My Universe

[JCWeb]

I did a double-take when the computer spit out the JLW rankings -- which I derive from hitting the "Fighters -- Active" for a particular division and sort by "Rank" -- I generally just go down the list after picking out the WBA Champ who often -- but not always -- is ranked highest by virtue of having the most PP. The rest of the list almost always has sorted itself out in PP order. However, in this case, unbeaten newcomer Tod Morgan with 700 PP -- not a typo -- wound up ahead of a more experienced ranked boxer with more PP. (Note, this is not the rankings from the "Organization" screen which I realize do not always follow in PP order.)

So, kind of a strange situation that appears to be an exception to the rule. However, I am sure some more fights in the upcoming year (1924) will sort things out just fine ...

[JCWeb]

1923 FW Title Bouts

WBA

Kid Julian CH (36-16-8) vs Abe Attell #3 (76-9-5)

Probably the final swansong for Attell, who holds two wins over Julian in prior bouts, and -- even at End career stage -- Attell, who has fashioned a nine-bout unbeaten streak (7 wins, 2 draws) -- is a formidable foe.

Round one, it's a cautious start by both, slight edge to the Champ who gets the best of a sharp exchange late in the round. Both work outside in round two, Julian pulls ahead. Attell moves inside in round three, again a slight edge for the Champ. Strong round four for Julian, who forces the action on the inside; Attell's right eye is looking puffy. Edge to Abe as both work inside in round five, but Julian is up 49-46 on the unofficial card. Attell continues to press the action and takes round six. Close round seven as Julian changes things by moving inside. Attell starts to tire in round eight, another strong round for the Champ. Julian maintains control in round nine, but Attell rebounds with a strong round 10, cutting Julian's lead to 96-94 on the unofficial card. Attell continues with a strong round 11, then staggers Julian with a big right hand in round 12. Julian remains on the defensive the rest of the way, and Attell's attack runs out of steam. Final scorecards show Julian turning aside the aging vet by a SD 15 (142-143, 144-141, 145-141).

Kid Julian CH (37-16-8) vs Chick Suggs #2 (20-5-1)

No prior meetings, and Suggs has earned the title shot by virtue of wins over ex-Champ Johnny Kilbane (a MD) and Eddie O'Keefe (a SD).

Action is slow to develop in round one. Suggs holds the edge in the outside exchanges in round two and follows up by moving inside in round three. Julian tries to move inside in round four, but this just enables Suggs to tee off even more. Another strong round puts the challenger up (49-46) by five, according to the unofficial ringside expert's scoring. Good action round in the sixth, as Julian gets his jab through to keep it close. Julian presses on the inside in round seven, but his left eye starts swelling. After a close round 8, Julian suffers a cut on the nose but still manages to connect and score some points. A more aggressive Suggs takes the 10th round. Suggs continues to dominate in the later rounds, as Julian tires badly. Suggs emerges as the new Champ via a solid UD 15 (147-137, 145-139, 145-139).

Chick Suggs CH (21-5-1) vs Andre Routis #2 (19-3-2)

Suggs' first defense is versus the new EBU Champ, who previously defeated him via a SD 10 when both were still at Pre-Prime.

After a good opening round, both settle into a slower pace in round two. Suggs moves inside in round three and holds a slight edge. Routis tries to work inside in round four, with little to show for it. A strong round five puts the Frenchman back in contention; it's 48-47 for Routis at this point on the unofficial card. Both stay outside in round six, and Suggs takes the round. After a couple of close rounds (seven and eight), the Frenchman continues to press home the attack and holds a 97-93 edge heading into the final five stanzas, although some have the bout much closer. After another close round 11, Routis has the edge in round 12. Suggs -- seeing his title slipping away -- is the aggressor the final few rounds, and he impresses the judges enough to escape with a MD 15 win (143-142, 143-143, 143-142) taking the last two rounds on all three cards to keep the belt.

NABF: Attell defends versus the much younger Danny Edwards, and Edwards withstands a late rally by the aging vet to take the belt via a UD 12 -- one more bout left for Attell who hangs up the gloves later in the year. Edwards defends versus Danny Kramer who takes the belt via a late cuts stoppage -- going down as a TKO 11 for Kramer.

USBA: Mike Dundee defends versus veteran Patsy Brannigan who puts up a tremendous fight, cutting Dundee above the right eye, and it goes down as a majority draw despite the fact that one judge had Brannigan winning by two points. Dundee had an easier time of it versus Vincent "Pepper" Martin, whom he stopped with a vicious hook to the head for a 5th round KO.

CBU: Aussie Johnny Hill defended versus Young Johnny Brown, the GBU Champ, who took advantage of an early cut to add the CBU title with a TKO 6 victory. Brown defended versus Canadian Leo Roy, coming from behind to keep the title with a majority draw.

GBU: Brown engaged with veteran TC Arthur Bradford for the first GBU title bout in almost five years. Brown ended the one-sided affair with a KO in four.

EBU: Frenchman Eugene Criqui defended versus countryman Andre Routis. Criqui retained the title via TKO 11 on a controversial cuts stoppage, so a rematch was in order. This time, Routis turned the tables on Criqui, who suffered a severe cut in round one that led to an early stoppage. Routis by TKO 3 to capture the belt.

OPBF: Two Filipinos named Flores battled for the first-ever OPBF FW title. Another one decided by a cuts stoppage, with the crown going to Elino Flores via a TKO 7 over his countryman Francisco Flores.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1924 FW Division Profile

Total: 100 RL: 57 TC: 43

RL by Career Stage:
End - 0
Post - 8
Prime - 20
Pre - 27
Beginning - 2 (0 New)

Rated: 38
800+: 3
500+: 21
200+: 38

Jan 1924 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1923 in Parens)

Champ: Chick Suggs 22-5-1 (8) (1049) (+10)
1. Eugene Criqui 41-9-5 (18) (1012) (NC)
2. Andre Routis 20-4-2 (12) (951) (+11)
3. Johnny Kilbane 50-13-4 (14) (792) (-1)
4. Patsy Brannigan 33-16-7 (9) (791) (+1)
5. Louis Kaplan 18-3-1 (7) (788) (+12)
6. Mike Dundee 24-6-1 (18) (788) (+1)
7. Benny Bass 19-3-1 (9) (778) (+1)
8. Jose Lombardo 17-2 (13) (744) (new)
9. Eddie O'Keefe 46-20-3 (19) (740) (+3)
10. Ansel Bell 23-9-5 (13) (735) (-1)

