change hands again in 1947 is not out of the question. Joe Brown, who emerged as the new NABF LW titleholder, has the best chances of any among the current crop of top contenders. Latino boxers Humberto Sierra and Enrique Bolanos appear ready to challenge for a top 10 contender spot. Guys like Jack Kid Berg (who retired), Aldo Spoldi (long time EBU Champ) and Laurie Stevens have either left the picture entirely or faded from top 10 status. Young American Freddie Dawson, who wrapped up the Pre-Prime stage of his career with just one loss, is ready to take on stiffer opposition. Maxie Docusen, Art Aragon and Wesley Mouzon top the current list of prospects. Cuban Orlando Zulueta is the best of the five newcomers set to debut in 1947.

JCWeb · 01-04-2022, 10:11 PM

FW
Division Profile

Total: 130 RL: 83 TC: 47

RL by Career Stage:
End - 4
Post - 21
Prime - 21
Pre - 26
Beginning - 11 (7 New)

Rated: 56
800+: 10
500+: 31
200+ : 51

Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens):

WBA Champ: Willie Pep 31-2 (21) (1417) (NC)
1. Baby Arizmendi 58-13-4 (14) (1259) (NC)
2. Diego Sosa 27-5-2 (16) (1224) (+1) (LABF)
3. Harold Hoshino 37-6-3 (20) (1210) (-1)
4. Carlos Chavez 27-6-1 (10) (876) (+6) (NABF)
5. Tsuneo Horiguchi 40-14-3 (20) (847) (+3) (OPBF)
6. Al Phillips 27-6-1 (12) (839) (+9) (GBU, CBU)
7. National Kid 27-10-3 (11) (829) (-3)
8 Jackie Wilson 42-23-6 (11) (813) (+4)
9. Phil Terranova 23-6 (9) (803) (+10)
10. Ronnie Clayton 24-2 (14) (793) (+4)

Other Notables: 11. Ciro Morasen 16-1-3 (3) (793)
12. Dave Crowley 41-30-1 (17) (792) (EBU)
13. Sal Bartolo 31-10-4 (9) (785) (USBA)
22. Sandy Saddler 15-0 (12) (659)
29. Eddie Compo 14-0-1 (3) (534)

Top Prospects: Alvaro Cerasini 14-0 (9)
Luis De Santiago 8-0 (6)
Bernie Grant 6-1-1 (2)
Glen Flanagan 5-0
Keith Francis 4-0 (2)
Harry LaSane 4-0 (1)

Retirements:

Ginger Foran (UK) 1931-1946 32-26-5 (12) EBU Champ Highest Rank: 19
Bobby Ivy (USA) 1938-1946 17-15-2 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 41
Joey Archibald (USA) 1932-1946 29-23-6 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 21
Al Spina (USA) 1933-1946 27-19-5 (11) Highest Rank: 23
Albert Mancini (USA) 1937-1946 23-12-5 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 28
Johnny Marcelline (USA) 1935-1946 31-16-2 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 35
Richie Lemos (USA) 1937-1946 19-16-3 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 32
Joe Marinelli (USA) 1938-1946 22-14-5 (6) No Titles Highest Rank: 38

Outlook for 1947: Willie “Will O the Wisp” Pep completes another year as WBA Champ and, notably, his only two career losses were both DQs due to excessive fouling. It’s an aging cast of contenders (Arizmendi, Hoshino, Kid, Wilson and Crowley are all at Post-Prime), and it seems as if fans will have to await the graduation to Prime of current top prospect Sandy Saddler, who entered the rankings for the first time with a perfect 15-0 record thus far. Eddie Compo, still unbeaten but with a single draw as the only blemish inhis record thus far, also enters the ranking list but without the weight of great expectations as is the case with Saddler. Italian Alvaro Cerasini, unbeaten after his first 14, heads the list of current prospects, none of whom are exceptionally talented. Finally, seven newcomers are set to join the FW ranks in 1947, and Percy Bassett (an “8”) is the best of this group.

JCWeb · 01-05-2022, 12:50 PM

BW
Division Profile

Total: 88 RL: 51 TC: 37

RL by Career Stage:
End - 5
Post - 10
Prime - 20
Pre - 13
Beginning - 3 (2 New)

Rated: 38
800+: 15
500+: 27
200+ : 36

Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens):

WBA Champ: David Kui Kong Young 40-3-4 (19) (1656) (NC)
1. Benny Goldberg 33-5-2 (14) (1409) (+1)
2. Tony Olivera 31-3-2 (19) (1277) (+5) (USBA)
3. Luis Galvani 21-3 (13) (1208) (+16) (NABF, LABF)
4. Johnny King 63-12-4 (26) (1169) (-2)
5. Tommy Forte 35-9-2 (12) (1161) (-2)
6. Gus Foran 23-4-3 (13) (1035) (+12) (GBU)
7. Ritchie Tanner 26-12-2 (12) (1034) (-2) (CBU, EBU)
8 Fernando Gagnon 22-3 (15) (958) (+1)
9. Tirso Del Rosario 17-4-1 (4) (935) (+6) (OPBF)
10. Manuel Ortiz 30-8-2 (17) (917) (-9)

Other Notables: 11. Mickey Miller 37-17-2 (20) (871)
12. Luis Castillo 24-8 (11) (841)
15. Norman Lewis 23-8-1 (14) (790)
16. Harold Dade 18-4-2 (5) (726)
20. Luis Romero 17-1-1 (8) (673)
22. Frankie Williams 15-1-1 (12) (621)

Top Prospects: Manny Ortega 14-0 (9)
Armando Puentes Pi 11-0 (7)
Ronnie Draper 11-0
Guido Ferracin 9-0-1 (2)
Elley Bennett 2-0 (2)

Retirements:

Pete Sanstol (USA) 1926-1946 48-26-7 (12) WBA Champion 1936-37
Gustave Humery (FRA) 1927-1946 44-29-2 (29) No Titles Highest Rank: 18
Raul Casanova (MEX) 1932-1946 34-20-5 (17) LABF Champ Highest Rank: 8
Horace Mann (USA) 1935-1946 25-16-7 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 18
Dick Corbett (UK) 1926-1946 40-37-5 (13) CBU, GBU, EBU Champ Highest Rank: 4

Outlook for 1947: David Kui Kong Young begins another year as WBA Champ and, of his five leading challengers (according to the rankings), only one (Galvani) is still at Prime, so a lengthy title reign is not out of the question. Manuel Ortiz, who is reeling from recent losses to Galvani and Del Rosario, is looking to re-establish his credentials is a credible title challenger. A strong British contingent is led by two titleholders (Foran and Tanner), plus #15 Norman Lewis and Frankie Williams, who is still at Pre-Prime and has just one loss on his record thus far. Spaniard Luis Romero is likely to emerge as a contender for the EBU title. Looking at the current crop of prospects, Aussie Elley Bennett (an “8”) who just got his career underway, seems the most likely to court success. Only two newcomers to the division for 1947, with Cuban Manuel Armenteros (a “6”) the higher ranked of the incoming duo.

JCWeb · 01-05-2022, 10:54 PM

FLY
Division Profile

Total: 75 RL: 46 TC: 29

RL by Career Stage:
End - 2
Post - 7
Prime - 19
Pre - 10
Beginning - 8 (4 New)

Rated: 30
800+: 6
500+: 14
200+ : 27

Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens):

WBA Champ: Rinty Monaghan 40-12-1 (12) (1024) (+1)
1. Peter Kane 36-8-1 (13) (1094) (+1) (CBU, GBU)
2. Jackie Jurich 37-8-1 (19) (1077) (-2) (NABF)
3. Terry Allen 23-2 (3) (949) (+2)
4. Teddy Gardner 26-7-1 (11) (918) (+2)
5. Hans Schiffers 26-8-5 (8) (910) (+4)
6. Jackie Paterson 28-7-2 (19) (19) (790) (-4)
7. Dado Marino 25-7 (13) (773) (+3) (USBA)
8 Istvan Enekes 40-18-2 (13) (738) (-4)
9. Yoshio Shirai 18-2 (9) (703) (+7) (OPBF)
10. Emile Famechon 20-6-1 (17) (699) (+2) (EBU)

Other Notables: 11. Jimmy Gill 38-18-4 (12) (644) (-4)
13. Black Pico 15-2-1 (0) (566) (LABF)
15. Mustapha Mustaphaoui 23-6-5 (6) (491)
22. Nazzareno Gianelli 15-2 (3) (306)

Top Prospects: Dickie O’Sullivan 11-0-1 (8)
Luis Fuentes 10-1 (2)
Monito Flores 10-0 (2)
Louis Skena 7-0 (4)

Retirements:

Small Montana (PHI) 1931-1946 28-23-6 (11) OPBF Champ Highest Rank: 7
Eugene Huat (FRA) 1926-1946 37-32-8 (15) No Titles Highest Rank: 8

Outlook for 1947: The musical chairs situation atop the division continued in 1946, as Irishman Rinty Monaghan regained the WBA title after the belt had been passed back and forth among Kane, Jurich, Schiffers and Paterson in recent years. Jurich and Enekes are the only top contenders who are past their prime, while newly crowned LABF Fly Champ Black Pico – the first to hold such belt – is still at Pre-Prime.
Famechon, who was lucky to win the EBU belt, seems the most vulnerable of the current regional titleholders (he’s only rated a “4”). Best of the current crop of prospects is Louis Skena (a “7”), and Japanese fighter Speedy Akira (a “6”) is the highest rated of the four newcomers set to debut in 1947.

JCWeb · 01-06-2022, 01:00 AM

Re "Newcomers" in 1947:

Yvon Durelle (LHW) -- not due to debut until 1948

Orlando Zulueta (LW) -- should have debuted in 1946, will debut in Jan. 1947

JCWeb · 01-08-2022, 11:43 AM

ROLL OF CHAMPIONS

HW

WBA: Joe Louis (Feb. 1939) (29)
NABF: Roscoe Toles (Dec. 1944) (5)
USBA: Tommy Gomez (Sep. 1946) (1)
CBU: Vacant
GBU: Bruce Woodcock (June 1945) (0)
EBU: Max Schmeling (Jun. 1946) (0)
OPBF: Vacant
LABF: Alberto Santiago Lovell (Dec. 1945) (1)

LH

WBA: Ezzard Charles (Oct. 1946) (0)
NABF: Billy Conn (Aug. 1946) (1)
USBA: Archie Moore (Jun. 1943) (9)
CBU: Jack A. Johnson (Jul. 1941) (4)
GBU: Freddie Mills (Jan. 1945) (1)
EBU: Freddie Mills (Jul. 1946) (1)
OPBF: Inactive
LABF: Inactive

MW

WBA: Marcel Cerdan (Sep. 1946) (0)
NABF: Freddie Apostoli (Nov. 1946) (0)
USBA: Ben Brown (Dec. 1946) (0)
CBU: Dave Sands (Nov. 1944) (3)
GBU: Vince Hawkins (Jul. 1945) (0)
EBU: Vacant
OPBF: Vacant
LABF: Jose Basora (Jun. 1945) (3)

WW

WBA: Ray Robinson (May 1946) (0)
NABF: Norman Rubio (Jun., 1946) (2)
USBA: Tommy Bell (Jul. 1946) (1)
CBU: Ernie Roderick (Jul. 1946) (0)
GBU: Ernie Roderick (May 1935) (2)
EBU: Egisto Peyre (Mar. 1946) (2)
OPBF: Jack McNamee (Apr. 1945) (1)
LABF: Joe Legon (Aug. 1946) (0)

LW

WBA: Ike Williams (Nov. 1946) (0)
NABF: Joe Brown (Sep. 1946) (1)
USBA: Sammy Angott (Nov. 1946) (0)
CBU: Dave Castilloux (Oct. 1946) (0)
GBU: Vacant
EBU: Aldo Spoldi (Oct. 1941) (3)
OPBF: Vic Patrick (Jun. 1944) (1)
LABF: Humberto Sierra (Nov. 1944) (1)

FW

WBA: Willie Pep (Jan. 1945) (7)
NABF: Carlos Chavez (Nov. 1946) (0)
USBA: Sal Bartolo (Feb. 1945) (3)
CBU: Al Phillips (Aug. 1946) (0)
GBU: Al Phillips (Mar. 1945) (2)
EBU: Dave Crowley (Apr. 1943) (0)
OPBF: Tsuneo Horiguchi (Feb. 1945) (0)
LABF: Diego Sosa (Sep. 1946) (0)

BW

WBA: David Kui Kong Young (Mar. 1945) (7)
NABF: Luis Galvani (May 1946) (2)
USBA: Tommy Olivera (Mar. 1946) (1)
CBU: Ritchie Tanner (Jul. 1946) (0)
GBU: Gus Foran (Nov. 1946) (0)
EBU: Norman Lewis (Oct. 1944) (0)
OPBF: Tirso Del Rosario (Oct. 1945) (0)
LABF: Luis Galvani (Dec. 1945) (0)

FLY

WBA: Rinty Monaghan (Nov. 1946) (0)
NABF: Jackie Jurich (May 1945) (0)
USBA: Dado Marino (Jun. 1943) (0)
CBU: Peter Kane (Dec. 1946) (0)
GBU: Peter Kane (Apr. 1946) (1)
EBU: Emile Famechon (Aug. 1946) (0)
OPBF: Yoichiro Shirai (Apr. 1946) (2)
LABF: Black Pico (Jul. 1946) (0)

JCWeb · 01-08-2022, 12:07 PM

And finally, the last entry in the year-end reports category, the ever popular PFP (pound-for-pound) rankings based on Perf Pts, followed by the year end awards:

1946 YEAR-END PFP RANKINGS (based on Perf Points, with change from last year, number of years on list, first year on list in parens)

1. Joe Louis, HW (WBA Champion), 2218 (NC) (10) (1936)
2. Ray Robinson, WW (WBA Champion), 1751 (+6) (2) (1945)
3. Roscoe Toles, HW (NABF Champion), 1683) (+1) (2) (1945)
4. David Kui Kong Young, BW (WBA Champion), 1656 (+2) (2) (1945)
5. Marcel Cerdan, MW (WBA Champion), 1651 (new) (3) (1942)
6. Charley Burley, MW, 1650 (-3) (5) (1942)
7. Billy Conn, LH (NABF Champion), 1646 (+3) (3) (1943)
8. Freddie Apostoli, MW (NABF Champion), 1623 (+1) (3) (1943)
9. Tony Zale, MW, 1622 (-7) (1940)
10. Henry Armstrong, WW, 1532 (new) (7) (1939)

Dropped Out from Last Year:

WW Marty Servo (was #5)
LH Lloyd Marshall (was #7)

Comments: Unlike last year, which saw wholesale changes and five total newcomers to this list, only familiar faces on the list this time, as the two dropouts (Servo and Marshall, both of whom lost their WBA titles) are replaced by veterans Cerdan and Armstrong, both of whom have been here before. “Sugar” Ray Robinson made the most progress, leapfrogging up six spots to become a solid #2 to long-time top dog Joe Louis, who continues to set new Perf Point records with each successive title defense. Of the list, only Armstong is past his prime, so don’t expect another year of wholesale changes in 1947.

ANNUAL YEAR-END AWARDS

FIGHTER OF THE YEAR: Ray Robinson
FIGHT OF THE YEAR: Ray Robinson UD 15 Henry Armstrong (for WBA WW title) (May 11, see post 1485)
TOP NEWCOMER: Luis Galvani (BW)
UPSET OF THE YEAR: Nino Valdes KO 9 Jersey Joe Walcott (HW non-title bout) (Mar. 23, see post 1478)
COMEBACK FIGHTER OF THE YEAR: Rinty Monaghan

Comments:

Looking at the candidates for Fighter of the year of the year honors, perennial contender Joe Louis was less active during the year, making just two title defenses, and none versus top contenders in Prime condition, so then the award comes down to last year’s winner, FW Willie Pep, who certainly impressed with KO wins in all three of his 1946 title defenses, and Robinson, who gets the nod because of the quality of his opposition (besting all-time great Henry Armstrong to capture the WBA WW title) but also in moving up in weight and defeating a regional titleholder in the always competitive MW ranks in Jose Basora. Honorable mention should go to BW Champ David Kui Kong Young, who prevailed in three title defenses, and new WBA LW Champ Ike Williams, who fashioned a four bout winning streak after a early season loss that ended with a stoppage win to capture the title from “Bobcat” Bob Montgomery.

There were a few worthy contenders for Fight of the Year but the intergenerational battle between Robinson and Armstrong for the WBA WW crown takes the top prize. Other candidates included the following, in chronological order: Armstrong KO 14 Servo, WBA WW title (Jun. 19, post #1474); Pico UD 12 Galvan, LABF Flyweight (Jul. 12, post #1489); Louis-Schmeling IV, ending in a TKO 5 for Louis, WBA HW (Aug. 24, post #1493); and Kui Kong Young UD 15 Medina, WBA BW (Aug. 31, #1493).

Top Newcomer goes to Luis Galvani, who followed up his LABF BW title win in late 1945 with an unsuccessful WBA BW title shot before going on to capture the NABF BW title from Manuel Ortiz, then going on to defend that belt two more times in a highly successful 1936 campaign. Others considered for this honor were HW Nino Valdes, who climbed into the top 10 HW ranks with a stunning upset over Jersey Joe Walcott; Tommy Bell, who rode an eight bout winning streak, capturing the USBA WW title as well; Joe Brown, who emerged as the #3 LW contender, winning the USBA title while maintaining a nearly unblemished record with just one career loss thus far; and Black Pico, winner of the inaugural LABF Flyweight title. A close call here, but I’d have to put Galvani slightly ahead of Brown, a strong runner-up, with Bell probably a close third. .

Next is the Upset of the Year and, frankly, not a lot of strong contenders here, so the Valdes KO of Walcott, who had just a few years previously held the #1 HW contender spot gets the award. Two other upsets that come to mind are Hans Schiffers UD 15 over Jackie Jurich for the WBA Flyweight title (Apr. 27, post #1483) and Charlie Ashenden UD 12 over Laurie Stevens for the CBU LW title (Aug. 23, post #1493). Both these lost out to Valdes-Walcott because the losing fighter in each case was at Post-Prime whereas Walcott was, in theory, in Prime condition for his bout with Valdes.

For Comeback Fighter of the Year, there were a couple of notables, guys who regained the WBA title after having held it previously. These included Frenchman Marcel Cerdan, who dethroned Charley Burley as WBA MW Champion, and the eventual winner of the award, Rinty Monaghan. Monaghan gets the nod because he bounced back with a two bout losing streak regaining his lost form and edging out Hans Schiffers to regain the WBA Flyweight title. Cerdan, by contrast, had been lurking near the top of the MW rankings for some time, plus he had already regained his top contender status as EBU MW Champion, a logical stepping stone to regaining the WBA title. Nonetheless, a close call here, but Monaghan gets the nod. Be interesting to see who gets this award for the coming 1947 season; right now, my money is on Jersey Joe Walcott, who still has time to recover from a string of recent losses to regain his status as a top HW contender.

JCWeb · 01-13-2022, 10:48 AM

The year kicks off with this report covering fistic action from the first half of January 1947, and I am pleased to report that two WBA title bouts are on the agenda

Jan. 3, 1947: Shuffling off to Buffalo for the traditional Friday night opener and, featured in a main event bout for the first time in his young career, Sandy Saddler faces a former WBA FW Champion in Chalky Wright. No prior encounters to speak of, as the two square off in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds. The 20-year old Saddler is still undefeated and still at Pre-Prime, but he is facing an aging fighter in Wright who is already at End career stage, so it could be an excellent chance for Saddler to showcase his talents and move up in the FW ranks. After an even opening round, Saddler begins to find the range with his punches in round two and, as a result, a bit of puffiness suddenly is visible under Wright’s left eye. Saddler continues banging away, building a solid lead in the punches landed category and, at the halfway point of the bout, he is well ahead (50-46) on the unofficial scorer’s card. Then, in round six, Saddler is able to pin Wright against the ropes, connecting with a solid hook, then following with a hard cross that flattens Wright, who cannot beat the count. Impressive KO 6 for Saddler lifts his record to 16-0 (13). The loss leaves Wright, now one bout away from retirement, at 43-22-7 (16).

Jan. 4, 1947: Next is a card at the Forum in Montreal. An attractive matchup, albeit a non-title bout, takes place in the featured both between two former WBA MW Champions, Charley Burley and Holman Williams. In their one prior encounter, for the USBA MW title back in 1941, Burley emerged as the winner on points. This time, Burley wastes little time, asserting his dominance in round two when he decks Williams with an uppercut and, although Williams manages to cover up and survive the onslaught, he returns to his corner looking worse for wear with a mouse under his left eye. With some adept defense, Williams is able to blunt much of Burley’s attack and gradually work his way into the fight. However, in round five, Williams goes down a second time and, although Burley is unable to finish the job, the unofficial card has him well ahead (60-53) at the midway point. In the second half of the bout, Williams, who is naturally a safety first minded boxer, is forced to try to open things up in order to try to turn things around. However, in round nine, the bout comes to an early end when, with a minute left in the round, Williams is off balance after missing with a leaping shot, and Burley finishes him off with a hook that puts Williams down and out. Impressive KO 9 for Burley, who is gearing up for another WBA MW title shot. Post-bout career records: Burley, 41-3 (28); Williams, 52-13-1 (24).

Jan. 10, 1947: To the Miami Arena for another Friday night card, and the main event matches two regional WW Champions in action, as USBA WW titleholder Tommy Bell challengers Norman Rubio for Rubio’s NABF WW title. This is the first meeting of these two, and it develops into a competitive, entertaining bout. Bell comes on strong with a late surge near the end of round two, and he manages to cause an initial trace of swelling to appear under the right eye of Rubio. Bell continues to have the upper hand through most of the early rounds and, at the halfway point, he is ahead on points (58-56), according to the unofficial scorecard. Bell continues to pile up points in the second half of the bout, as he grinds away, gradually wearing down an increasingly Rubio. A volley of strong blows early in round 10 forces Rubio to cover up, and Bell coasts to a fairly comfortable UD 12 win (119-109, 118-110, 118-110) in a bout that goes to decision with no cuts or knockdowns. Bell, who adds the NABF title to his collection, improves to 25-2 (15) with the win. The loss leaves Rubio at 27-7-3 (13).

Jan. 11, 1947: Next is a card in Lost Angeles. On the menu is a WBA title contest, preceded by a FW bout pairing former WBA Champ “Homicide Hal” Harold Hoshino with another veteran of the ring wars, Jackie Wilson. The two have not before, despite both being ranked in the top 10 and, in addition, both have reached the Pre-Prime stage of their respective careers. The bout devolves into a typical boxer versus slugger confrontation with the slugger (Wilson) gradually pulling ahead on the key punches landed metric, much to the surprise of many observers. By the midway point, Hoshino has battled back and the unofficial scorer has the bout even on points (48-48), even though Wilson retained a large lead in the punches landed category. In the second half of the bout, with both fighters visibly showing signs of fatigue, Hoshino begins to ramp up the pressure. Then, suddenly, in the final minute of the seventh round, he connects with an uppercut that puts Wilson on the deck. Wilson is unable to beat the count, so the bout goes into the books as a KO 7 for Hoshino, who improves to 38-6-3 (21) as a result. For Wilson, who ends the bout at 42-24-6 (11), End career stage will be coming up, starting with his next bout. In the feature, David Kui Kong Young is back in action to make the eighth defense of the WBA BW title he won in early 1945. The challenger this time around is Tony Olivera, the current USBA BW titleholder. The two met once before, this in a USBA title bout, and Kui Kong Young prevailed via a TKO stoppage. After a couple of close opening rounds, Kui Kong Young tries to assert himself by moving inside in round three with some success. By the end of round five, the impact of Kui Kong Young’s punches has had some effect, causing some puffiness around the right eye of Olivera. At the one third mark of the contest, the unofficial card has Kui Kong Young ahead on points (49-46). Not letting up, Kui Kong Young applies more pressure and decks Olivera with a combination of blows a minute into round seven. Dazed, Olivera picks himself up off the canvas and attempts to cover up to avert further damage. However, later in the round, an overhand right from the Champion puts Olivera down for good. Another impressive performance by Kui Kong Young, who walks away a KO 7 victor. Post-bout career records: Kui Kong Young, 41-3-4 (20); Olivera, 31-9-2 (19).

Jan. 17, 1947: First “Friday Nights Down Under” card of the year, and the main event sees Freddie Mills traveling all the way from the British homeland, seeking to add the Commonwealth LH title to his EBU and GBU titles as he challenges Aussie Jack A. Johnson in Johnson’s fifth defense of that belt. This marks the third try for Mills, who suffered stoppage losses to Johnson in two previous efforts in 1943 and 1944. In this rematch, Johnson proves up to challenge when he decks Mills with an overhand right near the end of the opening stanza; Mills picks himself off the canvas after taking an eight count, and there is not enough time remaining in the round for Johnson to finish matters. In round three, Mills has battled his way into the bout, and he asserts himself, dropping Johnson with a solid uppercut. The Aussie Champion barely manages to beat the count, and Johnson covers up to last the round. Mills continues firing away and, by the midway point, the unofficial card shows Mills with a nice, solid points lead (58-54). In the second half of the bout, Johnson, who has been consistently beaten to the punch by Mills, begins to show signs of fatigue. However, things only get worse as, midway through the 10th round, Johnson goes down a second time, courtesy of a barrage of blows landed by Mills. In the final two rounds, Johnson is unable to mount a late surge, so the third time proves a charm for Mills, who takes a UD 12 (116-109, 116-108, 117-107), adding the CBU LH belt to his collection. With the win, Mills improves his career record to 32-15-2 (15) and sets his sights on a possible WBA title challenge. Johnson’s five and a half year reign comes to an end as he slips to 23-12 (18) with the loss.

