Freddie Welsh

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Freddie Welsh
Born
Frederick Hall Thomas

(1886-03-05)5 March 1886
Pontypridd, Wales
Died29 July 1927(1927-07-29) (aged 41)
New York City, United States
Other namesThe Welsh Wizard
Statistics
Weight(s)Lightweight
Reach69 in (175.3 cm)
Boxing record
Total fights168;[1] with the inclusion of newspaper decisions
Wins121
Wins by KO34
Losses29
Draws17
No contests1

Freddie Welsh (born Frederick Hall Thomas; 5 March 1886 – 29 July 1927) was a Welsh World boxing champion. The lightweight boxer was born in Pontypridd, Wales, nicknamed the "Welsh Wizard". Brought up in a tough mining community, Welsh left a working-class background to make a name for himself in America. He turned professional as a boxer in Philadelphia in 1905, and spent the best part of his career fighting in the United States.

Welsh spent much of his career chasing the world championship title, held in turn by Battling Nelson, Ad Wolgast and Willie Ritchie, failing through a series of events to meet each until a successful encounter with Ritchie in July 1914, when he finally became world lightweight champion. Welsh held the title until 1917 when he lost to Benny Leonard, though he continued to fight sparingly until 1922. During his career, he fought in more than 160 professional bouts, suffering defeat on just 5 occasions.

A keen follower of Bernarr Macfadden's physical culture, Welsh believed in exercise and healthy living and was a non-smoker and a vegetarian. In the years following the end of his career, bad business choices cost him his fortune, and after numerous health problems he died in poverty in 1927.

Boxing career[edit]

Early life and amateur career[edit]

Freddie Welsh was born in Pontypridd on 5 March 1886, to John Thomas and his wife Elizabeth Thomas (née Hall).[2] In the late 19th century, Pontypridd was a growing coal mining town, which attracted not only those wishing to make a living in the mines, but also middle-class professionals who saw an opportunity to make a living in a thriving community. Welsh's father was one such commercial immigrant, setting up a business on Taff Street as an auctioneer.[2] Welsh's parents moved into 17 Morgan Street in the town, where Welsh was born. He had two younger siblings, a brother, Arthur Stanley and a sister, Edith Kate.[2] Unlike most boxers of the period, Welsh had a privileged upbringing, at the age of four he attended Mr Mclune's Grammar School in Pontypridd and was privately educated at Long Ashton College in Clifton, Bristol.[2][3] A few months after Welsh was born, his mother persuaded her husband to buy the Bridge Inn Hotel on Berw Road,[4] and the family moved there. Welsh's mother was the daughter of a hotelier from Merthyr, and the Bridge Inn was her responsibility, as John Thomas was often away from home.[4] When Welsh was ten, his father died. His mother, faced with running the hotel alone, sent Kate and Stanley to an aunt in Merthyr, while Welsh was sent to his maternal grandfather in Radyr. After a year, suffering from homesickness, Welsh returned home to Pontypridd.[5] His mother later remarried, to Richard Williams, an innkeeper from Aberdare.[2]

When Welsh left school at the age of 14, he took up work as a boilerman (the 1901 census, when he was 15, has him recorded as an apprentice mechanical engineer) finding work with Llewellyn & Cubbitt of Pentre, Rhondda.[6] At the age of 16 he and three friends decided to find a new life in Canada. They set sail from Liverpool to Vancouver arriving in January 1903,[7] but although his companions were able to find work, Welsh struggled to hold down any steady jobs.[8] It was in Canada that he took a serious interest in bodybuilding and became a firm advocate of Bernarr Macfadden's physical culture regime.[6][9] After a year Welsh was again homesick and borrowed enough money to return to Britain, but with only $10 he was forced to travel as a worker on a cattle-boat.[10]

With his newfound physical fitness he entered the boxing ring undertaking amateur fights in Scotland, far away from Wales to prevent his mother discovering his passion for fighting.[6] After twelve months he raised the money needed to return to the America,[6] travelling to New York on the Baltic on her maiden voyage on 29 June 1904.[11]

Welsh failed to find steady work in the States, and although his mother thought he was earning a regular wage and living comfortably, Welsh was actually taking any casual work that was offered him.[12] Initially he rode the rails to the Dakotas to labour in the farm fields, before heading to New York City working long hours as a dishwasher or banner bearer.[12] When Welsh was mugged while sleeping at a cheap hotel, he was given a job as a porter by the sympathetic hotel manager.[13]

But the next day it was cold and snowy, and I walked all day and couldn't get a job or a meal. So that night I was standing there at the lunch counter when my friends came in again. "Billy Elmer will give you five dollars to fight tonight," they said. I was too hungry to stand it any longer. Five dollars meant a thick steak and some browned potatoes and a piece of pie and a cup of real coffee. I stood there and thought with my mouth watering. And then I went upstairs and I won my fight.[14]

Welsh describing the moment he took his first paid fight in an interview taken 26 April 1913, with Herbart Corey in The New York Globe

His first job in New York was as a boxing instructor in one of Bernarr Macfadden institutes. He was allowed to sleep in the gym, was given all his meals, plus $1 salary a day.[15] It was as an instructor he first met his future wife, Brahna Weinstein, a Jewish Russian girl who anglicised her name to Fanny Weston when her family moved to the East Side.[15]

He then successfully applied to an advertisement for a "smart, active young man who can box" at a down town gym,[13] Knipe's Institute.[16] Welsh subsidised his work as a trainer, as a boxing instructor and training director at Brown's Gymnasium. When hard times hit the gym, he was put on half time subsidising his earnings as a snow shoveller in Harlem.[14] Welsh then found work at a well-known New York gymnasium for $8 a day, the wage barely paid his meals but he took the job to learn the boxing profession.[14]

Despite going days without eating, and having to sleep on the wrestling mats at the gym, he refused to turn professional,[14] partially to preserve his amateur status and he also did not want his mother to discover he was earning a living as a boxer.[14] When friends who knew him from his gym work, and seeing him struggle to pay for a decent meal, asked why he didn't take up the nightly paid 'private' fights, Welsh initially refused.[14] Despite his misgivings, the next day Welsh took up the offer and knocked out Kid Allen in a third round bout. This was followed with wins over Johnny Mezier, Young Peterson and Jack Cameron.[14] With his financial issues resolved and being able to pay for steady meals, at the age of 19, Welsh decided to turn professional.[17]

Early professional career, 1905–1906[edit]

Still with dreams of becoming a culture expert, he moved to Philadelphia to become an instructor at Herman's Institute, while Fanny stayed in New York to finish her studies.[18] Before his first professional fight, Welsh decided to change his name, fearing he may fail and that his mother would find out he was boxing.[18] He first chose Fred Cymry, Cymry meaning Welsh, but on writing to Fanny, she suggested that 'Welsh' would be less confusing.[19] Welsh took Jack Clancy on as his American manager, and on 21 December 1905 he experienced his first professional bout.[20] His first opponent was Young Williams, and the two novices fought at the Broadway Athletic Club of Philadelphia. Welsh won by knockout in the third round, and was booked to return to the club for his second fight in January. He went six rounds with Johnny Keely on 25 January, with a 'no-decision' verdict, the standard practice in Philadelphia for full-distance fights at the time, given to the fight.[20] His next match saw him stop Eddie Fay in the sixth, and with this promising start to his career, the Broadway Athletic Club lined up a more challenging opponent, journeyman Tommy Feltz. The fight went all six rounds, and although Feltz was past his best, he was expected to win the bout; so the result, given to Welsh by the Philadelphia Item, was seen as an upset.[21] From that fight, Welsh started to take more frequent matches, sometimes accepting two bouts a week to build up his experience and stamina.[20] In March 1906, he faced four opponents, defeating Tommy Love and Kid Stinger (both 'no-decision', but given by the Philadelphia Item) and then a points win over Eddie Lenny, followed by a draw with Johnny Dohan.[21] The Lenny result was the first of eight bouts to which the Philadelphia Item failed to give Welsh a victory, though seven of them were 'no-decision' verdicts on the night. The seven matches after Dohan were Billy Maharg, who took the fight decisively on points, then Frank Carsey, followed by three experienced fighters, Jimmy Devine, Tommy Love and Matty Baldwin; the last two opponents on this losing streak were Philadelphians Billy Willis and Tim Callahan.[21]

Young Erne, who faced Welsh twice, firstly in Philadelphia in 1906

On 12 May, two days after the Callahan encounter, he faced Jack Reardon, another 'no-decision' match, though on this occasion Welsh was given the bout by the press.[21] This was followed by a win over Kid Gleason, and a second-round stoppage of Mike Loughlin.[21] The 15 June saw a rematch with Chicago native Frank Carsey, which after the full six rounds it was again declared a 'no-decision', but with the press siding with Carsey.[22] Carsey and Welsh would later become close friends over the years, with Carsey becoming his sparring partner, and was part of Welsh's corner team during his big fights.[23]

Welsh finished June with a gruelling win over Billy Glover, before facing Young Erne, an intelligent boxer from Philadelphia.[22][23] The match against Young Erne quickly turned into a slugging contest with both men forgetting their defensive strategies for an all-out attacking contest.[23] The crowd were well entertained in a six-round bout, which the press gave to Welsh.[22] The next contest was to be his first twenty-round match and his first professional fight outside Philadelphia, in Dayton, Ohio, against Australian lightweight champion Hock Keys. Welsh injured his favoured right hand in the sixth round, forcing him to box left-handed for the next eleven rounds,[23] and won the match by technical knockout after downing Keys twice in the sixteenth round, and again in the seventeenth.[22]

After the defeat of Hock Keys, Welsh took a month break, partly due to a failed show by Tim Callahan.[24] He faced Jimmy Dunn on 31 August, in a six-round bout that went all the way, the press favouring Dunn.[22] Welsh took another extended break, and when he returned to the ring, both he and Dunn agreed to another encounter, this time a twenty-round match at Dayton. The contest went the distance, with the referee declaring the match a draw, which enraged the crowd.[25]

He fought twice more in America before the end of the year, both six-round results given to Welsh by the press: against Willie Moody on 23 November and then Kid Gleeson in December.[22] Welsh now had a fine record behind him, but a few days after the Gleeson fight, he received news from Wales that his mother was seriously ill, and with Fanny still in New York, he returned to Britain on the Etruria.[26]

First British fights, 1907[edit]

When Welsh returned to Britain, he was still an unknown, even in boxing circles. Despite his mother's illness Welsh arranged boxing matches in Britain, his first was against Seaman Arthur Hayes, a six-round match held at the National Sporting Club (NSC) in London.[26] Welsh took the contest on points and followed this up with another points victory at the NSC, this time a 15-round bout against Young Joseph. To this point, Welsh had never fought in his home country, and to introduce himself to a Welsh audience, a display was arranged at the Park Gymnastic Club in Pontypridd on 17 April 1907. No opponent of sufficient calibre was available to fight, so he took on three local boxers.[27] All three men lasted no more than three rounds.[22]

Jim Driscoll, friend and later rival of Welsh

On 21 May, Welsh took part in a fight against Johnny Owens of Aberaman, unofficial lightweight champion of Wales.[28] The contest was for a purse of £50 and the Welsh lightweight title, though as a spectacle the match was a disappointment, with Welsh in complete control of the bout from the second round.[29] After a two-month break, Welsh's next fight was a win over Sid Russell of Cheltenham on 18 July; and the next day appeared at an exhibition bout at Pontypridd, where he sparred with Jim Driscoll[30] a fighter who would play a prominent part in Welsh's boxing career. After a win over Young Lilly in August, he followed this with a victory over former amateur featherweight champion, Dick Lee.[22] A few days later at the St. Mary Hill Fair at Pencoed in Wales, Welsh and Driscoll fought in their first recorded match. Driscoll was working for the Frank Guess Boxing Booth at the fair, when Welsh accepted the barker's offer of £1 if he could last six rounds with Driscoll.[31] In Welsh's previous fight Driscoll had been part of Welsh's corner, so it came as some surprise to Driscoll when his friend was over enthusiastic in the challenge, attacking him with kidney and rabbit punches. Driscoll never forgave Welsh for taking such liberties.[31]

There was no secret about the fact that, although in his native town, south Wales sportsmen were longingly hoping that in White they had found one 'to burst the bubble that was Freddie Welsh.' Freddie had aped everything American... - in manner and in speech; in fact, in every way he had become truly Yankee.[32]

