My Universe

[JCWeb]

1926 LW Title Bouts

WBA

Benny Leonard CH (61-2-1) vs Luis Vicentini #10 (20-2)

Running out of new challengers he hasn't faced before, Leonard agrees to take on the newest member of the top 10 LWs, Vicentini of Chile. Vicentini enters the bout having won his last five, including an impressive UD 10 over Sammy Mandell.

Early edge to Leonard in round one. Vicentini is slow off the mark as the Champ goes on to dominate round two. Vicentini tries to work inside in round three, but he is dropped for a six-count by a huge overhand right from the "Ghetto Wizard" Round four it's all Leonard again, dominating with his jab and gradually working his way inside. Both work inside in round five, and Vicentini surprises the Champ with a cross although Leonard recovers to outpoint the Challenger and take the round. Vicentini becomes more aggressive in the middle rounds, but Leonard remains careful, dropping Vicentini again in round nine when the Challenger gets careless and over-aggressive. Leonard knocks down his opponent for the third time in round 10, but he cannot put the game Chilean away. Two more KDs for Leonard in the 12th and 13th remove all doubt, but Vicentini is able to last the distance. No surprise when the cards are read -- another lopsided UD 15 title defense for Leonard (149-132, 137-132, 149-135).

Benny Leonard CH (62-2-1) vs Sammy Mandell #5 (21-4)

No prior meetings; Mandell has won his last two (most recently being a NABF title bout win over Kaiser) to set up the title shot.

Leonard looks sharp from the outset, and Mandell cannot get off track. Leonard rips open a gash over the right eye of the Challenger, also Mandell's right eye is puffing up even after just one round. Round two, Leonard continues to pile up points, working outside almost exclusively. Round three, Leonard moves inside, and the cut (while patched up) remains a big concern for Mandell's corner. The cut is re-opened in round four, and it proves to be fatal to Mandell's chances as the ref steps in to call an early halt. Leonard by TKO 4 (cuts stoppage).

Benny Leonard CH (63-2-1) vs Lew Tendler # 3 (41-10-1)

This is Leonard's 15th title defense. He holds two prior wins over Tendler, a UD 15 back in 1923 and an earlier TKO back in 1919 in his first title run.

Slow start by Leonard this time, allowing Tendler time to get comfortable in round one. Both work outside in round two, an even round. Tendler tries pushing the action on the inside but the Champ defends well, taking round three. Huge edge for Leonard, who moves inside to take round four. Leonard comes out on top in the toe-to-toe action on the inside in round five, and he holds a 49-46 edge at this point, according to the unofficial ringside expert's card. Tendler gets back on track in round six, as both men elect to stay outside. Tendler tries to press his edge by moving inside in round seven, but once again the veteran Leonard is back on top with strong defense and counterpunching. Tendler's left eye starts to swell in round eight, another strong round for the Champ. Leonard lands some strong shots on the inside in round nine, and he holds off an aggressive Tendler to take a decisive lead (98-92 according to the unofficial card) into the late rounds. Tendler, needing a knockout to win, doesn't get it as Leonard retreats into a defensive shell, padding his points advantage where possible but taking very little risk. It goes down as another UD 15 for Leonard, although it was surprisingly close on one of the cards. (146-139, 145-140, 143-142)

Benny Leonard CH (64-2-1) vs Billy Grime #14 (20-6-1)

First meeting of the two; although Grime enters the bout on a three-bout win streak, most feel he is overmatched against an all-time great Champ in his Prime as Leonard is at this point in time.

Early edge in round one for the Ghetto Wizard (Leonard) who has come to fight versus the Aussie, Grime. More of the same in round two, as Leonard pounds away from the outside, causing Grime's right eye to start puffing up. Grime tries pressing the action on round three, but it just turns out to be another dominant round for the Champ, Leonard. It's a bit closer as Leonard tries to work inside in round four, but Grime is still fighting an uphill battle. Some good toe-to-toe action as both men surge forward to mix it up in round five, and finally it turns Leonard's way as the decks the Aussie challenger with a solid combination. Huge lead (50-44) on the unofficial card after a 10-8 round for Leonard. The end comes in the next round, the sixth, when Grime suffers a huge cut over his left that starts gushing blood and is really almost impossible to control. Not much argument from Grime's corner as Leonard's hand is raised in triumph (TKO 6, cuts stoppage).

NABF: Johnny Kaiser starts the year with the belt, which he defends versus Sammy Mandell. Mandell seizes control from the outset, putting Kaiser down in the opening round. Kaiser, however, recovers and scores a KD of his own in round five. Mandell battles back, dishing out lots of punishment in the later rounds en route to a solid UD 12 win to lift the title belt. He defends versus Al Gordon, surviving a cut eye and putting Gordon down late in the bout to seal another UD 12 win.

USBA: Jimmy Goodrich defends versus Tommy O'Brien, building an early lead and coasting in the middle rounds until O'Brien stages an impressive rally in the late rounds -- Goodrich escapes with a draw to keep the belt. His next opponent, veteran Ever Hammer, appears vulnerable to the Goodrich right, suffering a badly swollen left eye as Goodrich marches to a UD 12 win. Next up is Andy Chaney, a former Champ who puts up a spirited fight as both men suffer swollen left eyes in a very brusing battle. Finally, a late surge makes Chaney the winner by a close UD 12 (115-113 on all cards). He finds time to defend versus Lew Tendler late in the year, surviving an early cut and coming through in the final round to win a SD 12 to keep the title into 1927.