Jan. 18, 1947: Another WBA title clash tops the next card at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden. First up, in the co-feature, the “Black Uhlan,” an aging Max Schmeling, puts his EBU HW title on the line against Bruce Woodcock, the current GBU HW Champ (supplanting Tommy Farr). This represents the first meeting of these two, with Woodcock having held the EBU belt for a few months in early 1946. The two do battle on fairly even terms until, early in round three, Schmeling gets in a hard hook to the body that causes Woodcock to wince, and the British fighter wisely elects to cover up and last the round. By the midway point, Schmeling has powered his way to a slight lead (58-56) on the unofficial scorecard. Near the end of the seventh, Woodcock gets in his best shot of the fight thus far, a right hand that lands flush on Schmeling’s chin. Max remains upright and is lucky there is not enough time remaining for Woodcock to follow up. Woodcock, who seems full of fight, continues to carry the fight to Schmeling as the rounds tick off. While Schmeling is able to fend off most of the blows and avert a knockout, the pressure applied by Woodcock is sufficient to cause the ref to step in and order an early end, with less than a minute remaining in round eight. Declared a TKO 8 winner, Woodcock regains the EBU HW title while moving his career totals to 24-2 (20). Meanwhile, Schmeling, now 70-12-1 (45), is one step closer to retirement. After this, the ring is cleared, and Marcel Cerdan, the “Casablanca Clouter,” is on hand to defend his WBA MW title. His opponent, NABF MW titleholder Freddie Apostoli, the “Boxing Bellhop,” a two-time former WBA MW titleholder, is making his third try to capture the WBA title. However, Cerdan took points wins in both their prior encounters, the first back in 1936 (when both were at Pre-Prime) and, more recently, in 1943, when Cerdan took the title from Apostoli to commence his first stint as WBA MW Champion. Apostoli looks sharp in the opening round, as he is able to touch up Cerdan’s left eye, which has a puffy appearance as Cerdan returns to his corner at the end of the round. Late in round two, Cerdan takes command after landing a hard left that causes Apostoli to cover up. After some sharp exchanges in an essential even round in round four, it is Apostoli who shows signs of puffiness, this under his right eye. After the first five rounds are in the books, in something of a minor surprise, the unofficial scorer at ringside has Apostoli ahead on points (49-46). In the middle rounds, Cerdan attempts to work his way inside, taking the initiative to apply more pressure, while Apostoli is more comfortable to react from the outside. Late in round nine, Cerdan decks Apostoli with a hard shot; after taking a five count, Apostoli is able to resume, and there is not enough time left in the round for Cerdan to follow up. At the two thirds mark, even with the one knockdown, Cerdan still trails Apostoli (by 97-95) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the final few rounds, Cerdan remains the more active of the two, while Apostoli seems primarily focused on simply staying out of trouble. Early in round 13, however, Apostoli counters, dropping a right hand on Cerdan’s chin that stops the Frenchman in his tracks. Finally, the end comes late in round 14, when Cerdan is able to back Apostoli into a corner, then fires away with a combination that puts the American challenger down and out. KO 14 for Cerdan, who keeps the title and improves to 46-7-3 (30). Apostoli, who was up by one on one card and even on two others at the time of the knockout, ends the bout at 38-15-2 (24). Lots of good action in this one, making it an early candidate for Fight of the Year honors.

JCWeb · 01-21-2022, 09:37 PM

Second half of the month, and two more WBA title bouts are scheduled.

Jan. 18, 1947: Next card takes place in Detroit. In the feature, the “Old Mongoose,” Archie Moore, is on hand to make his 10th defense of the USBA LH title he has held since 1943. Moore’s opponent, Young Joe Louis, is a familiar foe. This is their third meeting, and Moore has come away with a win and a draw in two prior encounters. The action in this rematch picks up early in round three when Moore rocks Louis with a sharp combination, causing the challenger to cover up. Moore, who trailed on the punches landed stats in the early going, begins to gradually pull ahead and, by the halfway point of the bout, it is Moore who is also in front on the unofficial scorecard (by a count of 59-56). In the second half, Louis sharpens his approach and tries to pressure Moore. In round eight, Moore connects with a hook to the head that sends Louis toppling to the canvas. After taking a count of eight, Louis is able to resume, and he covers up to avert further damage, lasting the round. Early in round 10, however, Louis is floored a second time, this time the result of a Moore combination. After a third KD early in round 11, Moore’s killer instinct kicks in, and he is able to finish off Louis with an uppercut (KD #4) that puts the challenger down for good. KO 11 for Moore, raising his career totals to 39-4-4 (28) as a result. Meanwhile, the loss leaves Louis at 31-15-1 (14).

Jan. 24, 1947: Next is a card takes place at Johannesburg’s Rand Stadium. No title at stake, but the main event brings together two stalwarts of the decision for the past decade, in former three division Champion Henry Armstrong and Italy’s Michele Palermo. The two are meeting for the first time, and, early in the opening stanza, Armstrong draws blood when he opens a cut under Palermo’s left eye. Near the end of round two, Armstrong rocks Palermo with a hard cross that connects just before the bell sounds to end the round. In round three, Armstrong manages to reopen the cut under Palermo’s eye, but the Italian fighter battles on. However, things just get worse for Palermo when an Armstrong uppercut connects midway through round four, opening a cut under Armstrong’s other eye. After the first five rounds are in the books, to no surprise, Armstrong has a wide lead (50-45) on the unofficial scorecard. Then, with a minute left in the sixth, Armstrong connects with a perfect combination that puts Palermo down and out. Despite being at Post-Prime, Armstrong’s convincing KO 6 triumph over a credible top 10 contender in this bout proved he is still a dangerous opponent. Post-bout career records: Armstrong, 49-10-3 (41); Palermo, 543-15-10 (11).

Jan. 25, 1947: The Olympia in London sets the scene for the next fight card, and a WBA title clash tops the agenda. In the main supporting bout, two MWs take to the ring, as GBU MW Champ Vince Hawkins has a chance to move up in the MW rankings as he takes on top 10 contender, American George Abrams. It is the first meeting of these two in a 10-round, non-title bout. Abrams, who enters the bout riding a five bout winning streak, looks sharp in the early going, but Hawkins does well to keep the bout reasonably close. In fact, at the halfway point, the unofficial card has Abrams with just a one-point advantage (48-47). In the second half of the bout, the issue remains in doubt as Hawkins keeps plugging way, making things difficult for his more experienced opponent. In the end, in a bout with no cuts or knockdowns, a strong second half is sufficient for Hawkins to secure a draw (95-95, 96-94 Abrams, 98-93 Hawkins) against a much higher rated opponent. Moral victory for the British Champion, who improves to 18-10-4 (7) with this result. Abrams, meanwhile, is 31-9-3 (11) post bout. Then, in the main event, Rinty Monaghan once again faces Hans Schiffers for the WBA Flyweight title. This is a rematch of their Nov. 1946 encounter, in which Monaghan took the title from Schiffers via a split decision. Monaghan is on target early, managing to open a cut and some swelling under the left eye of Schiffers. After the first five rounds are in the books, Managhan is well ahead on points (49-46), according to the unofficial card. In the middle rounds, with Monaghan continuing to grind away, Schiffers gradually becomes more aggressive. At the two thirds mark, Schiffers has closed the gap on the unofficial card to just two (96-94), doing just enough to make the bout interesting as it reaches the final stages, with Monaghan also showing some signs of wear and tear, with noticeable swelling under his left eye as well. Then, as the 11th round was winding down, Monaghan was called for frequently hitting on the break, and this resulted in a DQ-11 in favor of the challenger, Schiffers, who regains the WBA title over howls of protest from the pro-Monaghan crowd here in London. Post-bout career marks: Schiffers, 27-8-5 (8); Monaghan, 40-13-1 (12). Given the controversial nature of the end of the bout, plus the fact that Monaghan was well ahead on all three cards at the time of the stoppage, it is likely that a second rematch between the two will take place later in 1947.

Jan. 25, 1947: Later that same day, another WBA title fight tops a nice card at New York’s Madison Square Garden. First up, in the co-feature, WBA LH Champ Ezzard Charles decides to test the waters in the HW division, and he faces Cuban knockout artist Nino Valdes in a 10-round, non-title contest. Late in the opening round, Charles serves notice of the seriousness of his intentions, when he decks Valdes with a huge shot. The Cuban arises at the count of seven, then covers up to last the round. After Valdes goes down a second time in round five, Charles appears to be well in control, and has a wide lead (49-44) at the midway point, according to the unofficial count. Charles does not let up, and in the seventh, he catches Valdes with a wicked hook to the head; this time, Valdes is barely able to beat the count. Down to the final three rounds, and a desperate Valdes, now suffering from some swelling around his right eye, goes all-out for a knockout. However, Charles’ defense remains solid, and he manages to post a lopsided UD 10 (100-87, 99-88, 99-88) to earn a spot among the top 10 HW contenders, all while improving his career totals to an excellent 25-2 (21). Meanwhile, Valdes, who was totally outclassed in this bout, slips to 19-4-2 (15). In the finale, Ike Williams makes the first defense of the WBA LW title he won late in 1946. The challenger is Joe Brown, who has compiled a 16-bout win streak on his way to the USBA, then more recently, the NABF LW title that he currently holds. No prior meetings, and the bout is a close one through the opening rounds after a cautious start by both fighters. Brown manages to cause some initial puffiness to appear under the left eye of Williams as early as the end of round two. However, in round three, Williams asserts himself, drawing blood from a cut under Brown’s right eye from a quick hook to the head. Brown is back in charge with a big round in round four, and the two battle away on the inside in round five, with Williams rocking Brown with a huge left with less than a minute left in the round. Brown’s inexperience tells, as he eschews the cover up, yet there is still time remaining for Wiliams to hammer away, and he forces an early stoppage with just four seconds left on the clock. TKO 5 for Williams, and a tough loss (just the second of his career for Brown). Post-bout career marks: Williams, 30-3-1 (25); Brown, 26-2 (17). Disappointing to see an early end to such a competitive bout, especially since two of the three cards had Williams ahead, while a third had Brown leading at the time of the stoppage.

Jan. 30, 1947: To Havana’s Gran Stadium for the next fistic action, and this being a rare Thursday night card. Only bout of note, in the main event, is a non-title contest matching the current LABF LW titleholder, Cuban Humberto Sierra, with a fast rising LW contender, Beau Jack. No prior meetings of the two, and the higher rated Jack gets off to a quick start, stunning Sierra with a hook early in the opening stanza that forces the Cuban fighter to cover up to avert further damage. After another big round in round two, Jack moves inside to apply maximum pressure in round three, Midway through the round, he backs Sierra up and drops him for a six count. Sierra arises on wobbly legs, but Jack is determined to finish matters. A short, clean combination drops Sierra second time, and soon thereafter, the ref has seen enough. Impressive TKO 3 for Jack, who cements his credentials as a possible future title contender and improves to 30-4 (20). Sierra, who still has the LABF title to fall back on, ends the bout at 19-4-3 (7) with the loss.

Jan. 31, 1947: Final card of the month is a Friday night affair in New Orleans. In the feature, two top 1o WW contenders are matched together in a non-title bout, as former WBA Champ Marty Servo faces Jackie Wilson. First meeting of the two and the first bout for Servo after hitting Post-Prime career stage, while Wilson is still at Prime. Wilson takes advantage of a sluggish start by Servo to dominate most of the action in round one. Off to a solid early lead in the punches landed category, Wilson continues to be the more effective puncher, landing sufficient leather to cause some initial swelling to appear under the left eye of Servo by the end of round four. At the halfway point of the bout, the unofficial scorecard has Wilson well ahead on points (by a count of 50-46). Wilson continues to keep up the pressure and, midway through round six, he connects with a hard cross that causes Servo to cover up. Servo attempts to battle his way back, but he just leaves himself open for more target practice by Wilson. With Wilson easing up a bit in the final two rounds, the bout proceeds to decision, with no cuts or knockouts. Wilson goes on to take a lopsided UD 10 (99-93, 99-92, 99-92), enabling him to move up a few spots in the WW rankings. Post-bout career marks: Wilson, 34-12-2 (17); Servo, 31-8-1 (11).

JCWeb · 01-28-2022, 12:26 PM

No WBA title bouts on the agenda for the first half of the month.

Feb. 1, 1947: First up as a card at the War Memorial Auditorium in Syracuse. No titles on the line, and the main event pairs two LH contenders, as Harry Matthews faces Fitzie Fitzpatrick. It is the first meeting of the two, and Matthews wastes little time, dropping Fitzpatrick with an overhand right in opening round. Fitzpatrick regains his footing quickly and covers up, although he suffers a split upper lip as Matthews presses home the attack, looking to follow up on his early success. By the end of the third round, Fitzpatrick shows further signs of wear and tear, as his left eye begins to puff up. Then, in the final minute of round four, Matthews takes charge, backing Fitzpatrick up against the ropes, landing punch after punch until the ref steps in to call a halt. TKO 4 for Matthews, lifting his career totals to 29-6 (20) as a result. Meanwhile, the loss leaves Fitzpatrick at 21-7-2 (16).

Feb. 7, 1947: The venue for the next fistic action is the Gran Stadium in Havana. The featured bout is for the LABF FW title, currently held by Diego Sosa, who is on hand to defend that belt versus countryman Ciro Morasen. As it is the first meeting of the two, it takes some time for the action to develop. Morasen, who recently completed the pre-Prime stage of his career with just one loss, proves to be a credible challenger to Sosa, who presses home the action by moving inside in round three, landing enough good shots to cause a trace of swelling to appear under Morasen’s right eye. Midway through round six, Sosa rocks Morasen with a winging right hand that causes the challenger to cover up. However, the bout is a close one, as indicated by the unofficial scorer’s card at the halfway point, which shows Sosa with a narrow one-point lead (58-57). Then, late in round seven, Sosa breaks through with a sharp combination; Morasen tumbles to the deck but is saved by the bell. Despite the knockdown, Morasen bounces back in the later rounds, firing away at Sosa and managing to keep the bout reasonably close. In the end, Sosa’s experience – plus the one KD – are enough to overcome an edge in the punches landed stat favoring Morasen, so Sosa takes a close but UD 12 (114-112. 114-113, 115-112), sealing the win with a second knockdown in the final stanza. Post-bout career records: Sosa, 28-5-2 (16); Morasen, 16-2-3 (3).

Feb. 8, 1947: The vacant EBU MW title (vacated once again when Marcel Cerdan regained the WBA MW crown) is the subject of the main event in the next fight card at the Palais des Sports in Cannes, France. A Brit, Dick Turpin, and a Dutchman, Luc Van Dam, are matched for the vacant title, and Turpin enters the bout having prevailed in both their two prior encounters. Not much happens in the first few rounds, but Van Dam gives a good accounting for himself, as he pulls ahead in the punches landed category. After some bruising inside exchanges in round five, Turpin comes off the worse for wear, sporting some abrasions under his left eye. At the halfway point, the unofficial card has Van Dam with a slim one-point lead (58-57). In the second half of the bout, the issue remains in doubt, with both men willing to press the action by moving forward. Then, early in the eighth round, a Turpin right opens a cut under Van Dam’s right eye. Then, midway through round nine, Van Dam decks Turpin with a hard shot; Turpin is barely able to beat the count, scrambling to his feet at the count of nine, then covering up to survive the round. The bout goes the full 12 rounds, and Van Dam emerges victorious, taking a SD 12 (113-114, 114-113, 116-112) to capture the EBU title for the second time. Post-bout, Van Dam improves to 26-9-1 (12) with the win. The loss leaves Turpin at 28-9-1 (11).

Feb. 8, 1947: Next card takes place at Miami. At stake is the NABF Flyweight title, currently held by former WBA Fly Champ Jackie Jurich. Competition for this belt has been dormant since Jurich won the title from Dado Marino almost two years ago; in the meantime, Jurich regained the WBA title, then lost it, and was awarded the NABF title as a consolation prize. In this, his first defense since being re-instated as NABF Champ, Mexico’s Otilio Galvan is the challenger. There is a long feeling out process in the opening few rounds, as the two have not faced each other before. The bout remains close through the first six rounds and, at the midway point, the unofficial scorer’s card has Galvan holding a two point lead (58-56). Jurich, who holds a slight edge in the punches landed stats, takes a more aggressive approach to the second half of the bout, carrying the fight to Galvan. The stamina factor seems to favor Galvan, who puts up some stubborn resistance and stout defense as Jurich, who is at Post-Prime, tries to work his way inside and inflict some damage. With both fighters battling to the end, the bout goes the distance with no cuts or knockdowns, and Galvan manages to pull off the upset, taking the belt via a SD 12 (118-115 Galvan, 115-116 Jurich, 227-113 Galvan). Post-bout career marks: Galvan, 18-6-2 (5); Jurich, 37-9-1 (19).

Feb. 14, 1947: Next up is another Friday Night fight “Down Under” card, this time at Melbourne, Australia. The OPBF WW title is on the line in the featured bout, with Jack McNamee once again defending, for the third successive year, versus the same challenger in Alan Westbury. In four prior encounters among these familiar foes, McNamee has won three times, with Westbury eking out a MD in 1944 for his only prior success. This time around, McNamee, who is still at Prime while Westbury has slipped to post-Prime, starts well, forcing Westbury into a defensive posture for most of the early going. After a sluggish start, Westbury finally gets on track after moving inside in round four. Late in round five, Westbury connects with a winging right that staggers McNamee, who remains upright but returns to his corner with some redness under his right eye. At the midway point, the unofficial scorer has the bout even (57-57) as Westbury has made the bout competitive. However, both the punches landed stat and the stamina factor favor the defending Champ, and McNamee begins to assert himself as the bout wears on. Sensing his title hopes slipping away, Westbury goes headhunting in the final few rounds, looking for a knockout, or at least a knockdown, to turn things around. As with their last three encounters, this one goes the distance, and McNamee scoops up a UD 12 (117-112 on all three cards) to retain the title. With the win, McNamee improves to 41-16-2 (23). The loss leaves Westbury at 29-15-3 (16).

Feb. 15, 1947: Philadelphia sets the scene for the next fight card. Topping the agenda is a MW bout pairing together top 10 contender Jake LaMotta, the "Bronx Bull," with veteran Coley Welch. This is the first meeting of the two, and, in this 10-round, non-title bout, LaMotta has the upper hand in the early going, after connecting with a three-punch combo that staggered Welch late in the third round. By the midway point, LaMotta has a wide lead on the punches landed stat and the unofficial scorecard has LaMotta winning every round (leading by a count of 50-45). It is more of the same in the second half of the contest, as LaMotta continues firing away, pressing home the attack versus his overmatched opponent. Late in round seven, a straight right from LaMotta gets through, forcing Welch to cover up. Despite a puffy right eye, Welch soldiers on and even attempts to mix it up with LaMotta as the bout enters its final stages. Well ahead on points, LaMotta eases up in the final two rounds and goes on to register a very solid UD 10 triumph (98-92, 98-92. 99-91) that can only enhance his prospects for a title shot. Post-bout career marks: LaMotta, 25-3 (18); Welch, 31-12-4 (14).

JCWeb · 02-03-2022, 01:02 PM

This report summarizes action from the second half of February 1947, and two WBA title bouts are included.

Feb. 15, 1947: To the West Coast and the Cow Palace in San Francisco for an exciting fight card, topped by a WBA HW title encounter. First up, in the main supporting bout, two top five LW contenders face each other, as former WBA and Commonwealth LH Champ Lefty Satan Flynn takes on another former Commonwealth LW Champ, Vic Patrick, who happens to be the current OPBF LW titleholder. The two met once before, back in 1944, and Flynn prevailed via a cuts stoppage. In this rematch, the action heats up in the second round, when Flynn breaks through and drops Patrick for an eight count. Flynn pulls ahead in the punches landed count and, at the halfway point, he is also ahead on points (48-46) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In round eight, however, Flynn sustains a cut over his right eye. The cut does not prove to be a factor in the outcome, as Flynn coasts to a UD 10 victory (97-92, 97-94, 97-93), based largely on the strength of the early knockdown and points lead. Post-bout records: Flynn, 37-15-4 (19); Patrick, 27-4 (19). In the main event, the “Brown Bomber,” Joe Louis makes another defense of the WBA HW title he has held since 1939 and, for the third time, the challenger is NABF HW Champ Roscoe Toles. Toles hopes to improve on the results in the two prior bouts, both of which resulted in stoppage wins for Louis. This time around, after a strong opening round for Louis, Toles settles in and attempts to make this bout more competitive. Late in round four, Louis catches Toles with a punishing hook to the head that causes the challenger to cover up. After the first five rounds are in the books, Louis is well ahead (50-45) on the unofficial scorer’s card. Late in round seven, Louis breaks through, landing a big uppercut then dropping Toles with an overhand right just before the bell; Toles’ face is beginning to show the effects, as his right eye has begun to puff up, as he returns to his corner after having been saved by the bell. Another KD, the result of a Louis hook, follows late in the eighth round and, once again, Toles is saved by the bell. After being on the receiving end of more punishment in round nine, Toles begins carrying his hands low – the telltale sign of a tired fighter. After 10, Louis has a dominant lead (100-88) on the unofficial scorer’s card. Toles’ attempt to battle his way back into the bout is thwarted by Louis, who drops Toles a third time with a hook in round 12, A fourth KD follows in round 13, then a fifth in round 14, yet Toles manages to pick himself off the canvas but the end comes in the final round, after two more KDs (bringing the total to seven), and the ref waves the fight off with less than a minute remaining. TKO 15 for Louis over a game opponent. This defense, Louis’ 30th in succession, enables Joe to move his career totals to 55-1-1 (53). Meanwhile, the loss leaves Toles, who is now slated to hit Post-Prime with his next outing, at 44-15-6 (8).

Feb. 21, 1947: The venue for the next fistic action is the Coliseum Arena in New Orleans. Tippy Larkin, the “Garfield Gunner,” faces Bernard “Big Duke” Docusen in the main event. It’s the first meeting of the two, and the prize for the winner is the USBA WW title recently vacated by Tommy Bell, who moved up in class and won the NABF WW belt. It is the first meeting of the two, and Docusen enters the bout as a top unbeaten prospect, having compiled a 19-0-3 record in his young career. Larkin, who is ten years Docusen’s senior, starts off with a strong opening round. By the end of round four, Docusen is already showing the effects, as there is noticeable swelling under his right eye. By the midway point, Docusen is already showing signs of fatigue and Larkin, who is making the most of this, his first title shot of any kind, has a large lead (59-55) on the unofficial scorecard. However, the bout comes to a shocking early end in round seven, when Larkin is called for some blatant low blows, which results in a controversial DQ-7 call in favor of Docusen, who remains unbeaten and is awarded the title as a result, despite trailing on all three cards at the time of the stoppage. Post-bout career records: Docusen, 20-0-3 (4); Larkin, 30-11-3 (14).

Feb. 22, 1947: The next fight card takes place in London, at the Harringay Arena. No title bouts are on the agenda, and the main event pairs two veteran FWs, both on the downside of their respective careers, as Baby Arizmendi, former WBA Champ in two divisions, faces Dave Crowley, former CBU and GBU FW Champ who still holds the EBU FW belt. In one prior meeting, back in 1943, for the WBA FW title, Arizmendi took a unanimous points win. In this rematch, Crowley has the support of a vociferous hometown crowd behind him but it is Arizmendi who is the more accurate puncher in the opening few rounds. By the midway point of the bout, Arizmendi has pulled ahead to a comfortable lead (49-46) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the second half of the bout, nothing much changes as Crowley is unable to mount a rally. In the end, in a bout with no cuts or knockdowns, Arizmendi is able to grind out a UD 10 win (99-91, 99-91, 100-90) to improve his career totals to 59-13-4 (13). The loss leaves Crowley at 41-31-1 (17).

Feb. 22, 1947: Next card takes place at New York’s Madison Square Garden, and it is topped by a WBA title contest. In the main supporting bout, two ranked HW contenders do battle as Jersey Joe Walcott, on the comeback trail, faces Phil Muscato. It is the first meeting of the two in a 10-round, non-title clash, as Walcott, who is nearing the post-Prime stage of his career, seeks to snap a four-bout losing streak. Muscato, who enters the bout as a big underdog (a “7” rated fighter versus Walcott, who is an “11”), does well to keep the bout close through the early going. By the halfway point of the bout, Walcott is only up by one (48-47) on the unofficial scorecard. Then, in round seven, the complexion of the bout changes, as Walcott manages to rip open a cut over Muscato’s left eye. Then, late in round seven, Walcott breaks through and decks Muscato with a hook to the head, but there is insufficient time remaining in the round for Walcott to follow up. The bout goes the rest of the way without incident, and the one KD is enough for Walcott to prevail, taking a UD 10 (97-93, 99-90, 97-92) to move to 53-12 (31) overall. For Muscato, it was only his third career loss, as he ended the bout at 20-3-2 (9). Then, in the feature, Willie “Will O the Wisp” Pep takes to the ring, making his eighth defense of the WBA FW title. Challenging Pep for the belt is NABF FW titleholder Carlos Chavez. The two have not met before, but, instead of the usual feeling out process, Pepe goes to work in the early going and, by the end of the opening round, Chavez is showing the effects, with a cut lip and a puffy left eye. Pep continues to hammer away until, near the end of third, Chavez has little left in the tank, and the ref steps in to save him from further punishment. Another impressive win, this via a TKO 3, for Pep. Post-bout career marks: Pep, 32-2 (22); Chavez, 27-7-1 (10).

Feb. 28, 1947: The month wraps with a huge Friday night card at the Forum in Montreal. There are two bouts of note in the co-feature matchups that top the card. In the first co-feature, two top 10 BW contenders take to the ring, as former WBA Champ Benny Goldberg, now at the Post-Prime stage of his career, faces Canada’s Fernando Gagnon, himself a former NABF BW titleholder. No prior meetings, and Gagnon has the full support of an appreciative hometown crowd. The bout devolves into a typical boxer versus slugger confrontation, with Gagnon playing the role of the slugger and initiating most of the action, at least in the early going. By the midway point, the unofficial scorer has the bout even (47-47), this after the ref ordered a point deducted from Gagnon’s score for hitting below the belt. Then, in the final minute of round six, Gagnon catches Goldberg with a hard uppercut that puts the ex-Champ on the canvas; Goldberg is only able to resume after taking an eight count, then he covers up in order to survive the rest of the round. By the end of round seven, Goldberg’s corner is also forced to deal with a rapidly swelling right eye that is beginning to affect their fighter’s vision. The tide begins to turn in the other direction when, midway through round eight, an accidental clash of heads causes a cut to appear over Gagnon’s left eye. The cut proves not to be a major factor; however, despite the knockdown, Goldberg is able to work his way into the fight and, to the surprise of the pro-Gagnon crowd, Goldberg takes a close but UD 10 (95-94, 95-94, 96-93) as cries of “We Wuz Robbed” reverberate throughout the arena. In any event, the post-bout career marks are 34-5-2 (14) for Goldberg and 22-4 (15) for Gagnon. In the second co-feature, the NABF LW title is at stake; this belt was recently vacated by Joe Brown who then unsuccessfully challenged Ike Williams for the WBA LW crown. Vying for the vacant belt are Beau Jack, who has risen rapidly up the LW ranks to a top five contender status and Canada’s own Dave Castilloux, a former WBA LW Champ who still reigns as Commonwealth LW titleholder. Even though the two have not met before, the action picks up midway through round two, when Jack sends Castilloux reeling after connecting with a big hook. Castilloux stumbles but remains upright, then covers up to avert further damage, but there is some initial puffiness seen around his left eye as the Canadian fighter returns to his corner. In round four, the tables begin to turn, as a Castilloux jab sneaks through and manages to cause a nasty cut to appear over Jack’s right eyebrow. After this, the two tangle on the inside in round five, and Jack comes out on top, landing some good shots while putting Castilloux on the defensive. At the halfway point of the bout, Jack has opened a two-point lead (58-56) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the middle of the seventh round, the cut over Jack’s eye is reopened. As the bout heads into the later stages, Castilloux moves inside, pinning his hopes on targeting the cut over Jack’s damaged eye. In round nine, he succeeds in reopening the cut a second time. However, in round 10, Jack springs to life, countering Castilloux’s efforts by connecting with a big hook that puts the Canadian on the deck. Castilloux scrambles to his feet after taking a six count, but Jack follows up with a second KD just before the round ends. Emphasizing defense in the final two rounds, the cut remains closed and Jack goes on to prevail via a UD 12 (116-111, 117-110, 118-109) to capture the NABF title. With the win, Jack improves to 31-4 (20). The loss leaves Castilloux, 36-18-3 (9).