An observer from the September 1907 encounter with Joe White

After winning a rematch against Seaman Hayes on 7 September, Welsh was invited to a private fight arranged by local industrialists for a fee of £100 plus a large purse.[32] Some individuals had felt that Welsh had embraced America too much, and had undertaken too many 'Yankee' mannerisms, forgetting his home country.[32] The fight was arranged to test Welsh, and they chose Joe White, a Swiss-Canadian who had also learnt his boxing art in the United States, but was now living in Cardiff.[32] The fight took place in a converted loft in front of a select crowd of about sixty, who were balloted to gain their tickets.[33] The fight went to sixteen rounds before White, who had suffered since the eleventh, threw in the towel.[34]

Welsh's final fight in Britain until 1910, took place in Pontypridd on 3 October, when he faced two opponents on the same night. He stopped both in five rounds, first beating Gunnar Hart, the welterweight champion of the Royal Navy;[35] then Arthur Ellis.[22] Welsh never fought competitively in Pontypridd again. On 4 October,[36] Welsh left for America, catching the train to Liverpool before taking the Lusitania to New York.[37]

An insight into Welsh's personality was recorded in a legal case he raised which was concluded after he had left for the States. Welsh took the case against one of the three boys he travelled to Canada with in 1902, claiming that he had given the defendant, David Davies, £8 for the cost of the trip.[36] Davies denied having received the money, and knew nothing of the claim until meeting Welsh in Taff Street in June, who then threatened to 'knock him through a window if he didn't pay the money'.[36] After testimonies from the other two emigrants who travelled with Davies and Welsh, the judge found in favour of Welsh.[36]

Return to America and first international belt, 1907–1909[edit]

On arrival in the United States, Welsh met Fanny in New York and the two of them travelled to Philadelphia.[38] On 2 November 1907, Welsh faced Cyclone Johnny Thompson at the National Athletic Club in the city. The six-round encounter ended in a 'no-decision' given by the press to Welsh.[22] A similar result was given in the contest against a poor Boxer Kelly, before he faced Willie Fitzgerald at Spring Garden Athletic Club; another six-round bout given as a draw.[22] Welsh then experienced his first American fight outside Pennsylvania when a bout was arranged between him and Dave Deshler at the Winnisemmet Club in Chelsea, Massachusetts.[39] The ten-round bout went the distance, with Welsh victorious by points decision, and he was congratulated by Theodore Roosevelt Jr. at the end of the match.[40]

Packey McFarland fought Welsh three times, twice in 1908

Welsh went on to beat Eddie Carter in Philadelphia on Christmas Day 1907, Kid Locke on 2 January and then Maurice Sayers at the Milwaukee Boxing Club.[22] He then faced local Milwaukee boxer Charley Neary in a ten-round match, the decision going to the referee Al Bright, who called the encounter a draw.[41] This was followed by a fight against Chicago boxer Packey McFarland, regarded as one of the greatest lightweight boxers in history,[42] which McFarland won on points. The contest caused controversy after Welsh was floored in the fourth round following what is believed to be a low shot.[22][43] The referee failed to see the offending blow, and the match continued. When the points decision was announced there was jeering from the crowd,[44] and accusations of favouritism were made,[42] as referee Malachy Hogan was a Chicago man and had previously favoured Chicago fighters.[44][45]

With fan frustration after the McFarland match, a rematch was arranged for 4 July, with Welsh facing just one opponent in the four and a half months between the bouts, Phil Brock. Welsh was meant to fight Dick Hyland, but blood poisoning to the Welshman's hand meant the Hyland fight did not take place.[46] The Brock encounter, held at Vernon, California, was Welsh's first 25-round bout and ended in a terribly one-sided victory with a plucky Brock losing on points.[47]

The rematch with McFarland was set for 4 July, Independence Day, to coincide with the world lightweight title fight between champion Joe Gans and Battling Nelson held in California.[48][49] The Welsh-McFarland fight was gaining much press attention, and this increased after fight promoter and owner of the Jeffries Arena, Jim Jeffries, had offered Gans a $20,000 purse to face the winner of the bout in August.[48] Betting was heavy for the match, and was to be refereed by Jeffries himself. Fought over 25 rounds, Welsh had the upper hand for the first nineteen, but after an announcement was made that Nelson had won in California, Welsh's game slipped with McFarland taking control.[50] In the final two rounds Welsh took a heavy beating and was knocked down to the canvas in the last round.[50] At the end of the encounter the decision from the referee was a draw. McFarland took the result badly and launched into a vicious tirade of abuse towards Jeffries,[50] though Welsh too thought he had done enough to win in the first two-thirds of the fight and sent a cablegram to Wales stating such.[51]

After the McFarland draw, for the first time the American press began questioning Welsh's credentials as a champion contender, mainly due to his inability to finish off his opponent due to a lack of punching power.[52] Welsh was hurt by the remarks that he was a 'snowflake puncher',[53] and used his next three fights to prove his critics wrong. Johnny Murphy went the full twenty-five rounds but suffered a terrible beating,[52] Frank Carsey was knocked out in round four,[22] lying unconscious for five minutes;[52] while Harry Trendall was laid out in the sixth.[22][53]

Although Welsh was chasing Nelson for a title shot, Nelson took an eight-month sabbatical after winning his rematch in September over Gans.[53] Around this time, Welsh received a promise of a fight from fellow Brit Johnny Summers for the European title, but the major challenger in California was Abe Attell, the featherweight champion of the world since 1906.[53] Attell had run out of opponents, so after much advertising of the match, the two men met on 25 November 1911. Although Attell's boxing weight was half a stone lighter than Welsh's on the night, both men weighed in at 128 lb (58 kg).[54] Under stormy weather conditions, Welsh won by points in a fifteen-round match, with one newspaper reporting that although Attell did not lose his featherweight title, he did "lose the title that he has held for years, that being the cleverest man in the game".[54]

Welsh followed up the Attell fight with a narrow victory over George Memsic in Los Angeles, before heading to New Orleans to take a points victory over Young Erne and then a knock-out win over Ray Bronson.[22] Shortly after the Bronson fight, Welsh learned that Nelson had no intention of facing him, deciding to face three more opponents before retiring; none of these talks included Welsh.[55] Welsh carried on fighting, with one final match in New Orleans against Young Donahue. It was an acrimonious affair before the bout started, and when Welsh rejected the referee before the match began,[55] another referee was found, but was told to call a draw if no clear winner was apparent.[56] When the fight reached its ten-round conclusion, the referee called a draw, much to Welsh's annoyance.[56]

Freddie Welsh at docks, incorrectly labelled as 1910

Welsh and Fanny headed East to New York, and on 7 May he made his New York debut against Johnny Frayne. The match went the full ten rounds, with the press giving Welsh the decision with a lukewarm report, comparing him unfavourably against Jim Driscoll.[57] Welsh finished off his tour of America with far more convincing displays over Jack Goodman and Phil Brock. With his sights now on the Lonsdale Belt, Welsh travelled back to Britain.[58]

On his arrival at Cardiff on 19 June he was greeted by a throng of admirers; one of the first to greet him was Jim Driscoll. Cars had been arranged to take Welsh through Pontypridd, and he asked Driscoll to join him on the journey.[59] Despite Pontypridd having a population of 32,000 at the time, reports were made that 80,000 people lined the streets to see their hero's arrival.[60][61]

Welsh began his British return with an encounter with Young Joseph at the Pavilion in Mountain Ash, a 20-round match which only reached the eleventh after Young was disqualified for two low punches.[22][62] Just over a month later, Welsh was back fighting in Mountain Ash, to face little known French lightweight Henri Piet. The press were unimpressed with the choice of opponent, but Piet gave a good account for himself before retiring in the twelfth.[63] After Piet, Welsh faced Joe Fletcher from England; it was a terribly mismatched affair which resulted in negative press reports towards Welsh's choice of opponents.[64] In truth there were very few fighters of a sufficient calibre to test Welsh in Britain,[64] but on 8 November, Welsh got his chance to face Johnny Summers, for the British and European lightweight championship.[65]

The Summers fight took part at the National Sporting Club in Covent Garden, with a purse of £2,200 and the Lonsdale Belt at stake.[66] Welsh took control in the first round and never let Summers into the fight. One reporter counted 200 successful blows to Summers head during the match, and he was bleeding as early as the third round.[67] During the fight, some members of the crowd jeered Welsh's use of the kidney punch, which although not outlawed at the time was seen as unsporting; he was also cautioned by the referee for the use of his head in the fifth.[67] The fight went the distance, with Welsh winning on points; in taking the Lonsdale Belt he was the pride of Wales and America, but many in the boxing fraternity of England saw in Welsh a cynical, cold and cruel fighter.[68]

McFarland, Driscoll and Wells, 1910–1911[edit]

Welsh took a break away from boxing after winning the Lonsdale Belt, earning good money making theatrical appearances at music halls in London,[69] but a chance meeting with Packy McFarland led to a match being arranged between them.[69] Welsh warmed up for the bout with a win over Jack Daniels, before facing McFarland for the third time, now on British soil at Covent Garden. The match was billed as the "Light-weight Championship of the World",[70] but that title was now held by Ad Wolgast who had beaten Battling Nelson in a shock win in February.[71] McFarland started the fight well, and most reporters gave him the first nine rounds, after that Welsh took most of the rounds, though in the eyes of the British press he failed to claw back the advantage McFarland had opened up in the early rounds.[72] Although the result after twenty rounds was a draw, the British newspapers reported that McFarland had been robbed of a victory.[73]

Chaotic scenes after the 1910 Welsh vs Driscoll fight

In the summer of 1910, Welsh was finding it difficult to find a fight. Wolgast was pricing himself out of the market, McFarland could not reach the weight and the National Sporting Centre could not find a credible contender to challenge for the Lonsdale Belt.[74] Jim Driscoll, who had earlier won the flyweight Lonsdale Belt, was in a similar situation and a highly anticipated match was arranged between them.[74] Two uninspiring fights were arranged before the Driscoll encounter in December, a sixth round win over middleweight Joe Heathcote and then a ninth round stoppage over Dick Bailey.[75] A long build up to the game caused the relationship between Welsh and Driscoll to sour, and when they met to sign the contracts, an argument broke out between the two men over the choice of referee.[76] Driscoll lost his temper with Welsh, became verbally abusive and stormed out of the meeting.[76]

The fight took place on 20 December 1910 at the American Skating Ring in Cardiff, in front of a crowd of 10,000. Welsh started well, surprising the crowd with a straight back stance, out-jabbing Driscoll, but in the fifth he reverted to his normal crouched stance.[77] Welsh's tactics changed and was now using his kidney punch on his opponent, amidst cries of "foul" from the crowd.[77] He also tried to get in close to Driscoll, holding with one arm and delivering body blows with the other, which saw Driscoll adopt a similar tactic.[78] By the eighth round Driscoll was coming into the match, and forced the fighting in the ninth.[78] In the tenth round, Driscoll, becoming irritated at Welsh's clinches and illegal use of his shoulder, rushed Welsh and head butted him on the chin.[78] It was an obvious foul, the referee, Arthur Frederick Bettinson, quickly entered the ring and disqualified Driscoll.[78] The end of the fight was mired further when men from each of the boxers' corners began arguing before coming to blows, which saw the police entering the ring.[79]

In early 1911, Welsh was about to set off for the United States when Matt Wells, a little-known British boxer who had recently turned professional, challenged him for his title.[80] Welsh accepted, but was unprepared for Wells, who had been studying Welsh for the last eighteen months.[80] On 27 February 1911 Welsh entered the ring at Covent Garden to little cheer, with the crowd supporting Wells the underdog.[81] Wells' tactics were finely executed and he built up a healthy lead by attacking Welsh from the first round, he then spent the second half of the match defending his body and his lead.[81] When the twenty rounds were up, Wells was given the decision and the championship title.[82] Welsh departed for America on 11 March 1911, no longer a champion.[83]

Reclaiming the British lightweight title 1911–1913[edit]

Jones, I would not run the risk of breaking or dirtying my hands on your face. You can't get anything by this and it looks like kid work to me. I thought you were a grown up man. I can make $5,000 and win the lightweight title by licking Wolgast, but if I knocked you down I'd be arrested for hitting a fat man.[84]

Welsh's response to Tom 'Ten per cent' Jones' threat to fight him on a street in Venice, California