Comments: For the first time in over two decades, the name Abe Attell is missing from the FW rankings list; Attell finished his fine career with over 800 PPs and actually would have been ranked #3 on this list. Three of these boxers (Kilbane, Brannigan and O'Keefe have already hit Post-Prime), everyone else at Prime except for newcomer Lombardo who will be at Pre for one more bout. Suggs moved all the way up from #10 to snare the title, winning all four of his 1923 contests. Criqui continues to hold the #1 spot despite the loss of his EBU title, scoring a TKO over Kaplan and a UD 10 versus Dundee to maintain his spot. Routis split the two EBU bouts with Criqui but lost the title bout, and sported two wins over Kramer (a MD) and Kilbane (a UD) to top off a busy year. There is a bit of a gap to Kilbane, who snapped a three-bout losing streak with a TKO over Brannigan late in the year. Brannigan was winless in 1923, as the best he could do was draws with Dundee and Panamanian Ansel Bell. Kaplan made great strides with a UD over veteran Bud Ridley, followed by a draw and then a SD versus Bass and a UD 10 over Young Johnny Brown. Dundee kept the USBA belt but lost to Criqui. Bass was held to a draw by Kaplan, scored a UD over K. O. Mars, but stumbled when he dropped the rematch with Kaplan. Lombardo had a busy year, winning five of his six contests to move into the top 10 in his initial year of eligibility. He impressed with TKO wins over Bell, Pete Zivic, and Al Foreman; his only setback was a technical loss to Attell after a butt cut. O'Keefe won three of four to reach the top 10, beating Ridley and Jimmy Hill but dropping a SD to Suggs. Rounding out the top 10 was Bell, who recorded a UD over Foreman, drew with Brannigan but then suffered the TKO loss to his countryman, Lombardo.

Other Notables: K. O. Mars fell five spots to #11, after suffering losses to Bass and Dick Finnegan while managing only one win, a UD over Babe Herman, in 1923. Newly crowned CBU and GBU Champ Young Johnny Brown racked up 17 straight wins, before suffering a UD 10 loss to Kaplan. His 17-1-1 (12) career mark, worth 666 PPs, places him #12 in the rankings list. Another newcomer, Dick Finnegan, won all his bouts to finish the year at 15-1 (7) to rank #13. OPBF Champ Elino Flores extended his win streak to six, winding up with a 18-2 (9) career start for 628 PP and the #15 spot. One spot behind him was new NABF Champ Danny Kramer, who suffered a TKO loss to Flores and also dropped a MD 10 to Routis. Kramer's 19-5-1 (9) career mark was good for just 619 PPs. Veteran Bud Ridley dropped all three of his 1923 contests, extending his losing streak to five, tumbling 13 spots to #17. However, the big loser was former Champ Julian, who ended the year at #20 after losing the title and then dropping a MD 10 to lowly rated Willie Ames in a stunning setback. "Bronx Express" Carl Duane debuts at #22 after spoiling his 14-1 career start with successive losses to Lombardo and Aussie Jimmy Hill.

Prospects: Joey Sangor dropped a UD 10 to Leo Roy for his first loss and ended the year at 12-1 (6). Dane Knud Larsen kept his unbeaten record, going 10-0 (7) versus TC competition. Frankie Albano suffered a second loss, to Doc Snell, to drop to 9-2 (3). Snell suffered a SD 8 loss to a TC but downed Albano to wind up the year at 9-1-1 (5). Canadian Georgie Balduc picked up his ninth win in 10 bouts with a TKO over Wilbur Cohen. Eddie Shea kept rolling up the KO wins to keep his slate clean at 8-0 (8). Filipino Johnny Hill defeated his countryman, Young Nationalista in a UD 8, en route to winning his first seven (only 2 KOs) while Nationalista ended the year at 8-1 (4). Brit Dom Volante (3-0, all KOs) and Phil Zwick (2-0, 2 KOs) both got their careers off to the right start.

Retirements: ATG Attell and one other FW retired in 1923.

Abe Attell (USA) 1900-23 77-11-5 (26) WBA Champ
Leo Johnson (USA) 1910-23 31-24-3 (11) USBA Champ Highest Rank: 4

Looking Ahead: A real topsy-turvy year of transition in this division, with last year's Champ falling to #20, five newcomers in the top 10, and the likely departure of aging veterans like Kilbane and Brannigan following the heels of Attell's last hurrah in 1923. Criqui, Routis, Kaplan, Dundee and Bass all have the ability to challenge Suggs for the title. No newcomers to the division, which looks like it is in for a couple of turbulent years with no dominant fighter -- a real change from the era of Attell.

[JCWeb]

1923 BW Title Bouts

WBA

Joe Lynch CH (27-7) vs Jack Kid Wolfe #6 (31-14-4)

Lynch has won a pair of prior bouts against Wolfe, and Wolfe has gone unbeaten in four bouts (two wins and two draws) since the last loss to Lynch.

Lynch dominates the early action in round one. Both work outside in round two, and Wolfe manages to hold his own. Lynch moves inside and takes charge in round three. Round four, both men battle it out on the inside, and Lynch nails Wolfe with a solid cross that puts the challenger down briefly. Wolfe stays inside, but once again Lynch dominates. Lynch is up 49-46 on the unofficial card, and Wolfe's left eye has started to swell. More toe-to-toe action in round six, and Lynch again gets the better of it. After a close round 7, Wolfe again tries to force the action on the inside, to no avail. Lynch follows with a strong cross to drop Wolfe for the second time in round 9. Wolfe tires badly, and Lynch retreats into a defensive shell in the final few rounds. Lynch by UD 15 (143-139, 147-135, 145-137).

Joe Lynch CH (28-7) vs Frankie Burns #2 (35-24-2)

Burns, who lost two prior bouts to Lynch, is coming off a TKO of ex-Champ Pete Herman.