CBU: Aussie Billy Grime takes on Brit Harry Mason, rocking his opponent on his heels with a big hook early in the contest, then coasting to a UD 12 win in a bout with no knockdowns. He then travels to Canada to take on ex-CBU Champ "Clonie T" Tait; each has their moments but a final round KD for Grime is the icing on the cake as he takes a lopsided UD 12 verdict.

GBU: No title defenses in 1926 for Ernie Rice, who keeps the belt for another year. (No mandatory defense requirements either as, right now, there is a real dearth of quality LWs in the UK.)

EBU: The "French Flash," Benny Valgar, has two challengers during 1926. First up is the Dane, Emanuel Jacobsen, who offers little opposition as Valgar racks up an easy UD 12 in a rather unremarkable bout. Then, he takes on Rice, the GBU titleholder, and is coasting to another apparent easy win when Rice rips open a cut in the later rounds. Valgar survives a late onslaught by the Englishman, taking a UD 12 verdict after decking Rice in the final stanza.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1927 LW Division Profile

Total: 128 RL: 77 TC: 51

RL by Career Stage:

End: 7
Post: 10
Prime: 33
Pre: 16
Beginning: 11 (6 New)

Rated: 55
800+: 15
500+: 28
200+: 49

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

Champ: Benny Leonard 65-2-1 (39) (1849) (NC)
1. Andy Chaney 35-10-2 (12) (1170) (+4) (USBA Champ)
2. Jimmy Goodrich 32-8-1 (10) (1163) (-1)
3. Lew Tendler 41-12-1 (14) (1027) (NC)
4. Ray Miller 20-1 (13) (1008) (+16)
5. Ever Hammer 37-13-5 (15) (1007) (-3)
6. Tommy O'Brien 31-10-4 (16) (1002) (+1)
7. Benny Valgar 32-10-2 (12) (992) (-1) (EBU Champ)
8. Sammy Mandell 25-5 (7) (972) (+6) (NABF Champ)
9. Billy Petrolle 20-1-2 (14) (971) (+10)
10. Luis Vicentini 22-3 (10) (902) (NC)

Also: 16. Billy Grime 20-7-1 (14) (795) (+6) (CBU Champ)
18. Ernie Rice 25-10-1 (14) (712) (-2) (GBU Champ)

Comments: All at Prime except Chaney, who hits Post in 1927. Leonard keeps rolling along, now having racked up 23 wins in a row, now unbeaten for close to six years. Chaney had a busy year, winning four of five, two title bouts plus a MD 10 over Tendler; his only loss was a UD to Petrolle. Goodrich rebounded from his title bout loss with a MD 10 over EBU Champ Valgar. Tendler dropped a bit after losing his last two bouts, and his only win for the year was a TKO over an aging Joe Welling. Ray Miller surged into the top 10 with a SD 10 win over Hammer, and he has now won 10 in succession (including UDs oveer O'Connell and Gallant and KOs over J. Trambitas and Billy Wallace. Hammer stumbled, losing two in a row, after an earlier UD 10 over long-time JLW kingpin Johnny Dundee. O'Brien has gone unbeaten through his last eight bouts, scoring a TKO over Solly Seeman and a UD versus GBU Champ Rice in his last two. Valgar had a four-bout win streak snapped when he dropped a MD to Goodrich, preventing him from ascending further up the rankings. Mandell scored a UD over Charley White and then won two of three title bouts; he has won four of his last five. Petrolle finally broke into the top ten with solid UD wins over Chaney and Gallant while battling to a draw with Johnny Kaiser; more recently, he looked impressive in a KO win over Seeman. Vicentini rounds out the top group, bouncing back from the title loss to Leonard with UD wins over Richie Mitchell and Jimmy Dundee.

Other Notables: Sid Terris snapped a four-bout losing streak with UD wins over Rocky Kansas and Clonie Tait to finish the year at 19-4-2 (6) and just one sport short of the top 10 in the rankings. Dropping out of the top group was Johnny Kaiser, who fell nine spots to #13 after losing his NABF title belt and struggling to a draw with Petrolle and suffering a TKO loss to Jimmy Dundee in his other bout. Rocky Kansas dropped six spots to #14, mainly as a result of the UD 10 loss to Terris as he bested Barbarian and Gallant in UD wins in his other 1926 outings. Seeman dropped from #9 to #15, scoring a UD over Terris but suffering KO defeats to O'Brien and Petrolle. Grime, the CBU Champ, moved up by virtue of two successful title defenses plus a one-round blowout of veteran Red Dolan. GBU titleholder Ernie Rice struggled, besting veteran Charley White in a UD but losing his other two bouts, the most recent a UD loss to O'Brien. Top newcomer to the rankings at #24 is Bruce Flowers, who had won his first 12 before dropping a UD 10 to Sammy Fuller; he recovered with wins over Joe Marcus and Davey Abad, then dropped a MD to Mike Ballerino to finish the year at 14-2 (7). Abad is ranked one spot lower at #25, going 13-2 (4) and bouncing back from the UD loss to Flowers with a KO over Joe Ryder. Finally, Marcus debuts at #30 with a 12-2-1 (2) career mark after a draw with Dorfman, a MD win over Klick, but two losses to Flowers and Abad.