Only five fight cards – one less than usual – during the second half of the month, so now it’s on to March 1947.

JCWeb · 02-09-2022, 01:26 PM

This report summarizes action from the first half of March 1947, and there are no WBA title bouts are included.

Mar. 1, 1947: The month commences with a strong card at Cannes on the French Riviera. In the feature, Brit Terry Allen challenges Emile Famechon for Famechon’s EBU Flyweight title. Allen is hopeful of repeating his earlier success in one prior bout versus Famechon, a points win in London in 1944 when both were at Pre-Prime career stage. This time around, it is a rough start for Allen, who suffers a cut over his right eye, the result of a sharp uppercut delivered with some force by the French Champion. Although the cut is patched up quickly, it gives Famechon a target to shoot at as he works his way inside, gradually applying more pressure. In round four, more problems develop for Allen, after Famechon doubles up on his jab and opens up a second cut, this over the other eye. Allen battles back, advancing himself in a strong round five, landing a hard cross that forces Famechon to retreat and cover up to avert further trouble. At the midway point, despite the two cuts, the unofficial scorer’s card has Allen with a surprisingly strong lead (59-55). Then, near the end of round seven, another Allen cross gets through, this time opening a cut over Famechon’s right eye. As the bout heads into the later rounds, Famechon becomes more aggressive and, in round 10, he is able to reopen the cut over Allen’s right eye. Then, in round 11, it is Allen who manages to reopen the cut over Famechon’s eye. Finally, this action-packed bout with no knockdowns but plenty of cuts goes to decision, and Allen prevails, taking a UD 12 (119-109, 119-109, 117-111). With the win, Allen is the new EBU Fly Champ, running his career totals to 24-2 (3). Meanwhile, the loss leaves Famechon at 20-7-1 (17).

Mar. 7, 1947: Next is a Friday night card at Manila’s Rizal Arena, which is topped by a pair of OPBF title contests, with Filipino fighters engaged in both contests. In the first co-feature, it’s a rematch as Tirso Del Rosario defends his OPBF BW title against the same fighter he defeated to take the belt, countryman Little Pancho. With two boxers both taking a cautious approach, nothing much happens in the opening few rounds, although Del Rosario looks to grind against his aged opponent, who is at End career stage. By the halfway point, Del Rosario has opened up a slight lead (58-56) on the unofficial scorecard. Starting in round seven, Pancho moves inside, hoping to slice into Del Rosario’s lead. However, Del Rosario has the edge in both the punches landed and stamina factors, and he is able to blunt any attempt by Pancho to complicate matters. Thus, Del Rosario is able to retain the belt via a comfortable UD 12 (118-110, 116-112, 117-111). Post-bout career records: Del Rosario, 18-4-1 (4); Pancho, 50-18-9 (11). In the second co-feature it is the OPBF FW title at stake, with a Japanese figher, Tsuneo Horiguchi, making his first defense in over two years against a first-time challenger in Filipino Baby Gustillo. The two have not met before, and Horiguchi starts well, tagging Gustillo with a strong uppercut in the very opening round. After covering up to survive the early onslaught, Gustillo is gradually able to work his way into the bout. By the midway point, Horiguchi has pulled out to a three-point lead (59-56). In round seven, an accidental clash of the heads opens a cut over Horiguchi’s left eye – the first bit of adversity for the defending Champ. Into the later rounds, Gustillo is the more active of the two, and he even manages to pull out a slight lead in the punches landed stat. However, just before the end of round nine, Horiguchi catches the off balance Gustillo with an uppercut that puts the Filipino challenger on the deck for the first time; Gustillo is saved by the bell. Late in round 10, a Horiguchi jab sends Gustillo reeling against the ropes, but the Japanese Champion is unable to follow up. By this point the bout, a big welt has formed under Gustillo’s right eye. After a second KD late in round 11, Horiguchi is coasting to a points win when the cut over his eye is reopened, leading to a late stoppage. The decision goes to the scorecards after 11 (due to the accidental butt), and Horiguchi comes away with a UTD 12 (107-100 on all three cards) to run his career record to 41-14-3 (24). Post-bout, Gustillo is 16-92 (5).

Mar. 8, 1947: A pair of twin features, both non title bouts, headline the next fight card at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens. In the first co-feature, top 10 WW contender Norman Rubio is paired with Ernie Roderick, the reigning Commonwealth and GBU WW Champion. The bout is a close one, and Rubion has the early edge in terms of punches landed. At the halfway point, the two are tied (at 48-48) on the unofficial scorecard. In round seven, Rubio breaks down Roderick’s defenses, stunning the British fighter with a straight right. However, Roderick recovers quickly and battles away on even terms for the rest of the bout, eventually securing a majority draw (96-96, 96-96, 96-95 Rubio). Post-bout career marks: Rubio, 27-7-4 (13); Roderick, 37-20-5 (8). In the second co-feature, FWs take to the ring as Mike the “Bronx Spider” Belloise, a former WBA FW Champion, faces Birt Ronnie Clayton. It is the first meeting of these two, who are on different career arcs, given that Belloise recently hit Post-Prime career stage, while Clayton is looking to make his mark. Rough start for Clayton, however, as he sustains a slight cut under his left eye late in the second stanza. Late in round four, a good round for Clayton, he is warned for hitting low. At the midway point of the bout, Clayton has a narrow points lead (48-47) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the second half of the bout, Belloise, in addition to falling behind in the punches landed stat, is also running low on stamina. However, Belloise keeps firing away and, in round seven, he manages to reopen the cut under Clayton’s eye. In the end, this is not enough as the cut is not really a factor, and Clayton goes on to take a fairly comfortable UD 10 (96-93, 96-93, 98-91) to improve his career totals to 25- (14). The loss leaves Belloise at 36-19-8 (11).

Mar. 8, 1947: To Chicago for the next fight card, and, in the main event, the “Man of Steel,” former WBA MW Champion Tony Zale, is showcased in the feature bout, as he faces another top 10 MW contender, George Abrams, in a 10-round, non-title bout. The two met once before, in 1941, for the WBA title, and that time, Zale took a points win. In round two, it is Abrams who literally draws first blood, by landing a hard jab that opens a cut over Zale’s right eye. However, the cut is quickly patched up between rounds and Zale quickly bounces back with a couple of good rounds in the third and the fourth, after which Abrams is suffering from a rapidly swelling right eye. By the halfway point of the bout, Zale has opened up a nice lead (49-46) on the unofficial scorecard, and Abrams is cut over the swollen right eye. Knowing he is trailing in the bout, Abrams begins pressing in the second half of the bout, but to no avail. Zale drops Abrams with a sharp combination in round nine, then goes on to take a comfortable UD 10 win (97-92, 98-91, 97-92) to improve to 43-8-2 (26), thereby enhancing the prospects for another title shot. The loss drops Abrams to 31-10-3 (11).

Mar. 14, 1947: No title bouts on the next card, a Friday night affair at Pittsburgh, but it is topped by an intriguing main event in the WW division, as unbeaten Jimmy Sherrer, now 19-0, wraps up the pre-Prime stage of his career by taking on a former WBA Champ in Marty Servo. The two have not before and, although some are thinking the young Sherrer may be in over his head versus the former Champ, the fact that Servo is now at Post-Prime evens up the experience factor somewhat. Not much action until early in round three, when a hard shot from Servo rips open a gash over Sherrer’s right eye. It appears the cut is in a bad spot, and Sherrer is forced into a more defensive posture than he would like in order to protect the injured eye from further damage. Additionally, it takes several rounds for Sherrer’s corner to bring the cut under control. In round five, a lead right from Servo does the trick, by reopening the cut, this time it is adjudged too severe to allow the bout to continue. Thus, Servo notches up a TKO 5 win on the early stoppage, thus handing Sherrer his first career setback. Post-bout career marks are 32-8-1 (12) for Servo and 19-1 (11) for Sherrer.

Mar. 15. 1947: Twin feature bouts top a packed fight card at the Olympia in London, and the agenda includes an EBU title contest. In the first co-main event, veteran MW Steve “Spider” Belloise travels from the States to face the GBU MW titleholder, Vince Hawkins, in a 10-round, non-title affair. This bout is the first meeting of the two, and Belloise goes to work early, piling up an early lead in the punches landed stats. In round three, Hawkins has a few good moments, and he manages to cause some initial puffiness under Belloise’s right eye. At the halfway point, however Belloise is in front by a comfortable margin (49-46), according to the unofficial scorecard. It is more of the same in the second half of the bout, as Hawkins simply lacks the firepower to mount an effective rally. In the end, Belloise was never seriously threatened as he goes on to take a lopsided UD 10 (98-92 on all three cards), moving to 307-2 (14) as a result. Meanwhile, the loss leaves Hawkins at 18-11-4 (7). Then, in the second co-feature, the EBU HW title is at stake, with popular British HW Bruce Woodcock defending versus German challenger Richard Vogt. Midway through the opening round, Woodcock connects with a right and then follows up with a powerful uppercut, and suddenly Vogt is in trouble. The challenger is able to cover up and remain upright, preventing Woodcock from finishing him off and causing further damage. After a great action round in the second, when both fighters landed some good shots, Woodcock moves inside in round three, looking to do further damage. While Woodcock dominates the action in the third, the resilient Vogt is able to maintain his balance, lasting another round. Early in round four, however, Woodcock breaks through, dropping Vogt twice, first with an uppercut and then, with a combination. When he floors Vogt a third time later in the round, the bout is stopped and Woodcock is a TKO 4 winner. Impressive win, but Vogt was hardly a difficult challenge for the rapidly improving Woodcock, who is angling for a WBA title shot. Post-bout career marks: Woodcock, 25-2 (21); Vogt, 29-10-4 (14).

JCWeb · 02-16-2022, 11:41 AM

This report summarizes action from the second half of March 1947, and there are two WBA title bouts featured, plus a notable debutant in the HW division.

Mar. 15, 1947: New Orleans sets the scene for the next card, and WBA LH Champ Ezzard Charles, “the Cincinnati Cobra,” continues to test the waters in the HW division, as he takes on #3 ranked HW contender Pat Comiskey in a 10-round, non-title bout. Despite the fact that the two have not met before, it is a rude awakening for Charles as Comiskey puts him on the canvas with a wicked cross, this occurring in the first minute of the opening stanza. A dazed Charles is back on his feet after taking an eight count, and he attempts to cover up in an effort to last the remaining two minutes of round one. Comiskey, however, has other ideas, and he tracks Charles down, cornering him and landing a sharp, clean combination that puts Charles down and out – all this happening with less than 30 seconds remaining in the round. Shocking result as Charles is rated a “13” a LH and Comiskey, only a “6” at HW, but there is the step up in weight class to be considered. With the KO 1 win, Comiskey is now 29-6 (19), will be seeking a title matchup soon, preferably with WBA HW Champ Joe Louis, whom he has yet to meet in the ring. On the other hand, Charles’ plans to set up a rematch with Louis are, at least for the time being, put on hold, as he suffers his third career defeat (the other two at the hands of Louis and Billy Conn), thus ending the bout at 25-3 (21).

Mar. 21, 1947: It is Friday night and, yes, time for another “Friday Night Fights Down Under” card, this time at the Sydney Stadium. Only bout of note is the main event, this for the OPBF Flyweight title, which sees two Japanese fighters vying for the title currently held by Yoshio Shirai, who is making his third title defense, having won the belt back in April of 1946. Challenging Shirai this time around is Noboru Kushida who, despite losing five of his last six, has been tapped to engage in the first title matchup of his career. The two have not met before and, Shirai, who was already a favorite coming into the bout, has his prospects further enhanced by the fact that this is his first outing at Prime career stage. Shirai takes the early initiative, setting the pace through the opening few rounds. Shirai has an early lead in the punches landed category, and he pulls even further ahead by winning the majority of the inside exchanges in a hard fought round five. At the halfway point, the unofficial scorer has Shirai well in front (59-55), plus the challenger, Kushida, is suffering from a rapidly swelling right eye. In the second half, Kushida tries to become more active, but he just ends up opening himself up for more strong countershots from Shirai, who simply adds to his points lead. Then, halfway through the ninth round, a cross from Shirai finishes off the challenger. Impressive KO 9 for Shirai, who will be looking for a bigger challenge in his next fight. Post-bout career records: Shirai, 19-2 (10); Kushida, 18-10 (7).

Mar. 22, 1947: The Boston Garden is the venue for the next fight card. On the undercard is a talented young HW making his pro debut; yes, it is none other than the “Brockton Blockbuster,” 23-year old Rocky Marciano, who faces a hapless TC opponent named Lee Epperson in a scheduled four-rounder. Epperson manages to survive the opening round intact, but in round two, Rocky connects with an overhand right that sends Epperson sprawling to the canvas. Epperson takes a four count before emerging on wobbly legs, but he has little left, and the ref soon calls a halt. TKO 2 win for Marciano, getting his career off to a great start. After a series of preliminary bouts, it is time for the first of a double feature of title bouts. In this first co-main event, two-time WBA MW Champion Charley Burley is still on the comeback trail, and he challenges Ben “Belter” Brown for Brown’s recently crowned USBA MW title. It is the first meeting of the two, and Burley’s prospects for success are enhanced by the fact that Brown has just hit Post-Prime career stage. Midway through round two, Burley takes advantage of the situation, landing a short, clean cross that drops Brown to the canvas. Brown makes a gallant effort to beat the count but, alas, he cannot. KO 2 for Burley, who becomes the new USBA MW Champion and is looking for another WBA title shot. Post-bout career marks: Burley, 42-3 (29); Brown, 37-13-3 (21). In the second co-feature, “Sugar” Ray Robinson has made the decision to make a mandatory defense of his WBA WW title, remaining in the fold as a WW for the time being, despite a recent foray into the MW ranks. Challenging Sugar Ray for the title is Tommy Bell, who recently captured the NABF WW title belt. The two have not met before, and both fighters take some time to work their way into the bout, probing for openings. Suddenly, in the waning seconds of round three, Bell leaves himself open for a Robinson hook, followed by an uppercut, and Bell goes down, arising just before the bell, but the damage had been done. Bell recovers quickly, and he rebounds with a couple of good rounds in the fourth and the fifth and, after five, Robinson is showing some wear and tear with a trace of swelling appearing under his right eye. Despite the one KD, at this point the bout is very close, with Robinson holding a slim one-point edge (48-47) on the unofficial scorecard. In the middle rounds, Bell continues his progress, carving further into Robinson’s early lead. Robinson rallies with a nice round in the ninth and, at this point, Bell is dealing with a rapidly swelling left eye. Then, in a wild finish to round 10, Robinson has Bell pinned against the ropes, but swings and misses, leaving himself open for a Bell combination that puts “Sugar Ray” on the canvas. Robinson takes a six count, and the bell sounds. At the two-thirds point of the bout, now even with one KD apiece, Bell has turned things around and has a narrow lead (95-94) on the unofficial card. Both fighters are low on stamina, and it is the challenger – Bell – who leads in the punches landed category. Seeing his title slipping away, Robinson gets serious and becomes much more aggressive in the final few rounds of the contest. Despite Robinson’s best efforts, Bell’s defense remains solid, and he manages to hang on and record a surprising but well deserved UD 15 victory (143-141, 144-138, 144-138), perhaps hastening Robinson’s decision to move up to the MW division. With the win, in a bout that is a strong candidate for Fight of the Year as well as Upset of the Year, Bell claims the WBA belt, improving his career stats to 26-2 (15). For Robinson, it is only his second career loss, leaving him at 31-2-1 (22) overall.

Mar. 22, 1947: Meanwhile, on the West Coast, that same day there is another WBA title contest topping a card at Los Angeles. In the main supporting bout, a non-title affair, former WBA FW Champ Harold “Homicide Hal” Hoshino, now at the Post-Prime stage of his career, faces Phil Terranova, a recent NABF FW titleholder who is still in the Prime of his career. This is the first meeting of these two, and thus the action is slow to develop in the opening rounds. Suddenly, early in the fourth, Hoshino fires away with an uppercut, rocking Terranova, who then covers up and manages to last the round. Late in round five, Terranova takes charge, ripping a hook to the head that stuns Hoshino. Still, no knockdown take place and, at the halfway point, Terranova has a slim lead (48-47) on the unofficial scorecard. By the end of the sixth round, there is a trace of swelling around Hoshino’s left eye, plus the ex-Champ is already showing signs of fatigue. Gamely, Hoshino soldiers on, attempting to carry the fight to a more defensive minded Terranova as the bout enters its final stages. By the final two rounds, a desperate looking Hoshino must resort to looking for a knockdown, but to no avail. Terranova’s defense remains solid, and he goes on to take a comfortable UD 10 win (99-92 on all three cards) to improve to 24-6 (9), putting himself in line for a possible title shot later in 1947. Hoshino, who is clearly on the downside of his career arc, ends the bout at 38-7-3 (21). In the main event, David Kui Kong Young is back in town, seeking to defend his WBA BW title for the ninth time. This time around, the challenger is newly crowned GBU BW Champ Gus Foran, who has fashioned a 10-bout winning streak to set up this title shot. The two have not met before and, after a couple of good action rounds to get things underway, Foran takes advantage and lands some good shots to win round three. In round four, Kui Kong Young bears down, moving inside and pressing the challenger, who is able to continue to hold his own. After the first five rounds are in the books, Kui Kong Young has a narrow lead (48-47), according to the unofficial scorer at ringside. In the middle rounds, with the outcome of the bout hanging in the balance, Kui Kong Young continues with an aggressive posture. At the two thirds mark, the unofficial card still has Kui Kong Young clinging to a slim one-point lead (96-95). Finally, in round 11, Kui Kong Young breaks through, decking Foran with a hard shot. Foran regains his footing at the count of two, but the damage has been done. Foran covers up to last the round, and he is forced to switch tactics and take a more aggressive approach to the final few rounds of the contest. Despite suffering a split lip in round 14, Kui Kong Young hangs on to retain the belt via a UD 15 (145-140, 145-138, 146-138). Post-bout career marks: Kui Kong Young, 42-3-4 (20); Foran, 23-5-3 (13).

Mar. 28, 1947: The month’s fistic activity continues with a Friday night card at Havana. In the main event, two Cubans do battle as Luis Galvani defends the LABF BW title, facing his countryman, Humberto Espinosa, who one held this same belt but is now at Post-Prime career stage. Surprisingly, the two have not met before, but Galvani is an overwhelming favorite. After a brief feeling out period, Galvani takes charge in round two and, late in the round, he connects with a sharp combination that puts Espinosa down and out. Solid KO 2 for Galvani, who also holds the NABF BW title, which was not at stake in this particular encounter. Post-bout career marks are 22-3 (14) for Galvani and 33-17-6 (14) for Espinosa.

Mar. 29, 1947: The month concludes with a pair of LH bouts topping a nice card at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. In the first co-feature, former WBA Champ Lloyd Marshall, back in the ring for his first bout after losing the WBA LH title last year, faces Melio Bettina, a former USBA LH titleholder who has bounced back to win seven of his last eight since that title loss. Marshall scored a points win in their prior meeting, an NABF title encounter back in 1944. In this bout, there is not much to choose between these two veteran LH contenders in the early going. After a couple of good rounds, Bettina has pulled ahead at the midway point of the 10-round contest (by a count of 50-47), according to the unofficial scorer’s card. However, Marshall comes to life in the final minute of round six, landing a crushing blow that sends Bettina to the canvas. Bettina, after barely beating the count, covers up and manages to survive the round. Marshall, with the one KD and a stamina advantage, seems poised to overcome Bettina’s advantage in the first half of the bout, as he seeks to gradually wear down his opponent. As the bout winds down, Bettina looks more and more desperate as he seeks to stem the strong second half tide favoring Marshall. The bout ends up going the distance and, with a strong final round, Bettina is able to secure a majority draw (96-96, 97-96, 96-96), although many in the crowd had Marshall as the victor. Post-bout records: Marshall, 32-6-5 (27); Bettina, 40-10-7 (16). Then, in the second co-feature, the NABF LH title is on the line, as Billy Conn defends the belt against a challenge from Harry Matthews. It is the first meeting of the two and only the second title shot of any kind for Matthews, a perennial top 10 contender, who came up short in a USBA title challenge versus the venerable Archie Moore. In this bout, Conn wastes little time, delivering a crushing right hand to Matthews’ jaw in the opening minute of the contest, thus forcing the challenger to cover up to avert further damage. Conn, who is comfortable fighting mainly on the outside, is able to build a solid early lead in the punches landed category. Late in round four, a couple of quick, sharp jabs from Conn draw blood, opening up a cut over Matthews’ right eye. At the midway point, Conn leads by a wide margin (59-55) on the unofficial card, plus Matthews’ cut is reopened; on the other hand, Conn is beginning to suffer from some swelling under his left eye. Trailing, Matthews is forced to go on the initiative as the bout heads into the later stages. However, the cut over his eye continues to be a problem, as it is reopened a second time in round 10. The bout goes the full 12, and Conn does just enough to earn a UD 12 verdict (117-112, 115-114, 117-112), enabling him to keep the NABF belt. Post-bout career marks: Conn, 41-8-3 (16); Matthews, 29-7 (20).

JCWeb · 02-25-2022, 07:13 AM

This report summarizes action from the first half of April 1947, and one WBA title bout is included.

Apr. 4, 1947: First card at the month is a Friday night affair at Atlantic City’s Convention Hall. In the main event, WWs do battle as Georgie Crouch and George Costner are matched together in a title clash for the NABF WW title, recently vacated by Tommy Bell, who stepped up to claim the WBA WW title. The two have not met before, and both fighters are in the prime of their respective careers, and neither has been in any kind of title fight before this encounter. Not surprisingly, the action takes awhile to develop, finally picking up after Crouch lands an uppercut late in the third round that causes Costner’s knees to buckle, but Costner survives by covering up. However, by this time Costner is sporting a puffy left eye. Then, in round five, Crouch breaks through, sending Costner to the canvas with a powerful left hook. Although Costner is able to beat the count, Crouch’s killer instinct kicks in, and he swarms all over a defenseless Costner until, with just one second left in the round, the ref steps in to call a halt. TKO 5 for Crouch, who lifts the belt, running his career record to 34-13-4 (18). Costner ends the bout at 24-6-2 (15) .

Apr. 5, 1947: Next, on to Europe for a card at the Sports Palace in Rome. Although on the downside of his career path, former three division Champ Henry “Homicide Hank” Armstrong is still a big draw, and in the main event, he takes on EBU WW Champ Egisto Peyre, who will have the support of a vociferous hometown crowd. The two have not met before, and no titles are at stake in this featured bout, scheduled for 10 rounds. Armstrong sets the pace in the early going and, by the end of round two, there is noticeable puffiness around Peyre’s right eye. Despite Peyre’s best efforts to work his way into the bout, Armstrong continues to pound away and, by the midway point, he has a wide lead (50-45), according to the unofficial scorer’s card. In round six, Armstrong is warned for holding and hitting, but it does not seem to have slowed him down. Peyre tries to become more aggressive as the bout heads into the later rounds, but he is too tired to put together a string of punches. Thus, Armstrong coasts to a fairly comfortable UD 10 win (99-91, 98-92, 97-93). Post-bout career records: Armstrong, 50-10-3 (41); Peyre, 24-5-2 (12).

Apr. 5, 1947: To Mexico City for the next fistic action, and the main event showcases a rematch for the LABF Flyweight title, with Cuban Black Pico defending against the man he defeated to claim the belt, Mexican Otilio Galvan. Since losing to Pico on points, Galvan has since gone on to capture the NABF Fly belt, which is not at stake in this rematch. The bout is a close one through the opening few rounds, as the two appear to be evenly matched. In round four, Galvan moves inside to take the initiative, but Pico is able to move out of range before any real damage is done. In round five, a sharp jab from Pico rips open a cut over Galvan’s right eye; Pico is able to target the cut, making things more urgent for Galvan’s corner between rounds. At the midway point, the unofficial scorecard has Pico up by two (58-56). In the second half of the bout, Pico enjoys a nice stamina advantage, as he continues to work on Galvan’s injured eye. In round seven, Pico traps Galvan in a neutral corner and connects with a short, clean cross, sending the Mexican fighter to the canvas. Galvan is able to beat the count, and he manages to cover up to last the rest of the round. As the bout wears on, Galvan’s corner has managed to bring the cut under control, but their fighter is forced to take a more aggressive posture and throw caution to the wind as the bout heads into its final stages. In round nine, however, the cut is reopened and Galvan goes down a second time, this from a Pico combination. As Galvan gets more desperate in the final few rounds, Pico is content to sit back in a defensive posture, confident of victory. To no surprise, Pico goes on to retain his LABF title via a fairly comfortable UD 12 (118-110, 116-111, 119-109), improving his career stats to 16-2-1 (0). The loss drops Galvan to 18-7-2 (5) overall.

Apr. 11, 1947: Next, to Luna Park in Buenos Aires for a Friday night card. Featured in the main event are two top tier HWs, and it is a rematch of a prior bout between former WBA HW Champ Max Schmeling and Argentinian Pedro Lovell, the reigning LABF HW titleholder. In one prior meeting, also in Buenos Aires, back in 1944, Schmeling took a points win, but this time around there is cause for optimism in Lovell’s camp, as Schmeling has slipped into End career stage, while Lovell, who is still at Prime, has reeled off four consecutive wins, with his last loss coming in a WBA title challenge versus Joe Louis. Despite his advanced age, Schmeling gets going in the second round, landing a series of punches that do sufficient damage to cause some initial swelling and bruising around the left eye of Lovell. However, Lovell strikes back midway through the third, finding an opening and then decking Schmeling with an overhand right that finds its target. Schmeling is unable to beat the count, enabling Lovell to rack up an impressive KO 3 win over the ex-Champ, who decides to call it quits after this bout. Post-bout career marks: Lovell, 39-17-1 (30); Schmeling, 70-13-1 (45). Tough way to end a 24-year career for the former HW Champ.