Welsh's time in Britain had damaged his credibility in America, so he set out to make amends.[85] An easy victory over Pal Moore in March was followed by a trip to California to face Matty Baldwin in San Francisco. Welsh won the Baldwin fight on points in a performance that was considered an excellent display of boxing.[85] On 4 August 1911, after weeks of negotiation, it was announced that Wolgast would face Welsh on 30 November, Welsh's first attempt at the world title.[86] The buildup was intense and both camps attempted to use the media to their advantage.[87] Just days before the match, with tickets in high demand, the man named in the fight articles as the referee, Eddie Smith, died.[84] This led to arguments between Welsh and Tom 'Ten per cent' Jones, Wolgast's manager, as both tried to get the most favourable replacement referee.[84] When Jones and Welsh met each other by chance on Windward Avenue in Venice, California, the men came to a heated argument with Jones threatening that he would 'knock his [Welsh] block off'.[84] A few days later, realising that he was in the weaker position as the challenger, Welsh accepted Jones' choice of referee, Jack Welch. On the eve of the big encounter, news reached Welsh that Wolgast had been taken to hospital with acute appendicitis and would be unable to fight for three months.[88] Walgast's last-minute replacement Willie Ritchie took Welsh the full twenty rounds, and although he failed to beat the Welshman, the fight had many fans contemplating how Welsh would have fared against the champion.[89]

Welsh's personal journal, his US return address given as friend Elbert Hubbard

In January 1912, Welsh dislocated his neck in a bout of wrestling. He was now unable to box and running low on money after living beyond his means.[90] He left San Francisco in March, travelling to Canada where he took in an exhibition bout with Jack O'Brien, before heading to Chicago where he and Fanny stayed for two months. Welsh then decided to head to New York as to take in some six-round matches to earn some money.[91] On the way through Buffalo he fought Jimmy Duffy, although about half a stone overweight, Welsh was given the bout by the press, and was at least making money again.[91] While in Buffalo, Welsh visited his friend Elbert Hubbard and after long philosophical discussions, he returned to boxing with a new purpose, intent on regaining his British title.[92] He fought three more times in America before he returned to Britain, two draws against Grover Hayes and a press decision over Phil Knight.[22]

In September 1912, Welsh travelled back to Britain on the Mauritania.[93] A rematch was planned with Wells for 11 November, and Welsh warmed up with a points win over Jack Langdon in Liverpool.[22] Almost three weeks later he faced Wells at Covent Garden for a second time, but now as challenger. Wells took the first four rounds, but in the sixth round, Welsh landed a combination of punishing blows which slowed the champion down.[94] By the tenth round the match was level,[94] and as the match progressed Welsh took charge. At the end of the 20 round bout Welsh was declared European and British champion.[95]

Just before his next fight, news came from America that Willie Ritchie had taken the world title from Wolgast, strengthening Welsh's case for a championship shot.[96] Before he could return a British Empire title fight had been arranged against Australian Hughie Mehegan. The encounter went the full 20 rounds, and although Welsh won on points he took a severe beating, complaining he found it difficult to sleep from the pain three or four days after the fight.[97]

In early January 1913, Welsh's mother, who had been ill for some time, died.[98] He gave up his immediate plans to chase Willie Ritchie and stayed in Wales for a while to be near his family.[99] He fought four more fights in Britain, beginning with a home contest in Aberdare against Frenchman Paul Brevieres, who was stopped in the third.[22] Then he took a points win over Young Nipper, a successful defence of his European title against Raymond Vittet, finishing with a points win over Eddie Beattie.[22] The three final fights were conducted within seven days, and Welsh almost paid the price for such a challenging schedule when Beattie knocked him down for nine seconds in the ninth.[100]

World title bid 1913–1914[edit]

Welsh vs Rivers, St Patricks Day 1914 in Vernon, California

When Welsh returned to America he was intent on fighting Ritchie, having failed to meet both Nelson and Wolgast. He employed the services of Harry Pollok, one of New York's most flamboyant sports impresarios.[101] When Welsh and Fanny arrived in New York on 29 March 1913, Pollok was there orchestrating the reporters and photographers.[101] Even with Pollack's help Ritchie was difficult to commit. Champions tended to stick to the East Coast, fighting in six round contests where the 'no-decision' contests meant the only way the title could be lost would be through a knockout.[102] When Welsh arrived in New York, Billy Dolan, Ritchie's manager, announced that the champion would not be fighting for four months as he was touring Europe to fulfil theatrical commitments.[102]

In preparation of a possible title bid on Ritchie's return, Welsh started his build up on 28 April by going the distance with Al Ketchell in Bridgeport. He then headed north to Canada to take the press decisions over Jack Redmond on 16 May and Kid Scaler on 24 May.[22] These fights were followed by bouts against Billy Farrell in Moose Jaw, Ray Campbell and Young Jack O'Brien in Vancouver and then Martin Murphy in Fernie, British Columbia.[22][103] In early July Welsh broke off his Canadian tour to watch Ritchie's return to the ring. It was an unimpressive display over 'Mexican' Joe Rivers, saved only by a knockout in the eleventh.[104] During this period, to insure his name stayed in the papers, Welsh revealed that he and Fanny Weston had actually been married since 1905, a secret kept from all but the closest family members.[104] This was followed by a stunt to break the Canadian land speed record over a mile. Welsh sat in with 'Speed King' Bob Burman when he broke the record in 50.8 seconds in his Blitzen Benz.[105]

Eventually a fight was arranged between Welsh and Ritchie to be fought in Vancouver on 4 September 1913, but when Welsh turned on his ankle in training the date was forced back to the 20th.[106] Worse was to follow when the evening before the fight Ritchie left Vancouver, later citing unhappiness over the filming rights of the fight.[107] Around the same time, a gold belt awarded to Welsh after he won the Commonwealth encounter with Mehegan, was stolen while on display at a tea room near his training quarters. The belt was recovered when an Australian, named Henry Beckett, was caught trying to smuggle it out of the country.[108]

Welsh responded to his bad luck by throwing himself back into competitive fighting. With three months of the year left, he arranged five fights. The first two contests, in Montana, against Fighting Dick Hyland and Leo Kossick were won on points decisions.[103] These was followed with a match against Milburn Saylor who was disqualified in the ninth for a low blow. He faced Phil Bloom in New York, the press decision favouring Welsh, before he returned to Canada for a knockout win over Canadian Champion Arthur Ellis.[103] Back in the United States, Welsh, although struggling with his weight[109] was able to best Johnny Dundee in New Orleans, followed by a points victory over Frank Whitney in Atlanta.[103] Welsh continued his journey east, stopping at Philadelphia for a match against Sam Robideau. This would be his third win in three different cities in just ten days.[103] Five days later on 15 January 1914 in Kansas City he faced Mickey Sheridan of Chicago, who underwent "thirty minutes of torture and considerable humiliation" in an easy points decision for Welsh.[110] He faced two more opponents in January, Earl Fisher in Cincinnati on the 26th followed by Leo Kelly in Saint Louis on the 29th, both were press decisions for Welsh. With his weight now coming down and his bank account swelled, Welsh and Pollok refocused on Ritchie.[111] The American sportswriters were calling Welsh a 'has-been',[111] so the two men devised a new strategy, if they could not get Ritchie to agree to a bout, they would beat as many of Ritchie's credible contenders until he could no longer ignore Welsh.[111]

Welsh in boxing pose

The first target on his list was Mexican Joe Rivers, who had already had two failed attempts at the lightweight title. On his build-up to the match, Welsh suffered his first defeat since 1911, when Jimmy Duffy took the press decision over eight rounds in Saint Louis. Undeterred he continued his preparation for the contest with Rivers on 17 March in Vernon. Rivers started as favourite, but his inexperience showed and Welsh dominated the entire fight winning on points.[111] After the fight, at a celebratory dinner, Welsh was shown a newspaper reporting King George V's enthusiasm for boxing.[111] Welsh wrote to His Majesty thanking him for his support, the next day he received a royal response by telegram.[111] Nearly every major newspaper in the United States and the United Kingdom printed the correspondence in full, giving Welsh much needed column space.[112]

In the spring of 1914, Welsh contacted Ritchie and asked him if he would face him in England, providing he got a satisfactory guarantee of money.[113] Ritchie agreed that he would fight for the right money. Welsh cabled the Olympia Theatre, London and began booking advertising space.[114] When Ritchie finally stated that he wanted $50,000, win lose or draw, Welsh said the price "would make a horse laugh", and was double what he was expecting.[114] Despite this huge fee, England was desperate for a world champion and $40,000 was raised on the stipulation that Ritchie fought no other bouts in the meantime.[115] Ritchie accepted the $40,000 but stated a fight was already planned and he would fight who he liked.[115] The London syndicate relented to his demands. Before Ritchie's arranged fight with Charley White, Welsh took in two more encounters, beating Leach Cross on points and then Joe Mandot on press decision.[103] All attention then switched to the White-Ritchie fight in Milwaukee.[116] In almost the first punch that White connected with, Ritchie was in trouble. Staggered, Ritchie was laid open to a battering, but stayed on his feet until the end of the fight.[116] White was declared winner, but as he had failed to stop Ritchie before the end of the match, he kept his world title. Pollok and Welsh then took a major gamble. They sent a telegram to Ritchie with the message, 'Promoters have called off match with you. Want us to meet White.', a bluff to force the Champion's hand.[116] The following day Ritchie accepted a fee for $25,000 and $1,500 expenses to meet Welsh in London. The White fight had cost Ritchie almost $15,000.[116]

Welsh and Pollok set off for Britain on the Imperator, and on his arrival on 12 June, he told reporters that he had received news from Fanny of the birth of his first child, Elizabeth.[117] The fight took place on 7 July, and from the first round Welsh took control.[118] It wasn't until the sixth when Ritchie caught Welsh on the jaw that he took a round.[118] Welsh played defensive, but landed with jabbing blows to the head, while Ritchie kept looking for the massive knockout punch that would win the match.[119] In the seventeenth round Ritchie was forced to up his game to find a winning punch, but failed to make significant contact before the end of the bout.[119] Welsh was declared winner and lightweight boxing champion of the world, with the consensus around the ring that Welsh took ten rounds, Ritchie five and five were even.[120] After the fight the new champion retired to The Waldorf Hilton, London to see his daughter for the first time.[120]

Championship years and World War I[edit]

Welsh vs Leonard 1917

Just 25 days after becoming lightweight champion, Germany declared war on Russia, and the Great War began. His expected payout touring theatres was curtailed and he lost more than $50,000 in music hall engagements alone.[121] Thanks to a manager of the White Star Line, he, Fanny and Elizabeth obtained first class passage to America on the Olympic.[121] In some sections of the sporting press he was accused of cowardice for not joining the British Army.[121] Welsh countered that he undertook numerous engagements to rally support for troops and stated "I can do far more for my country out of the trenches than in them."[122]

In 1914 only two U.S. states allowed twenty round championship bouts to a verdict, Colorado and Louisiana,[123] and no promoters in either state were offering large enough purses to risk losing the championship title for.[124] To earn as much money as he could from being the champion, Welsh fought in as many ten round 'no verdict' matches as he could. As long as he was on his feet at the end of the ten rounds, he could not lose his title. Still, Welsh wanted to show he was not going to choose soft opposition and began a series of bouts against serious contenders.[125] His first defence was against Matty Baldwin on 27 October in Boston, a match he won on points.[103] This was followed six days later by a contest against Al Wolgast, the former champion who had avoided Welsh when he had the title to lose.[126] The fight was a near sell out at Madison Square Garden in New York, with the crowd firmly behind Wolgast.[126] Although the first few rounds were fairly even between the two fighters, at the end of the fifth round Wolgast blocked an uppercut with his right arm. The blow broke his ulna three inches (76 mm) above the wrist, forcing Wolgast to box on with just his left hand. Wolgast kept on fighting but could not continue after the eighth.[127]

A week later Welsh faced Charley White, the man most sports-writers believed was the natural contender for the lightweight title. The ten round bout, held in Milwaukee, was a one-sided affair with Welsh landing four times as many punches as White.[128] Despite White having the stronger punch, it was not until the tenth that he managed to draw blood, and many writers failed to give him even one round.[128]

Welsh was expected to retire in 1915, with Harry Pollok stating that he planned to fight on four more occasions before leaving the sport.[129] However, he continued fighting and retained the title until May 1917, when he was knocked out at the Manhattan Athletic Club by Benny Leonard, the first time in his career that he had been stopped. Leonard was deemed to have controlled the fight.[130] After being floored in the ninth round, Welsh had risen back to his feet and absorbed even more blows before the referee called a halt to the bout.[131]

