[CONN CHRIS]

BARTLEY CONNOLLY WW

Born - St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Hometown - Portland, Maine, USA

4(1)-4-6

Connolly had an unimpressive 14 bout career until you examine his opponents. He began his pro career in 1904 battling to two ten round draws with the more experienced Blink McCloskey in Portland, Maine. Connolly then defeated Patsy Sweeney (49-16-20) via eighth round TKO and drew with Terry Martin. His first loss came against the then undefeated Billy Papke who TKO'd him in round four. Then came a truly remarkable year for Bartley.

In 1908, Connolly decisioned Fred Bradley who was 9-6-3 at the time. He then impressively won against the 23-5-2 Charley Hitte. In September, the legendary Joe Walcott brought his 95-27-21 record to Portland Maine and was decisioned in six rounds by Connolly! Barley finished 1908 with a six round draw against George Gunther (5-8-3 at the time)

With year like that, one would think that Connolly was destined for greatness. For reasons unknown to me, Connolly only fought on five more occasions amassing a 0-3-2 record with bouts in England, Ireland and back in the USA. Two of the losses came against Terry Martin and Eddie McGoorty who were 23-17-8 and 28-1-8 respectively at the time of their meetings.

Connolly's was an odd career, he fought some of the best competition available at his weight and performed well, yet his career never really got off the ground.