Apr. 12, 1947: HW Champ Joe Louis headlines the next fight card in his native defense, making yet another title defense. In the main supporting bout, another former WBA Champ, LW Bob “Bobcat” Montgomery, is on the comeback trail after losing the WBA title; his opponent, Lefty Satan Flynn, is a former WBA LW Champ who in fact was dethroned by Montgomery in their 1945 title encounter. Montgomery, who is eager to repeat his earlier success versus Flynn, takes some time to get off the mark, enabling Flynn to keep the bout close through the opening few rounds. In round five, Montgomery wins most of the inside exchanges, plus he manages to open a cut under Flynn’s right eye. The unofficial scorecard, however, has Flynn with a narrow edge (48-47) at the midway point of the 10-round bout. In the second half of the bout, the stamina factor begins to tell, and this favors Montgomery. A strong second half rally enables Montgomery to eke out a close but SD 10 (95-96, 96-95, 96-95), running his career totals to 33-4-2 (19), while Flynn drops to 37-16-4 (19) with the loss. Then, in the feature, the “Brown Bomber,” Joe Louis makes the 31st defense of his WBA HW title and, for the second time, the challenger is “Tampa” Tommy Gomez, the current USBA HW titleholder. Gomez, who was a TKO 7 loser in their first encounter, hopes to improve on that showing. In this rematch, Louis takes charge in the second round, then moves inside in round three, landing some good shots, but Gomez is able to remain upright. Then, in round four, a Louis cross drops Gomez on his back. Gomez arises on wobbly legs, then goes down from a Louis hook, but is saved by the bell. The end comes a round later, after a Louis combination puts Gomez down a third time. Gomez arises at the count of eight, but, with Louis swarming all over him, the ref steps in to call a halt. Another impressive showing by Louis, who walks away a TKO 5 winner. Post-bout career marks are 56-1-1 (54) for Louis and 31-6-1 (28) for Gomez.

Apr. 12, 1947: To Western Canada for the next fight card, this at the Exhibition Gardens in Vancouver. Two Canadian BWs square off in the main event, with Lou Alter facing Fernando Gagnon. First meeting of these two and, after a slow start, Gagnon moves inside in the third round, seizing the initiative and applying pressure to his opponent. Late in the round, Gagnon drills Alter with an effective three-punch combo, forcing Alter to cover up. By round four, there is noticeable swelling under Alter’s right eye, indicating that Gagnon’s punches have had an impact. By the halfway point, Gagnon has pulled ahead on the unofficial card (by a count of 49-46). Sensing he is losing the fight, Alter steps up the pace and decides to go on the offensive in the second half of the bout. However, the overall pattern remains unchanged, and the bout goes the full 10, and Gagnon picks up a UD 10 (96-94, 96-94, 97-94) as the action winds down to a rather tame conclusion. Post-bout records: Gagnon, 23-4 (15); Alter, 21-6-2 (14).

JCWeb · 03-04-2022, 11:53 PM

This report summarizes action from the second half of April 1947, and one WBA title bout is included.

Apr. 18, 1947: Friday Night fights “Down Under” time, this card at Melbourne, and a Commonwealth title clash tops the agenda. First up, though, on the undercard, reigning OPBF LW Champion Vic Patrick thrills the Aussie fight fans in attendance by thrashing visiting Yank Lew Jenkins, finishing off Jenkins with a powerful combination midway through the second round of the scheduled 10-rounder. The KO 2 lifts Patrick to 28-4 (20), while the loss leaves the inconsistent Jenkins at 33-10-4 (16). Despite a couple of recent losses to Lefty Satan Flynn and an unsuccessful WBA title challenge to Bob Montgomery, Patrick is angling for a shot at WBA LW titleholder Ike Williams. In the main event, another Aussie Champion, MW Dave Sands, takes to the ring to defend his Commonwealth MW title for the fourth time. The challenger this time around is Ireland’s Pat O’Connor, and the two have not met before, this being O’Connor’s first try for a title and first main event billing of his career. Early in the second, Sands draws blood when a hook opens up a cut over the right eye of the challenger. Sands continues to hammer away in round three and, by the end of the round, there is a blotch under O’Connor’s left eye, although the cut has remained closed due to some good cornerwork in between rounds. Sands is able to reopen the cut in round four, creating more issues for O’Connor and his corner. Then, in round five, O’Connor enjoys his first major success, as an uppercut causes Sands to bleed around his mouth area. Late in round six, Sands breaks through O’Connor’s defenses to drop the Irishman with a nice combination, plus he managed to reopen the cut over the Irishman’s eye a second time. At the midway point of the bout, the unofficial scorer has Sands with a commanding points lead (60-53). In round seven, Sands looks to finish matters, decking O’Connor with a hard cross, then following up with another KD, this time from a combination that puts O’Connor down for good. Impressive KO 7 win for Sands, who was never serious threatened. Post-bout records: Sands, 28-3 (18); 27-7-4 (18). Despite losses to some other top MW contenders such as Charley Burley, Holman Williams and Jake LaMotta, Sands’ connections are still campaigning for a WBA title shot for their fighter in the near future.

Apr. 19, 1947: Boston Garden is the venue for the next fight card and, on the undercard, it is the “Brockton Blockbuster,” Rocky Marciano, the highly touted HW prospect, in his second pro bout, and he prevails by knockout (a KO 3 result) to improve to 2-0 (2), easily handing his TC opponent. Then, after a series of desultory preliminary bouts, it is time for the main event, which sees Sal Bartolo, the “Pride of East Boston,” taking to the ring to defend his USBA FW title against Phil Terranova, with Terranova, a former NABF FW titleholder, bouncing back after loss of that belt by defeating former WBA FW Champ Harold Hoshino to set up this title challenge. First meeting of the two, and, late in the opening round, Terranova serves notice when he drops Bartolo with an overhand right. Bartolo, stunned, barely beats the count and manages to last the remainder of the round by covering up. However, Terranova is unable to repeat his early success and, after a couple of rounds, Bartolo is able to settle his way into the bout. After six rounds are in the books, Bartolo has pulled in front in the punches landed count and, after a 10-8 round for Terranova due to the early knockdown, the unofficial scorer has Bartolo turning this around and also pulling ahead (58-55) on the unofficial scorecard. In the second half of the contest, Terranova is the more aggressive of the two, as he attempts to take advantage of a stamina deficit on the part of Bartolo. After a strong showing in the eighth round by the challenger, there is noticeable puffiness under Bartolo’s right eye. With Bartolo content to remain on the outside, not initiating any action, Terranova digs hard on the inside, looking for openings and seeking to connect with a knockout blow. However, with the rounds ticking off, Terranova is on the receiving end as well, and his left eye begins to swell as Bartolo’s countershots are having an impact. Despite the early knockdown, Bartolo is able to do just enough to retain the title via a close but UD 12 (115-112, 114-113, 115-112). Post-bout career records: Bartolo, 32-10-4 (9); Terranova, 24-7 (9).

Apr. 19, 1947: To Los Angeles for the next fistic action, and the main event features long time HW contender Jersey Joe Walcott, who is still on the comeback trail and has traveled to the West Coast to face Turkey Thompson in a 10-round, non-title contest. First meeting of the two, who appear to be evenly matched through the opening few rounds. As Walcott struggles with his timing in the early going, things get even worse when he falls to the canvas late in round four, as a delayed reaction to an uppercut from Thompson. Walcott arises quickly, and the bell sounds before Thompson can follow up. However, Walcott recovers to take the next round and, at least on the unofficial card, he has a slim lead (48-47) at the halfway point, although the issue is still very much in doubt. In the second half of the bout, both fighters begin to show signs of fatigue; while Walcott has the edge in the punches landed stat the one knockdown has to be weighing on the judges’ minds. The bout goes the distance, and while Walcott’s corner is claiming victory, the judges’ cards tell a different story, as Thompson pulls off the upset, taking a razor thin MD 10 (95-95, 95-95, 95-94), improving to 26-8-2 (20) as a result. The loss, his fifth in his last six outings, leaves Walcott at 53-13 (31). Definitely Upset of the Year candidate, given that Walcott was a “10” rated fighter, losing to Thompson, who is only a “5,” and both were at Prime career stage coming into the bout. However, post-bout, Walcott will slip to Post-Prime condition, which is even more indication that his days as a top flight HW contender may be over.

Apr. 25, 1947: Next, to Havana’s Gran Stadium for a less than scintillating card topped by a LABF MW title clash, featuring Cuba’s Jose Basora defending that time, for the fourth time, against a lowly ranked Argentinian boxer, Mario Diaz. As anticipated, Basora dominates most of the action in the early going, and he is off to an early lead in the punches landed category. Basora continues to pile up points, building a large lead (60-55) on the unofficial card at the midway point. Into the second half of the bout, and the overmatched Diaz does his best, but he lacks the skills to seriously trouble Basora. In round 10, Basora’s progress is slowed by a cut over his right eye, but the cut is ruled the result of an intentional head butt, and not a punch. In the final two rounds, Basora seems well on his way to a solid points win; then, in a surprising turn of affairs, in the final round Basora hits below the belt and, with Diaz wincing in pain, a forfeit is ordered, so Diaz becomes the new LABF MW Champion via a DQ-12 result – an outcome that does not sit well with the Cuban fight fans in attendance. Post-bout career marks: Diaz, 16-5-2 (5); Basora, 29-8-1 (20). Shocking result, given that Basora was well ahead on all three cards and had little reason to risk his title by hitting below the belt.

Apr. 26, 1947: A massive fight card takes place in London’s Harringay Arena, and there are a couple of bouts of interest. In the first of the two co-main events, top Flyweight contenders Istvan Enekes and Dado Marino take to the ring; this bout is a rematch of their 1945 encounter, which resulted in a SD 10 win for Enekes. This time around, after a good start in the opening few rounds, Marino suffers an injured hand late in round two. After this, Enekes tries to take advantage by moving inside, but he runs into some stiff resistance from Marino, who is able to hold his own despite the injured hand. At the halfway point, Marino has forged a points lead (49-47), according to the unofficial scorer’s card. In the second half of the bout, Enekes continues to press forward in an aggressive manner, seeking to put Marino on the defensive. Marino’s defense remains solid, and he manages to land sufficient punches to cause Enekes’ left eye to puff up. No cuts or knockdowns, so the bout goes to decision, and Marino scoops up a UD 10 (97-93, 97-93, 96-94), running his career record to 27-8 (13). On the other hand, Enekes slips to 47-19-2 (13) with the loss. Then, in the second co-feature, two familiar foes do battle for the seventh (!) time, as Brit Ernie Roderick and Aussie Jack McNamee face each other for Roderick’s Commonwealth WW title. Roderick holds a 4-2 lead in their six prior meetings and, regardless of the result, each holds a second title that is not at stake (GBU WW in the case of Roderick, and the OPBF WW in the case of McNamee). In this meeting, not much happens in the first few rounds, as the two probe for openings. McNamee is the more active of the two, taking the initiative by moving inside in the third round. In round six, an accidental clash of heads occurs, resulting in a cut over McNamee’s right eye. At the midway point of the bout, a peek at the unofficial scorecard shows an even bout (57-57). The bout remains close and, by the end of round nine, the cut over McNamee’s eye is bleeding again. With the cut seemingly brought under control, McNamee goes on the offensive in the final two rounds of the bout and, despite having the cut reopened a second time late in round 11, McNamee continues his aggressive approach into the final round. Nonetheless, it is the cut that prevents the bout from going the distance, as a stoppage is ordered midway through the final round. The bout goes to the scorecards and, while there is some divergence of opinion, two of the three judges have Roderick as the winner, so the Brit keeps the title via a STD 12 (103-105, 105-103, 105-103). Post-bout career marks: Roderick, 38-20-5 (8); McNamee, 41-17-2 (23).

Apr. 26, 1947: The month wraps with a stellar card at the Polo Grounds in New York City. A WBA title clash tops the card, and a pair of supporting bouts featuring former Champions sets the stage for the big finale. In the first of these co-features, two former WBA LH Champions take to the ring, as Lloyd Marshall, for the second time, is matched with Eddie Booker. Marshall prevailed via a late stoppage in their one prior encounter, for the NABF title belt in 1943, and he hopes a repeat in this bout will put him back on track to regain the WBA title he lost to Ezzard Charles in late 1946. Marshall begins to dominate from the early stages and, by the midway point, he has a comfortable points lead (49-46), according to the unofficial scorer at ringside. Other indicators (the punches landed stats and the stamina factor) also favor Marshall. By round seven, it is clear that Booker has little left to offer, and so Marshall forces an early submission. The TKO 7 for Marshall sends Booker from Post-Prime to End career stage. Post-bout records: Marshall, 33-6-5 (28); Booker, 32-11-3 (18). Next up, an attractive bout in the MW division pairs popular top 10 MW Jake “the Bronx Bull” LaMotta with an undefeated opponent in 18-0-2 Tony Janiro. It is the first meeting of these two, and it is Janiro’s first bout at Prime career stage (having logged 20 pro bouts on his ledger). The action heats up early in the opening round, when a LaMotta jab catches Janiro in a bad spot, opening a cut over his right eye. The cut is in a bad spot, and it takes awhile for Janiro’s corner to bring it under control. LaMotta keeps peppering Janiro with a variety of punches and, by round four, he manages to reopen the cut over Janiro’s eye. By the midway point, with the cut still bleeding, LaMotta is only one point ahead (48-47) on the unofficial card. After a big round seven, LaMotta is clearly wearing down a weary Janiro and, after the cut is opened again a round later, the bout is halted, and LaMotta walks away a TKO 8 victor on the cuts stoppage. The win lifts LaMotta to 26-3 (19), while Janiro’s first career loss leaves him at 18-1-2 (2). After this, it is time for the main event, as Willie “Will O the Wisp” Pep takes to the ring, making his eighth defense of the WBA FW title – all inside of the past two years – against challenger Al “the Aldgate Tiger,” who is the reigning GBU FW Champion. Phillips, winner of his last three, has moved steadily up in the FW ranks, but he may be overmatched in this, his first encounter with the highly skilled Pep. In the very first round, Pep asserts control, peppering Phillips from all angles, doing enough damage to cause some initial puffiness to appear under the left eye of the British challenger. Gamely, Phillips moves inside in round three but he just opens himself up for more target practice by Pep. A third of the way through the bout, it is clear that Phillips is no match for Pep, who has compiled a solid points advantage (49-46) on the unofficial scorecard. In the middle rounds, the condition of Phillips’ injured eye worsens, making it an even more inviting target for Pep. By round eight, with the left eye almost completely closed and the right eye also beginning to puff up, the ref calls in the ring physician and, after a couple of close looks, decides to call a halt. Pep retains the title via a TKO 8. Post-bout marks: Pep, 33-2 (23); Phillips, 27-7-1 (12).

12-31-2021, 11:41 AM	#1501
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Dec. 1946 - Part 2 of 2 This report covers fistic action from the second half of December 1946. As in the first half of the month, there are no WBA title bouts are included in this report. This wraps up the fistic action for 1946, and I was able to keep pace as this coincided with the end of another year in real life. In fact, I was pleased to hit the Boxing Day card on December 26! Dec. 21, 1946: A nice card at New York’s Madison Square Garden is topped by a pair of featured bouts matching some fighters with strong drawing power. In the first co-feature, NABF HW Champ Billy Conn, the “Pittsburgh Kid,” faces former EBU LH Champ Anton Christoforidis. This is the third meeting of these two, with Conn having prevailed via points wins in both of their prior encounters. This bout follows a similar pattern as the two prior ones, with Conn gradually building an early edge in the punches landed stat by putting defense first. After five rounds are in the books, this translates into a two-point edge (49-47) in favor of Conn, according to the unofficial scorecard. In the second half of the bout, Christoforidis, who finds himself trailing, attempts to apply more pressure, but with limited success. Conn maintains his lead the rest of the way and takes a fairly comfortable UD 10 win (98-92, 99-92, 99-93) to run his career record to 40-8-3 (16). Christoforidis, who is set to hit Post-Prime career stage in 1947, ends the bout at 30-17-3 (13). Then, in the second co-feature, WBA WW Champion “Sugar” Ray Robinson, instead of defending his WW title, decides to test the waters in the MW division, and he takes on LABF MW Champ Jose Basora in a 10-round, non-title bout. No prior meetings, and, after a couple of close opening rounds, Robinson takes charge after connecting with a hard cross early in round three. “Sugar Ray” continues to dominate most of the action and, midway through round five, Basora is showing the effects, when a trace of swelling appears under his left eye. However, late in the round, Robinson gets careless, and Basora decks him with a solid hook. Robinson recovers after taking an eight count, fortunate that the bell sounds before Basora can do further damage. At the midway point, the unofficial scorer has Robinson up by one (48-47) after awarding Basora just a 10-9 round despite the knockdown in the fifth. In the second half of the bout, Robinson, while remaining active, elects to fight from the outside, forcing Basora to come to him. Near the end of round seven, Robinson rocks Basora with a hard right, forcing the Puerto Rican fighter to cover up. Later in the round, however, with Robinson swarming all over and Basora not responding, the ref steps in to call a halt – perhaps prematurely. Nonetheless, the bout goes into the books as a TKO 7 for Robinson, making this a successful foray into the MW ranks. Post-bout career records: Robinson, 31-1-1 (22); Basora, 29-7-1 (20). Interestingly, at the time of the stoppage, Robinson was ahead on only one of the judges’ cards, trailing on one, and even on the other. Heading into 1947, Robinson will be faced with an intriguing choice: continue to campaign as a MW, or return to WW for a mandatory defense of his WBA WW title. Many boxing fans will be anxiously awaiting his decision. Dec. 26, 1946: Next is the traditional Boxing Day card, this year at the Earls Court in London. After a lengthy programme of preliminary bouts, the main event on the card took place, a Commonwealth Flyweight title bout that saw GBU Flyweight Champ Peter Kane challenge Teddy Gardner for Gardner’s CBU Flyweight title. This encounter was the third time the two have met, with Kane besting Gardner in both their earlier meetings. This time around, Kane started well, gaining the upper hand with a big round in round two. After several rounds on the back heel, Gardner goes on the offensive, mixing it up on the inside with Kane in rounds four and five. However, Kane maintains his composure and, according to the unofficial scorer, Kane has forged a solid lead (59-55) at the midway point. In the second half of the bout, Kane’s superior stamina becomes a factor, as Gardner gradually weakens, and Kane is able to grind out a UD 12 (116-113, 115-113, 115-114) to take the belt. Post-bout career records: Kane, 36-8-1 (13); Gardner, 26-7-1 (11). Dec. 27, 1946: Next fight card is in Miami, another Friday night affair. Squaring off in the feature are two LW contenders: former WBA and Commonwealth LW Champion Lefty Satan Flynn faces Lulu Costantino, a former USBA LW titleholder. The two have not before and therefore, the action is slow to develop. Starting in round three, Flynn, the slugger, moves inside and tries to apply pressure on Costantino, the boxer. With a minute left in round three, Flynn lands a solid cross, dropping Costantino to the deck. Costantino manages to the beat the count and is able to successfully cover up to survive the rest of the round. Even with the 10-8 round due to the knockdown, at the midway point, Flynn only has a narrow one-point edge (48-47), according to the unofficial card. Since the punches landed stats favor Costantino, Flynn continues to press the action, continuing his role as the more active of the two. Both fighters continue to battle away until the final bell, and Costantino is able to drop Flynn in the final round, evening up the knockdown count at one apiece. Then, with seconds remaining, Flynn goes down a second time from a wicked hook to the head, but this time, he is saved by the bell as time runs out. The bout goes to the scorecards and, as one might expect, there was a great disparity in the judging, the end result being a draw (93-93, 95-91 Flynn, 92-94 Costantino). Post-bout career marks: 36-15-4 (19) for Flynn; 26-7-3 (11) for Costantino. Dec. 28, 1946: Next is a card in St. Louis. In the featured bout, the USBA MW title is on the line. The title, recently held by Freddie Apostoli, was vacated when Apostoli moved up and captured the NABF MW title. Paired together for the vacant belt are “Belter” Ben Brown and Ralph DeJohn. This bout represents the first meeting of these two veterans of the MW ring wars, both of whom will be slipping into Post-Prime career stage in 1947. Solid opening few rounds from Brown, a slugger who shows some keen defensive skills in the early going. Brown moves inside and wins the fourth round in dominating fashion and, early in the fifth, he manages to draw blood from a cut over DeJohn’s mouth. DeJohn, to his credit, continues to battle and keep the bout close; at the midway point, the unofficial scorer had Brown up by just one (58-57). Into the second half of the bout, and the cut on DeJohn’s lip continues to ooze blood, plus there is some puffiness noticeable around the right eye of DeJohn. As the two battle on into the later stages, Brown maintains a lead in the punches landed category, but and he finally breaks through by decking DeJohn with an overhand right late in the ninth. DeJohn is able to scramble to his feet with seconds left in the round, but he is sporting a cut over his right eye, an added bonus for Brown, who did the damage with an uppercut earlier in the round. DeJohn soldiers on, but the impact of the cuts and the knockdown is sufficient to sway the three judges, who reward Brown with a UD 12 victory (117-111, 116-112, 118-110). Post-bout career records: Brown, 37-12-3 (21); DeJohn, 31-15-1 (11). Dec. 31, 1946: The year winds down with a final New Year’s Eve card on the French Riviera at the Palais des Sports in Cannes. A pair of Flyweights do battle in the main event, a 10-round non-title affair matching former WBA Flyweight Champ, an aging Jackie Jurich (now at Post-Prime career stage) against an up-and-coming Frenchman, Emile Famechon. The two have not met before, but Famechon enters the bout riding a four bout winning streak, including an upset TKO over Jackie Paterson to capture the EBU Flyweight crown. In this encounter, there is little to choose between the two, as there is a lot of feinting and maneuvering but little in the way of solid punches landed in the opening few rounds. In round three, Famechon, a slugger, tries to bull his way inside but finds his efforts thwarted by some excellent defense from Jurich. Headed into the middle rounds of the contest, Jurich has pulled ahead to a nice lead in the punches landed stats. At the midway point, the unofficial card shows Jurich as having built a nice, solid points lead (49-46) – something that may come in handy in facing a Frenchman on French soil. Despite running low on stamina, the French fighter keeps swinging away freely as the bout heads into the later rounds. Meanwhile, Jurich continues to grind away, staying out of trouble as the bout enters its final stages. Famechon closes well, jarring Jurich in the final round with a sharp combination while also causing some puffiness to appear under the left eye of the former Champion. However, Jurich remains upright and survives the onslaught, doing just enough to take a UD 10 (97-94, 96-95, 97-94) – a result that is not well received by the pro-Famechon crowd in Cannes. With the win, Jurich improves his career record to 37-8-1 (10). Good effort from Famechon, who slips to 20-6-1 (17) with the loss. Good to get another year in the books, just as the real life calendar year is about to end. Year-end summary reports will be coming up soon.

01-02-2022, 01:37 PM	#1502
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	1946 - Heavyweights HW Division Profile Total: 179 RL: 101 TC: 78 RL by Career Stage: End - 7 Post - 19 Prime - 33 Pre - 25 Beginning - 17 (9 New) Rated: 64 800+: 14 500+: 32 200+ : 57 Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens): WBA Champ: Joe Louis 54-1-1 (52) (2218) (NC) 1. Roscoe Toles 44-14-6 (8) (1683) (NC) (NABF) 2. Tommy Gomez 31-5-1 (28) (1450) (NC) (USBA) 3. Pat Comiskey 28-6 (18) (1359) (+3) 4. Alberto Santiago Lovell 38-17-1 (29) (1316) (+3) (LABF) 5. Max Schmeling 70-11-1 (15) (1292) (-2) (EBU) 6. Nino Valdes 19-3-2 (15) (991) (+14) 7. Nathan Mann 32-15-3 (23) (970) (+9) 8 Lee Q. Murray 29-9-1 (23) (969) (-4) 9. Bruce Woodcock 23-2 (19) (949) (-1) (GBU) 10. Jersey Joe Walcott 52-12 (31) (944) (-5) Other Notables: 11. Bill Poland 29-10-1 (17) (910) 12. Connie Norden 25-6-1 (15) (867) 13. Gus Dorazio 28-13-8 (8) (805) 24. Tami Mauriello 24-6-2 (15) (590) 25. Freddie Beshore 17-2-2 (2) (562) Top Prospects: Joe Weiden 9-0 (5) Nick Barone 7-0 (3) Cesar Brion 6-0 (1) Don Cockell 3-0 (1) Marty Marshall 3-0 (0) Retirements: Unknown Winston (USA) 1929-1946 30-30-1 (13) No Titles Highest Rank: 49 Abe Simon (USA) 1935-1946 32-12-2 (23) NABF Champion Highest Rank: 3 Eduardo Primo (ARG) 1933-1946 27-19-5 (14) LABF Champion Highest Rank: 30 Outlook for 1947: Joe Louis’ dominance continues, with no strong contenders at the present time. However, LH Ezzard Charles is contemplating a move to HW, and Jersey Joe Walcott seeks to recover from a tumble in the HW rankings after four straight losses. A resilient Max Schmeling, entering his final season or two, managed to regain the EBU HW crown. Nino Valdes zoomed up the rankings list, largely the result of a shock KO win over Walcott; thus, the big Cuban looms as a dangerous opponent for any in the top flight, as he aims for a WBA, NABF or LABF title shot in 1947. Bruce Woodcock is the top British and European hope, while 1947 new arrivals include some potential top contenders and future Champions such as Rocky Marciano and Roland LaStarza.