Later life[edit]

Welsh with his wife, Fanny

Welsh retired from boxing after a defeat by Archie Walker in 1922, but retired as a wealthy man. Before he lost to Leonard in 1917, Welsh bought a farm on Long Hill in Chatham Township, New Jersey.[132] The farm was set in 162 acres (0.66 km2) and Welsh spent thousands of dollars on improvements, installing a gymnasium, a state of the art kitchen, golf course, tennis courts and a swimming pool.[133] His idea was to turn it into a health spa, and on 11 August 1917 a host of celebrities and dignitaries were invited to its opening. One of the guests, Bat Masterson, described Long Hill as a 'palatial home sitting high upon a hill, like an acropolis'.[134]

Welsh found Long Hill a poor distraction and thought of joining the British forces, but was persuaded out of the idea by Fanny.[135] Instead he joined the United States Army, serving as a lieutenant and was consigned to the Walter Reed Hospital where he helped rehabilitate disabled veterans.[136]

In 1918 Welsh was struggling with Long Hill and decided he wanted rid of it. Welsh had spent $150,000 on Long Hill, his entire life's earnings, and he placed it on the market for $20,000 cash as his business was close to collapse. He was still unable to find a buyer. Welsh's dream was to earn and run a health farm, held since his first days in America; now with his dream in tatters his life began to disintegrate. On 11 October 1919, Welsh was the only diner in a restaurant on 50th and Broadway, when by coincidence Harry Pollok walked in.[137] The men became violent, and a fight ensued which ended with Pollok being rushed to the Polyclinic Hospital with half his right ear in an ice bucket.[137] Pollok swore out a warrant against Welsh who was arrested upon complaint that he had bitten his former manager's ear in half.[137] Welsh denied the charges and after Pollok failed to appear to press the charge for a third time, the case was dismissed.[138]

In 1920 he was discharged from his duties at Walter Reed Hospital having reached the rank of captain. He returned to Long Hill, and with his money dwindling made the decision to return to the ring. After six months of preparation he faced 'Kid' Green on 28 December 1920.[139] Despite the three and a half-year absence from the ring, Welsh was in good shape and took only four rounds to beat Green;[103] though he had switched his trademark defensive boxing to a heavier brawling style.[140] Welsh then fought twice in May 1921, against Willie Jackson and Kid Murphy, both wins; but the most notable event regarding the bouts was the appearance of heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey, who was spending time relaxing at Welsh's health farm.[141] After two more fights in 1921, both in Canada, Welsh returned to New York to face Archie Walker in April 1922.[103] The fight was a sporting disaster for Welsh, losing seven of the ten rounds, and by the tenth he was being chased around the ring as he covered himself up.[142] It was a pitiful display and Welsh never stepped into a professional ring again.[142]

By 1923, during Prohibition, Long Hill was attracting more guests for its supply of home-brewed ciders and beers than its sporting facilities.[143] While in 1924, through their mutual acquaintance of Ring Lardner, F. Scott Fitzgerald turned up at the farm and sparred three rounds with Welsh.[144] In 1924, Welsh was back in court, after he was involved in a car collision caused by him driving his vehicle on the wrong side of the road.[145] Welsh began looking for other ventures to take him away from the health farm, and in 1925 he rejoined the US Army, becoming a boxing instructor at the Plattsburg Barracks in upstate New York. While in the forces he placed an advertisement for a manager to run Long Hill, which was accepted by neighbour and friend, Sidky Bey, and his wife Hranoush, known as Madame Bey.[146][147] With strict curfew hours and a no-alcohol policy, Madame Bey made the farm a success, and Long Hill became an important training venue for New York boxers.[146] But her tenure at the farm ended acrimoniously, over an argument with boxer Battling Siki, who Welsh believed to be a bad influence.[148] After discussing the matter with other boxers, Madame Bey left Long Hill and set up her own rival venue.[148] With Welsh in the Army and Madame Bey gone, the farm fell into disrepair. Bey later recalled Welsh fondly, stating that he was a man who enjoyed having a good time, but was a terrible businessman.[148]

In 1927, with Welsh unable to raise the capital to pay the mortgage on his Long Hill estate, the farm was sold to satisfy a mortgage of $30,000 even though it was valued at $150,000.[149] With Long Hill lost, Fanny and Welsh separated, Fanny taking a job as a live-in housekeeper at the St Paul's Hotel on 60th Street, New York, a venue where she and Welsh once lived in a suite of apartments.[149] Soon after, Welsh's health began to deteriorate and he began complaining of severe chest pains.[149] His doctor reported that Welsh was depressed and was drinking too much.[149] On 17 July 1927 Welsh appeared at the West Side Court in New York City, sporting a black-eye suffered in a street brawl.[150] He faced a charge of disorderly conduct, after he came off worse in a drunken encounter with Edward Delaney of New York. The patrolman who saved Welsh from a serious beating assured the magistrate that it was a friendly fight and the charges were dismissed against both men.[151]

On 28 July 1927 a maid at Hotel Sidney, discovered Welsh laid face downward in his pyjamas and bathrobe.[151] He had died in the night. A doctor was called who opined that Welsh had died of a heart attack. On 13 October 1927, Welsh's old health farm was destroyed in a fire.[152]

Legacy[edit]

Freddie Welsh was inducted into the 'Ring Boxing Hall of Fame' in 1960, the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and the 'International Boxing Hall of Fame' in 1997.[153]

In 2008, Welsh was celebrated by Rhondda Cynon Taf council when it was decided to raise a blue plaque at his former boxing club to commemorate his life.[154] The plaque was unveiled by Welsh boxer Dai Dower the following year.[155]

Record[edit]

During the time Welsh boxed, scoring resulted in a large number of no-decision fights. However, newspapers commonly reported a winner in the case of no-decision bouts.[131] With that adjustment, Welsh's final record would be 110–25–15 with 32 KOs and 16 no-decisions.[156]

Fighting style[edit]

During his career Welsh was often reported in the British press as having learned his boxing trade in America, and therefore he had an ungentlemanly style of boxing, especially when compared to the darling of the National Sporting Club, 'peerless' Jim Driscoll. Welsh had a history of boxing in his family, with his paternal grandfather being a mountain fighter.[157]

Although Welsh is often criticised throughout his career as being unable to knock out his opponents, his style centred on his footwork and ability to avoid punishment. He was calm, elusive and able to frustrate those who faced him, especially heavy hitters.[158] Welsh would often finish long fights without injury, while his opponents suffered heavy damage, and was described as "essentially a long-distance fighter".[159]

Vegetarianism[edit]

Welsh, when talking to the press, always stated that he was a vegetarian.[157] This was always received with a mixture of interest and jest from his opponent and the journalists. Welsh was a vegetarian for its health values, inspired by the writings of Bernarr Macfadden, and showed no interest in animal welfare. When Welsh beat Phil Brock, he received a telegram from Macfadden stating 'Mr. Welsh - Dear Sir: Hope you will go through the whole bunch of meat eaters'.[160]

Although he preached the benefits of vegetarianism, he was not averse to eating meat if required. In an interview Welsh once stated, "I don't believe in a variety of cooked dishes. I eat as much raw food as possible, and this second meal consists of all sorts of vegetables, and for the main dish I have a macaroni and cheese, followed by fruit and nuts and a little rice or tapioca pudding. I find plenty of vegetable and fruits to choose from without touching meat at all. I am not a faddist, and, I eat meat when I cannot get anything else."[161]

In his later life his adherence to vegetarianism slipped, and his difficulty in maintaining his weight after 1913 was credited to him switching diets. Welsh was known to slip away after training to secluded roadhouses where he would eat his favourite meal Chicken Maryland.[162]

Selected publications[edit]


Professional boxing record[edit]

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[163] unless otherwise stated.

Official Record[edit]

168 fights 74 wins 5 losses
By knockout 34 1
By decision 36 4
By disqualification 4 0
Draws 7
No contests 1
Newspaper decisions/draws 81