Prospects: Sammy Fuller has emerged unbeaten with one more bout to go before qualifying for a ranking; his victims in running up a 14-0 (7) record include Bruce Flowers and journeyman Johnny Drummie. Max Strub powered his way to an unbeaten 11-0 (7) start, taking the measure of fellow prospect Joe Guerrero. Guerrero, from Mexico, wound up the year at 10-1 (5). A draw with Joe Marcis was the only blemish in Sammy Dorfman's 10-0-1 (3) career start. Similarly, Belgian Francois Sybille was off to a 10-0-1 (5) start, after being held to a draw by a TC. Lew Kirsch (9-0, 8); Al Winkler (8-0-1, 2); Baby Sal Sorio (7-0, 4); Joey Goodman (6-0, 1) all excelled versus TC opposition. Tony Canzoneri, who is also listed at JWW, has blasted out all six of his opponents as he starts out his career as a LW.

Retirements: Five LW retirements in 1926.

Willie Beecher (USA) 1909-26 34-26-8 (4) No Titles Highest Rank: 10
Richie Mitchell (USA) 1912-26 38-24-4 (12) No Titles Highest Rank: 14
Johnny Ray (USA) 1913-26 27-25-3 (10) No Titles Highest Rank: 20
Johnny Drummie (USA) 1913-26 22-23-3 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 41
Bobby Waugh (USA) 1911-26 30-28-6 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 28

Looking Ahead: Once again, there is no one on the immediate horizon who looks like a strong challenger to take Leonard's WBA crown. Chaney is likely to fade as aging effects start to kick in with his next bout. Miller and Petrolle appear to be poised to move up the rankings; Fuller and Canzoneri appear to be the best of the younger prospects. Six newcomers to the division in 1927 include three fighters rated "8"s: Roger Bernard, Cecil Payne and Jack Portney.

[JCWeb]

1926 JLW Title Bouts

WBA

Johnny Dundee CH (46-15-2) vs Mike Ballerino #5 (17-4-3)

First meeting of the two. It is Dundee's 12th defense of the JLW title won in 1921. Ballerino enters the bout riding a four-bout unbeaten streak (two wins and two draws) going back to 1924.

It is a slow start by the Champ, enabling Ballerino to take the opening round. Not much to choose between the two in round two, an even round where both men remain cautious on the outside. Ballerino moves inside for round three, but the "Scotch Wop" responds with some strong counterpunching to take the round. Round four is another strong one for Dundee. Round five, which sees both men working inside, is a close round. At this point, the unofficial card has the Champ in front by two (49-47). More outside exchanges in round six, again favoring the Champion. Ballerino moves inside in round seven, but Dundee takes that round as well. Ballerino tries to get more aggressive, but he has little to show for it. Dundee has a huge lead (98-93) on the unofficial card heading into the later rounds. Dundee wisely adapts a defensive posture, allowing a tired Ballerino to punch himself out. The final rounds of the bout are uneventful, and it goes down as another successful title defense for Dundee, who wins by a lopsided UD 15 (147-140, 147-139, 149-137).

Johnny Dundee CH (47-15-2) vs Steve Sullivan #4 (33-20-7)

This is the seventh meeting of these two long-time JLW and FW contenders; Dundee holds a 5-1 edge in prior contests.

Good action in the opening stanza, with a slight edge to the Champ. Both men work outside in round two, slight edge for Sullivan. The Challenger moves inside in round three, but some rock-solid defense favors the Champ. Dundee tries to press the action on the inside in round four, with limited success in another even round. Toe-to-toe action in round five results in another even round. The unofficial scorer has Sullivan up by three (49-46) but, with the fight this close, it could be either way. Dundee steps up the pace in round six, another even round. Sullivan force the inside action and dominates round seven. The Scotch Wop is back on top in round eight, winning the inside battle. After a bit of a breather in round nine, Dundee presses forward in round ten, and the challenger's left eye starts to puff up as a result. Nonetheless, Sullivan remains in front (98-94) on the unofficial card with five rounds left. Dundee remains the aggressor into the later rounds. After a couple of close rounds, Sullivan finishes well in the final two rounds. It is enough for him to dethrone Dundee, ending his lengthy five-year reign as JLW Champ. The scorecards show a tight SD 15 for Sullivan, the new Champ (141-145, 145-141, 143-142).

Steve Sullivan CH (34-20-7) vs Sid Barbarian # 3 (25-8)

Fourth meeting, 2-1 edge for Barbarian in three prior bouts, all of which went the distance. First meeting of the two with a WBA title at stake, however.

Strong start by the Challenger, who takes the opening round. Second round sees both men trade blows on the outside, neither giving way in essentially an even round. Round three, "Kid" Sullivan moves inside, and it's a good round for the Champ. Barbarian battles back with a huge round of his own in round four, establishing control by working inside as well. The test comes in round five, as both men battle on the inside. Barbarian dominates the round, and Sullivan appears slowed by a cut over the left eye, which also begins to swell. Barbarian targets the cut in round six, and Sullivan keeps its close although the fight appears to be slipping away from him in the direction of the challenger. Round seven, the Champ tries to force his way inside but the cut is reopened, and Barbarian takes the round. The end comes a round later, as the cut is reopened again, and blood begins flowing into the Champion's eye, forcing a stoppage. Barbarian is declared the winner and new JLW Champion. (TKO 8, cuts stoppage)

USBA: Eddie Wagner began the year with this belt, and he defended versus Barbarian in a tense, close battle that came down to a late rally by Wagner to keep the title by a SD 12. Then George Chaney challenged for the belt, and he had Wagner in trouble in round six but the Champ covered up, survived and battled back to post a MD 12 decision win. Veteran Vincent Martin was next up, and Wagner built an early points lead while Martin was troubled by an early cut -- UD 12 win for Wagner. Finally, late in the year, dethroned Champion Johnny Dundee was matched with Wagner, and the ex-Champ fell behind early but battled back in the later rounds to score a MD 12 round to take the title.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1927 JLW Division Profile