01-02-2022, 09:44 PM	#1503
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Light Heavyweights - 1946 LHW Division Profile Total: 120 RL: 74 TC: 26 RL by Career Stage: End - 2 Post - 10 Prime - 29 Pre - 20 Beginning - 13 (8 New) Rated: 44 800+: 12 500+: 28 200+ : 39 Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens): WBA Champ: Ezzard Charles 24-2 (21) (1481) (+5) 1. Billy Conn 40-8-3 (16) (1646) (NC) (NABF) 2. Lloyd Marshall 32-6-4 (27) (1480) (-2) 3. Archie Moore 38-4-4 (27) (1393) (NC) (USBA) 4. Harry Matthews 28-6 (19) (1338) (-2) 5. Melio Bettina 40-10-6 (16) (1209) (+1) 6. Young Joe Louis 31-14-1 (14) (1017) (+2) 7. Eddie Booker 31-10-3 (17) (974) (-3) 8 Gus Lesnevich 37-16-3 (16) (910) (+3) 9. Jimmy Bivins 25-4-3 (19) (906) (+1) 10. Freddie Mills 31-13-2 (15) (900) (+4) (GBU, EBU) Other Notables: 11. Anton Christoforidis 30-17-3 (13) (846) 12. Tommy Yarosz 22-4-2 (9) (780) 14. Henry Hall 17-3-2 (4) (734) 15. Jack A. Johnson 23-11 (18) (738) (-2) (CBU) 20. Oakland Billy Smith 21-5-4 (16) (640) 26. Joey Maxim 16-5-4 (5) (514) Top Prospects: Sam Baroudi 11-0 (3) Bob Murphy 10-0 (10) Harold Johnson 7-0 (4) Bob Foxworth 5-0 (2) Jimmy Slade 2-0 (0) Retirements: Tommy Tucker (USA) 1936-1946 23-15-2 (13) No Titles Highest Rank: 17 Tiger Jack Fox (USA) 1928-1946 60-14-1 (42) WBA Champ 1933-34, 1941, 1943 Tony Shucco (USA) 1928-1946 39-26-5 (14) WBA Champ 1941 Highest Rank: 2 Outlook for 1947: With Ezzard Charles succeeding Lloyd Marshall as WBA LH Champ, the big questions hanging over the division is how long until Charles decides to move up to HW, hoping to eventually pose a serious title challenge to long-time HW Champ Joe Louis. Meanwhile, the division remains packed with talent, notably Billy Conn and Archie Moore, who may be the best of an impressive array of former and perhaps future WBA titleholders. Freddie Mills, who has had an up-and-down career, regained his top 10 contender status with after capturing the EBU title to go with his GBU belt – could a challenge to CBU titleholder Jack A. Johnson be in his immediate future? Tommy Yarosz is well poised to move into top 10 contender status, and Joey Maxim will try to right the ship after a disappointing first couple of years at Prime career stage. Harold Johnson appears to be the best of the current crop of prospects, and three U. S. boxers (Don Bucceroni, Eddie Cotton and Julian Keene) top the list of newcomers to the LH ranks, with Canadian Yvon Durelle also among those set to debut in 1947. Last edited by JCWeb; 01-03-2022 at 12:11 AM.

01-03-2022, 12:41 PM	#1504
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Middleweights -- 1946 MW Division Profile Total: 168 RL: 108 TC: 60 RL by Career Stage: End - 5 Post - 12 Prime - 31 Pre - 28 Beginning - 22 (13 New) Rated: 64 800+: 20 500+: 44 200+ : 61 Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens): WBA Champ: Marcel Cerdan 45-7-3 (29) (1651) (+5) 1. Charley Burley 40-3 (27) (1650) (-1) 2. Freddie Apostoli 38-14-2 (24) (1623) (NC) (NABF) 3. Tony Zale 42-8-2 (26) (1622) (NC) (-2) 4. Holman Williams 52-12-1 (24) (1488) (-1) 5. Steve Belloise 29-7-2 (14) (1299) (+1) 6. George Abrams 31-9-2 (11) (1270) (+4) 7. Jose Basora 29-7-1 (20) (1260) (+1) (LABF) 8 Dave Sands 27-3 (17) (1225) (-1) (CBU) 9. Jake LaMotta 24-3 (18) (1143) (+2) 10. Ben Brown 37-12-3 (21) (1001) (+2) (USBA) Other Notables: 11. Antonio Fernandez 41-23-5 (13) (991) 12. Raul Rodriguez 23-7-1 (14) (957) 13. Al Hostak 41-13-3 (31) (937) 19. Dick Turpin 28-8-1 (11) (834) 31. Bert Lytell 17-1-5 (4) (660) 34. Vince Hawkins 18-10-3 (7) (635) (GBU) Top Prospects: Mark Hart 13-1 (9) Rocky Castellani 12-2 (3) Laverne Roach 12-0 (5) Carl Olson 10-1 (7) Cyrille Delannoit 8-0 (2) Randy Turpin 5-0 (3) Retirements: Wicky Harkins (USA) 1934-1946 27-23-4 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 45 Teddy Yarosz (USA) 1929-1946 45-23-6 (14) WBA Champ 1940 Highest Rank: 2 Eddie Pearce (SAF) 1932-1946 32-24-2 (10) No Titles Highest Rank: 49 Jock McAvoy (UK) 1927-1946 42-26-6 (26) CBU, GBU, EBU Champion Highest Rank: 8 Arthur Sadd (UK) 1929-1946 37-29-3 (20) No Titles Highest Rank: 36 Outlook for 1947: Marcel Cerdan bested Charley Burley and is now in his second stint as WBA MW Champion, and this division remains one of the most competitive, with an impressive array of contenders, including current top 10 guys like Zale, Apostoli, Williams, Belloise, Sands and LaMotta, perhaps soon to be joined by WBA WW Champ Ray Robinson, who tested the waters with a TKO stoppage of LABF MW Champ Jose Basora. In the UK, Dick Turpin seems well poised to challenge Vince Hawkins for GBU MW honors. Randy Turpin and “Bobo” Olson populate the prospect ranks, and Lester Felton (a “9”) is the best of an impressive 13-strong group of newcomers to the division for the upcoming year’s action. Last edited by JCWeb; 01-03-2022 at 08:31 PM.

01-03-2022, 08:30 PM	#1505
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Welterweights -- 1946 WW Division Profile Total: 141 RL: 98 TC: 43 RL by Career Stage: End - 5 Post - 19 Prime - 42 Pre - 20 Beginning - 12 (9 New) Rated: 72 800+: 24 500+: 41 200+ : 68 Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens): WBA Champ: Ray Robinson 31-1-1 (22) (1751) (+1) 1. Henry Armstrong 48-10-3 (40) (1532) (+1) 2. Marty Servo 31-7-1 (11) (1384) (-2) 3. Joe Legon 33-15-6 (14) (1359) (+1) (LABF) 4. Norman Rubio 27-6-3 (13) (1311) (+13) (NABF) 5. Izzy Jannazzo 42-12-5 (13) (1205) (+1) 6. Michele Palermo 43-14-10 (11) (1201) (+1) 7. Tommy Bell 24-2 (15) (1181) (+14) (USBA) 8 Georgie Crouch 33-13-4 (17) (1171) (+5) 9. Jackie Wilson 33-12-2 (17) (1164) (+5) 10. Fritzie Zivic 39-17-6 (16) (1086) (-5) Other Notables: 11. Egisto Peyre 24-4-2 (12) (1075) (EBU) 12. Billy Graham 21-6-1 (16) (1073) 14. Jack McNamee 40-16-2 (23) (1011) (OPBF) 15. George Costner 23-5-2 (14) (1008) 17. Ernie Roderick 37-20-4 (8) (942) (GBU, CBU) 22. Jimmy Sherrer 19-0 (11) (853) 25. Bernard Docusen 18-0-3 (4) (764) 28. Kid Gavilan 14-0-1 (2) (699) Top Prospects: Johnny Bratton 13-0 (9) Frankie Fernandez 11-0 (10) Joe D’Amato 7-0 (6) Eddie Thomas 6-0 (1) Bobby Dykes 4-0 (1) Retirements: Al Lust (CAN) 1941-1946 13-12 (10) No Titles Highest Rank: 65 JWW: Jack Kid Berg (listed in upcoming LW report) Outlook for 1947: If and when Ray Robinson makes the move to MW, there will be a free-for-fall scramble for top honors in the WW division, particularly given the fact that four of the top five ranked contenders (all but Norman Rubio) are at Post-Prime career stage. In addition to Rubio, newly crowned USBA WW Tommy Bell is a potential challenger, as is the Italian duo of Palermo and Peyre, both of whom are still at Prime career stage. Poised to move into the top 10 is “11” rated Billy Graham. Further down the list but poised to move up are Jimmy Sherrer, Bernard "Big Doc" Doucsen and Kid Gavilan, all of whom are yet to taste defeat. Meanwhile, the lack of credible challengers means McNamee and Roderick are likely to retain their respective (OPBF and GBU belts), although the two are likely to battle for a CBU title once again. Unbeaten Johnny Bratton tops the list of prospects, and Vic Cardell and Don Williams (two “8” rated guys) look to be the best of the nine newcomers set to join the ranks in 1947. Last edited by JCWeb; 01-06-2022 at 02:19 PM.

01-04-2022, 02:44 PM	#1506
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Lightweights - 1946 LW Division Profile Total: 152 RL: 97 TC: 55 RL by Career Stage: End - 9 Post - 14 Prime - 38 Pre - 22 Beginning - 14 (5 New) Rated: 63 800+: 19 500+: 37 200+: 59 Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens): WBA Champ: Ike Williams 29-3-1 (24) (1438) (+8) 1. Bob Montgomery 32-4-2 (19) (1437) (-1) 2. Lefty Satan Flynn 36-15-4 (19) (1291) (-1) 3. Joe Brown 26-1 (17) (1279) (+8) (NABF) 4. Vic Patrick 27-3 (19) (1277) (-2) (OPBF) 5. Beau Jack 29-4 (19) (1174) (+7) 6. Sammy Angott 34-10-6 (11) (1111) (+9) (USBA) 7. Lew Jenkins 33-9-4 (16) (1078) (+2) 8 Lulu Costantino 26-7-3 (11) (1073) (+2) 9. Dave Castilloux 36-17-3 (9) (1068) (+4) (CBU) 10. Chester Rico 25-11-5 (12) (1007) (-6) Other Notables: 11. Julie Kogon 26-10-2 (8) (955) 12. Allie Stolz 26-7-3 (10) (949) 13. Humberto Sierra 19-3 (7) (903) (LABF) 14. Enrique Bolanos 21-2 (18) (859) 16. Aldo Spoldi 47-16-6 (17) (834) (EBU) 23. Freddie Dawson 17-1-2 (5) (723) Top Prospects: Maxie Docusen 12-0-2 (1) Art Aragon 12-1 (9) Wesley Mouzon 11-1-1 (6) Tommy Campbell 10-0 (8) Jimmy Carter 7-0 (4) Arthur King 6-0 Retirements: Tony Morgano (USA) 1929-1946 37-27-6 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 16 Harry Mizler (UK) 1933-1946 26-27-6 (6) GBU Champ Highest Rank: 29 Jack Kid Berg (UK) 1924-1946 56-25-5 (9) WBA LW Champ 1942-43, 1943-44 WBA JWW Champ 1928-34 George Latka (USA) 1937-1946 25-15-4 (10) No Titles Highest Rank: 39 Billy Marquart (CAN) 1936-1946 21-20-2 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 44 Outlook for 1947: Ike Williams dethroned “Bobcat” Bob Montgomery to become the new WBA Champion, but all 10 of the top contenders are still in Prime career stage, so seeing the title change hands again in 1947 is not out of the question. Joe Brown, who emerged as the new NABF LW titleholder, has the best chances of any among the current crop of top contenders. Latino boxers Humberto Sierra and Enrique Bolanos appear ready to challenge for a top 10 contender spot. Guys like Jack Kid Berg (who retired), Aldo Spoldi (long time EBU Champ) and Laurie Stevens have either left the picture entirely or faded from top 10 status. Young American Freddie Dawson, who wrapped up the Pre-Prime stage of his career with just one loss, is ready to take on stiffer opposition. Maxie Docusen, Art Aragon and Wesley Mouzon top the current list of prospects. Cuban Orlando Zulueta is the best of the five newcomers set to debut in 1947.

01-04-2022, 10:11 PM	#1507
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Featherweights -- 1946 FW Division Profile Total: 130 RL: 83 TC: 47 RL by Career Stage: End - 4 Post - 21 Prime - 21 Pre - 26 Beginning - 11 (7 New) Rated: 56 800+: 10 500+: 31 200+ : 51 Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens): WBA Champ: Willie Pep 31-2 (21) (1417) (NC) 1. Baby Arizmendi 58-13-4 (14) (1259) (NC) 2. Diego Sosa 27-5-2 (16) (1224) (+1) (LABF) 3. Harold Hoshino 37-6-3 (20) (1210) (-1) 4. Carlos Chavez 27-6-1 (10) (876) (+6) (NABF) 5. Tsuneo Horiguchi 40-14-3 (20) (847) (+3) (OPBF) 6. Al Phillips 27-6-1 (12) (839) (+9) (GBU, CBU) 7. National Kid 27-10-3 (11) (829) (-3) 8 Jackie Wilson 42-23-6 (11) (813) (+4) 9. Phil Terranova 23-6 (9) (803) (+10) 10. Ronnie Clayton 24-2 (14) (793) (+4) Other Notables: 11. Ciro Morasen 16-1-3 (3) (793) 12. Dave Crowley 41-30-1 (17) (792) (EBU) 13. Sal Bartolo 31-10-4 (9) (785) (USBA) 22. Sandy Saddler 15-0 (12) (659) 29. Eddie Compo 14-0-1 (3) (534) Top Prospects: Alvaro Cerasini 14-0 (9) Luis De Santiago 8-0 (6) Bernie Grant 6-1-1 (2) Glen Flanagan 5-0 Keith Francis 4-0 (2) Harry LaSane 4-0 (1) Retirements: Ginger Foran (UK) 1931-1946 32-26-5 (12) EBU Champ Highest Rank: 19 Bobby Ivy (USA) 1938-1946 17-15-2 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 41 Joey Archibald (USA) 1932-1946 29-23-6 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 21 Al Spina (USA) 1933-1946 27-19-5 (11) Highest Rank: 23 Albert Mancini (USA) 1937-1946 23-12-5 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 28 Johnny Marcelline (USA) 1935-1946 31-16-2 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 35 Richie Lemos (USA) 1937-1946 19-16-3 (9) No Titles Highest Rank: 32 Joe Marinelli (USA) 1938-1946 22-14-5 (6) No Titles Highest Rank: 38 Outlook for 1947: Willie “Will O the Wisp” Pep completes another year as WBA Champ and, notably, his only two career losses were both DQs due to excessive fouling. It’s an aging cast of contenders (Arizmendi, Hoshino, Kid, Wilson and Crowley are all at Post-Prime), and it seems as if fans will have to await the graduation to Prime of current top prospect Sandy Saddler, who entered the rankings for the first time with a perfect 15-0 record thus far. Eddie Compo, still unbeaten but with a single draw as the only blemish inhis record thus far, also enters the ranking list but without the weight of great expectations as is the case with Saddler. Italian Alvaro Cerasini, unbeaten after his first 14, heads the list of current prospects, none of whom are exceptionally talented. Finally, seven newcomers are set to join the FW ranks in 1947, and Percy Bassett (an “8”) is the best of this group. Last edited by JCWeb; 01-05-2022 at 11:09 AM.

01-05-2022, 12:50 PM	#1508
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Bantamweights -- 1946 BW Division Profile Total: 88 RL: 51 TC: 37 RL by Career Stage: End - 5 Post - 10 Prime - 20 Pre - 13 Beginning - 3 (2 New) Rated: 38 800+: 15 500+: 27 200+ : 36 Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens): WBA Champ: David Kui Kong Young 40-3-4 (19) (1656) (NC) 1. Benny Goldberg 33-5-2 (14) (1409) (+1) 2. Tony Olivera 31-3-2 (19) (1277) (+5) (USBA) 3. Luis Galvani 21-3 (13) (1208) (+16) (NABF, LABF) 4. Johnny King 63-12-4 (26) (1169) (-2) 5. Tommy Forte 35-9-2 (12) (1161) (-2) 6. Gus Foran 23-4-3 (13) (1035) (+12) (GBU) 7. Ritchie Tanner 26-12-2 (12) (1034) (-2) (CBU, EBU) 8 Fernando Gagnon 22-3 (15) (958) (+1) 9. Tirso Del Rosario 17-4-1 (4) (935) (+6) (OPBF) 10. Manuel Ortiz 30-8-2 (17) (917) (-9) Other Notables: 11. Mickey Miller 37-17-2 (20) (871) 12. Luis Castillo 24-8 (11) (841) 15. Norman Lewis 23-8-1 (14) (790) 16. Harold Dade 18-4-2 (5) (726) 20. Luis Romero 17-1-1 (8) (673) 22. Frankie Williams 15-1-1 (12) (621) Top Prospects: Manny Ortega 14-0 (9) Armando Puentes Pi 11-0 (7) Ronnie Draper 11-0 Guido Ferracin 9-0-1 (2) Elley Bennett 2-0 (2) Retirements: Pete Sanstol (USA) 1926-1946 48-26-7 (12) WBA Champion 1936-37 Gustave Humery (FRA) 1927-1946 44-29-2 (29) No Titles Highest Rank: 18 Raul Casanova (MEX) 1932-1946 34-20-5 (17) LABF Champ Highest Rank: 8 Horace Mann (USA) 1935-1946 25-16-7 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 18 Dick Corbett (UK) 1926-1946 40-37-5 (13) CBU, GBU, EBU Champ Highest Rank: 4 Outlook for 1947: David Kui Kong Young begins another year as WBA Champ and, of his five leading challengers (according to the rankings), only one (Galvani) is still at Prime, so a lengthy title reign is not out of the question. Manuel Ortiz, who is reeling from recent losses to Galvani and Del Rosario, is looking to re-establish his credentials is a credible title challenger. A strong British contingent is led by two titleholders (Foran and Tanner), plus #15 Norman Lewis and Frankie Williams, who is still at Pre-Prime and has just one loss on his record thus far. Spaniard Luis Romero is likely to emerge as a contender for the EBU title. Looking at the current crop of prospects, Aussie Elley Bennett (an “8”) who just got his career underway, seems the most likely to court success. Only two newcomers to the division for 1947, with Cuban Manuel Armenteros (a “6”) the higher ranked of the incoming duo.

01-05-2022, 10:54 PM	#1509
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Flyweights -- 1946 FLY Division Profile Total: 75 RL: 46 TC: 29 RL by Career Stage: End - 2 Post - 7 Prime - 19 Pre - 10 Beginning - 8 (4 New) Rated: 30 800+: 6 500+: 14 200+ : 27 Jan 1947 Rankings (Perf Points and Changes from Jan. 1946 in Parens): WBA Champ: Rinty Monaghan 40-12-1 (12) (1024) (+1) 1. Peter Kane 36-8-1 (13) (1094) (+1) (CBU, GBU) 2. Jackie Jurich 37-8-1 (19) (1077) (-2) (NABF) 3. Terry Allen 23-2 (3) (949) (+2) 4. Teddy Gardner 26-7-1 (11) (918) (+2) 5. Hans Schiffers 26-8-5 (8) (910) (+4) 6. Jackie Paterson 28-7-2 (19) (19) (790) (-4) 7. Dado Marino 25-7 (13) (773) (+3) (USBA) 8 Istvan Enekes 40-18-2 (13) (738) (-4) 9. Yoshio Shirai 18-2 (9) (703) (+7) (OPBF) 10. Emile Famechon 20-6-1 (17) (699) (+2) (EBU) Other Notables: 11. Jimmy Gill 38-18-4 (12) (644) (-4) 13. Black Pico 15-2-1 (0) (566) (LABF) 15. Mustapha Mustaphaoui 23-6-5 (6) (491) 22. Nazzareno Gianelli 15-2 (3) (306) Top Prospects: Dickie O’Sullivan 11-0-1 (8) Luis Fuentes 10-1 (2) Monito Flores 10-0 (2) Louis Skena 7-0 (4) Retirements: Small Montana (PHI) 1931-1946 28-23-6 (11) OPBF Champ Highest Rank: 7 Eugene Huat (FRA) 1926-1946 37-32-8 (15) No Titles Highest Rank: 8 Outlook for 1947: The musical chairs situation atop the division continued in 1946, as Irishman Rinty Monaghan regained the WBA title after the belt had been passed back and forth among Kane, Jurich, Schiffers and Paterson in recent years. Jurich and Enekes are the only top contenders who are past their prime, while newly crowned LABF Fly Champ Black Pico – the first to hold such belt – is still at Pre-Prime. Famechon, who was lucky to win the EBU belt, seems the most vulnerable of the current regional titleholders (he’s only rated a “4”). Best of the current crop of prospects is Louis Skena (a “7”), and Japanese fighter Speedy Akira (a “6”) is the highest rated of the four newcomers set to debut in 1947.

01-06-2022, 01:00 AM	#1510
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Corrections on Prior Posts Re "Newcomers" in 1947: Yvon Durelle (LHW) -- not due to debut until 1948 Orlando Zulueta (LW) -- should have debuted in 1946, will debut in Jan. 1947

01-08-2022, 11:43 AM	#1511
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Titleholders as of Jan. 1, 1947 ROLL OF CHAMPIONS HW WBA: Joe Louis (Feb. 1939) (29) NABF: Roscoe Toles (Dec. 1944) (5) USBA: Tommy Gomez (Sep. 1946) (1) CBU: Vacant GBU: Bruce Woodcock (June 1945) (0) EBU: Max Schmeling (Jun. 1946) (0) OPBF: Vacant LABF: Alberto Santiago Lovell (Dec. 1945) (1) LH WBA: Ezzard Charles (Oct. 1946) (0) NABF: Billy Conn (Aug. 1946) (1) USBA: Archie Moore (Jun. 1943) (9) CBU: Jack A. Johnson (Jul. 1941) (4) GBU: Freddie Mills (Jan. 1945) (1) EBU: Freddie Mills (Jul. 1946) (1) OPBF: Inactive LABF: Inactive MW WBA: Marcel Cerdan (Sep. 1946) (0) NABF: Freddie Apostoli (Nov. 1946) (0) USBA: Ben Brown (Dec. 1946) (0) CBU: Dave Sands (Nov. 1944) (3) GBU: Vince Hawkins (Jul. 1945) (0) EBU: Vacant OPBF: Vacant LABF: Jose Basora (Jun. 1945) (3) WW WBA: Ray Robinson (May 1946) (0) NABF: Norman Rubio (Jun., 1946) (2) USBA: Tommy Bell (Jul. 1946) (1) CBU: Ernie Roderick (Jul. 1946) (0) GBU: Ernie Roderick (May 1935) (2) EBU: Egisto Peyre (Mar. 1946) (2) OPBF: Jack McNamee (Apr. 1945) (1) LABF: Joe Legon (Aug. 1946) (0) LW WBA: Ike Williams (Nov. 1946) (0) NABF: Joe Brown (Sep. 1946) (1) USBA: Sammy Angott (Nov. 1946) (0) CBU: Dave Castilloux (Oct. 1946) (0) GBU: Vacant EBU: Aldo Spoldi (Oct. 1941) (3) OPBF: Vic Patrick (Jun. 1944) (1) LABF: Humberto Sierra (Nov. 1944) (1) FW WBA: Willie Pep (Jan. 1945) (7) NABF: Carlos Chavez (Nov. 1946) (0) USBA: Sal Bartolo (Feb. 1945) (3) CBU: Al Phillips (Aug. 1946) (0) GBU: Al Phillips (Mar. 1945) (2) EBU: Dave Crowley (Apr. 1943) (0) OPBF: Tsuneo Horiguchi (Feb. 1945) (0) LABF: Diego Sosa (Sep. 1946) (0) BW WBA: David Kui Kong Young (Mar. 1945) (7) NABF: Luis Galvani (May 1946) (2) USBA: Tommy Olivera (Mar. 1946) (1) CBU: Ritchie Tanner (Jul. 1946) (0) GBU: Gus Foran (Nov. 1946) (0) EBU: Norman Lewis (Oct. 1944) (0) OPBF: Tirso Del Rosario (Oct. 1945) (0) LABF: Luis Galvani (Dec. 1945) (0) FLY WBA: Rinty Monaghan (Nov. 1946) (0) NABF: Jackie Jurich (May 1945) (0) USBA: Dado Marino (Jun. 1943) (0) CBU: Peter Kane (Dec. 1946) (0) GBU: Peter Kane (Apr. 1946) (1) EBU: Emile Famechon (Aug. 1946) (0) OPBF: Yoichiro Shirai (Apr. 1946) (2) LABF: Black Pico (Jul. 1946) (0) Last edited by JCWeb; 07-12-2022 at 12:48 PM.