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted to the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Age Location Notes
168 Loss 74–5–7 (82) Archie Walker PTS 10 Apr 15, 1922 36 years, 41 days Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S.
167 Draw 74–4–7 (82) Clonie Tait PTS 10 Aug 22, 1921 35 years, 170 days Board of Trade Building, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada For vacant Commonwealth lightweight title
166 Win 74–4–6 (82) Bert Forbes PTS 10 Aug 17, 1921 35 years, 165 days Victoria Pavilion, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
165 Win 73–4–6 (82) Tommy Kid Murphy TKO 2 (10) May 4, 1921 35 years, 60 days Morristown, New Jersey, U.S.
164 Win 72–4–6 (82) Willie Jackson KO 8 (10) May 3, 1921 35 years, 59 days Summit, New Jersey, U.S.
163 Win 71–4–6 (82) Willie Green TKO 4 (12) Dec 28, 1920 34 years, 298 days Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
162 Loss 70–4–6 (82) Benny Leonard TKO 9 (10) May 28, 1917 31 years, 84 days Manhattan Casino, New York City, New York, U.S. Lost world lightweight title
161 Loss 70–3–6 (82) Johnny Kilbane NWS 10 May 1, 1917 31 years, 57 days Manhattan Casino, New York City, New York, U.S.
160 Loss 70–3–6 (81) Chick Simler NWS 10 Apr 24, 1917 31 years, 50 days Town Hall, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
159 Loss 70–3–6 (80) Rocky Kansas NWS 10 Apr 20, 1917 31 years, 46 days Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
158 Win 70–3–6 (79) Battling Nelson NWS 12 Apr 17, 1917 31 years, 43 days Coliseum, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
157 Loss 70–3–6 (78) Richie Mitchell NWS 6 Jan 16, 1917 30 years, 317 days Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
156 Loss 70–3–6 (77) Eddie Wallace NWS 6 Nov 24, 1916 30 years, 264 days Sohmer Park, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
155 Loss 70–3–6 (76) Buck Fleming NWS 6 Nov 20, 1916 30 years, 260 days Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
154 Win 70–3–6 (75) Frankie Maguire NWS 6 Nov 3, 1916 30 years, 243 days Mishler Theatre, Altoona, Pennsylvania, U.S.
153 Win 70–3–6 (74) Ben Allen PTS 10 Oct 28, 1916 30 years, 237 days Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
152 Win 69–3–6 (74) Mike Ward TKO 4 (?) Oct 26, 1916 30 years, 235 days Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
151 Win 68–3–6 (74) Bobby Wilson TKO 7 (10) Oct 25, 1916 30 years, 234 days Sohmer Park, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
150 Draw 67–3–6 (74) Kid Scaler NWS 6 Sep 25, 1916 30 years, 204 days Victoria Pavilion, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
149 Win 67–3–6 (73) Harry Anderson PTS 4 Sep 22, 1916 30 years, 201 days Arena, Seattle, Washington, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
148 Win 66–3–6 (73) Charley White PTS 20 Sep 4, 1916 30 years, 183 days Ramona A.C. Arena, Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
147 Win 65–3–6 (73) Benny Leonard NWS 10 Jul 28, 1916 30 years, 145 days Washington Park A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
146 Win 65–3–6 (72) Ad Wolgast DQ 11 (15) Jul 4, 1916 30 years, 121 days Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
145 Win 64–3–6 (72) Tommy Lowe PTS 10 Jun 8, 1916 30 years, 95 days Capitol City A.C., Ardmore, Maryland, U.S.
144 Draw 63–3–6 (72) Frankie Maguire NWS 6 May 3, 1916 30 years, 59 days Chestnut Street Auditorium, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
143 Loss 63–3–6 (71) Ever Hammer NWS 10 Apr 24, 1916 30 years, 50 days Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
142 Draw 63–3–6 (70) Richie Mitchell NWS 10 Apr 7, 1916 30 years, 33 days Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
141 Loss 63–3–6 (69) Benny Leonard NWS 10 Mar 31, 1916 30 years, 26 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
140 Win 63–3–6 (68) Frank Ray Whitney TKO 6 (?) Mar 24, 1916 30 years, 19 days Harlem S.C., Harlem, New York City, New York, U.S.
139 Win 62–3–6 (68) Phil Bloom NWS 10 Mar 21, 1916 30 years, 16 days Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
138 Win 62–3–6 (67) Ad Wolgast NWS 10 Mar 6, 1916 30 years, 1 day Arcadia Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
137 Loss 62–3–6 (66) Johnny Griffiths NWS 12 Jan 25, 1916 29 years, 326 days Akron, Ohio, U.S.
136 Loss 62–3–6 (65) Eddie McAndrews NWS 6 Jan 17, 1916 29 years, 318 days Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
135 Win 62–3–6 (64) Frank Ray Whitney NWS 10 Jan 1, 1916 29 years, 302 days Casino Skating Rink, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
134 Loss 62–3–6 (63) Jimmy Murphy NWS 6 Dec 13, 1915 29 years, 283 days Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
133 Draw 62–3–6 (62) Benny Palmer NWS 8 Dec 9, 1915 29 years, 279 days Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
132 Win 62–3–6 (61) Johnny O'Leary NWS 12 Nov 15, 1915 29 years, 255 days Amphitheatre Rink, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
131 Loss 62–3–6 (60) Charley White NWS 10 Jul 3, 1915 29 years, 120 days Brighton Beach A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
130 Win 62–3–6 (59) Johnny Lustig NWS 10 Jun 18, 1915 29 years, 105 days Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, U.S.
129 Win 62–3–6 (58) Frankie Fleming NWS 10 May 24, 1915 29 years, 80 days Sohmer Park, Montreal, Quebec, Canada World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
128 Win 62–3–6 (57) Red Watson NWS 10 Apr 20, 1915 29 years, 46 days Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S.
127 Win 62–3–6 (56) Billy Wagner NWS 10 Apr 9, 1915 29 years, 35 days Coliseum, Toledo, Ohio, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
126 Draw 62–3–6 (55) Johnny Lustig NWS 10 Mar 27, 1915 29 years, 22 days Montreal, Quebec, Canada
125 Win 62–3–6 (54) Patsy Drouillard NWS 10 Mar 24, 1915 29 years, 19 days Windsor A.C., Windsor, Ontario, Canada
124 Win 62–3–6 (53) Hal Stewart NWS 10 Mar 17, 1915 29 years, 12 days Majestic Theatre, Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
123 Loss 62–3–6 (52) Willie Ritchie NWS 10 Mar 11, 1915 29 years, 6 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
122 Win 62–3–6 (51) Charley White NWS 10 Feb 25, 1915 28 years, 357 days Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
121 Win 62–3–6 (50) Jimmy Anderson NWS 6 Feb 15, 1915 28 years, 347 days Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
120 Loss 62–3–6 (49) Joe Shugrue NWS 10 Feb 9, 1915 28 years, 341 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
119 Loss 62–3–6 (48) Johnny Griffiths NWS 12 Feb 1, 1915 28 years, 333 days Akron, Ohio, U.S.
118 Win 62–3–6 (47) Willie Beecher NWS 10 Jan 26, 1915 28 years, 327 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
117 Loss 62–3–6 (46) Joe Shugrue NWS 10 Dec 2, 1914 28 years, 272 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
116 Win 62–3–6 (45) Young Abe Brown NWS 10 Nov 26, 1914 28 years, 266 days Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
115 Win 62–3–6 (44) Fred Yelle PTS 12 Nov 24, 1914 28 years, 264 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
114 Loss 61–3–6 (44) Lockport Jimmy Duffy NWS 10 Nov 19, 1914 28 years, 259 days Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
113 Win 61–3–6 (43) Charley White NWS 10 Nov 9, 1914 28 years, 249 days Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
112 Win 61–3–6 (42) Ad Wolgast TKO 8 (10) Nov 2, 1914 28 years, 242 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
111 Win 60–3–6 (42) Matty Baldwin PTS 12 Oct 27, 1914 28 years, 236 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachsuetts, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
110 Win 59–3–6 (42) Willie Ritchie PTS 20 Jul 7, 1914 28 years, 124 days Olympia, Kensington, London, England, U.K. Retained IBU and Lonsdale titles;
Won world lightweight title (USA version)
109 Win 58–3–6 (42) Joe Mandot NWS 10 May 25, 1914 28 years, 81 days Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
108 Win 58–3–6 (41) Leach Cross PTS 20 Apr 28, 1914 28 years, 54 days Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
107 Win 57–3–6 (41) Mexican Joe Rivers PTS 20 Mar 17, 1914 28 years, 12 days Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
106 Loss 56–3–6 (41) Lockport Jimmy Duffy NWS 8 Feb 26, 1914 27 years, 358 days Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
105 Win 56–3–6 (40) Leo Kelly NWS 8 Jan 29, 1914 27 years, 330 days National A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
104 Win 56–3–6 (39) Earl Fisher NWS 10 Jan 26, 1914 27 years, 327 days Music Hall Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
103 Win 56–3–6 (38) Mickey Sheridan PTS 10 Jan 15, 1914 27 years, 316 days Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
102 Win 55–3–6 (38) Sam Robideau NWS 6 Jan 10, 1914 27 years, 311 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
101 Win 55–3–6 (37) Frank Ray Whitney PTS 10 Jan 6, 1914 27 years, 307 days Armory Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
100 Win 54–3–6 (37) Johnny Dundee NWS 10 Jan 1, 1914 27 years, 302 days Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
99 Win 54–3–6 (36) Arthur Ellis KO 5 (?) Dec 5, 1913 27 years, 275 days Montreal, Quebec, Canada
98 Win 53–3–6 (36) Phil Bloom NWS 10 Nov 25, 1913 27 years, 265 days Atlantic Garden A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
97 Win 53–3–6 (35) Milburn Saylor DQ 9 (?) Oct 20, 1913 27 years, 229 days Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
96 Win 52–3–6 (35) Leo Kossick PTS 12 Oct 13, 1913 27 years, 222 days Coliseum, Billings, Montana, U.S.
95 Win 51–3–6 (35) Dick Hyland PTS 12 Oct 8, 1913 27 years, 217 days Butte, Montana, U.S.
94 Win 50–3–6 (35) Martin Murphy KO 3 (?) Jul 22, 1913 27 years, 139 days Fernie, British Columbia, Canada
93 Win 49–3–6 (35) Young Jack O'Brien PTS 15 Jul 19, 1913 27 years, 136 days Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
92 Win 48–3–6 (35) Ray Campbell PTS 15 Jun 12, 1913 27 years, 99 days Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
91 Win 47–3–6 (35) Billy Farrell KO 5 (?) May 31, 1913 27 years, 87 days Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada
90 Win 46–3–6 (35) Kid Scaler NWS 15 May 24, 1913 27 years, 80 days Thistle Rink, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
89 Win 46–3–6 (34) Jack Redmond NWS 12 May 16, 1913 27 years, 72 days Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
88 Win 46–3–6 (33) Al Ketchell NWS 10 Apr 28, 1913 27 years, 54 days Park City Theater, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
87 Win 46–3–6 (32) Eddie Beattie PTS 20 Mar 6, 1913 27 years, 1 day Liverpool Stadium, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, U.K.
86 Win 45–3–6 (32) Raymond Vittet TKO 10 (20) Mar 3, 1913 26 years, 363 days Drill Hall, Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, U.K. Retained IBU and Lonsdale lightweight titles