Total: 18 RL: 12 TC: 6

RL by Career Stage:

End: 0
Post: 4
Prime: 5
Pre: 2
Beginning: 1 (0 New)

Rated: 9
800+: 3
500+: 7
200+: 8

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

Champ: Sid Barbarian 26-8 (14) (850) (+2)
1. Johnny Dundee 48-16-2 (15) (907) (-1) (USBA Champ)
2. Eddie Wagner 31-14-1 (15) (844) (-1)
3. Steve Sullivan 34-21-7 (8) (797) (NC)
4. Tod Morgan 20-5 (8) (648) (+1)
5. Mike Ballerino 18-6-3 (5) (593) (-1)
6. George Chaney 40-27-3 (21) (501) (+1)
7. Jack Bernstein 18-11 (5) (454) (-1)
8. Vincent Martin 25-19-3 (15) (164) (NC)

Comments: Four of the above (Dundee, Sullivan, Chaney and Martin) at Post in 1927. Barbarian bounced back from dropping the USBA title clash to Wagner and a UD to veteran LW Rocky Kansas, capturing the WBA title after wins over Ballerino (UD) and Morgan (TKO). Dundee suffered a UD loss to Hammer in addition to losing the WBA crown, rebounding with a strong performance to take the USBA title. Wagner won three of four bouts in 1926, pushing his winning streak to four before dropping the MD title bout with Dundee. Sullivan had a win, a draw and a loss for the year, splitting two title bouts and settling for a draw with veteran George Chaney. Morgan had a pair of UD wins over LWs Terris and Robideau but was stopped by Barbarian in an effort to earn a title shot. Ballerino dropped a UD to Barbarian, then impressed in his only 1926 win with a UD over up-and-coming LW prospect Bruce Flowers to salvage his year. Chaney was winless until a pair of TKOs against LWs Benjamin and Rivers. Bernstein was 0-2 for the year, dropping a UD to LW Andy Chaney and a SD to Robideau. Bringing up the rear is "Pepper" Martin, who struggled despite a DQ win over Johnny Ray and a MD versus aging LW Johnny Drummie; losses to Joe Salas, Sammy Vogel and a failed USBA title challenge offset these two wins.

Prospects: Frankie Klick dominated with 10 straight wins versus TC opposition in both the LW and JLW ranks, but he failed in two contests with RL opponents (a UD loss to Davey Abad and a MD loss to Joe Marcus) to finish the year at 10-2 (8). Off to great starts (all wins versus handpicked TC opposition) are Leslie Wildcat Carter, at 6-0 (4 KO) and Pete Nebo, at 3-0 (0 KO).

Retirements: None as of yet.

Looking Ahead: With no newcomers to the division in 1927 and four of the active rated JLWs at Post career stage, the future from a competitive standpoint looks bleak unless some LWs drop down or some FWs move up. Dundee, despite the effects of aging, has as good a chance as anyone in the division right now to successfully challenge for the WBA title.

[JCWeb]

1926 FW Title Bouts

WBA

Young Johnny Brown CH (22-3-1) vs Andre Routis #2 (25-6-2)

Rematch of the prior year's title clash between these two that ended in a SD 15 for Brown. Routis has captured the EBU title in the meantime.

Good start for the challenger, who takes the opening round. Both work outside in round two, and it's a better round for the Champ, who starts to get off the mark. Brown then moves inside for round three, which sees alot of action and is a very close round. More of the same in round four, another close round, good action as Routis tries to force the action on the inside. Both work inside in round five, another close round, and the unofficial scorer has a narrow lead (48-47) for the Champ at this point. Round six, Routis dominates as Brown in unsuccessful in establishing contol on the inside. After a forgettable round seven, both step up the pace in round eight, and Brown puts the challenger down for a 9-count with a strong combination. Routis recovers, managing to keep the bout although the Champion has built a points lead (97-93 on the unofficial card) heading into the later rounds. Routis is the aggressor in rounds 11 and 12, but he gets careless and runs into a Brown cross, forcing him to cover up to survive in round 12. Brown's right eye starts swelling in round 12, and Routis finishes strongly to make it reasonably close. In the end, the mid-fight knockdown makes the difference as Brown retains the title via a UD 15 (143-139, 142-141, 142-140).

Young Johnny Brown CH (23-3-1) vs Carl Duane #12 (20-5)

Brown accepts the challenge of "the Bronx Express," as other higher rated contenders are unavailable. First meeting of the two.

Strong start by the challenger, Duane, who takes the opening round. Duane surprises the Champ, scoring a KD and putting Brown down for a 6-count in round two. Duane moves inside in round three, and both men have their moments in a good action round that is essentially even. Brown moves inside in round four, nailing Duane with a big shot that puts the challenger on the deck (briefly). Some good toe-to-toe action in round five which sees Brown pull ahead on points later in the round. The unofficial scorer has it even (47-all) after five. Duane bounces back with a strong surge in the sixth, and Brown is nursing a split lip. Duane maintains the upper hand in an another action-packed round, round seven, and the cut lip is still bleeding which spells trouble for the Champ. Brown tries pressing the action in round eight, but to no avail as it's another even round. Brown takes round nine but Duane battles back to take the tenth and pull ahead (96-93) on the unofficial card with five rounds left. Duane fights more cautiously in the later rounds, managing to maintain his lead as the Champ eventually tires. Duane's solid performance enables him to topple the Champ and take the title via a UD 15 (144-138, 143-140, 142-141).