01-08-2022, 12:07 PM	#1512
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Pound-for-Pound and Year End Awards And finally, the last entry in the year-end reports category, the ever popular PFP (pound-for-pound) rankings based on Perf Pts, followed by the year end awards: 1946 YEAR-END PFP RANKINGS (based on Perf Points, with change from last year, number of years on list, first year on list in parens) 1. Joe Louis, HW (WBA Champion), 2218 (NC) (10) (1936) 2. Ray Robinson, WW (WBA Champion), 1751 (+6) (2) (1945) 3. Roscoe Toles, HW (NABF Champion), 1683) (+1) (2) (1945) 4. David Kui Kong Young, BW (WBA Champion), 1656 (+2) (2) (1945) 5. Marcel Cerdan, MW (WBA Champion), 1651 (new) (3) (1942) 6. Charley Burley, MW, 1650 (-3) (5) (1942) 7. Billy Conn, LH (NABF Champion), 1646 (+3) (3) (1943) 8. Freddie Apostoli, MW (NABF Champion), 1623 (+1) (3) (1943) 9. Tony Zale, MW, 1622 (-7) (1940) 10. Henry Armstrong, WW, 1532 (new) (7) (1939) Dropped Out from Last Year: WW Marty Servo (was #5) LH Lloyd Marshall (was #7) Comments: Unlike last year, which saw wholesale changes and five total newcomers to this list, only familiar faces on the list this time, as the two dropouts (Servo and Marshall, both of whom lost their WBA titles) are replaced by veterans Cerdan and Armstrong, both of whom have been here before. “Sugar” Ray Robinson made the most progress, leapfrogging up six spots to become a solid #2 to long-time top dog Joe Louis, who continues to set new Perf Point records with each successive title defense. Of the list, only Armstong is past his prime, so don’t expect another year of wholesale changes in 1947. ANNUAL YEAR-END AWARDS FIGHTER OF THE YEAR: Ray Robinson FIGHT OF THE YEAR: Ray Robinson UD 15 Henry Armstrong (for WBA WW title) (May 11, see post 1485) TOP NEWCOMER: Luis Galvani (BW) UPSET OF THE YEAR: Nino Valdes KO 9 Jersey Joe Walcott (HW non-title bout) (Mar. 23, see post 1478) COMEBACK FIGHTER OF THE YEAR: Rinty Monaghan Comments: Looking at the candidates for Fighter of the year of the year honors, perennial contender Joe Louis was less active during the year, making just two title defenses, and none versus top contenders in Prime condition, so then the award comes down to last year’s winner, FW Willie Pep, who certainly impressed with KO wins in all three of his 1946 title defenses, and Robinson, who gets the nod because of the quality of his opposition (besting all-time great Henry Armstrong to capture the WBA WW title) but also in moving up in weight and defeating a regional titleholder in the always competitive MW ranks in Jose Basora. Honorable mention should go to BW Champ David Kui Kong Young, who prevailed in three title defenses, and new WBA LW Champ Ike Williams, who fashioned a four bout winning streak after a early season loss that ended with a stoppage win to capture the title from “Bobcat” Bob Montgomery. There were a few worthy contenders for Fight of the Year but the intergenerational battle between Robinson and Armstrong for the WBA WW crown takes the top prize. Other candidates included the following, in chronological order: Armstrong KO 14 Servo, WBA WW title (Jun. 19, post #1474); Pico UD 12 Galvan, LABF Flyweight (Jul. 12, post #1489); Louis-Schmeling IV, ending in a TKO 5 for Louis, WBA HW (Aug. 24, post #1493); and Kui Kong Young UD 15 Medina, WBA BW (Aug. 31, #1493). Top Newcomer goes to Luis Galvani, who followed up his LABF BW title win in late 1945 with an unsuccessful WBA BW title shot before going on to capture the NABF BW title from Manuel Ortiz, then going on to defend that belt two more times in a highly successful 1936 campaign. Others considered for this honor were HW Nino Valdes, who climbed into the top 10 HW ranks with a stunning upset over Jersey Joe Walcott; Tommy Bell, who rode an eight bout winning streak, capturing the USBA WW title as well; Joe Brown, who emerged as the #3 LW contender, winning the USBA title while maintaining a nearly unblemished record with just one career loss thus far; and Black Pico, winner of the inaugural LABF Flyweight title. A close call here, but I’d have to put Galvani slightly ahead of Brown, a strong runner-up, with Bell probably a close third. . Next is the Upset of the Year and, frankly, not a lot of strong contenders here, so the Valdes KO of Walcott, who had just a few years previously held the #1 HW contender spot gets the award. Two other upsets that come to mind are Hans Schiffers UD 15 over Jackie Jurich for the WBA Flyweight title (Apr. 27, post #1483) and Charlie Ashenden UD 12 over Laurie Stevens for the CBU LW title (Aug. 23, post #1493). Both these lost out to Valdes-Walcott because the losing fighter in each case was at Post-Prime whereas Walcott was, in theory, in Prime condition for his bout with Valdes. For Comeback Fighter of the Year, there were a couple of notables, guys who regained the WBA title after having held it previously. These included Frenchman Marcel Cerdan, who dethroned Charley Burley as WBA MW Champion, and the eventual winner of the award, Rinty Monaghan. Monaghan gets the nod because he bounced back with a two bout losing streak regaining his lost form and edging out Hans Schiffers to regain the WBA Flyweight title. Cerdan, by contrast, had been lurking near the top of the MW rankings for some time, plus he had already regained his top contender status as EBU MW Champion, a logical stepping stone to regaining the WBA title. Nonetheless, a close call here, but Monaghan gets the nod. Be interesting to see who gets this award for the coming 1947 season; right now, my money is on Jersey Joe Walcott, who still has time to recover from a string of recent losses to regain his status as a top HW contender. Last edited by JCWeb; 07-11-2022 at 10:26 AM.

01-13-2022, 10:48 AM	#1513
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Jan. 1947 - Part 1 of 2 The year kicks off with this report covering fistic action from the first half of January 1947, and I am pleased to report that two WBA title bouts are on the agenda Jan. 3, 1947: Shuffling off to Buffalo for the traditional Friday night opener and, featured in a main event bout for the first time in his young career, Sandy Saddler faces a former WBA FW Champion in Chalky Wright. No prior encounters to speak of, as the two square off in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds. The 20-year old Saddler is still undefeated and still at Pre-Prime, but he is facing an aging fighter in Wright who is already at End career stage, so it could be an excellent chance for Saddler to showcase his talents and move up in the FW ranks. After an even opening round, Saddler begins to find the range with his punches in round two and, as a result, a bit of puffiness suddenly is visible under Wright’s left eye. Saddler continues banging away, building a solid lead in the punches landed category and, at the halfway point of the bout, he is well ahead (50-46) on the unofficial scorer’s card. Then, in round six, Saddler is able to pin Wright against the ropes, connecting with a solid hook, then following with a hard cross that flattens Wright, who cannot beat the count. Impressive KO 6 for Saddler lifts his record to 16-0 (13). The loss leaves Wright, now one bout away from retirement, at 43-22-7 (16). Jan. 4, 1947: Next is a card at the Forum in Montreal. An attractive matchup, albeit a non-title bout, takes place in the featured both between two former WBA MW Champions, Charley Burley and Holman Williams. In their one prior encounter, for the USBA MW title back in 1941, Burley emerged as the winner on points. This time, Burley wastes little time, asserting his dominance in round two when he decks Williams with an uppercut and, although Williams manages to cover up and survive the onslaught, he returns to his corner looking worse for wear with a mouse under his left eye. With some adept defense, Williams is able to blunt much of Burley’s attack and gradually work his way into the fight. However, in round five, Williams goes down a second time and, although Burley is unable to finish the job, the unofficial card has him well ahead (60-53) at the midway point. In the second half of the bout, Williams, who is naturally a safety first minded boxer, is forced to try to open things up in order to try to turn things around. However, in round nine, the bout comes to an early end when, with a minute left in the round, Williams is off balance after missing with a leaping shot, and Burley finishes him off with a hook that puts Williams down and out. Impressive KO 9 for Burley, who is gearing up for another WBA MW title shot. Post-bout career records: Burley, 41-3 (28); Williams, 52-13-1 (24). Jan. 10, 1947: To the Miami Arena for another Friday night card, and the main event matches two regional WW Champions in action, as USBA WW titleholder Tommy Bell challengers Norman Rubio for Rubio’s NABF WW title. This is the first meeting of these two, and it develops into a competitive, entertaining bout. Bell comes on strong with a late surge near the end of round two, and he manages to cause an initial trace of swelling to appear under the right eye of Rubio. Bell continues to have the upper hand through most of the early rounds and, at the halfway point, he is ahead on points (58-56), according to the unofficial scorecard. Bell continues to pile up points in the second half of the bout, as he grinds away, gradually wearing down an increasingly Rubio. A volley of strong blows early in round 10 forces Rubio to cover up, and Bell coasts to a fairly comfortable UD 12 win (119-109, 118-110, 118-110) in a bout that goes to decision with no cuts or knockdowns. Bell, who adds the NABF title to his collection, improves to 25-2 (15) with the win. The loss leaves Rubio at 27-7-3 (13). Jan. 11, 1947: Next is a card in Lost Angeles. On the menu is a WBA title contest, preceded by a FW bout pairing former WBA Champ “Homicide Hal” Harold Hoshino with another veteran of the ring wars, Jackie Wilson. The two have not before, despite both being ranked in the top 10 and, in addition, both have reached the Pre-Prime stage of their respective careers. The bout devolves into a typical boxer versus slugger confrontation with the slugger (Wilson) gradually pulling ahead on the key punches landed metric, much to the surprise of many observers. By the midway point, Hoshino has battled back and the unofficial scorer has the bout even on points (48-48), even though Wilson retained a large lead in the punches landed category. In the second half of the bout, with both fighters visibly showing signs of fatigue, Hoshino begins to ramp up the pressure. Then, suddenly, in the final minute of the seventh round, he connects with an uppercut that puts Wilson on the deck. Wilson is unable to beat the count, so the bout goes into the books as a KO 7 for Hoshino, who improves to 38-6-3 (21) as a result. For Wilson, who ends the bout at 42-24-6 (11), End career stage will be coming up, starting with his next bout. In the feature, David Kui Kong Young is back in action to make the eighth defense of the WBA BW title he won in early 1945. The challenger this time around is Tony Olivera, the current USBA BW titleholder. The two met once before, this in a USBA title bout, and Kui Kong Young prevailed via a TKO stoppage. After a couple of close opening rounds, Kui Kong Young tries to assert himself by moving inside in round three with some success. By the end of round five, the impact of Kui Kong Young’s punches has had some effect, causing some puffiness around the right eye of Olivera. At the one third mark of the contest, the unofficial card has Kui Kong Young ahead on points (49-46). Not letting up, Kui Kong Young applies more pressure and decks Olivera with a combination of blows a minute into round seven. Dazed, Olivera picks himself up off the canvas and attempts to cover up to avert further damage. However, later in the round, an overhand right from the Champion puts Olivera down for good. Another impressive performance by Kui Kong Young, who walks away a KO 7 victor. Post-bout career records: Kui Kong Young, 41-3-4 (20); Olivera, 31-9-2 (19). Jan. 17, 1947: First “Friday Nights Down Under” card of the year, and the main event sees Freddie Mills traveling all the way from the British homeland, seeking to add the Commonwealth LH title to his EBU and GBU titles as he challenges Aussie Jack A. Johnson in Johnson’s fifth defense of that belt. This marks the third try for Mills, who suffered stoppage losses to Johnson in two previous efforts in 1943 and 1944. In this rematch, Johnson proves up to challenge when he decks Mills with an overhand right near the end of the opening stanza; Mills picks himself off the canvas after taking an eight count, and there is not enough time remaining in the round for Johnson to finish matters. In round three, Mills has battled his way into the bout, and he asserts himself, dropping Johnson with a solid uppercut. The Aussie Champion barely manages to beat the count, and Johnson covers up to last the round. Mills continues firing away and, by the midway point, the unofficial card shows Mills with a nice, solid points lead (58-54). In the second half of the bout, Johnson, who has been consistently beaten to the punch by Mills, begins to show signs of fatigue. However, things only get worse as, midway through the 10th round, Johnson goes down a second time, courtesy of a barrage of blows landed by Mills. In the final two rounds, Johnson is unable to mount a late surge, so the third time proves a charm for Mills, who takes a UD 12 (116-109, 116-108, 117-107), adding the CBU LH belt to his collection. With the win, Mills improves his career record to 32-15-2 (15) and sets his sights on a possible WBA title challenge. Johnson’s five and a half year reign comes to an end as he slips to 23-12 (18) with the loss. Jan. 18, 1947: Another WBA title clash tops the next card at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden. First up, in the co-feature, the “Black Uhlan,” an aging Max Schmeling, puts his EBU HW title on the line against Bruce Woodcock, the current GBU HW Champ (supplanting Tommy Farr). This represents the first meeting of these two, with Woodcock having held the EBU belt for a few months in early 1946. The two do battle on fairly even terms until, early in round three, Schmeling gets in a hard hook to the body that causes Woodcock to wince, and the British fighter wisely elects to cover up and last the round. By the midway point, Schmeling has powered his way to a slight lead (58-56) on the unofficial scorecard. Near the end of the seventh, Woodcock gets in his best shot of the fight thus far, a right hand that lands flush on Schmeling’s chin. Max remains upright and is lucky there is not enough time remaining for Woodcock to follow up. Woodcock, who seems full of fight, continues to carry the fight to Schmeling as the rounds tick off. While Schmeling is able to fend off most of the blows and avert a knockout, the pressure applied by Woodcock is sufficient to cause the ref to step in and order an early end, with less than a minute remaining in round eight. Declared a TKO 8 winner, Woodcock regains the EBU HW title while moving his career totals to 24-2 (20). Meanwhile, Schmeling, now 70-12-1 (45), is one step closer to retirement. After this, the ring is cleared, and Marcel Cerdan, the “Casablanca Clouter,” is on hand to defend his WBA MW title. His opponent, NABF MW titleholder Freddie Apostoli, the “Boxing Bellhop,” a two-time former WBA MW titleholder, is making his third try to capture the WBA title. However, Cerdan took points wins in both their prior encounters, the first back in 1936 (when both were at Pre-Prime) and, more recently, in 1943, when Cerdan took the title from Apostoli to commence his first stint as WBA MW Champion. Apostoli looks sharp in the opening round, as he is able to touch up Cerdan’s left eye, which has a puffy appearance as Cerdan returns to his corner at the end of the round. Late in round two, Cerdan takes command after landing a hard left that causes Apostoli to cover up. After some sharp exchanges in an essential even round in round four, it is Apostoli who shows signs of puffiness, this under his right eye. After the first five rounds are in the books, in something of a minor surprise, the unofficial scorer at ringside has Apostoli ahead on points (49-46). In the middle rounds, Cerdan attempts to work his way inside, taking the initiative to apply more pressure, while Apostoli is more comfortable to react from the outside. Late in round nine, Cerdan decks Apostoli with a hard shot; after taking a five count, Apostoli is able to resume, and there is not enough time left in the round for Cerdan to follow up. At the two thirds mark, even with the one knockdown, Cerdan still trails Apostoli (by 97-95) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the final few rounds, Cerdan remains the more active of the two, while Apostoli seems primarily focused on simply staying out of trouble. Early in round 13, however, Apostoli counters, dropping a right hand on Cerdan’s chin that stops the Frenchman in his tracks. Finally, the end comes late in round 14, when Cerdan is able to back Apostoli into a corner, then fires away with a combination that puts the American challenger down and out. KO 14 for Cerdan, who keeps the title and improves to 46-7-3 (30). Apostoli, who was up by one on one card and even on two others at the time of the knockout, ends the bout at 38-15-2 (24). Lots of good action in this one, making it an early candidate for Fight of the Year honors. Last edited by JCWeb; 02-09-2022 at 01:21 PM.

01-21-2022, 09:37 PM	#1514
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Jan. 1947 - Part 2 of 2 Second half of the month, and two more WBA title bouts are scheduled. Jan. 18, 1947: Next card takes place in Detroit. In the feature, the “Old Mongoose,” Archie Moore, is on hand to make his 10th defense of the USBA LH title he has held since 1943. Moore’s opponent, Young Joe Louis, is a familiar foe. This is their third meeting, and Moore has come away with a win and a draw in two prior encounters. The action in this rematch picks up early in round three when Moore rocks Louis with a sharp combination, causing the challenger to cover up. Moore, who trailed on the punches landed stats in the early going, begins to gradually pull ahead and, by the halfway point of the bout, it is Moore who is also in front on the unofficial scorecard (by a count of 59-56). In the second half, Louis sharpens his approach and tries to pressure Moore. In round eight, Moore connects with a hook to the head that sends Louis toppling to the canvas. After taking a count of eight, Louis is able to resume, and he covers up to avert further damage, lasting the round. Early in round 10, however, Louis is floored a second time, this time the result of a Moore combination. After a third KD early in round 11, Moore’s killer instinct kicks in, and he is able to finish off Louis with an uppercut (KD #4) that puts the challenger down for good. KO 11 for Moore, raising his career totals to 39-4-4 (28) as a result. Meanwhile, the loss leaves Louis at 31-15-1 (14). Jan. 24, 1947: Next is a card takes place at Johannesburg’s Rand Stadium. No title at stake, but the main event brings together two stalwarts of the decision for the past decade, in former three division Champion Henry Armstrong and Italy’s Michele Palermo. The two are meeting for the first time, and, early in the opening stanza, Armstrong draws blood when he opens a cut under Palermo’s left eye. Near the end of round two, Armstrong rocks Palermo with a hard cross that connects just before the bell sounds to end the round. In round three, Armstrong manages to reopen the cut under Palermo’s eye, but the Italian fighter battles on. However, things just get worse for Palermo when an Armstrong uppercut connects midway through round four, opening a cut under Armstrong’s other eye. After the first five rounds are in the books, to no surprise, Armstrong has a wide lead (50-45) on the unofficial scorecard. Then, with a minute left in the sixth, Armstrong connects with a perfect combination that puts Palermo down and out. Despite being at Post-Prime, Armstrong’s convincing KO 6 triumph over a credible top 10 contender in this bout proved he is still a dangerous opponent. Post-bout career records: Armstrong, 49-10-3 (41); Palermo, 543-15-10 (11). Jan. 25, 1947: The Olympia in London sets the scene for the next fight card, and a WBA title clash tops the agenda. In the main supporting bout, two MWs take to the ring, as GBU MW Champ Vince Hawkins has a chance to move up in the MW rankings as he takes on top 10 contender, American George Abrams. It is the first meeting of these two in a 10-round, non-title bout. Abrams, who enters the bout riding a five bout winning streak, looks sharp in the early going, but Hawkins does well to keep the bout reasonably close. In fact, at the halfway point, the unofficial card has Abrams with just a one-point advantage (48-47). In the second half of the bout, the issue remains in doubt as Hawkins keeps plugging way, making things difficult for his more experienced opponent. In the end, in a bout with no cuts or knockdowns, a strong second half is sufficient for Hawkins to secure a draw (95-95, 96-94 Abrams, 98-93 Hawkins) against a much higher rated opponent. Moral victory for the British Champion, who improves to 18-10-4 (7) with this result. Abrams, meanwhile, is 31-9-3 (11) post bout. Then, in the main event, Rinty Monaghan once again faces Hans Schiffers for the WBA Flyweight title. This is a rematch of their Nov. 1946 encounter, in which Monaghan took the title from Schiffers via a split decision. Monaghan is on target early, managing to open a cut and some swelling under the left eye of Schiffers. After the first five rounds are in the books, Managhan is well ahead on points (49-46), according to the unofficial card. In the middle rounds, with Monaghan continuing to grind away, Schiffers gradually becomes more aggressive. At the two thirds mark, Schiffers has closed the gap on the unofficial card to just two (96-94), doing just enough to make the bout interesting as it reaches the final stages, with Monaghan also showing some signs of wear and tear, with noticeable swelling under his left eye as well. Then, as the 11th round was winding down, Monaghan was called for frequently hitting on the break, and this resulted in a DQ-11 in favor of the challenger, Schiffers, who regains the WBA title over howls of protest from the pro-Monaghan crowd here in London. Post-bout career marks: Schiffers, 27-8-5 (8); Monaghan, 40-13-1 (12). Given the controversial nature of the end of the bout, plus the fact that Monaghan was well ahead on all three cards at the time of the stoppage, it is likely that a second rematch between the two will take place later in 1947. Jan. 25, 1947: Later that same day, another WBA title fight tops a nice card at New York’s Madison Square Garden. First up, in the co-feature, WBA LH Champ Ezzard Charles decides to test the waters in the HW division, and he faces Cuban knockout artist Nino Valdes in a 10-round, non-title contest. Late in the opening round, Charles serves notice of the seriousness of his intentions, when he decks Valdes with a huge shot. The Cuban arises at the count of seven, then covers up to last the round. After Valdes goes down a second time in round five, Charles appears to be well in control, and has a wide lead (49-44) at the midway point, according to the unofficial count. Charles does not let up, and in the seventh, he catches Valdes with a wicked hook to the head; this time, Valdes is barely able to beat the count. Down to the final three rounds, and a desperate Valdes, now suffering from some swelling around his right eye, goes all-out for a knockout. However, Charles’ defense remains solid, and he manages to post a lopsided UD 10 (100-87, 99-88, 99-88) to earn a spot among the top 10 HW contenders, all while improving his career totals to an excellent 25-2 (21). Meanwhile, Valdes, who was totally outclassed in this bout, slips to 19-4-2 (15). In the finale, Ike Williams makes the first defense of the WBA LW title he won late in 1946. The challenger is Joe Brown, who has compiled a 16-bout win streak on his way to the USBA, then more recently, the NABF LW title that he currently holds. No prior meetings, and the bout is a close one through the opening rounds after a cautious start by both fighters. Brown manages to cause some initial puffiness to appear under the left eye of Williams as early as the end of round two. However, in round three, Williams asserts himself, drawing blood from a cut under Brown’s right eye from a quick hook to the head. Brown is back in charge with a big round in round four, and the two battle away on the inside in round five, with Williams rocking Brown with a huge left with less than a minute left in the round. Brown’s inexperience tells, as he eschews the cover up, yet there is still time remaining for Wiliams to hammer away, and he forces an early stoppage with just four seconds left on the clock. TKO 5 for Williams, and a tough loss (just the second of his career for Brown). Post-bout career marks: Williams, 30-3-1 (25); Brown, 26-2 (17). Disappointing to see an early end to such a competitive bout, especially since two of the three cards had Williams ahead, while a third had Brown leading at the time of the stoppage. Jan. 30, 1947: To Havana’s Gran Stadium for the next fistic action, and this being a rare Thursday night card. Only bout of note, in the main event, is a non-title contest matching the current LABF LW titleholder, Cuban Humberto Sierra, with a fast rising LW contender, Beau Jack. No prior meetings of the two, and the higher rated Jack gets off to a quick start, stunning Sierra with a hook early in the opening stanza that forces the Cuban fighter to cover up to avert further damage. After another big round in round two, Jack moves inside to apply maximum pressure in round three, Midway through the round, he backs Sierra up and drops him for a six count. Sierra arises on wobbly legs, but Jack is determined to finish matters. A short, clean combination drops Sierra second time, and soon thereafter, the ref has seen enough. Impressive TKO 3 for Jack, who cements his credentials as a possible future title contender and improves to 30-4 (20). Sierra, who still has the LABF title to fall back on, ends the bout at 19-4-3 (7) with the loss. Jan. 31, 1947: Final card of the month is a Friday night affair in New Orleans. In the feature, two top 1o WW contenders are matched together in a non-title bout, as former WBA Champ Marty Servo faces Jackie Wilson. First meeting of the two and the first bout for Servo after hitting Post-Prime career stage, while Wilson is still at Prime. Wilson takes advantage of a sluggish start by Servo to dominate most of the action in round one. Off to a solid early lead in the punches landed category, Wilson continues to be the more effective puncher, landing sufficient leather to cause some initial swelling to appear under the left eye of Servo by the end of round four. At the halfway point of the bout, the unofficial scorecard has Wilson well ahead on points (by a count of 50-46). Wilson continues to keep up the pressure and, midway through round six, he connects with a hard cross that causes Servo to cover up. Servo attempts to battle his way back, but he just leaves himself open for more target practice by Wilson. With Wilson easing up a bit in the final two rounds, the bout proceeds to decision, with no cuts or knockouts. Wilson goes on to take a lopsided UD 10 (99-93, 99-92, 99-92), enabling him to move up a few spots in the WW rankings. Post-bout career marks: Wilson, 34-12-2 (17); Servo, 31-8-1 (11).

01-28-2022, 12:26 PM	#1515
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Feb. 1947 - Part 1 of 2 No WBA title bouts on the agenda for the first half of the month. Feb. 1, 1947: First up as a card at the War Memorial Auditorium in Syracuse. No titles on the line, and the main event pairs two LH contenders, as Harry Matthews faces Fitzie Fitzpatrick. It is the first meeting of the two, and Matthews wastes little time, dropping Fitzpatrick with an overhand right in opening round. Fitzpatrick regains his footing quickly and covers up, although he suffers a split upper lip as Matthews presses home the attack, looking to follow up on his early success. By the end of the third round, Fitzpatrick shows further signs of wear and tear, as his left eye begins to puff up. Then, in the final minute of round four, Matthews takes charge, backing Fitzpatrick up against the ropes, landing punch after punch until the ref steps in to call a halt. TKO 4 for Matthews, lifting his career totals to 29-6 (20) as a result. Meanwhile, the loss leaves Fitzpatrick at 21-7-2 (16). Feb. 7, 1947: The venue for the next fistic action is the Gran Stadium in Havana. The featured bout is for the LABF FW title, currently held by Diego Sosa, who is on hand to defend that belt versus countryman Ciro Morasen. As it is the first meeting of the two, it takes some time for the action to develop. Morasen, who recently completed the pre-Prime stage of his career with just one loss, proves to be a credible challenger to Sosa, who presses home the action by moving inside in round three, landing enough good shots to cause a trace of swelling to appear under Morasen’s right eye. Midway through round six, Sosa rocks Morasen with a winging right hand that causes the challenger to cover up. However, the bout is a close one, as indicated by the unofficial scorer’s card at the halfway point, which shows Sosa with a narrow one-point lead (58-57). Then, late in round seven, Sosa breaks through with a sharp combination; Morasen tumbles to the deck but is saved by the bell. Despite the knockdown, Morasen bounces back in the later rounds, firing away at Sosa and managing to keep the bout reasonably close. In the end, Sosa’s experience – plus the one KD – are enough to overcome an edge in the punches landed stat favoring Morasen, so Sosa takes a close but UD 12 (114-112. 114-113, 115-112), sealing the win with a second knockdown in the final stanza. Post-bout career records: Sosa, 28-5-2 (16); Morasen, 16-2-3 (3). Feb. 8, 1947: The vacant EBU MW title (vacated once again when Marcel Cerdan regained the WBA MW crown) is the subject of the main event in the next fight card at the Palais des Sports in Cannes, France. A Brit, Dick Turpin, and a Dutchman, Luc Van Dam, are matched for the vacant title, and Turpin enters the bout having prevailed in both their two prior encounters. Not much happens in the first few rounds, but Van Dam gives a good accounting for himself, as he pulls ahead in the punches landed category. After some bruising inside exchanges in round five, Turpin comes off the worse for wear, sporting some abrasions under his left eye. At the halfway point, the unofficial card has Van Dam with a slim one-point lead (58-57). In the second half of the bout, the issue remains in doubt, with both men willing to press the action by moving forward. Then, early in the eighth round, a Turpin right opens a cut under Van Dam’s right eye. Then, midway through round nine, Van Dam decks Turpin with a hard shot; Turpin is barely able to beat the count, scrambling to his feet at the count of nine, then covering up to survive the round. The bout goes the full 12 rounds, and Van Dam emerges victorious, taking a SD 12 (113-114, 114-113, 116-112) to capture the EBU title for the second time. Post-bout, Van Dam improves to 26-9-1 (12) with the win. The loss leaves Turpin at 28-9-1 (11). Feb. 8, 1947: Next card takes place at Miami. At stake is the NABF Flyweight title, currently held by former WBA Fly Champ Jackie Jurich. Competition for this belt has been dormant since Jurich won the title from Dado Marino almost two years ago; in the meantime, Jurich regained the WBA title, then lost it, and was awarded the NABF title as a consolation prize. In this, his first defense since being re-instated as NABF Champ, Mexico’s Otilio Galvan is the challenger. There is a long feeling out process in the opening few rounds, as the two have not faced each other before. The bout remains close through the first six rounds and, at the midway point, the unofficial scorer’s card has Galvan holding a two point lead (58-56). Jurich, who holds a slight edge in the punches landed stats, takes a more aggressive approach to the second half of the bout, carrying the fight to Galvan. The stamina factor seems to favor Galvan, who puts up some stubborn resistance and stout defense as Jurich, who is at Post-Prime, tries to work his way inside and inflict some damage. With both fighters battling to the end, the bout goes the distance with no cuts or knockdowns, and Galvan manages to pull off the upset, taking the belt via a SD 12 (118-115 Galvan, 115-116 Jurich, 227-113 Galvan). Post-bout career marks: Galvan, 18-6-2 (5); Jurich, 37-9-1 (19). Feb. 14, 1947: Next up is another Friday Night fight “Down Under” card, this time at Melbourne, Australia. The OPBF WW title is on the line in the featured bout, with Jack McNamee once again defending, for the third successive year, versus the same challenger in Alan Westbury. In four prior encounters among these familiar foes, McNamee has won three times, with Westbury eking out a MD in 1944 for his only prior success. This time around, McNamee, who is still at Prime while Westbury has slipped to post-Prime, starts well, forcing Westbury into a defensive posture for most of the early going. After a sluggish start, Westbury finally gets on track after moving inside in round four. Late in round five, Westbury connects with a winging right that staggers McNamee, who remains upright but returns to his corner with some redness under his right eye. At the midway point, the unofficial scorer has the bout even (57-57) as Westbury has made the bout competitive. However, both the punches landed stat and the stamina factor favor the defending Champ, and McNamee begins to assert himself as the bout wears on. Sensing his title hopes slipping away, Westbury goes headhunting in the final few rounds, looking for a knockout, or at least a knockdown, to turn things around. As with their last three encounters, this one goes the distance, and McNamee scoops up a UD 12 (117-112 on all three cards) to retain the title. With the win, McNamee improves to 41-16-2 (23). The loss leaves Westbury at 29-15-3 (16). Feb. 15, 1947: Philadelphia sets the scene for the next fight card. Topping the agenda is a MW bout pairing together top 10 contender Jake LaMotta, the "Bronx Bull," with veteran Coley Welch. This is the first meeting of the two, and, in this 10-round, non-title bout, LaMotta has the upper hand in the early going, after connecting with a three-punch combo that staggered Welch late in the third round. By the midway point, LaMotta has a wide lead on the punches landed stat and the unofficial scorecard has LaMotta winning every round (leading by a count of 50-45). It is more of the same in the second half of the contest, as LaMotta continues firing away, pressing home the attack versus his overmatched opponent. Late in round seven, a straight right from LaMotta gets through, forcing Welch to cover up. Despite a puffy right eye, Welch soldiers on and even attempts to mix it up with LaMotta as the bout enters its final stages. Well ahead on points, LaMotta eases up in the final two rounds and goes on to register a very solid UD 10 triumph (98-92, 98-92. 99-91) that can only enhance his prospects for a title shot. Post-bout career marks: LaMotta, 25-3 (18); Welch, 31-12-4 (14).