85 Win 44–3–6 (32) Young Nipper PTS 20 Feb 28, 1913 26 years, 360 days Canterbury Music Hall, Lambeth, London, England, U.K.
84 Win 43–3–6 (32) Paul Brevieres TKO 3 (20) Feb 10, 1913 26 years, 342 days Market Hall, Aberdare, Wales, U.K. Retained IBU and Lonsdale lightweight titles
83 Win 42–3–6 (32) Hughie Mehegan PTS 20 Dec 16, 1912 26 years, 286 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, U.K. Retained IBU and Lonsdale lightweight titles
82 Win 41–3–6 (32) Matt Wells PTS 20 Nov 11, 1912 26 years, 251 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, U.K. Won IBU and Lonsdale lightweight titles
81 Win 40–3–6 (32) Jack Langdon PTS 15 Oct 24, 1912 26 years, 233 days Liverpool Stadium, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, U.K.
80 Win 39–3–6 (32) Phil Knight NWS 12 Aug 16, 1912 26 years, 164 days Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
79 Draw 39–3–6 (31) Grover Hayes PTS 12 Aug 5, 1912 26 years, 153 days Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
78 Draw 39–3–5 (31) Grover Hayes NWS 10 Jun 13, 1912 26 years, 100 days Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
77 Win 39–3–5 (30) Lockport Jimmy Duffy NWS 10 May 22, 1912 26 years, 78 days Convention Hall, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
76 Win 39–3–5 (29) Winnipeg Jack O'Brien PTS 6 Mar 9, 1912 26 years, 4 days Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
75 Win 38–3–5 (29) Willie Ritchie PTS 20 Nov 30, 1911 25 years, 270 days Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
74 Win 37–3–5 (29) Matty Baldwin PTS 20 Jun 23, 1911 25 years, 110 days Auditorium Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S.
73 Win 36–3–5 (29) Philadelphia Pal Moore NWS 10 Apr 12, 1911 25 years, 38 days New Amsterdam Opera House, New York City, New York, U.S.
72 Loss 36–3–5 (28) Matt Wells PTS 20 Feb 27, 1911 24 years, 359 days American Skating Rink, Cardiff, Wales, U.K. Lost IBU and Lonsdale lightweight titles
71 Win 36–2–5 (28) Jim Driscoll DQ 10 (20) Dec 20, 1910 24 years, 290 days American Skating Rink, Cardiff, Wales, U.K. Retained IBU and Lonsdale lightweight titles;
Driscoll was disqualified for head butts
70 Win 35–2–5 (28) Dick Bailey TKO 7 (20) Nov 10, 1910 24 years, 251 days Drill Hall, Burslem, Staffordshire, England, U.K.
69 Win 34–2–5 (28) Joe Heathcote TKO 5 (20) Jul 21, 1910 24 years, 138 days Liverpool Arena, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, U.K.
68 Draw 33–2–5 (28) Packey McFarland PTS 20 May 30, 1910 24 years, 86 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, U.K. Retained IBU and Lonsdale lightweight titles
67 Win 33–2–4 (28) Jack Daniels KO 7 (20) Apr 25, 1910 24 years, 51 days King's Hall, London Road, Southwark, London, England, U.K.
66 Win 32–2–4 (28) Johnny Summers PTS 20 Nov 8, 1909 23 years, 248 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, U.K. Retained IBU lightweight title;
Won inaugural Lonsdale lightweight title
65 Win 31–2–4 (28) Joe Fletcher KO 12 (20) Sep 6, 1909 23 years, 185 days Pavilion, Mountain Ash, Wales, U.K.
64 Win 30–2–4 (28) Henri Piet RTD 2 (20) Aug 23, 1909 23 years, 171 days Grand Pavilion, Mountain Ash, Wales, U.K. Won inaugural IBU lightweight title
63 Win 29–2–4 (28) Young Joseph DQ 11 (20) Jul 12, 1909 23 years, 129 days Pavilion, Mountain Ash, Wales, U.K.
62 Win 28–2–4 (28) Phil Brock PTS 12 May 25, 1909 23 years, 81 days Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
61 Win 27–2–4 (28) Jack Goodman NWS 10 May 21, 1909 23 years, 77 days Fairmont A.C., Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
60 Win 27–2–4 (27) Johnny Frayne NWS 10 May 7, 1909 23 years, 63 days Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
59 Draw 27–2–4 (26) Young Donahue PTS 10 Mar 16, 1909 23 years, 11 days New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
58 Win 27–2–3 (26) Ray Bronson TKO 13 (20) Mar 5, 1909 23 years, 0 days West Side A.C., Gretna, Louisiana, U.S.
57 Win 26–2–3 (26) Young Erne PTS 20 Feb 20, 1909 22 years, 352 days New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
56 Win 25–2–3 (26) George Memsic NWS 20 Feb 2, 1909 22 years, 334 days McCarey's Club, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
55 Win 25–2–3 (25) Abe Attell PTS 15 Nov 25, 1908 22 years, 265 days Jeffries' Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
54 Win 24–2–3 (25) Harry Trendall KO 6 (10) Oct 9, 1908 22 years, 218 days Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
53 Win 23–2–3 (25) Frank Carsey KO 4 (10) Sep 15, 1908 22 years, 194 days McCarey's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
52 Win 22–2–3 (25) Johnny Murphy PTS 25 Aug 14, 1908 22 years, 162 days Jeffries' Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
51 Draw 21–2–3 (25) Packey McFarland PTS 25 Jul 4, 1908 22 years, 121 days Jeffries' Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
50 Win 21–2–2 (25) Phil Brock PTS 25 May 30, 1908 22 years, 86 days Jeffries' Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
49 Loss 20–2–2 (25) Packey McFarland PTS 10 Feb 21, 1908 21 years, 353 days Hippodrome, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
48 Draw 20–1–2 (25) Charles Neary PTS 10 Jan 31, 1908 21 years, 332 days Schlitz Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
47 Win 20–1–1 (25) Maurice Sayers PTS 10 Jan 17, 1908 21 years, 318 days Milwaukee Boxing Club, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
46 Win 19–1–1 (25) Kid Locke NWS 6 Jan 2, 1908 21 years, 303 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
45 Win 19–1–1 (24) Eddie Carter NWS 6 Dec 25, 1907 21 years, 295 days Wayne A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
44 Win 19–1–1 (23) Dave Deshler PTS 10 Dec 11, 1907 21 years, 281 days Chelsea, Massachsuetts, U.S.
43 Draw 18–1–1 (23) Willie Fitzgerald NWS 6 Dec 2, 1907 21 years, 272 days Spring Garden A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
42 Win 18–1–1 (22) Boxer Kelly NWS 6 Nov 21, 1907 21 years, 261 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
41 Win 18–1–1 (21) Cyclone Johnny Thompson NWS 6 Nov 2, 1907 21 years, 242 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
40 Win 18–1–1 (20) Gunner Hart TKO 5 (10) Oct 3, 1907 21 years, 212 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
39 Win 17–1–1 (20) Arthur Ellis TKO 5 (10) Oct 3, 1907 21 years, 212 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
38 Win 16–1–1 (20) Joe White TKO 16 (20) Sep 16, 1907 21 years, 195 days Gymnasium, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
37 Win 15–1–1 (20) Seaman Arthur Hayes TKO 5 (15) Sep 7, 1907 21 years, 186 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
36 ND 14–1–1 (20) Jim Driscoll ND 6 Sep 2, 1907 21 years, 181 days Gess Pavillon, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
35 Win 14–1–1 (19) Dick Lee PTS 15 Aug 15, 1907 21 years, 163 days Welsh National A.C., Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, U.K. Welsh claimed English 134lbs title
34 Win 13–1–1 (19) Young Lilley RTD 11 (20) Aug 5, 1907 21 years, 153 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
33 Win 12–1–1 (19) Sid Russell TKO 7 (15) Jul 18, 1907 21 years, 135 days Welsh National A.C., Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, U.K.
32 Win 11–1–1 (19) Johnnie Owens TKO 7 (10) May 20, 1907 21 years, 76 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K. Won vacant Welsh lightweight title
31 Win 10–1–1 (19) Evan Evans KO 1 (?) Apr 17, 1907 21 years, 43 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
30 Win 9–1–1 (19) Charlie Webber KO 2 (?) Apr 17, 1907 21 years, 43 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
29 Win 8–1–1 (19) Gomer Morgan KO 3 (?) Apr 17, 1907 21 years, 43 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
28 Win 7–1–1 (19) Young Joseph PTS 15 Mar 25, 1907 21 years, 20 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, U.K.
27 Win 6–1–1 (19) Seaman Arthur Hayes PTS 6 Feb 18, 1907 20 years, 350 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, U.K.
26 Win 5–1–1 (19) Kid Gleason NWS 6 Dec 12, 1906 20 years, 282 days Wayne A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
25 Win 5–1–1 (18) Willie Moody NWS 6 Nov 23, 1906 20 years, 263 days Nonpareil A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
24 Draw 5–1–1 (17) Jimmy Dunn PTS 20 Nov 12, 1906 20 years, 252 days Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
23 Loss 5–1 (17) Jimmy Dunn NWS 6 Aug 31, 1906 20 years, 179 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
22 Win 5–1 (16) Hock Keys TKO 17 (20) Jul 27, 1906 20 years, 144 days Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
21 Win 4–1 (16) Young Erne NWS 6 Jul 13, 1906 20 years, 130 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
20 Win 4–1 (15) Billy Glover NWS 6 Jun 29, 1906 20 years, 116 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
19 Loss 4–1 (14) Frank Carsey NWS 6 Jun 15, 1906 20 years, 102 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
18 Win 4–1 (13) Mike Loughlin KO 2 (6) Jun 8, 1906 20 years, 95 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
17 Win 3–1 (13) Kid Gleason NWS 6 May 19, 1906 20 years, 75 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
16 Win 3–1 (12) Jack Reardon NWS 6 May 12, 1906 20 years, 68 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
15 Loss 3–1 (11) Tim Callahan NWS 6 May 10, 1906 20 years, 66 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
14 Loss 3–1 (10) Billy Willis NWS 6 May 3, 1906 20 years, 59 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
13 Loss 3–1 (9) Matty Baldwin NWS 6 Apr 23, 1906 20 years, 49 days Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
12 Loss 3–1 (8) Tommy Love NWS 6 Apr 21, 1906 20 years, 47 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
11 Draw 3–1 (7) Jimmy Devine NWS 6 Apr 19, 1906 20 years, 45 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
10 Draw 3–1 (6) Frank Carsey NWS 6 Apr 14, 1906 20 years, 40 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
9 Loss 3–1 (5) Billy Maharg PTS 10 Apr 11, 1906 20 years, 37 days Tuxedo A.C., Essington, Pennsylvania, U.S.
8 Draw 3–0 (5) Johnny Dohan NWS 6 Mar 31, 1906 20 years, 26 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
7 Win 3–0 (4) Eddie Lenny PTS 10 Mar 28, 1906 20 years, 23 days Tuxedo AC, North Essington, Pennsylvania, U.S.
6 Win 2–0 (4) Kid Stinger NWS 6 Mar 24, 1906 20 years, 19 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
5 Win 2–0 (3) Tommy Love NWS 6 Mar 8, 1906 20 years, 3 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
4 Win 2–0 (2) Tommy Feltz NWS 6 Feb 22, 1906 19 years, 354 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
3 Win 2–0 (1) Eddie Fay TKO 5 (6) Feb 8, 1906 19 years, 340 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
2 Win 1–0 (1) Johnny Kelly NWS 6 Jan 25, 1906 19 years, 326 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Young Williams KO 6 (6) Dec 21, 1905 19 years, 291 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Unofficial record[edit]