Strong start by the Champ in round one, followed by a lackluster round two. Burns is the aggressor in round three, but Lynch remains cool and takes the round. Inside action in round four favors the Champ. Lynch moves inside in round five and continues to pile up points; unofficial observers have him up by five (50-45). Lynch fires away from outside to blunt Burns' inside attack in round six. Lynch continues to fire away, and he decks Burns for an 8-count in round 8. Lynch follows with a second KD in round 10 and then relaxes the rest of the way, en route to another lopsided UD 15 win (146-137, 148-135, 146-138).

Joe Lynch CH (29-7) vs Abe Goldstein #2 (25-5-1)

Lynch KO'd Goldstein in a 1922 NABF title bout, but Goldstein has won three in a row since. Lynch has won his last nine since a DQ loss back in 1921.

Lynch puts Goldstein down with a quick cross in the opening round. Slight edge to the Champ, who moves inside in round two but can't put Goldstein away. Goldstein has the better of the outside action in round three. Goldstein moves inside and puts together another good effort in round four. The Champ bounces back with a strong round five, and the unofficial scorer has Lynch up only by one (47-46). Both fight inside in round six, and Lynch lands the more telling blows. Goldstein bounces back with a strong round 7. Lynch tries to push forward in round 8, but Goldstein dominates with his jab, but late in the round Lynch staggers Goldstein with a hard hook that finds the mark. Lynch continues to force the action in rounds 9 and 10, and the unofficial observer has it even -- 94-all -- heading into the final five rounds. After a close round 11, Lynch staggers Goldstein with a huge uppercut right before the bell in round 12. Lynch pushes forward in round 13, but Goldstein tatoos him with a quick uppercut. Both whale away in round 14, another strong round for the challenger. With the title in the balance, Lynch battles back strongly in the final stanza. It goes right down to the wire, and the result is a draw allowing Lynch to keep the belt (142-142, 141-142, 143-141).

Joe Lynch CH (29-7-1) vs Philadelphia Pal Moore #2 (49-17-5)

Second meeting of the two, Lynch taking a MD back in 1921. Philly Pal enters the bout riding a seven-bout unbeaten streak (6 wins, one draw). Lynch is unbeaten in his last ten (9 wins, one draw).

Lynch looks sharp early in the opening stanza. Action is slow to develop in round two. After a close round three, Lynch controls the action in round four. Both battle on the inside in the fifth, another close round. The ringside observer has Lynch ahead in another close bout (49-48). Moore's left eye starts to swell. Lynch suffers a nick under the left eye in round 6, but manages to hold off Moore's effort to take advantage. Round eight, an aggressive Moore breaks through, and a shaky Lynch barely stays afoot. The cut is reopened in round 9, and Moore continues to press the attack in round 10. Unofficial card has it even (96-all) with five rounds left. Then, all of a sudden, Lynch finds an opening and connects with a big hook that puts Moore down and out in round 11. Lynch by KO 11.

NABF: Goldstein begins the year with the belt, defending versus Packey O'Gatty and Ad Rubidoux, turning aside both challenges with UD 12 wins. Next up is Memphis Pal Moore, who staggers Goldstein with some heavy blows midway through the bout and takes the belt with a UD 12 win.

USBA: Jack Kid Wolfe defends versus Memphis Pal Moore, who puts up a spirited effort, but Wolfe rallies to keep the belt via a 12-round draw. Then Philly Pal Moore challenges Wolfe, who falls behind early and then is DQ'd for a flagrant low blow in round 12. Moore takes the belt as a result.

CBU: Johnny Brown keeps the belt he won in late 1922, but no defenses were made in 1923.

GBU: First title tilt in over two years paired CBU Champ Brown with young prospect Harry Lake. Not much action, as the two battle to a 12-round draw and the belt remains vacant into 1924.

EBU: Again, not much action as Frenchman Robert Dastillon did not defend this title.

OPBF: Initial title bout was held between veteran Aussie Vince Blackburn and young Filipino Pete Sarmiento. Sarmiento got on top early and won the belt with a TKO in round six as the ref stepped in to save Blackburn from further punishment.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1924 BW Division Profile

Total: 89 RL: 52 TC: 37

RL by Career Stage:
End - 1
Post - 7
Prime - 16
Pre - 23
Beginning - 5 (1 New)

Rated: 33
800+: 9
500+: 19
200+: 30

Jan 1924 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1923 in Parens)

Champ: Joe Lynch 30-7-1 (15) (1496) (NC)
1. Memphis Pal Moore 36-10-3 (12) (1220) (+1)
2. Pete Herman 42-5-2 (15) (1090) (-1)
3. Philadelphia Pal Moore 44-18-5 (1065) (+4)
4. Abe Goldstein 25-6-2 (10) (1043) (NC)
5. Kid Williams 41-14-3 (17) (1006) (+1)
6. Charles Ledoux 45-14 (33) (990) (-3)
7. Joe Burman 26-7-4 (12) (953) (+3)
8. Jack Kid Wolfe 31-16-5 (8) (884) (-3)
9. Bud Taylor 16-1 (9) (740) (new)
10. Robert Dastillon 23-22-3 (15) (726) (+3)

Comments: Herman, Philly Pal Moore, Williams and (starting in 1924) Burman are all Post-Prime, Bud Taylor still at Pre, rest at Prime. Lynch reinforced his position as top BW with four successful title defenses, fashioning an 11-bout unbeaten streak in the process. Memphis Pal registered four wins and a draw to move to the top contender spot, surviving a SD over Burman and also scoring UDs versus Dastillon and Kid Williams. Herman suffered a TKO loss to aging vet Frankie Burns, but scored wins over Dastillon (SD) and Indian Russell (MD). Philly Pal Moore won four of five 1923 bouts, with UDs versus Coulon, Ledoux and O'Gatty positioning him for the two title bouts. Goldstein managed two wins, one draw and a loss in four bouts, all title tilts. Kid Williams dropped a UD to Memphis Pal Moore, then reeled off three straight wins over Sarmiento, Rubidoux and Bud Taylor. Ledoux snapped a three-bout losing streak with KO wins over Burns and Johnny Brown. Burman won three of four, including a split duke over Ledoux and a UD 10 versus Burns, then dropped the title bout to Memphis Pal, rebounding with a KO of Little Jack Sharkey. Wolfe was winless in 1923, dropping the USBA title on a DQ. Taylor, "the Blonde Terror of Terre Haute," clawed his way to the top group with a MD over Charley Phil Rosenberg, a UD versus Henny Catena and followed with a UD over previously unbeaten Harold Smith after suffering his first loss via a UD to Kid Williams. Dastillon rounds out the top group based on a UD 10 over O'Gatty that offsets earlier losses to Memphis Pal and Pete Herman.