Carl Duane CH (21-5) vs Chick Suggs # 5 (25-8-3)

First meeting, as the ex-Champ Suggs gets another title shot despite only two wins in his last four outings since losing the title to Louis Kaplan in late 1924.

The "Bronx Express" gets off to a strong start, taking the opening round. Second round sees both men work outside, and it's another strong round for the Champ. Suggs battles on the inside in round three, and he performs well. Duane tries to work inside in round four, this time it is another good round for the challenger. The inside battle in round five sees Suggs put the Champ on the deck with a big cross, putting the challenger out in front (49-45) on the unofficial scorecard. Duane battles a swollen right eye starting in round six, limiting his effectiveness. Suggs has the edge in both rounds six and seven, but rounds eight and nine are even. Duane, feeling the title belt slipping away, becomes aggressive in round ten but falls short as he can only pepper the challenger with his jab. Suggs takes a fairly solid lead (97-92 on the unofficial card) into the final five rounds. Duane suffers a cut over his right eye in round 12, and two rounds later the cut becomes too severe to allow him to continue. Suggs regains the title via a TKO 14 (cuts stoppage)

Chick Suggs CH (26-8-3) vs Benny Bass #2 (26-4-2)

Suggs takes on the current NABF Champion, the higher rated Bass. Bass owns a win and a draw in two prior bouts, both of which went the distance.

Not much action in the first two rounds. Suggs shifts to the inside, taking a slight lead after a close round. The challenger, "Little Fish" Bass fights inside in round four but struggles with his timing. Not much to choose between the two in round five, but Bass' left eye starts to puff up. The unofficial ringside observer has the bout dead even (48-48) at this point. After a close round six, Suggs pulls ahead as Bass cannot connect while fighting inside in round seven. Bass keeps battling, taking round eight as the Champ's right eye starts to puff up a bit. The bout swings back to Suggs in the following two rounds, and he holds a narrow lead (96-95) according to the unofficial scorecard. Bass continues his aggressive approach, but he cannot break down Suggs' defenses in rounds 11 and 12. The swelling around Bass' eye worsens, and he is vulnerable to some strong counterpunching from Suggs that puts the challenger on the deck in round 14. The late KD removes any doubt as Suggs posts a solid UD 15 win. (147-138, 147-138, 146-139)

NABF: Bass starts the year with the belt, defending it first versus the veteran Bud Ridley, "the Little Dempsey," in a bout that comes to a premature ending when Bass is called for a blatant foul that gives the belt to Ridley via a DQ 6. A rematch is ordered, and this time Bass puts Ridley on the canvas with a hook early on, then coasts to a UD 12 win. Eddie O'Keefe is next to challenge for the belt, but Bass takes control early, scoring an eighth-round knockdown, setting the stage for another UD 12 win.

USBA: Ex-Champ Louis Kaplan and Mike Dundee are matched for the belt vacated by Ridley after his DQ win for the NABF title. Kaplan is at the top of his form, seizing control until the ref steps in to save Dundee from further punishment. Kaplan via TKO 5. Kaplan also gradually wears down the next challenger, Danny Kaplan. Another TKO stoppage, this time in round eight. Kaplan then takes on Bobby Garcia, who tries to make the most of his first title try, suffering a cut eye but managing to last the distance. Kaplan keeps the title, though, winning a comfortable UD 12.

CBU: Leo Roy makes his first defense in over a year, taking on ex-Champ Young Johnny Brown. Roy surprises everyone by knocking Brown to the canvas in the opening round, but the tables are turned quickly as Brown battles back with a dominant effort in round three, forcing the ref to step in as Roy is literally out on his feet. Brown by TKO 3 to take the belt.

GBU: Al Foreman accepts a challenge from the youthful Dom Volante, who appears overmatched as Foreman decks him with a big hook, following up with a second KD late in the opening round. However, the second round sees a total reversal of form as Volante catches Foreman totally off-guard and pummels away at the Champ until the ref calls a halt. Volante by TKO 2 to take the belt.

EBU: Routis defends versus his countryman, Eugene Criqui, surviving a tough patch in round nine when he was decked by a Criqui hook and, in a weird finish, retaining the bout via a DQ in round 12 when Criqui is called for a blatant low blow. Talks for a rematch fall through and Routis accepts the challenge from the new GBU titleholder, Dom Volante, outboxing the heavy-hitting Brit from the opening round and hanging on for a UD 12 win.

OPBF: Elino Flores accepted the challenge of his countryman, Johnny Datto, who put forth a solid effort and, proving that the third time is a charm, won the belt via a UD 12 in his third try. Datto then took on the veteran Aussie Jimmy Hill, battling back after a slow start but tiring in the later rounds. UD 12 to Hill, the new Champion. Then, in a battle of the two "Hills," the younger Hill (the Filipino challenger, Johnny Hill) was the victor as the veteran Aussie was cut early then counted out a couple of rounds later. KO 5 for the new Champion, Johnny Hill of the Philippines.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1927 FW Division Profile

Total: 115 RL: 72 TC: 43

RL by Career Stage:

End: 5
Post: 6
Prime: 40
Pre: 12
Beginning: 9 (7 New)