02-03-2022, 01:02 PM	#1516
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Feb. 1947 - Part 2 of 2 This report summarizes action from the second half of February 1947, and two WBA title bouts are included. Feb. 15, 1947: To the West Coast and the Cow Palace in San Francisco for an exciting fight card, topped by a WBA HW title encounter. First up, in the main supporting bout, two top five LW contenders face each other, as former WBA and Commonwealth LH Champ Lefty Satan Flynn takes on another former Commonwealth LW Champ, Vic Patrick, who happens to be the current OPBF LW titleholder. The two met once before, back in 1944, and Flynn prevailed via a cuts stoppage. In this rematch, the action heats up in the second round, when Flynn breaks through and drops Patrick for an eight count. Flynn pulls ahead in the punches landed count and, at the halfway point, he is also ahead on points (48-46) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In round eight, however, Flynn sustains a cut over his right eye. The cut does not prove to be a factor in the outcome, as Flynn coasts to a UD 10 victory (97-92, 97-94, 97-93), based largely on the strength of the early knockdown and points lead. Post-bout records: Flynn, 37-15-4 (19); Patrick, 27-4 (19). In the main event, the “Brown Bomber,” Joe Louis makes another defense of the WBA HW title he has held since 1939 and, for the third time, the challenger is NABF HW Champ Roscoe Toles. Toles hopes to improve on the results in the two prior bouts, both of which resulted in stoppage wins for Louis. This time around, after a strong opening round for Louis, Toles settles in and attempts to make this bout more competitive. Late in round four, Louis catches Toles with a punishing hook to the head that causes the challenger to cover up. After the first five rounds are in the books, Louis is well ahead (50-45) on the unofficial scorer’s card. Late in round seven, Louis breaks through, landing a big uppercut then dropping Toles with an overhand right just before the bell; Toles’ face is beginning to show the effects, as his right eye has begun to puff up, as he returns to his corner after having been saved by the bell. Another KD, the result of a Louis hook, follows late in the eighth round and, once again, Toles is saved by the bell. After being on the receiving end of more punishment in round nine, Toles begins carrying his hands low – the telltale sign of a tired fighter. After 10, Louis has a dominant lead (100-88) on the unofficial scorer’s card. Toles’ attempt to battle his way back into the bout is thwarted by Louis, who drops Toles a third time with a hook in round 12, A fourth KD follows in round 13, then a fifth in round 14, yet Toles manages to pick himself off the canvas but the end comes in the final round, after two more KDs (bringing the total to seven), and the ref waves the fight off with less than a minute remaining. TKO 15 for Louis over a game opponent. This defense, Louis’ 30th in succession, enables Joe to move his career totals to 55-1-1 (53). Meanwhile, the loss leaves Toles, who is now slated to hit Post-Prime with his next outing, at 44-15-6 (8). Feb. 21, 1947: The venue for the next fistic action is the Coliseum Arena in New Orleans. Tippy Larkin, the “Garfield Gunner,” faces Bernard “Big Duke” Docusen in the main event. It’s the first meeting of the two, and the prize for the winner is the USBA WW title recently vacated by Tommy Bell, who moved up in class and won the NABF WW belt. It is the first meeting of the two, and Docusen enters the bout as a top unbeaten prospect, having compiled a 19-0-3 record in his young career. Larkin, who is ten years Docusen’s senior, starts off with a strong opening round. By the end of round four, Docusen is already showing the effects, as there is noticeable swelling under his right eye. By the midway point, Docusen is already showing signs of fatigue and Larkin, who is making the most of this, his first title shot of any kind, has a large lead (59-55) on the unofficial scorecard. However, the bout comes to a shocking early end in round seven, when Larkin is called for some blatant low blows, which results in a controversial DQ-7 call in favor of Docusen, who remains unbeaten and is awarded the title as a result, despite trailing on all three cards at the time of the stoppage. Post-bout career records: Docusen, 20-0-3 (4); Larkin, 30-11-3 (14). Feb. 22, 1947: The next fight card takes place in London, at the Harringay Arena. No title bouts are on the agenda, and the main event pairs two veteran FWs, both on the downside of their respective careers, as Baby Arizmendi, former WBA Champ in two divisions, faces Dave Crowley, former CBU and GBU FW Champ who still holds the EBU FW belt. In one prior meeting, back in 1943, for the WBA FW title, Arizmendi took a unanimous points win. In this rematch, Crowley has the support of a vociferous hometown crowd behind him but it is Arizmendi who is the more accurate puncher in the opening few rounds. By the midway point of the bout, Arizmendi has pulled ahead to a comfortable lead (49-46) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the second half of the bout, nothing much changes as Crowley is unable to mount a rally. In the end, in a bout with no cuts or knockdowns, Arizmendi is able to grind out a UD 10 win (99-91, 99-91, 100-90) to improve his career totals to 59-13-4 (13). The loss leaves Crowley at 41-31-1 (17). Feb. 22, 1947: Next card takes place at New York’s Madison Square Garden, and it is topped by a WBA title contest. In the main supporting bout, two ranked HW contenders do battle as Jersey Joe Walcott, on the comeback trail, faces Phil Muscato. It is the first meeting of the two in a 10-round, non-title clash, as Walcott, who is nearing the post-Prime stage of his career, seeks to snap a four-bout losing streak. Muscato, who enters the bout as a big underdog (a “7” rated fighter versus Walcott, who is an “11”), does well to keep the bout close through the early going. By the halfway point of the bout, Walcott is only up by one (48-47) on the unofficial scorecard. Then, in round seven, the complexion of the bout changes, as Walcott manages to rip open a cut over Muscato’s left eye. Then, late in round seven, Walcott breaks through and decks Muscato with a hook to the head, but there is insufficient time remaining in the round for Walcott to follow up. The bout goes the rest of the way without incident, and the one KD is enough for Walcott to prevail, taking a UD 10 (97-93, 99-90, 97-92) to move to 53-12 (31) overall. For Muscato, it was only his third career loss, as he ended the bout at 20-3-2 (9). Then, in the feature, Willie “Will O the Wisp” Pep takes to the ring, making his eighth defense of the WBA FW title. Challenging Pep for the belt is NABF FW titleholder Carlos Chavez. The two have not met before, but, instead of the usual feeling out process, Pepe goes to work in the early going and, by the end of the opening round, Chavez is showing the effects, with a cut lip and a puffy left eye. Pep continues to hammer away until, near the end of third, Chavez has little left in the tank, and the ref steps in to save him from further punishment. Another impressive win, this via a TKO 3, for Pep. Post-bout career marks: Pep, 32-2 (22); Chavez, 27-7-1 (10). Feb. 28, 1947: The month wraps with a huge Friday night card at the Forum in Montreal. There are two bouts of note in the co-feature matchups that top the card. In the first co-feature, two top 10 BW contenders take to the ring, as former WBA Champ Benny Goldberg, now at the Post-Prime stage of his career, faces Canada’s Fernando Gagnon, himself a former NABF BW titleholder. No prior meetings, and Gagnon has the full support of an appreciative hometown crowd. The bout devolves into a typical boxer versus slugger confrontation, with Gagnon playing the role of the slugger and initiating most of the action, at least in the early going. By the midway point, the unofficial scorer has the bout even (47-47), this after the ref ordered a point deducted from Gagnon’s score for hitting below the belt. Then, in the final minute of round six, Gagnon catches Goldberg with a hard uppercut that puts the ex-Champ on the canvas; Goldberg is only able to resume after taking an eight count, then he covers up in order to survive the rest of the round. By the end of round seven, Goldberg’s corner is also forced to deal with a rapidly swelling right eye that is beginning to affect their fighter’s vision. The tide begins to turn in the other direction when, midway through round eight, an accidental clash of heads causes a cut to appear over Gagnon’s left eye. The cut proves not to be a major factor; however, despite the knockdown, Goldberg is able to work his way into the fight and, to the surprise of the pro-Gagnon crowd, Goldberg takes a close but UD 10 (95-94, 95-94, 96-93) as cries of “We Wuz Robbed” reverberate throughout the arena. In any event, the post-bout career marks are 34-5-2 (14) for Goldberg and 22-4 (15) for Gagnon. In the second co-feature, the NABF LW title is at stake; this belt was recently vacated by Joe Brown who then unsuccessfully challenged Ike Williams for the WBA LW crown. Vying for the vacant belt are Beau Jack, who has risen rapidly up the LW ranks to a top five contender status and Canada’s own Dave Castilloux, a former WBA LW Champ who still reigns as Commonwealth LW titleholder. Even though the two have not met before, the action picks up midway through round two, when Jack sends Castilloux reeling after connecting with a big hook. Castilloux stumbles but remains upright, then covers up to avert further damage, but there is some initial puffiness seen around his left eye as the Canadian fighter returns to his corner. In round four, the tables begin to turn, as a Castilloux jab sneaks through and manages to cause a nasty cut to appear over Jack’s right eyebrow. After this, the two tangle on the inside in round five, and Jack comes out on top, landing some good shots while putting Castilloux on the defensive. At the halfway point of the bout, Jack has opened a two-point lead (58-56) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the middle of the seventh round, the cut over Jack’s eye is reopened. As the bout heads into the later stages, Castilloux moves inside, pinning his hopes on targeting the cut over Jack’s damaged eye. In round nine, he succeeds in reopening the cut a second time. However, in round 10, Jack springs to life, countering Castilloux’s efforts by connecting with a big hook that puts the Canadian on the deck. Castilloux scrambles to his feet after taking a six count, but Jack follows up with a second KD just before the round ends. Emphasizing defense in the final two rounds, the cut remains closed and Jack goes on to prevail via a UD 12 (116-111, 117-110, 118-109) to capture the NABF title. With the win, Jack improves to 31-4 (20). The loss leaves Castilloux, 36-18-3 (9). Only five fight cards – one less than usual – during the second half of the month, so now it’s on to March 1947. Last edited by JCWeb; 02-04-2022 at 08:11 PM.

02-09-2022, 01:26 PM	#1517
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Mar. 1947 - Part 1 of 2 This report summarizes action from the first half of March 1947, and there are no WBA title bouts are included. Mar. 1, 1947: The month commences with a strong card at Cannes on the French Riviera. In the feature, Brit Terry Allen challenges Emile Famechon for Famechon’s EBU Flyweight title. Allen is hopeful of repeating his earlier success in one prior bout versus Famechon, a points win in London in 1944 when both were at Pre-Prime career stage. This time around, it is a rough start for Allen, who suffers a cut over his right eye, the result of a sharp uppercut delivered with some force by the French Champion. Although the cut is patched up quickly, it gives Famechon a target to shoot at as he works his way inside, gradually applying more pressure. In round four, more problems develop for Allen, after Famechon doubles up on his jab and opens up a second cut, this over the other eye. Allen battles back, advancing himself in a strong round five, landing a hard cross that forces Famechon to retreat and cover up to avert further trouble. At the midway point, despite the two cuts, the unofficial scorer’s card has Allen with a surprisingly strong lead (59-55). Then, near the end of round seven, another Allen cross gets through, this time opening a cut over Famechon’s right eye. As the bout heads into the later rounds, Famechon becomes more aggressive and, in round 10, he is able to reopen the cut over Allen’s right eye. Then, in round 11, it is Allen who manages to reopen the cut over Famechon’s eye. Finally, this action-packed bout with no knockdowns but plenty of cuts goes to decision, and Allen prevails, taking a UD 12 (119-109, 119-109, 117-111). With the win, Allen is the new EBU Fly Champ, running his career totals to 24-2 (3). Meanwhile, the loss leaves Famechon at 20-7-1 (17). Mar. 7, 1947: Next is a Friday night card at Manila’s Rizal Arena, which is topped by a pair of OPBF title contests, with Filipino fighters engaged in both contests. In the first co-feature, it’s a rematch as Tirso Del Rosario defends his OPBF BW title against the same fighter he defeated to take the belt, countryman Little Pancho. With two boxers both taking a cautious approach, nothing much happens in the opening few rounds, although Del Rosario looks to grind against his aged opponent, who is at End career stage. By the halfway point, Del Rosario has opened up a slight lead (58-56) on the unofficial scorecard. Starting in round seven, Pancho moves inside, hoping to slice into Del Rosario’s lead. However, Del Rosario has the edge in both the punches landed and stamina factors, and he is able to blunt any attempt by Pancho to complicate matters. Thus, Del Rosario is able to retain the belt via a comfortable UD 12 (118-110, 116-112, 117-111). Post-bout career records: Del Rosario, 18-4-1 (4); Pancho, 50-18-9 (11). In the second co-feature it is the OPBF FW title at stake, with a Japanese figher, Tsuneo Horiguchi, making his first defense in over two years against a first-time challenger in Filipino Baby Gustillo. The two have not met before, and Horiguchi starts well, tagging Gustillo with a strong uppercut in the very opening round. After covering up to survive the early onslaught, Gustillo is gradually able to work his way into the bout. By the midway point, Horiguchi has pulled out to a three-point lead (59-56). In round seven, an accidental clash of the heads opens a cut over Horiguchi’s left eye – the first bit of adversity for the defending Champ. Into the later rounds, Gustillo is the more active of the two, and he even manages to pull out a slight lead in the punches landed stat. However, just before the end of round nine, Horiguchi catches the off balance Gustillo with an uppercut that puts the Filipino challenger on the deck for the first time; Gustillo is saved by the bell. Late in round 10, a Horiguchi jab sends Gustillo reeling against the ropes, but the Japanese Champion is unable to follow up. By this point the bout, a big welt has formed under Gustillo’s right eye. After a second KD late in round 11, Horiguchi is coasting to a points win when the cut over his eye is reopened, leading to a late stoppage. The decision goes to the scorecards after 11 (due to the accidental butt), and Horiguchi comes away with a UTD 12 (107-100 on all three cards) to run his career record to 41-14-3 (24). Post-bout, Gustillo is 16-92 (5). Mar. 8, 1947: A pair of twin features, both non title bouts, headline the next fight card at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens. In the first co-feature, top 10 WW contender Norman Rubio is paired with Ernie Roderick, the reigning Commonwealth and GBU WW Champion. The bout is a close one, and Rubion has the early edge in terms of punches landed. At the halfway point, the two are tied (at 48-48) on the unofficial scorecard. In round seven, Rubio breaks down Roderick’s defenses, stunning the British fighter with a straight right. However, Roderick recovers quickly and battles away on even terms for the rest of the bout, eventually securing a majority draw (96-96, 96-96, 96-95 Rubio). Post-bout career marks: Rubio, 27-7-4 (13); Roderick, 37-20-5 (8). In the second co-feature, FWs take to the ring as Mike the “Bronx Spider” Belloise, a former WBA FW Champion, faces Birt Ronnie Clayton. It is the first meeting of these two, who are on different career arcs, given that Belloise recently hit Post-Prime career stage, while Clayton is looking to make his mark. Rough start for Clayton, however, as he sustains a slight cut under his left eye late in the second stanza. Late in round four, a good round for Clayton, he is warned for hitting low. At the midway point of the bout, Clayton has a narrow points lead (48-47) on the unofficial scorer’s card. In the second half of the bout, Belloise, in addition to falling behind in the punches landed stat, is also running low on stamina. However, Belloise keeps firing away and, in round seven, he manages to reopen the cut under Clayton’s eye. In the end, this is not enough as the cut is not really a factor, and Clayton goes on to take a fairly comfortable UD 10 (96-93, 96-93, 98-91) to improve his career totals to 25- (14). The loss leaves Belloise at 36-19-8 (11). Mar. 8, 1947: To Chicago for the next fight card, and, in the main event, the “Man of Steel,” former WBA MW Champion Tony Zale, is showcased in the feature bout, as he faces another top 10 MW contender, George Abrams, in a 10-round, non-title bout. The two met once before, in 1941, for the WBA title, and that time, Zale took a points win. In round two, it is Abrams who literally draws first blood, by landing a hard jab that opens a cut over Zale’s right eye. However, the cut is quickly patched up between rounds and Zale quickly bounces back with a couple of good rounds in the third and the fourth, after which Abrams is suffering from a rapidly swelling right eye. By the halfway point of the bout, Zale has opened up a nice lead (49-46) on the unofficial scorecard, and Abrams is cut over the swollen right eye. Knowing he is trailing in the bout, Abrams begins pressing in the second half of the bout, but to no avail. Zale drops Abrams with a sharp combination in round nine, then goes on to take a comfortable UD 10 win (97-92, 98-91, 97-92) to improve to 43-8-2 (26), thereby enhancing the prospects for another title shot. The loss drops Abrams to 31-10-3 (11). Mar. 14, 1947: No title bouts on the next card, a Friday night affair at Pittsburgh, but it is topped by an intriguing main event in the WW division, as unbeaten Jimmy Sherrer, now 19-0, wraps up the pre-Prime stage of his career by taking on a former WBA Champ in Marty Servo. The two have not before and, although some are thinking the young Sherrer may be in over his head versus the former Champ, the fact that Servo is now at Post-Prime evens up the experience factor somewhat. Not much action until early in round three, when a hard shot from Servo rips open a gash over Sherrer’s right eye. It appears the cut is in a bad spot, and Sherrer is forced into a more defensive posture than he would like in order to protect the injured eye from further damage. Additionally, it takes several rounds for Sherrer’s corner to bring the cut under control. In round five, a lead right from Servo does the trick, by reopening the cut, this time it is adjudged too severe to allow the bout to continue. Thus, Servo notches up a TKO 5 win on the early stoppage, thus handing Sherrer his first career setback. Post-bout career marks are 32-8-1 (12) for Servo and 19-1 (11) for Sherrer. Mar. 15. 1947: Twin feature bouts top a packed fight card at the Olympia in London, and the agenda includes an EBU title contest. In the first co-main event, veteran MW Steve “Spider” Belloise travels from the States to face the GBU MW titleholder, Vince Hawkins, in a 10-round, non-title affair. This bout is the first meeting of the two, and Belloise goes to work early, piling up an early lead in the punches landed stats. In round three, Hawkins has a few good moments, and he manages to cause some initial puffiness under Belloise’s right eye. At the halfway point, however Belloise is in front by a comfortable margin (49-46), according to the unofficial scorecard. It is more of the same in the second half of the bout, as Hawkins simply lacks the firepower to mount an effective rally. In the end, Belloise was never seriously threatened as he goes on to take a lopsided UD 10 (98-92 on all three cards), moving to 307-2 (14) as a result. Meanwhile, the loss leaves Hawkins at 18-11-4 (7). Then, in the second co-feature, the EBU HW title is at stake, with popular British HW Bruce Woodcock defending versus German challenger Richard Vogt. Midway through the opening round, Woodcock connects with a right and then follows up with a powerful uppercut, and suddenly Vogt is in trouble. The challenger is able to cover up and remain upright, preventing Woodcock from finishing him off and causing further damage. After a great action round in the second, when both fighters landed some good shots, Woodcock moves inside in round three, looking to do further damage. While Woodcock dominates the action in the third, the resilient Vogt is able to maintain his balance, lasting another round. Early in round four, however, Woodcock breaks through, dropping Vogt twice, first with an uppercut and then, with a combination. When he floors Vogt a third time later in the round, the bout is stopped and Woodcock is a TKO 4 winner. Impressive win, but Vogt was hardly a difficult challenge for the rapidly improving Woodcock, who is angling for a WBA title shot. Post-bout career marks: Woodcock, 25-2 (21); Vogt, 29-10-4 (14). Last edited by JCWeb; 02-13-2022 at 06:58 PM.