Other Notables: Veteran Johnny Coulon, #9 last year, retired. O'Gatty slid three spots to #11 after losses to Philly Pal and Dastillon in his last two, after a KO over Sharkey earlier in the year. Harold Smith debuts at #12 with a 15-1-1 (10) career start after suffering his initial loss to Taylor but scoring a UD over Midget Smith, a MD versus Sarmiento, while being held to a draw by Chuck Hellman. Canada's Carl Tremaine won all three of his 1923 bouts, racking up a MD over Coulon, a UD versus Frankie Jerome and a SD versus Rubidoux. Charley Phil Rosenberg winds up #14 after compiling a 13-1-1 (10) record, featuring a TKO over Hellman in his last bout after suffering his first loss at the hands of Taylor. UK's Johnny Brown, the CBU titleholder, checks in at #15 with a 17-2-2 (14) record (worth 515 PP), including a UD 10 over Marks but losses to Jerome and Ledoux prevented further progress. Bobby Green rebounded with a TKO over Dixie Hood to halt a three-loss skid, winding up at 12-3 (9). OPBF Champ Sarmiento dropped a MD to H. Smith and a UD to Kid Williams to halt any further advancement after he scored a win over aging vet Frankie Conley; his 18-4-1 (14) career mark ranked him at #18 with 501 PP. Ad Rubidoux had a four-bout win streak marred by three recent losses, two by SDs to Kid Williams and Carl Tremaine, and thus dropped to #19 in the list.

Prospects: Amos Carlin ran his record to 13-0 (9), downing Hellman (UD), Baldock (MD) and Bushy Graham (SD) on top of his TC victories. Brit Teddy Baldock also downed Graham (MD 10) but the loss to Graham dropped him to 12-1 (9). Panama Al Brown impressed with a win over Catena to run his record to 11-0 (9). Cannonball Eddie Martin won his first 12, including a SD over Catena, but then faltered first managing only a draw with Harry Lake then suffering a TKO loss to Green that dropped him to 12-1-1 (10). Canadian Vic Foley registered a UD over Midget Smith but suffered a DQ loss to a TC, winding up the year at 11-1 (8). Happy Atherton kept his unbeaten slate clean, racking up a 10-0 (5) mark, all versus TCs. Graham had the two close losses but KO'd Tommy Milton, ending the year at 11-2 (7). Milton wound up at 10-1 (8), and Dixie LaHood, a KO victim versus Bobby Green, finished at 10-1 (6). Connie Curry at 9-0 (7) and Ollie Bartlett at 8-0 (3) continued to rack up TC wins, and Nipper Pat Daly started at 8-0 (6), including a win over fellow UK prospect Nat Pincus. Filipino Frisco Grande was off to a strong 5-0 (2), and Archie Bell and Kid Francis prevailed in their respective pro debuts.

Retirements: Four BW retired, including two former WBA Champs.

Eddie Campi (USA) 1910-23 35-16-3 (17) NABF, USBA Champ Highest Rank: 2
Frankie Conley (USA) 1906-23 39-29-4 (21) NABF, USBA Champ Highest Rank: 4
Johnny Coulon (USA) 1905-23 47-14-7 (17) WBA Champ
Frankie Burns (USA) 1908-23 35-27-2 (9) WBA Champ Highest Rank: 2

Looking Ahead: Lynch now appears established as the top BW, but Memphis Pal Moore still lurks as a strong challenger. Herman and Williams are still hanging around, and Goldstein appears to lack the firepower to challenge for the top spot. Ledoux is looking to regain his EBU title from Dastillon, and Johnny Brown is looking to challenge for top 10 honors. Panama Al Brown is likely to become a serious contender for NABF honors in another year or so. Davey Adelman will be the only new addition to the BW ranks in 1924.

[JCWeb]

1923 FLY Title Bouts

WBA

Pancho Villa CH (18-2-1) vs Johnny Buff #3 (16-4-1)

Fourth meeting, a rematch of the Aug. 1922 title bout which ended in a draw. Villa, who won the other two bouts, is riding a four-bout unbeaten streak.

After a lackluster opening round, there is a bit more action in round two, an even round with both men remaining cautious and staying outside. Buff moves inside in round three, but strong counterpunching gives the round to Villa. Things go better for Buff when Villa works inside in round four. Round five, both men retreat to the outside, and the unofficial scorer has Buff up 48-47 in another close bout. No advantage to either after some sharp inside exchanges in round six. Villa presses the attack in rounds 7 and 8, and he builds a slim lead. Buff tries to counter by moving inside, but Villa dominates round nine. With five rounds to go, the Champ is up by two (96-94) on the unofficial card. Buff tries to get more aggressive in the later rounds, with mixed results. Strong defense results in a SD 15 win for the Champion, Villa (142-143, 145-140, 146-139).

Pancho Villa CH (19-2-1) vs Young Zulu Kid #3 (27-11-4)

No prior wins. Kid is coming off a UD 10 win over veteran Frankie Mason.

Edge to Villa in round one, and not much action as it's a cautious approach by both in round two. Young Zulu Kid moves inside in round three, but he is punished by Villa's countershots. Villa then moves inside to dominate the action in round four. Both move inside in round five, and Kid manages to hold his own. Villa is way ahead, 49-46, on the unofficial card. Villa lands a huge uppercut to take round six. After a quiet round seven, Kid is overly aggressive in round eight and pays for it when Villa rips open a cut over his left eye. Villa targets the cut, which is patched up for round nine but reopened in the tenth. Villa carries a commanding 98-92 lead into the final rounds, but it doesn't last the distance as the cut worsens and leads to a late stoppage. Villa by TKO 13 (cuts).

Pancho Villa CH (20-2-1) vs George Mendies #2 (22-5)

Villa goes for his fourth win in a row versus Mendies, who carries a five-bout unbeaten streak since his last loss, to Villa, in early 1922.