Rated: 51
800+: 9
500+: 26
200+: 45

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

Champ: Chick Suggs 27-8-3 (10) (991) (+8)
1. Louis Kaplan 27-4-1 (10) (1170) (+2) (USBA Champ)
2. Andre Routis 27-7-2 (15) (1042) (-1) (EBU Champ)
3. Benny Bass 26-5-2 (10) (990) (-1) (NABF Champ)
4. Mike Dundee 32-8-2 (18) (949) (+1)
5. Young Johnny Brown 24-4-1 (13) (902) (-5) (CBU Champ)
6. Eugene Criqui 46-12-6 (20) (870) (NC)
7. Ansel Bell 28-13-6 (14) (836) (+6)
8. Carl Duane 21-6 (11) (802) (+12)
9. Bobby Garcia 18-7-1 (11) (695) (+3)
10. Danny Kramer 24-9-2 (9) (680) (+1)

Also: 26. Dom Volante 16-4-1 (13) (481) (+4) (GBU Champ)
28. Johnny Hill 18-4 (5) (461) (-11) (OPBF Champ)

Comments: All of the above at Prime heading into 1927. Suggs won all three of his 1926 bouts, scoring a UD 10 over Andy Martin in addition to the title bout wins. Kaplan won all four bouts during the year to extend his win streak to five. Routis took two of three in 1926, winning the EBU title clashes but dropping the WBA title bout. Bass had two wins in four bouts, all involving titles. Mike Dundee lost to Kaplan but rebounded with a UD over Kramer and a SD versus Lombardo. Brown went 2-1 for the year, all in title bouts. Criqui lost the EBU title bout via DQ, then recovered wiht two wins (a SD over Dick Finnegan and a UD versus Babe Herman). Bell dropped a MD 10 to his fellow Panamanian, Jose Lombardo, but then ripped off three straight wins versus Vierra, Ridley (both UDs) and O'Keefe (a split duke). Duane shot into contention by winning then losing the WBA title; he scored a pair of UD 10 wins over Steve Smith and Leo Roy in non-title action. Garcia advanced after blasting out Finnegan in three, but struggled ot a draw with Kramer in addition to dropping the USBA title bout to Kaplan. Kramer rounds out the top 10, scoring wins over Joey Sangor (SD 10) and ex-Champ Johnny Kilbane (UD 10) to offset a loss to Dundee and the one draw with Garcia.

Other Notables: Andy Martin emerged from his Pre-Prime status with three straight wins, including a UD 10 over veteran Bud Ridley, to end the year at #12 with an impressive 18-3 (7) record. Ridley slid nine spots to #13, dropping UDs to Bass and Bell as well as Martin. Dick Finnegan dropped from #10 to #14 after the KO loss to Garcia; he also dropped a SD to Criqui, his only win coming at the expense of an aging K. O. Mars. Lombardo fell seven spots to #16, struggling after his one MD 10 win over Bell, suffering a stoppage loss to Foreman, a SD loss to Mike Dundee and then managing just a draw with Elino Flores. Babe Herman fell 13 positions all the way to #20 after losing all three of his 1926 contests. Eddie Shea, checking in at #22, winning his last two versus Cuthbert (SD) and Snell (UD) to end the year at 16-3-1 (11) as he moves to Prime starting his next bout. Volante, the new GBU titleholder, went 2-2 for the year, dropping a UD 10 to Cuthbert and scoring a UD over Balduc in addition to splitting two title bouts. Milton Cohen continued to impress, scoring two wins but being held to a draw by Steve Smith to finish the year at #27 after compiling a 16-1-1 (7) career start. Johnny Hill, the new OPBF king, won two of four, falling 11 spots because of two losses to Benny Vierra (DQ) and Young Nationalista (MD). Phil Zwick became the top newcomer to the FW rankings list at #37, with his 14-2 (9) career start including an impressive KO win over Wilbur Cohen although he suffered loss #2 via a UD to Georgie Balduc.

Prospects: Ignacio Fernandez kept his unbeaten slate with a KO over Charlie Beecher and UDs versus Francisco Flores and Sailor Willie Gordon to run his record to 12-0 (9). Sailor Willie's loss to Fernandez was his first after 10 TC wins to drop his record to 10-1 (6). Willie Smith (10-0, 6 KO); Al Tripoli )(9-0, 3 KO); Maurice Holtzer (7-0, 6 KO); Seaman Tommy Watson (7-0, 6 KO) all feasted on TC opposition. Nel Tarleton (now 6-0) and Harry Blitman (now 4-0) got their careers off to good starts.

Retirements: Only one retirement from 1926, ex-Champion Patsy Brannigan. His career stats:

Patsy Brannigan (USA) 1909-26 35-23-9 (10) WBA Champ Highest Rank: 2

Looking Ahead: The musical chairs of FW Champions continues, as no one can seem to keep the title belt for more than a few defenses. Suggs is back on top, but Kaplan has a higher PP total. With all the top contenders still at Prime, everyone appears to be evenly matched. Aging vets like Ridley and Kilbane have faded from the limelight. With such a large number of FWs at Prime (40), it is going to be difficult for any of the younger prospects to break into the rankings. However, the 1927 rookie crop is loaded with talent; it includes Kid Chocolate from Cuba, a "10" rated fighter, Baby Arizmendi of Mexico (a "9") and a pair of "9"s from the USA, Battling Battalino and Freddie Miller.

[JCWeb]

1926 BW Title Bouts

WBA

Pete Sarmiento CH (25-5-2) vs Charley Phil Rosenberg #3 (20-3-2)

Sarmiento travels to New York City for his third title defense. First meeting of the two. Rosenberg enters the bout having won his last four.