168 fights 121 wins 29 losses
By knockout 34 1
By decision 83 28
By disqualification 4 0
Draws 17
No contests 1

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions to the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Age Location Notes
168 Loss 121–29–17 (1) Archie Walker PTS 10 Apr 15, 1922 36 years, 41 days Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S.
167 Draw 121–28–17 (1) Clonie Tait PTS 10 Aug 22, 1921 35 years, 170 days Board of Trade Building, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada For vacant Commonwealth lightweight title
166 Win 121–28–16 (1) Bert Forbes PTS 10 Aug 17, 1921 35 years, 165 days Victoria Pavilion, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
165 Win 120–28–16 (1) Tommy Kid Murphy TKO 2 (10) May 4, 1921 35 years, 60 days Morristown, New Jersey, U.S.
164 Win 119–28–16 (1) Willie Jackson KO 8 (10) May 3, 1921 35 years, 59 days Summit, New Jersey, U.S.
163 Win 118–28–16 (1) Willie Green TKO 4 (12) Dec 28, 1920 34 years, 298 days Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
162 Loss 117–28–16 (1) Benny Leonard TKO 9 (10) May 28, 1917 31 years, 84 days Manhattan Casino, New York City, New York, U.S. Lost world lightweight title
161 Loss 117–27–16 (1) Johnny Kilbane NWS 10 May 1, 1917 31 years, 57 days Manhattan Casino, New York City, New York, U.S.
160 Loss 117–26–16 (1) Chick Simler NWS 10 Apr 24, 1917 31 years, 50 days Town Hall, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
159 Loss 117–25–16 (1) Rocky Kansas NWS 10 Apr 20, 1917 31 years, 46 days Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
158 Win 117–24–16 (1) Battling Nelson NWS 12 Apr 17, 1917 31 years, 43 days Coliseum, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
157 Loss 116–24–16 (1) Richie Mitchell NWS 6 Jan 16, 1917 30 years, 317 days Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
156 Loss 116–23–16 (1) Eddie Wallace NWS 6 Nov 24, 1916 30 years, 264 days Sohmer Park, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
155 Loss 116–22–16 (1) Buck Fleming NWS 6 Nov 20, 1916 30 years, 260 days Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
154 Win 116–21–16 (1) Frankie Maguire NWS 6 Nov 3, 1916 30 years, 243 days Mishler Theatre, Altoona, Pennsylvania, U.S.
153 Win 115–21–16 (1) Ben Allen PTS 10 Oct 28, 1916 30 years, 237 days Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
152 Win 114–21–16 (1) Mike Ward TKO 4 (?) Oct 26, 1916 30 years, 235 days Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
151 Win 113–21–16 (1) Bobby Wilson TKO 7 (10) Oct 25, 1916 30 years, 234 days Sohmer Park, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
150 Draw 112–21–16 (1) Kid Scaler NWS 6 Sep 25, 1916 30 years, 204 days Victoria Pavilion, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
149 Win 112–21–15 (1) Harry Anderson PTS 4 Sep 22, 1916 30 years, 201 days Arena, Seattle, Washington, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
148 Win 111–21–15 (1) Charley White PTS 20 Sep 4, 1916 30 years, 183 days Ramona A.C. Arena, Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
147 Win 110–21–15 (1) Benny Leonard NWS 10 Jul 28, 1916 30 years, 145 days Washington Park A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
146 Win 109–21–15 (1) Ad Wolgast DQ 11 (15) Jul 4, 1916 30 years, 121 days Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
145 Win 108–21–15 (1) Tommy Lowe PTS 10 Jun 8, 1916 30 years, 95 days Capitol City A.C., Ardmore, Maryland, U.S.
144 Draw 107–21–15 (1) Frankie Maguire NWS 6 May 3, 1916 30 years, 59 days Chestnut Street Auditorium, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
143 Loss 107–21–14 (1) Ever Hammer NWS 10 Apr 24, 1916 30 years, 50 days Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
142 Draw 107–20–14 (1) Richie Mitchell NWS 10 Apr 7, 1916 30 years, 33 days Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
141 Loss 107–20–13 (1) Benny Leonard NWS 10 Mar 31, 1916 30 years, 26 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
140 Win 107–19–13 (1) Frank Ray Whitney TKO 6 (?) Mar 24, 1916 30 years, 19 days Harlem S.C., Harlem, New York City, New York, U.S.
139 Win 106–19–13 (1) Phil Bloom NWS 10 Mar 21, 1916 30 years, 16 days Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
138 Win 105–19–13 (1) Ad Wolgast NWS 10 Mar 6, 1916 30 years, 1 day Arcadia Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
137 Loss 104–19–13 (1) Johnny Griffiths NWS 12 Jan 25, 1916 29 years, 326 days Akron, Ohio, U.S.
136 Loss 104–18–13 (1) Eddie McAndrews NWS 6 Jan 17, 1916 29 years, 318 days Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
135 Win 104–17–13 (1) Frank Ray Whitney NWS 10 Jan 1, 1916 29 years, 302 days Casino Skating Rink, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
134 Loss 103–17–13 (1) Jimmy Murphy NWS 6 Dec 13, 1915 29 years, 283 days Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
133 Draw 103–16–13 (1) Benny Palmer NWS 8 Dec 9, 1915 29 years, 279 days Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
132 Win 103–16–12 (1) Johnny O'Leary NWS 12 Nov 15, 1915 29 years, 255 days Amphitheatre Rink, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
131 Loss 102–16–12 (1) Charley White NWS 10 Jul 3, 1915 29 years, 120 days Brighton Beach A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
130 Win 102–15–12 (1) Johnny Lustig NWS 10 Jun 18, 1915 29 years, 105 days Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, U.S.
129 Win 101–15–12 (1) Frankie Fleming NWS 10 May 24, 1915 29 years, 80 days Sohmer Park, Montreal, Quebec, Canada World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
128 Win 100–15–12 (1) Red Watson NWS 10 Apr 20, 1915 29 years, 46 days Hudson, Wisconsin, U.S.
127 Win 99–15–12 (1) Billy Wagner NWS 10 Apr 9, 1915 29 years, 35 days Coliseum, Toledo, Ohio, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
126 Draw 98–15–12 (1) Johnny Lustig NWS 10 Mar 27, 1915 29 years, 22 days Montreal, Quebec, Canada
125 Win 98–15–11 (1) Patsy Drouillard NWS 10 Mar 24, 1915 29 years, 19 days Windsor A.C., Windsor, Ontario, Canada
124 Win 97–15–11 (1) Hal Stewart NWS 10 Mar 17, 1915 29 years, 12 days Majestic Theatre, Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
123 Loss 96–15–11 (1) Willie Ritchie NWS 10 Mar 11, 1915 29 years, 6 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
122 Win 96–14–11 (1) Charley White NWS 10 Feb 25, 1915 28 years, 357 days Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
121 Win 95–14–11 (1) Jimmy Anderson NWS 6 Feb 15, 1915 28 years, 347 days Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
120 Loss 94–14–11 (1) Joe Shugrue NWS 10 Feb 9, 1915 28 years, 341 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
119 Loss 94–13–11 (1) Johnny Griffiths NWS 12 Feb 1, 1915 28 years, 333 days Akron, Ohio, U.S.
118 Win 94–12–11 (1) Willie Beecher NWS 10 Jan 26, 1915 28 years, 327 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
117 Loss 93–12–11 (1) Joe Shugrue NWS 10 Dec 2, 1914 28 years, 272 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
116 Win 93–11–11 (1) Young Abe Brown NWS 10 Nov 26, 1914 28 years, 266 days Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
115 Win 92–11–11 (1) Fred Yelle PTS 12 Nov 24, 1914 28 years, 264 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
114 Loss 91–11–11 (1) Lockport Jimmy Duffy NWS 10 Nov 19, 1914 28 years, 259 days Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
113 Win 91–10–11 (1) Charley White NWS 10 Nov 9, 1914 28 years, 249 days Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
112 Win 90–10–11 (1) Ad Wolgast TKO 8 (10) Nov 2, 1914 28 years, 242 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
111 Win 89–10–11 (1) Matty Baldwin PTS 12 Oct 27, 1914 28 years, 236 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachsuetts, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
110 Win 88–10–11 (1) Willie Ritchie PTS 20 Jul 7, 1914 28 years, 124 days Olympia, Kensington, London, England, U.K. Retained IBU and Lonsdale titles;
Won world lightweight title (USA version)
109 Win 87–10–11 (1) Joe Mandot NWS 10 May 25, 1914 28 years, 81 days Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
108 Win 86–10–11 (1) Leach Cross PTS 20 Apr 28, 1914 28 years, 54 days Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
107 Win 85–10–11 (1) Mexican Joe Rivers PTS 20 Mar 17, 1914 28 years, 12 days Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
106 Loss 84–10–11 (1) Lockport Jimmy Duffy NWS 8 Feb 26, 1914 27 years, 358 days Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
105 Win 84–9–11 (1) Leo Kelly NWS 8 Jan 29, 1914 27 years, 330 days National A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
104 Win 83–9–11 (1) Earl Fisher NWS 10 Jan 26, 1914 27 years, 327 days Music Hall Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
103 Win 82–9–11 (1) Mickey Sheridan PTS 10 Jan 15, 1914 27 years, 316 days Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
102 Win 81–9–11 (1) Sam Robideau NWS 6 Jan 10, 1914 27 years, 311 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
101 Win 80–9–11 (1) Frank Ray Whitney PTS 10 Jan 6, 1914 27 years, 307 days Armory Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
100 Win 79–9–11 (1) Johnny Dundee NWS 10 Jan 1, 1914 27 years, 302 days Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
99 Win 78–9–11 (1) Arthur Ellis KO 5 (?) Dec 5, 1913 27 years, 275 days Montreal, Quebec, Canada
98 Win 77–9–11 (1) Phil Bloom NWS 10 Nov 25, 1913 27 years, 265 days Atlantic Garden A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
97 Win 76–9–11 (1) Milburn Saylor DQ 9 (?) Oct 20, 1913 27 years, 229 days Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
96 Win 75–9–11 (1) Leo Kossick PTS 12 Oct 13, 1913 27 years, 222 days Coliseum, Billings, Montana, U.S.
95 Win 74–9–11 (1) Dick Hyland PTS 12 Oct 8, 1913 27 years, 217 days Butte, Montana, U.S.
94 Win 73–9–11 (1) Martin Murphy KO 3 (?) Jul 22, 1913 27 years, 139 days Fernie, British Columbia, Canada
93 Win 72–9–11 (1) Young Jack O'Brien PTS 15 Jul 19, 1913 27 years, 136 days Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
92 Win 71–9–11 (1) Ray Campbell PTS 15 Jun 12, 1913 27 years, 99 days Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
91 Win 70–9–11 (1) Billy Farrell KO 5 (?) May 31, 1913 27 years, 87 days Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada
90 Win 69–9–11 (1) Kid Scaler NWS 15 May 24, 1913 27 years, 80 days Thistle Rink, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
89 Win 68–9–11 (1) Jack Redmond NWS 12 May 16, 1913 27 years, 72 days Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
88 Win 67–9–11 (1) Al Ketchell NWS 10 Apr 28, 1913 27 years, 54 days Park City Theater, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
87 Win 66–9–11 (1) Eddie Beattie PTS 20 Mar 6, 1913 27 years, 1 day Liverpool Stadium, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, U.K.
86 Win 65–9–11 (1) Raymond Vittet TKO 10 (20) Mar 3, 1913 26 years, 363 days Drill Hall, Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, U.K. Retained IBU and Lonsdale lightweight titles
85 Win 64–9–11 (1) Young Nipper PTS 20 Feb 28, 1913 26 years, 360 days Canterbury Music Hall, Lambeth, London, England, U.K.
84 Win 63–9–11 (1) Paul Brevieres TKO 3 (20) Feb 10, 1913 26 years, 342 days Market Hall, Aberdare, Wales, U.K. Retained IBU and Lonsdale lightweight titles
83 Win 62–9–11 (1) Hughie Mehegan PTS 20 Dec 16, 1912 26 years, 286 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, U.K. Retained IBU and Lonsdale lightweight titles
82 Win 61–9–11 (1) Matt Wells PTS 20 Nov 11, 1912 26 years, 251 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, U.K. Won IBU and Lonsdale lightweight titles
81 Win 60–9–11 (1) Jack Langdon PTS 15 Oct 24, 1912 26 years, 233 days Liverpool Stadium, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, U.K.
80 Win 59–9–11 (1) Phil Knight NWS 12 Aug 16, 1912 26 years, 164 days Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
79 Draw 58–9–11 (1) Grover Hayes PTS 12 Aug 5, 1912 26 years, 153 days Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
78 Draw 58–9–10 (1) Grover Hayes NWS 10 Jun 13, 1912 26 years, 100 days Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
77 Win 58–9–9 (1) Lockport Jimmy Duffy NWS 10 May 22, 1912 26 years, 78 days Convention Hall, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
76 Win 57–9–9 (1) Winnipeg Jack O'Brien PTS 6 Mar 9, 1912 26 years, 4 days Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
75 Win 56–9–9 (1) Willie Ritchie PTS 20 Nov 30, 1911 25 years, 270 days Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
74 Win 55–9–9 (1) Matty Baldwin PTS 20 Jun 23, 1911 25 years, 110 days Auditorium Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S.
73 Win 54–9–9 (1) Philadelphia Pal Moore NWS 10 Apr 12, 1911 25 years, 38 days New Amsterdam Opera House, New York City, New York, U.S.
72 Loss 53–9–9 (1) Matt Wells PTS 20 Feb 27, 1911 24 years, 359 days American Skating Rink, Cardiff, Wales, U.K. Lost IBU and Lonsdale lightweight titles
71 Win 53–8–9 (1) Jim Driscoll DQ 10 (20) Dec 20, 1910 24 years, 290 days American Skating Rink, Cardiff, Wales, U.K. Retained IBU and Lonsdale lightweight titles;
Driscoll was disqualified for head butts
70 Win 52–8–9 (1) Dick Bailey TKO 7 (20) Nov 10, 1910 24 years, 251 days Drill Hall, Burslem, Staffordshire, England, U.K.
69 Win 51–8–9 (1) Joe Heathcote TKO 5 (20) Jul 21, 1910 24 years, 138 days Liverpool Arena, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, U.K.
68 Draw 50–8–9 (1) Packey McFarland PTS 20 May 30, 1910 24 years, 86 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, U.K. Retained IBU and Lonsdale lightweight titles
67 Win 50–8–8 (1) Jack Daniels KO 7 (20) Apr 25, 1910 24 years, 51 days King's Hall, London Road, Southwark, London, England, U.K.
66 Win 49–8–8 (1) Johnny Summers PTS 20 Nov 8, 1909 23 years, 248 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, U.K. Retained IBU lightweight title;
Won inaugural Lonsdale lightweight title
65 Win 48–8–8 (1) Joe Fletcher KO 12 (20) Sep 6, 1909 23 years, 185 days Pavilion, Mountain Ash, Wales, U.K.
64 Win 47–8–8 (1) Henri Piet RTD 2 (20) Aug 23, 1909 23 years, 171 days Grand Pavilion, Mountain Ash, Wales, U.K. Won inaugural IBU lightweight title
63 Win 46–8–8 (1) Young Joseph DQ 11 (20) Jul 12, 1909 23 years, 129 days Pavilion, Mountain Ash, Wales, U.K.
62 Win 45–8–8 (1) Phil Brock PTS 12 May 25, 1909 23 years, 81 days Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
61 Win 44–8–8 (1) Jack Goodman NWS 10 May 21, 1909 23 years, 77 days Fairmont A.C., Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
60 Win 43–8–8 (1) Johnny Frayne NWS 10 May 7, 1909 23 years, 63 days Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
59 Draw 42–8–8 (1) Young Donahue PTS 10 Mar 16, 1909 23 years, 11 days New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
58 Win 42–8–7 (1) Ray Bronson TKO 13 (20) Mar 5, 1909 23 years, 0 days West Side A.C., Gretna, Louisiana, U.S.
57 Win 41–8–7 (1) Young Erne PTS 20 Feb 20, 1909 22 years, 352 days New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
56 Win 40–8–7 (1) George Memsic NWS 20 Feb 2, 1909 22 years, 334 days McCarey's Club, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
55 Win 39–8–7 (1) Abe Attell PTS 15 Nov 25, 1908 22 years, 265 days Jeffries' Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
54 Win 38–8–7 (1) Harry Trendall KO 6 (10) Oct 9, 1908 22 years, 218 days Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
53 Win 37–8–7 (1) Frank Carsey KO 4 (10) Sep 15, 1908 22 years, 194 days McCarey's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
52 Win 36–8–7 (1) Johnny Murphy PTS 25 Aug 14, 1908 22 years, 162 days Jeffries' Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
51 Draw 35–8–7 (1) Packey McFarland PTS 25 Jul 4, 1908 22 years, 121 days Jeffries' Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
50 Win 35–8–6 (1) Phil Brock PTS 25 May 30, 1908 22 years, 86 days Jeffries' Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
49 Loss 34–8–6 (1) Packey McFarland PTS 10 Feb 21, 1908 21 years, 353 days Hippodrome, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
48 Draw 34–7–6 (1) Charles Neary PTS 10 Jan 31, 1908 21 years, 332 days Schlitz Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