Villa gets off to a strong start in round one. Mendies tries his luck on the inside and does better in round two, an even round. Both battle on the inside in round three, and Villa lands the heavier blows. Both work the outside in round four, an even round. Villa dominates the action to take round five, building a substantial points edge. Menides tries to get more aggressive, but Villa continues to dominate from long range through the middle rounds. Villa coasts through the final rounds, sealing the win with a final round KD of his game Australian opponent. Villa by UD 15 (149-135, 148-137, 149-135).

Pancho Villa CH (21-2-1) vs Elky Clark #6 (14-2-1)

First meeting of the two, with the youthful Clark perhaps a bit over his head after dropping his initial try for a title (the GBU belt) to Jimmy Wilde.

The young British challenger is off to a strong start, taking round one. Villa dominates the outside exchanges in round two then moves inside in round three, a close round. Round four sees Clark work inside, but Villa dominates the action. The Champ takes the fifth round as well, building a solid 49-46 lead on the unofficial scorer's card. After another strong round for Villa in round six, an aggressive Clark goes on the attack in rounds seven and eight, but Villa's defense holds firm. A cut eye from an accidental butt hampers Clark and leads to a stoppage in round 14, and the scorecards show a technical win for the Champ (127-120, 127-120, 126-121 after the first 13 rounds).

NABF: Buff defended twice in 1923, first versus Johnny McCoy whom he put on the deck once en route to a solid UD 12 win, followed by Pinky Silverberg, whom he dominated in the early rounds to record another UD 12 triumph.

USBA: McCoy defended versus Silverberg, whom he outboxed to earn a UD 12 win. Then veteran Frankie Mason was the challenger, and Mason staggered McCoy with a big hook in round 5 and the Champ could not recover in time -- Mason by TKO 5 to take the belt. Finally, youthful Frankie Genaro challenged Mason for the title, dominating the early action and taking a UD 12 after Mason was bothered by two different cuts late in the bout.

CBU: Mendies defended against Tancy Lee, who came out slugging but suffered an early cut that allowed Mendies to open up and register a KO in 4 -- it turned out to be Lee's final bout of his career. Then ex-Champ Jimmy Wilde challenged Mendies for the belt and scored three KDs in the opening stanza to score a TKO in 1 to add to his GBU title.

GBU: Wilde battled Joe Symonds to a three-round technical draw, then took the rematch with a 9th round KO for both the GBU and EBU titles. Then, Elky Clark was given a shot at the GBU title and performed admirably, pushing Wilde who escaped with a UD 12 win -- although the notice earned young Clark a shot at Villa's WBA title later in the year.

EBU: As noted above, Symonds battled Wilde for the belt twice, the first bout ending in a three-round technical draw. Wilde got the best of the aging vet in the rematch, taking out Symonds in round 9 with a vicious hook.

OPBF: No title defenses by George Mendies, who retained the belt he first won in 1922 for another year.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1924 FLY Division Profile

Total: 55 RL: 29 TC: 26

RL by Career Stage:
End - 0
Post - 5
Prime - 7
Pre - 12
Beginning - 5 (5 New)

Rated: 16
800+: 2
500+: 7
200+: 16

Jan 1924 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1923 in Parens):

Champ: Pancho Villa 22-2-1 (10) (959) (NC)
1. Jimmy Wilde 48-6-2 (43) (912) (NC)
2. Johnny Buff 18-6-1 (8) (572) (+1)
3. George Mendies 22-7 (9) (553) (+1)
4. Young Zulu Kid 28-12-4 (14) (552) (+2)
5. Black Bill 13-1-1 (7) (525) (new)
6. Elky Clark 14-3-1 (11) (509) (new)
7. Georgie Rivers 11-3-1 (7) (437) (new)
8. Pinky Silverberg 16-3-2 (9) (422) (-6)
9. Frankie Genaro 14-5 (11) (406) (new)
10. Frankie Mason 32-20-2 (19) (387) (-2)

Comments: A real mixed bag here, reflecting a division in transition heading into 1924. Veterans Wilde, Mendies and Mason are at Post; Villa, Buff, Kid and Silverberg are at Prime; Black Bill, Clark, Rivers and Genaro are still at Pre. Villa held onto the top spot in four title defenses, running his unbeaten streak to eight. Wilde rang up three wins and one draw for an undefeated year, taking three lesser title belts in the process. Buff registered two wins and two draws, dropping a UD 10 to Mendies and the SD in the title bout with Villa. Mendies ended the year on a down note, with two losses that snapped a five-bout win streak. Kid recovered from his title loss with a UD 10 over Young Dencio. Black Bill debuts at #5 after splitting a pair of bouts with Rivers (the loss coming on a DQ) and scoring a MD over Dencio. Clark follows, despite the title losses coming after impressive UD wins over McCoy and Silverberg. Rivers suffered his first two losses, to Black Bill and LaMorte, after a series of TC wins. Silverberg slips after going winless for the year, suffering two title losses, a UD 10 loss to Clark and managing only a draw with Mason. Genaro, the new USBA Champ, is on the upswing after suffering a SD loss to Newsboy Brown and a DQ loss to Earl Puryear. Mason rounds out the top ten, sporting wins over Puryear and McCoy, holding Genaro to a draw, but faltering versus Genaro.

Other Notables: Tancy Lee, ranked #10 in the prior year, retired. McCoy slid four spots to #11, taking the UD over Silverberg but then dropping three straight. Willie LaMorte debuts at #12 after downing Rivers for his 13th win, he stumbled with successive losses to Paluso (MD) and Genaro (UD) to end the season at 13-2-1 (10). Veteran Joe Symonds slipped from #5 to #14, suffering the loss to Wilde and then a KO victim of Young Dencio. Dencio fell even further, to #15 from #9, losing to Black Bill, Puryear and Young Zulu Kid.

Prospects: Newsboy Brown kept his unbeaten slate, featuring wins over Genaro and Paluso to finish 1923 at 11-0-1 (6). Paluso beat La Morte but dropped the UD to Brown and a MD 8 to Izzy Schwartz to wind up at 9-2 (4). Russo suffered losses to Perfetti and Puryear, also finishing at 9-2 (5). Perfetti, who registered a MD 8 over Russo, remained unbeaten at 9-0 (6), as did Brit Kid Socks at 9-0 (6), all versus TCs. Izzy Schwartz featured the MD over Paluso as part of his 8-0 (3) career start. Canadian Alex Burlie ran his record to 8-0-1 (3), all at the expense of TCs.