Action is slow to develop in a very close opening round. Sarmiento staggers Rosenberg with a hook to the head from way outside in round two. Good defense from the challenger as Sarmiento is unable to capitalize when fighting inside in round three. Round four, Charley Phil battles on the inside and gains a slight upper hand. Both work inside in round five, and once again Rosenberg repeatedly wins the exchanges. Ringside expert has Charley Phil ahead by three (49-46) after the first five. Sarmiento slips even further behind when he is unable to press home the attack from the inside in round six. Sarmiento is then cut over the left eye, which also starts to swell up as Rosenberg continues his accurate display of boxing skills to take a large lead (99-91 according to the unofficial scorecard) into the late rounds. Sarmiento battles through pain and fatigue to keep the score close, but it is a solid win for Rosenberg who becomes the new WBA Champion. Rosenberg by UD 15 (145-142, 145-140, 147-138).

Charley Phil Rosenberg CH (21-3-2) vs Charles Ledoux #5 (20-5)

First meeting of the two, as Rosenberg accepts the challenge of "the Little Apache," the current EBU titleholder and long-time top BW contender.

Ledoux is in trouble right from the start as Rosenberg's opening barrage causes his right eye to start puffing up. Charley Phil dominates the action in rounds two, three and four to build a sizable points lead. Ledoux has his first decent round in the fifth, which sees both men whaling away from the inside. Ledoux steps up the pace in round six, dropping Rosenberg with a right cross for a 9-count. Ledoux stuns Rosenberg in round nine, and continues in an aggressive manner in the following round. However, the challenger is slowed when a cut appears just under his swollen right eye. Two rounds later, Ledoux suffers a cut around the other eye. The gallant Frenchman gradually wears down in the later round as Rosenberg weathers the storm to record his second successive UD 15 WBA title bout win (146-138 on all three cards).

NABF: Harold Smith starts the year with this title, defending versus Ad Rubidoux. Smith survives a knockdown in round eight and escapes with the title after a majority draw. He then takes on Memphis Pal Moore, who gains the upper hand early on, coasting to a UD 12 win. Memphis Pal defends versus Canadian Carl Tremaine, in what proves to be a hard-fought encounter that is decided by a late cut -- Moore by TKO 12 (cuts stoppage). An extremely active Moore then accepts the challenge of Panama Al Brown, who does well in the early rounds but gradually allows the Champ to seize control in the later rounds; it goes down as a SD 12 for Moore. Finally, veteran Abe Goldstein, the USBA Champ, puts in a solid performance to best Memphis Pal, who is bothered by a split lip, by a MD 12 to become the new NABF Champ.

USBA: Bud Taylor defends versus Rosenberg, who takes advantage of an early cut that forces a stoppage just as the bout was getting interesting -- Rosenberg by TKO 8 (cuts stoppage). Rosenberg does not defend the belt, instead moving up to capture the WBA title. Thus, Abe Goldstein and Philadelphia Pal Moore are matched for the vacant title. An in-form Goldstein outboxes the wily veteran to take a UD 12 and capture the belt. However, having won the NABF title near the end of the year, expect to see the USBA title declared vacant once again early in 1927 -- new challengers yet to be announced.

CBU: Johnny Brown took on fellow Brit Nat Pincus, whom he dominated early with an overhand right that caused an early knockdown. Then a cut over the left eye put an early end to the evening for the challenger -- TKO 4 for Brown on the cuts stoppage. However, the tables were turned on Brown in his next defense, versus Harry Lake, who took advantage of an early cut (in fact, both fighters were cut early in the bout) that forced Brown to retire. Lake takes the belt via TKO 8 (another cuts stoppage).

GBU: This belt was vacated by Brown, allowing Nipper Pat Daly the chance to take on veteran Joe Fox for the vacant title. Once again, cuts are a big factor as both men suffer early cuts. Fox's proves more troublesome, and Daly wins via a cuts stoppage in the final round.

EBU: Teddy Baldock defends versus fellow Brit Harry Lake, whom he decks in the opening round and follows with a second KD in round four. Then Lake's troubles continue as he battles a cut eye until the bout is stopped midway through the eighth round. TKO 8 for Baldock, another cuts stoppage. Then Frenchman Charles Ledoux makes another run at the crown, seizing control with an early KD in round four, but surviving a strong rally by Baldock who gives a good accounting of himself against his more highly regarded opponent. In the end, Ledoux's experience wins out, and he claims the title via a SD 12.

OPBF: No title bouts contested, but once Pete Sarmiento was dethroned as WBA Champ, he was automatically reinstated as OPBF titleholder, having held the belt prior to his capture of the WBA crown.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1927 BW Division Profile

Total: 93 RL: 56 TC: 37

RL by Career Stage:

End: 4
Post: 13
Prime: 25
Pre: 6
Beginning: 8 (3 New)

Rated: 46
800+: 12
500+: 28
200+: 42

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

Champ: Charley Phil Rosenberg 22-3-2 (11) (1155) (+5)
1. Abe Goldstein 32-8-3 (10) (1228) (+6) (NABF, USBA Champ)
2. Memphis Pal Moore 42-13-5 (13) (1227) (+1)
3. Pete Sarmiento 26-6-2 (19) (1156) (-3) (OPBF Champ)
4. Pete Herman 49-7-4 (15) (1097) (+2)
5. Charles Ledoux 50-18-2 (34) (939) (-3) (EBU Champ)
6. Panama Al Brown 22-3 (11) (922) (+4)
7. Harold Smith 23-4-3 (12) (895) (-3)
8. Teddy Baldock 20-6 (10) (894) (+13)
9. Bud Taylor 22-7 (9) (886) (-1)
10. Philadelphia Pal Moore 52-25-5 (14) (839) (+1)