02-16-2022, 11:41 AM	#1518
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Mar. 1947 - Part 2 of 2 This report summarizes action from the second half of March 1947, and there are two WBA title bouts featured, plus a notable debutant in the HW division. Mar. 15, 1947: New Orleans sets the scene for the next card, and WBA LH Champ Ezzard Charles, “the Cincinnati Cobra,” continues to test the waters in the HW division, as he takes on #3 ranked HW contender Pat Comiskey in a 10-round, non-title bout. Despite the fact that the two have not met before, it is a rude awakening for Charles as Comiskey puts him on the canvas with a wicked cross, this occurring in the first minute of the opening stanza. A dazed Charles is back on his feet after taking an eight count, and he attempts to cover up in an effort to last the remaining two minutes of round one. Comiskey, however, has other ideas, and he tracks Charles down, cornering him and landing a sharp, clean combination that puts Charles down and out – all this happening with less than 30 seconds remaining in the round. Shocking result as Charles is rated a “13” a LH and Comiskey, only a “6” at HW, but there is the step up in weight class to be considered. With the KO 1 win, Comiskey is now 29-6 (19), will be seeking a title matchup soon, preferably with WBA HW Champ Joe Louis, whom he has yet to meet in the ring. On the other hand, Charles’ plans to set up a rematch with Louis are, at least for the time being, put on hold, as he suffers his third career defeat (the other two at the hands of Louis and Billy Conn), thus ending the bout at 25-3 (21). Mar. 21, 1947: It is Friday night and, yes, time for another “Friday Night Fights Down Under” card, this time at the Sydney Stadium. Only bout of note is the main event, this for the OPBF Flyweight title, which sees two Japanese fighters vying for the title currently held by Yoshio Shirai, who is making his third title defense, having won the belt back in April of 1946. Challenging Shirai this time around is Noboru Kushida who, despite losing five of his last six, has been tapped to engage in the first title matchup of his career. The two have not met before and, Shirai, who was already a favorite coming into the bout, has his prospects further enhanced by the fact that this is his first outing at Prime career stage. Shirai takes the early initiative, setting the pace through the opening few rounds. Shirai has an early lead in the punches landed category, and he pulls even further ahead by winning the majority of the inside exchanges in a hard fought round five. At the halfway point, the unofficial scorer has Shirai well in front (59-55), plus the challenger, Kushida, is suffering from a rapidly swelling right eye. In the second half, Kushida tries to become more active, but he just ends up opening himself up for more strong countershots from Shirai, who simply adds to his points lead. Then, halfway through the ninth round, a cross from Shirai finishes off the challenger. Impressive KO 9 for Shirai, who will be looking for a bigger challenge in his next fight. Post-bout career records: Shirai, 19-2 (10); Kushida, 18-10 (7). Mar. 22, 1947: The Boston Garden is the venue for the next fight card. On the undercard is a talented young HW making his pro debut; yes, it is none other than the “Brockton Blockbuster,” 23-year old Rocky Marciano, who faces a hapless TC opponent named Lee Epperson in a scheduled four-rounder. Epperson manages to survive the opening round intact, but in round two, Rocky connects with an overhand right that sends Epperson sprawling to the canvas. Epperson takes a four count before emerging on wobbly legs, but he has little left, and the ref soon calls a halt. TKO 2 win for Marciano, getting his career off to a great start. After a series of preliminary bouts, it is time for the first of a double feature of title bouts. In this first co-main event, two-time WBA MW Champion Charley Burley is still on the comeback trail, and he challenges Ben “Belter” Brown for Brown’s recently crowned USBA MW title. It is the first meeting of the two, and Burley’s prospects for success are enhanced by the fact that Brown has just hit Post-Prime career stage. Midway through round two, Burley takes advantage of the situation, landing a short, clean cross that drops Brown to the canvas. Brown makes a gallant effort to beat the count but, alas, he cannot. KO 2 for Burley, who becomes the new USBA MW Champion and is looking for another WBA title shot. Post-bout career marks: Burley, 42-3 (29); Brown, 37-13-3 (21). In the second co-feature, “Sugar” Ray Robinson has made the decision to make a mandatory defense of his WBA WW title, remaining in the fold as a WW for the time being, despite a recent foray into the MW ranks. Challenging Sugar Ray for the title is Tommy Bell, who recently captured the NABF WW title belt. The two have not met before, and both fighters take some time to work their way into the bout, probing for openings. Suddenly, in the waning seconds of round three, Bell leaves himself open for a Robinson hook, followed by an uppercut, and Bell goes down, arising just before the bell, but the damage had been done. Bell recovers quickly, and he rebounds with a couple of good rounds in the fourth and the fifth and, after five, Robinson is showing some wear and tear with a trace of swelling appearing under his right eye. Despite the one KD, at this point the bout is very close, with Robinson holding a slim one-point edge (48-47) on the unofficial scorecard. In the middle rounds, Bell continues his progress, carving further into Robinson’s early lead. Robinson rallies with a nice round in the ninth and, at this point, Bell is dealing with a rapidly swelling left eye. Then, in a wild finish to round 10, Robinson has Bell pinned against the ropes, but swings and misses, leaving himself open for a Bell combination that puts “Sugar Ray” on the canvas. Robinson takes a six count, and the bell sounds. At the two-thirds point of the bout, now even with one KD apiece, Bell has turned things around and has a narrow lead (95-94) on the unofficial card. Both fighters are low on stamina, and it is the challenger – Bell – who leads in the punches landed category. Seeing his title slipping away, Robinson gets serious and becomes much more aggressive in the final few rounds of the contest. Despite Robinson’s best efforts, Bell’s defense remains solid, and he manages to hang on and record a surprising but well deserved UD 15 victory (143-141, 144-138, 144-138), perhaps hastening Robinson’s decision to move up to the MW division. With the win, in a bout that is a strong candidate for Fight of the Year as well as Upset of the Year, Bell claims the WBA belt, improving his career stats to 26-2 (15). For Robinson, it is only his second career loss, leaving him at 31-2-1 (22) overall. Mar. 22, 1947: Meanwhile, on the West Coast, that same day there is another WBA title contest topping a card at Los Angeles. In the main supporting bout, a non-title affair, former WBA FW Champ Harold “Homicide Hal” Hoshino, now at the Post-Prime stage of his career, faces Phil Terranova, a recent NABF FW titleholder who is still in the Prime of his career. This is the first meeting of these two, and thus the action is slow to develop in the opening rounds. Suddenly, early in the fourth, Hoshino fires away with an uppercut, rocking Terranova, who then covers up and manages to last the round. Late in round five, Terranova takes charge, ripping a hook to the head that stuns Hoshino. Still, no knockdown take place and, at the halfway point, Terranova has a slim lead (48-47) on the unofficial scorecard. By the end of the sixth round, there is a trace of swelling around Hoshino’s left eye, plus the ex-Champ is already showing signs of fatigue. Gamely, Hoshino soldiers on, attempting to carry the fight to a more defensive minded Terranova as the bout enters its final stages. By the final two rounds, a desperate looking Hoshino must resort to looking for a knockdown, but to no avail. Terranova’s defense remains solid, and he goes on to take a comfortable UD 10 win (99-92 on all three cards) to improve to 24-6 (9), putting himself in line for a possible title shot later in 1947. Hoshino, who is clearly on the downside of his career arc, ends the bout at 38-7-3 (21). In the main event, David Kui Kong Young is back in town, seeking to defend his WBA BW title for the ninth time. This time around, the challenger is newly crowned GBU BW Champ Gus Foran, who has fashioned a 10-bout winning streak to set up this title shot. The two have not met before and, after a couple of good action rounds to get things underway, Foran takes advantage and lands some good shots to win round three. In round four, Kui Kong Young bears down, moving inside and pressing the challenger, who is able to continue to hold his own. After the first five rounds are in the books, Kui Kong Young has a narrow lead (48-47), according to the unofficial scorer at ringside. In the middle rounds, with the outcome of the bout hanging in the balance, Kui Kong Young continues with an aggressive posture. At the two thirds mark, the unofficial card still has Kui Kong Young clinging to a slim one-point lead (96-95). Finally, in round 11, Kui Kong Young breaks through, decking Foran with a hard shot. Foran regains his footing at the count of two, but the damage has been done. Foran covers up to last the round, and he is forced to switch tactics and take a more aggressive approach to the final few rounds of the contest. Despite suffering a split lip in round 14, Kui Kong Young hangs on to retain the belt via a UD 15 (145-140, 145-138, 146-138). Post-bout career marks: Kui Kong Young, 42-3-4 (20); Foran, 23-5-3 (13). Mar. 28, 1947: The month’s fistic activity continues with a Friday night card at Havana. In the main event, two Cubans do battle as Luis Galvani defends the LABF BW title, facing his countryman, Humberto Espinosa, who one held this same belt but is now at Post-Prime career stage. Surprisingly, the two have not met before, but Galvani is an overwhelming favorite. After a brief feeling out period, Galvani takes charge in round two and, late in the round, he connects with a sharp combination that puts Espinosa down and out. Solid KO 2 for Galvani, who also holds the NABF BW title, which was not at stake in this particular encounter. Post-bout career marks are 22-3 (14) for Galvani and 33-17-6 (14) for Espinosa. Mar. 29, 1947: The month concludes with a pair of LH bouts topping a nice card at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. In the first co-feature, former WBA Champ Lloyd Marshall, back in the ring for his first bout after losing the WBA LH title last year, faces Melio Bettina, a former USBA LH titleholder who has bounced back to win seven of his last eight since that title loss. Marshall scored a points win in their prior meeting, an NABF title encounter back in 1944. In this bout, there is not much to choose between these two veteran LH contenders in the early going. After a couple of good rounds, Bettina has pulled ahead at the midway point of the 10-round contest (by a count of 50-47), according to the unofficial scorer’s card. However, Marshall comes to life in the final minute of round six, landing a crushing blow that sends Bettina to the canvas. Bettina, after barely beating the count, covers up and manages to survive the round. Marshall, with the one KD and a stamina advantage, seems poised to overcome Bettina’s advantage in the first half of the bout, as he seeks to gradually wear down his opponent. As the bout winds down, Bettina looks more and more desperate as he seeks to stem the strong second half tide favoring Marshall. The bout ends up going the distance and, with a strong final round, Bettina is able to secure a majority draw (96-96, 97-96, 96-96), although many in the crowd had Marshall as the victor. Post-bout records: Marshall, 32-6-5 (27); Bettina, 40-10-7 (16). Then, in the second co-feature, the NABF LH title is on the line, as Billy Conn defends the belt against a challenge from Harry Matthews. It is the first meeting of the two and only the second title shot of any kind for Matthews, a perennial top 10 contender, who came up short in a USBA title challenge versus the venerable Archie Moore. In this bout, Conn wastes little time, delivering a crushing right hand to Matthews’ jaw in the opening minute of the contest, thus forcing the challenger to cover up to avert further damage. Conn, who is comfortable fighting mainly on the outside, is able to build a solid early lead in the punches landed category. Late in round four, a couple of quick, sharp jabs from Conn draw blood, opening up a cut over Matthews’ right eye. At the midway point, Conn leads by a wide margin (59-55) on the unofficial card, plus Matthews’ cut is reopened; on the other hand, Conn is beginning to suffer from some swelling under his left eye. Trailing, Matthews is forced to go on the initiative as the bout heads into the later stages. However, the cut over his eye continues to be a problem, as it is reopened a second time in round 10. The bout goes the full 12, and Conn does just enough to earn a UD 12 verdict (117-112, 115-114, 117-112), enabling him to keep the NABF belt. Post-bout career marks: Conn, 41-8-3 (16); Matthews, 29-7 (20). Last edited by JCWeb; 02-23-2022 at 02:23 PM.

02-25-2022, 07:13 AM	#1519
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Apr. 1947 - Part 1 of 2 This report summarizes action from the first half of April 1947, and one WBA title bout is included. Apr. 4, 1947: First card at the month is a Friday night affair at Atlantic City’s Convention Hall. In the main event, WWs do battle as Georgie Crouch and George Costner are matched together in a title clash for the NABF WW title, recently vacated by Tommy Bell, who stepped up to claim the WBA WW title. The two have not met before, and both fighters are in the prime of their respective careers, and neither has been in any kind of title fight before this encounter. Not surprisingly, the action takes awhile to develop, finally picking up after Crouch lands an uppercut late in the third round that causes Costner’s knees to buckle, but Costner survives by covering up. However, by this time Costner is sporting a puffy left eye. Then, in round five, Crouch breaks through, sending Costner to the canvas with a powerful left hook. Although Costner is able to beat the count, Crouch’s killer instinct kicks in, and he swarms all over a defenseless Costner until, with just one second left in the round, the ref steps in to call a halt. TKO 5 for Crouch, who lifts the belt, running his career record to 34-13-4 (18). Costner ends the bout at 24-6-2 (15) . Apr. 5, 1947: Next, on to Europe for a card at the Sports Palace in Rome. Although on the downside of his career path, former three division Champ Henry “Homicide Hank” Armstrong is still a big draw, and in the main event, he takes on EBU WW Champ Egisto Peyre, who will have the support of a vociferous hometown crowd. The two have not met before, and no titles are at stake in this featured bout, scheduled for 10 rounds. Armstrong sets the pace in the early going and, by the end of round two, there is noticeable puffiness around Peyre’s right eye. Despite Peyre’s best efforts to work his way into the bout, Armstrong continues to pound away and, by the midway point, he has a wide lead (50-45), according to the unofficial scorer’s card. In round six, Armstrong is warned for holding and hitting, but it does not seem to have slowed him down. Peyre tries to become more aggressive as the bout heads into the later rounds, but he is too tired to put together a string of punches. Thus, Armstrong coasts to a fairly comfortable UD 10 win (99-91, 98-92, 97-93). Post-bout career records: Armstrong, 50-10-3 (41); Peyre, 24-5-2 (12). Apr. 5, 1947: To Mexico City for the next fistic action, and the main event showcases a rematch for the LABF Flyweight title, with Cuban Black Pico defending against the man he defeated to claim the belt, Mexican Otilio Galvan. Since losing to Pico on points, Galvan has since gone on to capture the NABF Fly belt, which is not at stake in this rematch. The bout is a close one through the opening few rounds, as the two appear to be evenly matched. In round four, Galvan moves inside to take the initiative, but Pico is able to move out of range before any real damage is done. In round five, a sharp jab from Pico rips open a cut over Galvan’s right eye; Pico is able to target the cut, making things more urgent for Galvan’s corner between rounds. At the midway point, the unofficial scorecard has Pico up by two (58-56). In the second half of the bout, Pico enjoys a nice stamina advantage, as he continues to work on Galvan’s injured eye. In round seven, Pico traps Galvan in a neutral corner and connects with a short, clean cross, sending the Mexican fighter to the canvas. Galvan is able to beat the count, and he manages to cover up to last the rest of the round. As the bout wears on, Galvan’s corner has managed to bring the cut under control, but their fighter is forced to take a more aggressive posture and throw caution to the wind as the bout heads into its final stages. In round nine, however, the cut is reopened and Galvan goes down a second time, this from a Pico combination. As Galvan gets more desperate in the final few rounds, Pico is content to sit back in a defensive posture, confident of victory. To no surprise, Pico goes on to retain his LABF title via a fairly comfortable UD 12 (118-110, 116-111, 119-109), improving his career stats to 16-2-1 (0). The loss drops Galvan to 18-7-2 (5) overall. Apr. 11, 1947: Next, to Luna Park in Buenos Aires for a Friday night card. Featured in the main event are two top tier HWs, and it is a rematch of a prior bout between former WBA HW Champ Max Schmeling and Argentinian Pedro Lovell, the reigning LABF HW titleholder. In one prior meeting, also in Buenos Aires, back in 1944, Schmeling took a points win, but this time around there is cause for optimism in Lovell’s camp, as Schmeling has slipped into End career stage, while Lovell, who is still at Prime, has reeled off four consecutive wins, with his last loss coming in a WBA title challenge versus Joe Louis. Despite his advanced age, Schmeling gets going in the second round, landing a series of punches that do sufficient damage to cause some initial swelling and bruising around the left eye of Lovell. However, Lovell strikes back midway through the third, finding an opening and then decking Schmeling with an overhand right that finds its target. Schmeling is unable to beat the count, enabling Lovell to rack up an impressive KO 3 win over the ex-Champ, who decides to call it quits after this bout. Post-bout career marks: Lovell, 39-17-1 (30); Schmeling, 70-13-1 (45). Tough way to end a 24-year career for the former HW Champ. Apr. 12, 1947: HW Champ Joe Louis headlines the next fight card in his native defense, making yet another title defense. In the main supporting bout, another former WBA Champ, LW Bob “Bobcat” Montgomery, is on the comeback trail after losing the WBA title; his opponent, Lefty Satan Flynn, is a former WBA LW Champ who in fact was dethroned by Montgomery in their 1945 title encounter. Montgomery, who is eager to repeat his earlier success versus Flynn, takes some time to get off the mark, enabling Flynn to keep the bout close through the opening few rounds. In round five, Montgomery wins most of the inside exchanges, plus he manages to open a cut under Flynn’s right eye. The unofficial scorecard, however, has Flynn with a narrow edge (48-47) at the midway point of the 10-round bout. In the second half of the bout, the stamina factor begins to tell, and this favors Montgomery. A strong second half rally enables Montgomery to eke out a close but SD 10 (95-96, 96-95, 96-95), running his career totals to 33-4-2 (19), while Flynn drops to 37-16-4 (19) with the loss. Then, in the feature, the “Brown Bomber,” Joe Louis makes the 31st defense of his WBA HW title and, for the second time, the challenger is “Tampa” Tommy Gomez, the current USBA HW titleholder. Gomez, who was a TKO 7 loser in their first encounter, hopes to improve on that showing. In this rematch, Louis takes charge in the second round, then moves inside in round three, landing some good shots, but Gomez is able to remain upright. Then, in round four, a Louis cross drops Gomez on his back. Gomez arises on wobbly legs, then goes down from a Louis hook, but is saved by the bell. The end comes a round later, after a Louis combination puts Gomez down a third time. Gomez arises at the count of eight, but, with Louis swarming all over him, the ref steps in to call a halt. Another impressive showing by Louis, who walks away a TKO 5 winner. Post-bout career marks are 56-1-1 (54) for Louis and 31-6-1 (28) for Gomez. Apr. 12, 1947: To Western Canada for the next fight card, this at the Exhibition Gardens in Vancouver. Two Canadian BWs square off in the main event, with Lou Alter facing Fernando Gagnon. First meeting of these two and, after a slow start, Gagnon moves inside in the third round, seizing the initiative and applying pressure to his opponent. Late in the round, Gagnon drills Alter with an effective three-punch combo, forcing Alter to cover up. By round four, there is noticeable swelling under Alter’s right eye, indicating that Gagnon’s punches have had an impact. By the halfway point, Gagnon has pulled ahead on the unofficial card (by a count of 49-46). Sensing he is losing the fight, Alter steps up the pace and decides to go on the offensive in the second half of the bout. However, the overall pattern remains unchanged, and the bout goes the full 10, and Gagnon picks up a UD 10 (96-94, 96-94, 97-94) as the action winds down to a rather tame conclusion. Post-bout records: Gagnon, 23-4 (15); Alter, 21-6-2 (14).

03-04-2022, 11:53 PM	#1520
JCWeb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,084	Apr. 1947 - Part 2 of 2 This report summarizes action from the second half of April 1947, and one WBA title bout is included. Apr. 18, 1947: Friday Night fights “Down Under” time, this card at Melbourne, and a Commonwealth title clash tops the agenda. First up, though, on the undercard, reigning OPBF LW Champion Vic Patrick thrills the Aussie fight fans in attendance by thrashing visiting Yank Lew Jenkins, finishing off Jenkins with a powerful combination midway through the second round of the scheduled 10-rounder. The KO 2 lifts Patrick to 28-4 (20), while the loss leaves the inconsistent Jenkins at 33-10-4 (16). Despite a couple of recent losses to Lefty Satan Flynn and an unsuccessful WBA title challenge to Bob Montgomery, Patrick is angling for a shot at WBA LW titleholder Ike Williams. In the main event, another Aussie Champion, MW Dave Sands, takes to the ring to defend his Commonwealth MW title for the fourth time. The challenger this time around is Ireland’s Pat O’Connor, and the two have not met before, this being O’Connor’s first try for a title and first main event billing of his career. Early in the second, Sands draws blood when a hook opens up a cut over the right eye of the challenger. Sands continues to hammer away in round three and, by the end of the round, there is a blotch under O’Connor’s left eye, although the cut has remained closed due to some good cornerwork in between rounds. Sands is able to reopen the cut in round four, creating more issues for O’Connor and his corner. Then, in round five, O’Connor enjoys his first major success, as an uppercut causes Sands to bleed around his mouth area. Late in round six, Sands breaks through O’Connor’s defenses to drop the Irishman with a nice combination, plus he managed to reopen the cut over the Irishman’s eye a second time. At the midway point of the bout, the unofficial scorer has Sands with a commanding points lead (60-53). In round seven, Sands looks to finish matters, decking O’Connor with a hard cross, then following up with another KD, this time from a combination that puts O’Connor down for good. Impressive KO 7 win for Sands, who was never serious threatened. Post-bout records: Sands, 28-3 (18); 27-7-4 (18). Despite losses to some other top MW contenders such as Charley Burley, Holman Williams and Jake LaMotta, Sands’ connections are still campaigning for a WBA title shot for their fighter in the near future. Apr. 19, 1947: Boston Garden is the venue for the next fight card and, on the undercard, it is the “Brockton Blockbuster,” Rocky Marciano, the highly touted HW prospect, in his second pro bout, and he prevails by knockout (a KO 3 result) to improve to 2-0 (2), easily handing his TC opponent. Then, after a series of desultory preliminary bouts, it is time for the main event, which sees Sal Bartolo, the “Pride of East Boston,” taking to the ring to defend his USBA FW title against Phil Terranova, with Terranova, a former NABF FW titleholder, bouncing back after loss of that belt by defeating former WBA FW Champ Harold Hoshino to set up this title challenge. First meeting of the two, and, late in the opening round, Terranova serves notice when he drops Bartolo with an overhand right. Bartolo, stunned, barely beats the count and manages to last the remainder of the round by covering up. However, Terranova is unable to repeat his early success and, after a couple of rounds, Bartolo is able to settle his way into the bout. After six rounds are in the books, Bartolo has pulled in front in the punches landed count and, after a 10-8 round for Terranova due to the early knockdown, the unofficial scorer has Bartolo turning this around and also pulling ahead (58-55) on the unofficial scorecard. In the second half of the contest, Terranova is the more aggressive of the two, as he attempts to take advantage of a stamina deficit on the part of Bartolo. After a strong showing in the eighth round by the challenger, there is noticeable puffiness under Bartolo’s right eye. With Bartolo content to remain on the outside, not initiating any action, Terranova digs hard on the inside, looking for openings and seeking to connect with a knockout blow. However, with the rounds ticking off, Terranova is on the receiving end as well, and his left eye begins to swell as Bartolo’s countershots are having an impact. Despite the early knockdown, Bartolo is able to do just enough to retain the title via a close but UD 12 (115-112, 114-113, 115-112). Post-bout career records: Bartolo, 32-10-4 (9); Terranova, 24-7 (9). Apr. 19, 1947: To Los Angeles for the next fistic action, and the main event features long time HW contender Jersey Joe Walcott, who is still on the comeback trail and has traveled to the West Coast to face Turkey Thompson in a 10-round, non-title contest. First meeting of the two, who appear to be evenly matched through the opening few rounds. As Walcott struggles with his timing in the early going, things get even worse when he falls to the canvas late in round four, as a delayed reaction to an uppercut from Thompson. Walcott arises quickly, and the bell sounds before Thompson can follow up. However, Walcott recovers to take the next round and, at least on the unofficial card, he has a slim lead (48-47) at the halfway point, although the issue is still very much in doubt. In the second half of the bout, both fighters begin to show signs of fatigue; while Walcott has the edge in the punches landed stat the one knockdown has to be weighing on the judges’ minds. The bout goes the distance, and while Walcott’s corner is claiming victory, the judges’ cards tell a different story, as Thompson pulls off the upset, taking a razor thin MD 10 (95-95, 95-95, 95-94), improving to 26-8-2 (20) as a result. The loss, his fifth in his last six outings, leaves Walcott at 53-13 (31). Definitely Upset of the Year candidate, given that Walcott was a “10” rated fighter, losing to Thompson, who is only a “5,” and both were at Prime career stage coming into the bout. However, post-bout, Walcott will slip to Post-Prime condition, which is even more indication that his days as a top flight HW contender may be over. Apr. 25, 1947: Next, to Havana’s Gran Stadium for a less than scintillating card topped by a LABF MW title clash, featuring Cuba’s Jose Basora defending that time, for the fourth time, against a lowly ranked Argentinian boxer, Mario Diaz. As anticipated, Basora dominates most of the action in the early going, and he is off to an early lead in the punches landed category. Basora continues to pile up points, building a large lead (60-55) on the unofficial card at the midway point. Into the second half of the bout, and the overmatched Diaz does his best, but he lacks the skills to seriously trouble Basora. In round 10, Basora’s progress is slowed by a cut over his right eye, but the cut is ruled the result of an intentional head butt, and not a punch. In the final two rounds, Basora seems well on his way to a solid points win; then, in a surprising turn of affairs, in the final round Basora hits below the belt and, with Diaz wincing in pain, a forfeit is ordered, so Diaz becomes the new LABF MW Champion via a DQ-12 result – an outcome that does not sit well with the Cuban fight fans in attendance. Post-bout career marks: Diaz, 16-5-2 (5); Basora, 29-8-1 (20). Shocking result, given that Basora was well ahead on all three cards and had little reason to risk his title by hitting below the belt. Apr. 26, 1947: A massive fight card takes place in London’s Harringay Arena, and there are a couple of bouts of interest. In the first of the two co-main events, top Flyweight contenders Istvan Enekes and Dado Marino take to the ring; this bout is a rematch of their 1945 encounter, which resulted in a SD 10 win for Enekes. This time around, after a good start in the opening few rounds, Marino suffers an injured hand late in round two. After this, Enekes tries to take advantage by moving inside, but he runs into some stiff resistance from Marino, who is able to hold his own despite the injured hand. At the halfway point, Marino has forged a points lead (49-47), according to the unofficial scorer’s card. In the second half of the bout, Enekes continues to press forward in an aggressive manner, seeking to put Marino on the defensive. Marino’s defense remains solid, and he manages to land sufficient punches to cause Enekes’ left eye to puff up. No cuts or knockdowns, so the bout goes to decision, and Marino scoops up a UD 10 (97-93, 97-93, 96-94), running his career record to 27-8 (13). On the other hand, Enekes slips to 47-19-2 (13) with the loss. Then, in the second co-feature, two familiar foes do battle for the seventh (!) time, as Brit Ernie Roderick and Aussie Jack McNamee face each other for Roderick’s Commonwealth WW title. Roderick holds a 4-2 lead in their six prior meetings and, regardless of the result, each holds a second title that is not at stake (GBU WW in the case of Roderick, and the OPBF WW in the case of McNamee). In this meeting, not much happens in the first few rounds, as the two probe for openings. McNamee is the more active of the two, taking the initiative by moving inside in the third round. In round six, an accidental clash of heads occurs, resulting in a cut over McNamee’s right eye. At the midway point of the bout, a peek at the unofficial scorecard shows an even bout (57-57). The bout remains close and, by the end of round nine, the cut over McNamee’s eye is bleeding again. With the cut seemingly brought under control, McNamee goes on the offensive in the final two rounds of the bout and, despite having the cut reopened a second time late in round 11, McNamee continues his aggressive approach into the final round. Nonetheless, it is the cut that prevents the bout from going the distance, as a stoppage is ordered midway through the final round. The bout goes to the scorecards and, while there is some divergence of opinion, two of the three judges have Roderick as the winner, so the Brit keeps the title via a STD 12 (103-105, 105-103, 105-103). Post-bout career marks: Roderick, 38-20-5 (8); McNamee, 41-17-2 (23). Apr. 26, 1947: The month wraps with a stellar card at the Polo Grounds in New York City. A WBA title clash tops the card, and a pair of supporting bouts featuring former Champions sets the stage for the big finale. In the first of these co-features, two former WBA LH Champions take to the ring, as Lloyd Marshall, for the second time, is matched with Eddie Booker. Marshall prevailed via a late stoppage in their one prior encounter, for the NABF title belt in 1943, and he hopes a repeat in this bout will put him back on track to regain the WBA title he lost to Ezzard Charles in late 1946. Marshall begins to dominate from the early stages and, by the midway point, he has a comfortable points lead (49-46), according to the unofficial scorer at ringside. Other indicators (the punches landed stats and the stamina factor) also favor Marshall. By round seven, it is clear that Booker has little left to offer, and so Marshall forces an early submission. The TKO 7 for Marshall sends Booker from Post-Prime to End career stage. Post-bout records: Marshall, 33-6-5 (28); Booker, 32-11-3 (18). Next up, an attractive bout in the MW division pairs popular top 10 MW Jake “the Bronx Bull” LaMotta with an undefeated opponent in 18-0-2 Tony Janiro. It is the first meeting of these two, and it is Janiro’s first bout at Prime career stage (having logged 20 pro bouts on his ledger). The action heats up early in the opening round, when a LaMotta jab catches Janiro in a bad spot, opening a cut over his right eye. The cut is in a bad spot, and it takes awhile for Janiro’s corner to bring it under control. LaMotta keeps peppering Janiro with a variety of punches and, by round four, he manages to reopen the cut over Janiro’s eye. By the midway point, with the cut still bleeding, LaMotta is only one point ahead (48-47) on the unofficial card. After a big round seven, LaMotta is clearly wearing down a weary Janiro and, after the cut is opened again a round later, the bout is halted, and LaMotta walks away a TKO 8 victor on the cuts stoppage. The win lifts LaMotta to 26-3 (19), while Janiro’s first career loss leaves him at 18-1-2 (2). After this, it is time for the main event, as Willie “Will O the Wisp” Pep takes to the ring, making his eighth defense of the WBA FW title – all inside of the past two years – against challenger Al “the Aldgate Tiger,” who is the reigning GBU FW Champion. Phillips, winner of his last three, has moved steadily up in the FW ranks, but he may be overmatched in this, his first encounter with the highly skilled Pep. In the very first round, Pep asserts control, peppering Phillips from all angles, doing enough damage to cause some initial puffiness to appear under the left eye of the British challenger. Gamely, Phillips moves inside in round three but he just opens himself up for more target practice by Pep. A third of the way through the bout, it is clear that Phillips is no match for Pep, who has compiled a solid points advantage (49-46) on the unofficial scorecard. In the middle rounds, the condition of Phillips’ injured eye worsens, making it an even more inviting target for Pep. By round eight, with the left eye almost completely closed and the right eye also beginning to puff up, the ref calls in the ring physician and, after a couple of close looks, decides to call a halt. Pep retains the title via a TKO 8. Post-bout marks: Pep, 33-2 (23); Phillips, 27-7-1 (12).