Retirement: Tancy Lee, a strong FLY contender, fought his last bout.

Tancy Lee (UK) 1911-23 23-17-2 (11) CBU, GBU, EBU Titles Highest Rank: 2

Looking Ahead: A new crop of FLY contenders appears poised to challenge the likes of Villa and Wilde. Buff still remains a threat, but Mendies and Mason are likely to show signs of aging effects. Genaro appears to have the best shot of contending for top honors, as he is just one bout short of hitting Prime career stage. The division's ranks swell with five newcomers in 1924, paced by Olympic champ Fidel LaBarba, along with Frenchy Belanger of Canada, Italy's Johnny Vacco and Germany's Harry Stein.

[JCWeb]

YEAR-END 1923 POUND-FOR-POUND RANKINGS

1. Benny Leonard, LW (WBA Champ), 1551 (+7)
2. Gene Tunney, HW (WBA Champ), 1509 (new)
3. Jack Dempsey, HW (NABF Champ), 1497 (-2)
4. Joe Lynch, BW (WBA Champ), 1496 (+3)
5. Mike O'Dowd, MW (NABF Champ), 1481 (-1)
6. Harry Wills, HW (no title), 1400 (-4)
7. Harry Greb, LH (NABF Champ), 1390 (new)
8. Panama Joe Gans, MW (no title), 1371 (-5)
9. George Godfrey, HW (no title), 1354 (new)
10. Mickey Walker, MW (WBA Champ), 1333 (new)

Leonard returns the top spot for the second time; he previously topped the 1919 PFP list. Three newcomers to list (Tunney, Godfrey and Walker) whereas Greb appears for the second time, having reached the #8 spot as a MW back in 1918. Dropping out of the list from 1922 were HW Bartley Madden (was #5), MW Jeff Smith (was #6 before moving up to LH), BW Pete Herman (was #9) and LW Llew Edwards (was #10).

The senior member of this list is Wills, who is appearing for the seventh straight year. Dempsey, last year's #1, appears for the sixth time. All these fighters are still at Prime except for O'Dowd, who is at Post-Prime. Mickey Walker is the only one of the top PFP fighters who carries an unbeaten record into 1924.

[JCWeb]

Dateline Jan. 5, 1924 -- Buffalo, NY: Hot young WW prospect, 17-year old Jimmy "Baby Face" McLarnin is featured in the opening bout of the first card for 1924, in a four-rounder versus TC Buddy Crowe, who enters at 0-1. Needless to say, the Canadian McLarnin is a heavy favorite.

Round one, McLarnin pops home his jab, whereas Crowe muscles his way inside to land an uppercut. McLarnin is short with the jab, but shows impressive ring movement. Both men retreat a bit, McLarnin can't find the range. Then, he moves with lightning quickness to rip a double left to the head and body. Back to ring center, "Baby Face" lands a three-punch combo. A strong finish for the favorite, as he buffets Crowe with a strong combination. A final flurry before the bell, big opening round for McLarnin.

Second round, McLarnin moves to the inside. Crowe is short with a leaping shot, leaving himself open for a huge right by McLarnin. McLarnin works the jab, Crowe backs up but fires a right. Stinging jab for McLarnin, Crowe shoots the right home. The two men clinch. Crowe connects with a hook to the head. McLarnin plants an uppercut on Crowe's chin right before the bell. Much more even round, still the edge goes to McLarnin.

Round three, McLarnin wings a left and backs Crowe into the corner with a right. McLarnin comes in behind the jab, landing a clean hook. Crowe is in trouble now. McLarnin measures his man, but misses with a roundhouse blow. Another jab and this time a cross puts Crowe on the canvas. He's up at the count of eight and almost survives the round but McLarnin is on top of him, dropping him for the count with a clean combination.

McLarnin by KO at 3:00 of round three. He moves to 2-0 (0) with 281 PP. More competition for him in a couple of months.

[JCWeb]

Jan. 19, 1924 -- St. Nicholas Arena, NY City: LH Prospect "Slapsie Maxie" Rosenbloom makes faces his fifth opponent, TC Doug Bremer, in a scheduled six-rounder here tonight.

Round one, good lateral movement by Rosenbloom, who unleashes a fiercesome hook to the body. A short uppercut in close causes Bremer to retreat to a neutral corner. Rosenbloom follows with a huge shot, and Bremer slumps to the canvas for an eight-count. Still plenty of time left in the round, but Maxie can't follow up despite landing several telling blows, including a right to the head and body. Bremer survives the onslaught, but just barely.

Second round, Rosenbloom moves inside while Bremer wisely elects to stay outside. Rosenbloom opens the action, landing to the chest and neck of Bremer, who has a hook blocked by Maxie. Rosenbloom connects with a hook and follows with an uppercut that has Bremer reeling. Rosenbloom retreats, flicks his jab but misses with a combination. A huge round by Rosenbloom, whose superior hand speed dominates the action.

Round three, Rosenbloom lays back on the outside, not much action for the first part of the round. Rosenbloom shoots an uppercut to the chin of Bremer, then Maxie is warned and has a point deducted for a low blow. Rosenbloom hitches up his trunks and connects with a jolting uppercut. Bremer is once again on the defensive, as Slapsie Maxie digs a right hook to the body and follows with a right to the chin. Bremer fights back with an uppercut of his own, right before the bell when Rosenbloom connects with a jab. Another strong round for Rosenbloom in the books, despite the foul.

Fourth round, Rosenbloom is pressing the action on the inside. Rosenbloom is short with a right, and Bremer misses with an uppercut. Rosenbloom snaps a stinging jab and then unleashes a part hook, part uppercut that punishes his opponent. Once again, the round is Maxie's by a wide margin.

Round five, Rosenbloom is looking to finish Bremer who makes a last stand by moving inside. He backs Bremer up with the jab, but can't follow up. A three-punch combo is just off target, but then Rosenbloom's uppercut finds the target. Rosenbloom controls the action for the rest of the round, flicking his jab and dancing around the ring.