47 Win 34–7–5 (1) Maurice Sayers PTS 10 Jan 17, 1908 21 years, 318 days Milwaukee Boxing Club, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
46 Win 33–7–5 (1) Kid Locke NWS 6 Jan 2, 1908 21 years, 303 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
45 Win 32–7–5 (1) Eddie Carter NWS 6 Dec 25, 1907 21 years, 295 days Wayne A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
44 Win 31–7–5 (1) Dave Deshler PTS 10 Dec 11, 1907 21 years, 281 days Chelsea, Massachsuetts, U.S.
43 Draw 30–7–5 (1) Willie Fitzgerald NWS 6 Dec 2, 1907 21 years, 272 days Spring Garden A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
42 Win 30–7–4 (1) Boxer Kelly NWS 6 Nov 21, 1907 21 years, 261 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
41 Win 29–7–4 (1) Cyclone Johnny Thompson NWS 6 Nov 2, 1907 21 years, 242 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
40 Win 28–7–4 (1) Gunner Hart TKO 5 (10) Oct 3, 1907 21 years, 212 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
39 Win 27–7–4 (1) Arthur Ellis TKO 5 (10) Oct 3, 1907 21 years, 212 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
38 Win 26–7–4 (1) Joe White TKO 16 (20) Sep 16, 1907 21 years, 195 days Gymnasium, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
37 Win 25–7–4 (1) Seaman Arthur Hayes TKO 5 (15) Sep 7, 1907 21 years, 186 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
36 ND 24–7–4 (1) Jim Driscoll ND 6 Sep 2, 1907 21 years, 181 days Gess Pavillon, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
35 Win 24–7–4 Dick Lee PTS 15 Aug 15, 1907 21 years, 163 days Welsh National A.C., Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, U.K. Welsh claimed English 134lbs title
34 Win 23–7–4 Young Lilley RTD 11 (20) Aug 5, 1907 21 years, 153 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
33 Win 22–7–4 Sid Russell TKO 7 (15) Jul 18, 1907 21 years, 135 days Welsh National A.C., Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, U.K.
32 Win 21–7–4 Johnnie Owens TKO 7 (10) May 20, 1907 21 years, 76 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K. Won vacant Welsh lightweight title
31 Win 20–7–4 Evan Evans KO 1 (?) Apr 17, 1907 21 years, 43 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
30 Win 19–7–4 Charlie Webber KO 2 (?) Apr 17, 1907 21 years, 43 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
29 Win 18–7–4 Gomer Morgan KO 3 (?) Apr 17, 1907 21 years, 43 days Victoria Hall, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K.
28 Win 17–7–4 Young Joseph PTS 15 Mar 25, 1907 21 years, 20 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, U.K.
27 Win 16–7–4 Seaman Arthur Hayes PTS 6 Feb 18, 1907 20 years, 350 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, U.K.
26 Win 15–7–4 Kid Gleason NWS 6 Dec 12, 1906 20 years, 282 days Wayne A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
25 Win 14–7–4 Willie Moody NWS 6 Nov 23, 1906 20 years, 263 days Nonpareil A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
24 Draw 13–7–4 Jimmy Dunn PTS 20 Nov 12, 1906 20 years, 252 days Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
23 Loss 13–7–3 Jimmy Dunn NWS 6 Aug 31, 1906 20 years, 179 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
22 Win 13–6–3 Hock Keys TKO 17 (20) Jul 27, 1906 20 years, 144 days Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
21 Win 12–6–3 Young Erne NWS 6 Jul 13, 1906 20 years, 130 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
20 Win 11–6–3 Billy Glover NWS 6 Jun 29, 1906 20 years, 116 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
19 Loss 10–6–3 Frank Carsey NWS 6 Jun 15, 1906 20 years, 102 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
18 Win 10–5–3 Mike Loughlin KO 2 (6) Jun 8, 1906 20 years, 95 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
17 Win 9–5–3 Kid Gleason NWS 6 May 19, 1906 20 years, 75 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
16 Win 8–5–3 Jack Reardon NWS 6 May 12, 1906 20 years, 68 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
15 Loss 7–5–3 Tim Callahan NWS 6 May 10, 1906 20 years, 66 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
14 Loss 7–4–3 Billy Willis NWS 6 May 3, 1906 20 years, 59 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
13 Loss 7–3–3 Matty Baldwin NWS 6 Apr 23, 1906 20 years, 49 days Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
12 Loss 7–2–3 Tommy Love NWS 6 Apr 21, 1906 20 years, 47 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
11 Draw 7–1–3 Jimmy Devine NWS 6 Apr 19, 1906 20 years, 45 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
10 Draw 7–1–2 Frank Carsey NWS 6 Apr 14, 1906 20 years, 40 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
9 Loss 7–1–1 Billy Maharg PTS 10 Apr 11, 1906 20 years, 37 days Tuxedo A.C., Essington, Pennsylvania, U.S.
8 Draw 7–0–1 Johnny Dohan NWS 6 Mar 31, 1906 20 years, 26 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Eddie Lenny PTS 10 Mar 28, 1906 20 years, 23 days Tuxedo AC, North Essington, Pennsylvania, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Kid Stinger NWS 6 Mar 24, 1906 20 years, 19 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Tommy Love NWS 6 Mar 8, 1906 20 years, 3 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Tommy Feltz NWS 6 Feb 22, 1906 19 years, 354 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Eddie Fay TKO 5 (6) Feb 8, 1906 19 years, 340 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Johnny Kelly NWS 6 Jan 25, 1906 19 years, 326 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Young Williams KO 6 (6) Dec 21, 1905 19 years, 291 days Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "BoxRec: Freddie Welsh".
  2. ^ a b c d e Harris (2004), p. 2
  3. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 15
  4. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 13
  5. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 17
  6. ^ a b c d Harris (2004), p. 4
  7. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 23
  8. ^ Gallimore (2006), pp. 24–26
  9. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 26
  10. ^ Gallimore (2006), pp. 26–30
  11. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 34
  12. ^ a b Harris (2004), p. 5
  13. ^ a b Harris (2004), p. 7
  14. ^ a b c d e f g Harris (2004), p. 8
  15. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 52
  16. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 54
  17. ^ Harris (2004), p. 9
  18. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 56
  19. ^ Gallimore (2006), pp. 56–57
  20. ^ a b c Harris (2004), p. 11
  21. ^ a b c d e "boxer: Freddie Welsh, Bouts". BoxRec. p. 3. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w "boxer: Freddie Welsh, Bouts p. 2". BoxRec. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  23. ^ a b c d Harris (2004), p. 13
  24. ^ Harris (2004), p. 14
  25. ^ Harris (2004), p. 15
  26. ^ a b Harris (2004), p. 16
  27. ^ Harris (2004), p. 19
  28. ^ Harris (2004), p. 20
  29. ^ Harris (2004), p. 23
  30. ^ Harris (2004), p. 24
  31. ^ a b Harris (2004), p. 25
  32. ^ a b c d Harris (2004), pp. 26–27
  33. ^ Harris (2004), p. 28
  34. ^ Harris (2004), p. 29
  35. ^ Harris (2004), p. 31
  36. ^ a b c d Harris (2004), p. 33
  37. ^ Harris (2004), p. 32
  38. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 70
  39. ^ Harris (2004), p. 34
  40. ^ Harris (2004), p. 35
  41. ^ Harris (2004), p. 38
  42. ^ a b Tracy Callis. "Packey McFarland ... "The champ that never was"". Cyber Boxing Zone. Retrieved 8 August 2010.
  43. ^ Harris (2004), p. 40
  44. ^ a b Harris (2004), p. 39
  45. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 73
  46. ^ Harris (2004), p. 41
  47. ^ Harris (2004), p. 41-43
  48. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 84
  49. ^ "Battling Nelson". Boxrec. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  50. ^ a b c Gallimore (2006), p. 86
  51. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 87
  52. ^ a b c Gallimore (2006), p. 88
  53. ^ a b c d Gallimore (2006), p. 89
  54. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 93
  55. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 104
  56. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 105
  57. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 106
  58. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 107
  59. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 108
  60. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 109
  61. ^ Harris (2004), pp. 69–70
  62. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 112
  63. ^ The fight is recorded as a twelfth-round stoppage by Boxrec and Harris (p. 83), eleventh by Gallimore (p. 113). Some sources state that this fight was for the EBU (European) lightweight Championship.
  64. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 115
  65. ^ "Freddie Welsh V Johnny Summers". BoxRec. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  66. ^ Harris (2004), p. 92
  67. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 119
  68. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 120
  69. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 121
  70. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 125
  71. ^ "Battling Nelson vs. Ad Wolgast (2nd meeting)". BoxRec. Retrieved 10 August 2010.
  72. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 126
  73. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 127
  74. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 129
  75. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 130
  76. ^ a b Harris (2004), p. 134
  77. ^ a b Harris (2004), p. 136
  78. ^ a b c d Harris (2004), p. 138
  79. ^ Harris (2004), p. 139
  80. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 140
  81. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 141
  82. ^ "Twenty-round Fight. Matt Wells Lightweight Champion of Great Britain". Montreal Gazette. 28 February 1911. Retrieved 7 November 2010. Matt Wells won a twenty round fight tonight from Fred. Welsh for the lightweight championship of great Britain and the Lonsdale belt The ...
  83. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 142
  84. ^ a b c d Gallimore (2006), p. 151
  85. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 146
  86. ^ Harris (2004), p. 159
  87. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 150
  88. ^ Harris (2004), p. 164
  89. ^ Harris (2004), p. 165
  90. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 156–157
  91. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 158
  92. ^ Gallimore (2006), pp. 159–160
  93. ^ Harris (2004), p. 180
  94. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 165
  95. ^ "Freddie Welsh V Matt Wells". BoxRec. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  96. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 166
  97. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 167
  98. ^ Harris (2004), p. 198
  99. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 168
  100. ^ Harris (2004), p. 203
  101. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 173
  102. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 174
  103. ^ a b c d e f g h i "boxer: Freddie Welsh, Bouts page 1". BoxRec. Retrieved 10 August 2010.
  104. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 177
  105. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 178
  106. ^ Harris (2004), p. 216
  107. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 184
  108. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 182
  109. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 190
  110. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 192
  111. ^ a b c d e f Gallimore (2006), p. 193
  112. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 196
  113. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 200
  114. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 201
  115. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 202
  116. ^ a b c d Gallimore (2006), p. 203
  117. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 205
  118. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 215
  119. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), pp. 215–217
  120. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 218
  121. ^ a b c Gallimore (2006), p. 228
  122. ^ "Freddy Welsh Explains". The Cambria Daily Leader. 1 September 1916. p. 6. Retrieved 12 December 2019 – via The National Library of Wales.
  123. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 229
  124. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 230
  125. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 231
  126. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 232
  127. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 233
  128. ^ a b Harris (2004), p. 279
  129. ^ "Fred Welsh to Retire". Mid-Glamorgan Herald & Neath Gazette. 30 October 1915. p. 10. Retrieved 12 December 2019 – via The National Library of Wales.
  130. ^ "Freddie Welsh Loses his World's Championship". South Wales Weekly Post. 2 June 1917. p. 4. Retrieved 12 December 2019 – via The National Library of Wales.
  131. ^ a b Luke G. Williams (23 September 2016). "His dream must have seemed so close: the oft overlooked life of Freddie Welsh". Boxing Monthly. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  132. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 307
  133. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 308
  134. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 309
  135. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 312
  136. ^ "Freddie Welsh". International Boxing Hall of Fame. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  137. ^ a b c Gallimore (2006), p. 315
  138. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 316
  139. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 318
  140. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 319
  141. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 322
  142. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 323
  143. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 327
  144. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 329
  145. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 332
  146. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 333
  147. ^ Barbara Rybolt (13 August 2009). "Madame Bey's boxing training camp was home to 'The Cinderella Man'". NJ.com. Retrieved 20 August 2010.
  148. ^ a b c Gallimore (2006), p. 335
  149. ^ a b c d Gallimore (2006), p. 339
  150. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 340
  151. ^ a b Gallimore (2006), p. 341
  152. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 342
  153. ^ Chris Haines (7 January 2010). "Time to recognise Freddie Welsh, Ponty's unsung boxing hero". Wales Online. Retrieved 11 August 2010.
  154. ^ "Blue plaques mark proud heritage". BBC News. 24 September 2008. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  155. ^ "Boxing: Dai Dower unveils plaque to Freddie Welsh". WalesOnline. Media Wales. 8 October 2009. Retrieved 14 December 2019.
  156. ^ Cain Bradley (15 June 2017). "The all-time lightweight tournament". boxing.com. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
  157. ^ a b Sean Davies (27 July 2007). "Welsh wonder". BBC News. Retrieved 9 August 2008.
  158. ^ Rob Snell (19 June 2007). "Freddie Welsh". boxingbiographies.com. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 20 August 2010.
  159. ^ "Welsh V Summers". Evening Express. 6 November 1909. p. 3. Retrieved 12 December 2019 – via The National Library of Wales.
  160. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 82
  161. ^ Harris (2004), pp. 121–122
  162. ^ Gallimore (2006), p. 197
  163. ^ "BoxRec: Freddie Welsh".

Bibliography[edit]

  • Gallimore, Andrew (2006). Occupation: Prizefighter: The Freddie Welsh Story. Bridgend, Wales: Seren. ISBN 978-1-85411-395-5.
  • Harris, Gareth (2004). Freddie Welsh: World Champion Lightweight Boxer, Pontypridd Legend. Pontypridd: Coalopolis Publishing. ASIN B001PCRAGO.
  • Stead, Peter; Williams, Gareth, eds. (2008). Wales and Its Boxers: The Fighting Tradition. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. ISBN 978-0-7083-1915-4.

External links[edit]

Achievements
Preceded by World Lightweight Champion
7 July 1914 – 28 May 1917
Succeeded by