Final round, Rosenbloom is content to stay outside. Maxie scores with a right that lands flush, then follows his jab with a flurry that connects to the head and chest of the hapless Bremer. One last exchange from Bremer, who does well just to last the distance.

The judges' scorecards are identical -- a 59-53 unanimous verdict in favor of Rosenbloom, after subtracting a point for the low blow in round three.

Maxie moves to 5-0 (2) with 374 PPs, and he will shift to Pre-Prime and the world of eight-rounders with his next bout set for February.

[JCWeb]

Feb. 23, 1924, Boston Garden: Unbeaten LH prospect "Slapsie Maxie" Rosenbloom steps up in distance to the world of 8-rounders, taking on veteran TC Al Holloway (record 0-6-1) for his first bout at Pre-Prime Career stage. Holloway is not expected to pose problems for the slick-boxing Rosenbloom.

Round one, Holloway starts by tying up Rosenbloom, who works free and lands with a hook. Holloway misses. Maxie follows a stinging jab with a short uppercut. More clinching by his opponent. Rosenbloom manages to plant a hook inside the defense of Holloway. After a couple of misses, Rosenbloom dances around the ring. Holloway lands with a hook late in the round, but otherwise it's all Rosenbloom in round one.

Second round, Maxie works the outside. A hook to the body forces Holloway to give ground. Rosenbloom connect with another hook, shoots the jab and follows with a hook to the body. Maxie continues to flick the jab, and Holloway has no answer. Holloway continues to absorb punishment until, late in the round, the ref decides to call a halt.

Rosenbloom by TKO at 2:53 of round two to run his record to 6-0 (3 KOs), worth 398 PPs. Next bout will be in April 1924, in two months' time.

[JCWeb]

March 8, 1924: Vancouver, BC -- Heralded WW prospect "Baby Face" Jimmy McLarnin makes his third career start in a six-rounder versus TC Phil Wheeler. Wheeler is winless in three prior bouts while McLarnin is a perfect 2-0.

Round one, McLarnin misses with an uppercut from the outside, and is wide with a follow-up hook. Wheeler's left is blocked, and he leaves himself open for a hook from McLarnin. "Baby Face" follows up with a lead right, then a jab that is picked off by Wheeler. McLarnin lands a solid right right before the bell, and is in command throughout the opening stanza.

Second round, McLarnin moves inside. A hook to the body and the head backs up Wheeler. McLarnin finds the range with a jab, and Wheeler connects with a return jab. McLarnin steps up the pace, stunning Wheeler with a left to the head and body followed by a solid uppercut. McLarnin repeatedly pops the jab, while Wheeler retreats once again. A strong round for McLarnin.

Round three, McLarnin elects to work the inside again, applying increasing pressure to his opponent. McLarnin dominates the action with the jab, then connects with a huge uppercut. Wheeler's left eye shows signs of swelling. A short hook to the ribs right before the bell makes Wheeler wince. Another round in the books, with McLarnin far ahead at this point.

Fourth round, and McLarnin is looking to finish his opponent. A strong uppercut puts Wheeler on the deck for a seven-count. McLarnin's killer instinct kicks in, and he nails Wheeler with a left hook and then follows wiht a right hook to the head. It's just a question of time now. McLarnin reaches the target with a cross while Wheeler flails away with a hook that is partially blocked. A short hook to the midsection by McLarnin sets up Wheeler for the coup-de-grace, another superb short, clean uppercut. Wheeler slumps to the canvas and is counted out at 2:13 of the fourth round.

Huge cheers for McLarnin, who runs his record to 3-0 (all three by KO), good for 315 PPs. He is expected to return to the ring in April.

[JCWeb]

Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, April 12, 1924: Top Canadian WW prospect Jimmy "Baby Face" McLarnin returns to the ring, taking on TC Donnie Clegg in a scheduled six-round affair.

Round one, McLarnin misses with a wild hook. Clegg moves inside to stick a short uppercut and then retreats. McLarnin misses again, bobs and weaves his way inside, then connects with a short uppercut. Clegg sustains an ugly looking cut over his left eye. McLarnin continues to pound away with a hook to the body, Clegg crowds "Baby Face" and a clash of heads ensues. McLarnin sneaks a jab through Clegg's defenses. The cut has worsened notably throughout the opening round, and the ref calls in the doctor. It's bleeding too much to allow the bout to continue.

McLarnin is declared the victor via a cuts stoppage at 2:34 of the first, running his record to 4-0, all four by KO. His PP total is 348. He is expected to a take a month off and return to the ring in June.

[JCWeb]

April 19, 1924 -- St. Nicholas Arena, NY City: Popular LH prospect "Slapsie Maxie" Rosenbloom is back in action here tonight, taking on TC Dick Listner (0-6 career mark) in a scheduled 8-rounder.

First round: Rosenbloom stuns Listner with a powerful combination, then both men retreat, and Rosenbloom doubles up on his jab. He moves in with a hook to the head. Another exchange of blows, favoring Listner. There's some clutching and grabbing on the inside, and Rosenbloom is wild with a hook to the head. Maxie punctuates a strong start to the bout by connecting with a short hook right before the bell.

Round two: Rosenbloom elects to fight outside, landing with a double left hand shot. Listner has a hook blocked, and the two exchange blows in the center of the ring -- Rosenbloom coming out on top. Maxie sticks a jab to the chest of Listner, and is trying to find the range on his jab. Listner retreats to a neutral corner. Maxie follows up a jab with a strong hook, and Listner is defenseless, pinned against the ropes. An unanswered barrage of blows causes ref Abe Goldstein to step in and call a halt.

Rosenbloom is declared the winner via TKO stoppage at 2:54 of round two. His record moves to 7-0 (3 KOs), for 421 PPs.

Maxie plans to keep busy, with his next fight date expected some time in May 1924.

[JCWeb]

May 31, 1924: Philadelphia: Hot LH prospect Maxie Rosenbloom makes his next appearance in Philly, taking on winless TC Jamie Givens (0-5) in a scheduled 8-rounder.

First round: Rosenbloom starts working the outside, scoring with a short hook, followed by an uppercut, then lands a punch that is part hook, part jab. Givens offers little resistance as Maxie pounds away to the head and chest of Givens, then Givens sneaks in a lead right. Rosenbloom counters with a hook to the head right before the bell. Strong start for Rosenbloom.

Second round, Rosenbloom continues to work outside. A quick flurry by Rosenbloom, who works off the ropes and then splits the gloves with a probing jab. Givens is short with his jab. Rosenbloom is warned for leaning on Givens' neck.

Round three, Maxie moves inside to get more leverage on his punches. More effective punches by Rosenbloom, who launches a two-fisted attack to take the round.

Fourth round, Rosenbloom continues to pressure Givens on the inside. Rosenbloom drives a hook to the body, uses to jab to set up more inside blows. Halfway through the bout, Maxie has compiled a huge points lead.

Round five, Maxie is back outside, firing jabs and then moving inside to land an occasional uppercut. More target practice as Givens continues to fire and miss with his very limited efforts.

Sixth round sees Rosenbloom work inside, flicking a few jabs and following up with a straight right and a right cross. Givens sneaks home a couple of jabs but Rosenbloom remains well ahead on points.

Round seven, Rosenbloom adopts a more defensive posture, shooting the lead right and pinning Givens in the corner. He rocks Givens with a strong uppercut, and Givens tries to fight back, without much success.

Final round, Rosenbloom is continue to lay back on the outside, holding off Givens until the final bell with strong defense and counterpunching.

The outcome is a foregone conclusion: another UD 8 win for Rosenbloom, by scores of 80-72, 78-74, 80-72 to move to 8-0 (4 KOs) and 443 PP.

[bear]

I really like this uni a whole lot. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Bear

[JCWeb]

Thanks, Bear. The Uni is now in June 1924 and the next blurb is on Jimmy McLarnin's fifth bout.

June 7, 1924, Vancouver, BC, Canada: Jimmy "Baby Face" McLarnin faces another TC, Aussie Roy Harcourt, in his fifth career start, a scheduled six-rounder here in Vancouver's Exhibition Gardens.

First round, McLarnin works the outside while Harcourt is just looking to survive. Harcourt is wild with a hook, leaving himself open for a hook to the chest from McLarnin. "Baby Face" flicks the jab, setting up a solid shot to the head that staggers Harcourt. Harcourt suffers a cut over his left eye. McLarnin uses the lead right to set up a late flurry. Strong round for the Canadian WW prospect.

Round two, McLarnin moves inside to try to target the cut, which is still a problem for Harcourt's corner. McLarnin lands a wicked combination of blows that causes Harcourt to slump to the canvas. He is counted out, and it goes down as a KO at 0:27 of round two for McLarnin.

McLarnin raises his record to 5-0 (5 KOs) worth 381 PPs, and he will take a brief two-month hiatus before stepping up to longer eight-round bouts.

[mh2365]

Originally Posted by bear

I really like this uni a whole lot. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Bear

Agree 100% ... one of about 5 or 6 that I always look forward to reading!

[JCWeb]

June 28, 1924 -- Polo Grounds, NY City: Popular LH prospect "Slapsie Maxie" Rosenbloom returns to the ring tonight in an eight-round prelim bout leading up to a World BW title clash. His oppoent will be Canadian Larry Pearson, who does own one win versus a RL prospect to go with six defeats in prior bouts. Rosenbloom enters the ring with a perfect 8-0 career mark thus far.

Round one, Rosenbloom starts out on the outside, exhibiting good lateral movement but struggling to find the range in the opening moments of the bout. Rosenbloom is warned for a low blow, but he recovers to score with a short, quick uppercut. Maxie drills his opponent with a cross and follows immediately with a hook to the body. Pearson steps out of range, but Rosenbloom works inside to connect with a short hook, and Pearson is already showing signs of swelling about his left eye.

Maxie moves inside for round two, and dishes out more punishment with a left jab to set up a short uppercut that nails Pearson. The swelling around Pearson's eye is more severe now. Pearson shoots a jab, but Rosenbloom counters with a cross. A better effort by Pearson than in round one.

Round three, Rosenbloom moves back to the outside, nailing Pearson with a quick uppercut and following with a hook. Pearson retreats to the corner, where both men flail away at the head and body. Another short uppercut scores for Rosenbloom, who niftly sidesteps a left from Pearson. Maxie lands another clean jab, and Pearson's eye is noticeably worse as Rosenbloom gets the best of the end-of-round flurry. Strong round for Rosenbloom.

Fourth round, Maxie is back on the inside and Pearson is already tiring. Rosenbloom swings and misses. Pearson retreats. Rosenbloom leads with a probing jab, but then has a hook blocked by Pearson. Another jab and then a combination score more points for Rosenbloom. The rounds end with a huge Rosenbloom hook, and Pearson's swollen eye looks really bad.

Round five, Rosenbloom steps up the pace and is even more aggressive, looking to land a power punch to finish Pearson. Rosenbloom connects with a leaping shot, and an off-balance Pearson misses badly. A short left hook to the body of Pearson finds its target. Rosenbloom moves inside. Pearson fights back with a straight right hand. Rosenbloom connects with a part hook, part uppercut and Pearson once again survives to the bell.

Sixth round sees Maxie continuing to pressure Pearson on the inside. A straight right from Pearson is blocked, then Rosenbloom seizes the initiative by landing blows to the head and body, then circling the ring, confusing his dazed opponent. There's a bump of heads, then Rosenbloom lands a short uppercut off the break. Rosenbloom steps back, then follows his jab by moving inside to score with a quick right-left combination. Pearson barely survives another round.

Round seven, Rosenbloom is still applying the pressure, working over Pearson's badly swollen left eye. Rosenbloom connects with a cross, then feints and scores with a hook to the head. The swelling is getting worse, and Pearson's vision is obviously affected. A quick knockdown is scored, and Pearson bounces back to his feet. Rosenbloom dishes out more punishment, using the jab to set up a huge uppercut. Pearson's eye is a swollen mess and a second trip to the doctor causes the ref to call a halt.

Rosenbloom wins via TKO at 2:27 of round 7, moving his record to 9-0 (5 KOs), worth 464. He will remain active, looking for another opponent in July.

[Romdawg88]

Agree with Bear and Mike, this uni is always good times and I look forward to it.