Also: 15. Nipper Pat Daly 17-5-1 (10) (648) (+3) (GBU Champ)
25. Harry Lake 18-10-2 (13) (534) (+1) (CBU Champ)

Comments: An aging group near the top, as Herman and Philly Pal Moore at End, and three others (Goldstein, Ledoux and Smith) at Post heading into 1927. Rosenberg won all three of his 1926 bouts, capturing the WBA crown while extending his winning streak to six. Goldstein won all four of his bouts during the year, two title bouts plus UDs over Wolfe and O'Gatty. Memphis Pal remained a top contender, scoring three title wins and a UD 10 over Lynch before suffering the MD title loss to Goldstein. Sarmiento soldiered on, winning two of three, taking a KO over Bud Taylor while splitting two title bouts. A resurgent Pete Herman won all three of his 1926 bouts, taking UDs over Burman and Philly Pal Moore and a split duke over Ledoux. The Frenchman regained the EBU crown, but lost his remaining bouts, losing the WBA title tilt and two decisions to Philly Pal Moore and Herman. Panama Al Brown won four of five, taking a pair of UDs from Bushy Graham, a UD over Burman and a TKO versus Harold Smith while falling short in his first title shot. Smith struggled, managing just one win (a UD over Ertle) and a draw in three contests. Baldock surged into the top 10, winning three of four bouts, splitting two EBU title bouts but defeating Lynch (UD) and Dynamite Murphy (MD). The "Blonde Terror of Terre Haute," Bud Taylor, could only manage two wins in four bouts (one by DQ over Vic Foley) and slid backwards with two KO losses (one to Sarmiento, the other in a title bout). Veteran Philly Pal Moore rounds out the top group, despite suffering three straight losses his one win (a UD over Ledoux) kept him in contention.

Other Notables: Winding up the year at #11 was Ad Rubidoux, who fashioned a four-bout winning streak (three wins and a draw) after suffering a TKO loss to Eddie "Cannonball" Martin. Bushy Graham slipped out of the top 10, falling four spots to #13, dropping a pair of UDs to Panama Al Brown but taking a MD over Nipper Pat Daly and a UD versus Henny Catena. One spot lower at #14 is Happy Atherton, who had a successful 1926 campaign with four wins to extend his winning streak to five; his victims included Jack Kid Wolfe (a UD) and Amos Carlin (a SD). Daly, the GBU titleholder, won two, lost one and drew his fourth bout in 1926, his lone loss a MD defeat at the hands of Graham. Archie Bell emerged as the top newcomer to the rankings list, ending up at #16 while posting a 16-1 (7) career start, impressing with wins over Kid Francis (SD 10), Joe Fox (UD 10) while suffering his initial loss, a UD to Eddie Martin. Vic Burrone racked up four wins and a draw in 1926, including a surprising SD 10 over ex-Champ Joe Lynch, to end the year at 15-2-1 (5), good for the #20 spot. Lynch plunged 20 spots all the way to #21 after going winless in four 1926 contests. CBU titleholder Harry Lake went 1-1 in title bouts, plus a UD 10 loss to Packey O'Gatty. Italy's Kid Francis struggled to end the year at 13-3 (10), good for a lowly 32nd spot in the rankings, after suffering three key losses to Archie Bell (SD), Davey Adelman (UD) and Connie Curry (UD).

Prospects: All seven newcomers to the BW ranks got off to good starts, keeping their slates clean versus hand-picked TC competition. Pete Sanstol, at 6-0 (5 KO) and Alf Pattenden (at 5-0, 4 KO) paced the group of young BW prospects.

Retirements: Three BWs left the ranks in 1926.

Robert Dastillon (USA) 1911-26 24-26-4 (16) EBU Champ Highest Rank: 9
Midget Smith (USA) 1920-26 12-13-2 (7) No TItles Highest Rank: 27
Frankie Jerome (USA) 1919-26 15-13-3 (8) No Titles Highest Rank: 16

Looking Ahead: Rosenberg becomes the latest of a string of new BW World Champs, and it remains to be seen if he can keep his belt throughout 1927. Sarmiento and Memphis Pal Moore remain top contenders, and Panama Al Brown (now at Prime) may be ready to step up. Baldock remains a strong contender for CBU, GBU or EBU honors but may not be a serious WBC title contender. Bushy Graham, Happy Atherton and Archie Bell are well poised to move into the top ten by years' end. Canadian Bobby Leitham paces the three new additions to the BW ranks in 1927.

[JCWeb]

1926 FLY Title Bouts

WBA

Elky Clark CH (21-4-1) vs Jimmy Wilde #8 (49-9-3)

Two prior bouts -- both split decisions -- with Clark having won the most recent in 1925.

After a close opening round, both start cautiously, working the outside in round two -- slight edge to Clark. Wilde moves inside in round three, another even round. Round four, it's Clark trying to work inside in another essentially even round. Round five, there's little to choose in the toe-to-toe action on the inside; the unofficial ringside observer has a slight edge for the Champ (49-47) at this point. Wilde continues to press forward in round six, and Clark's left eye starts to swell as a result. After another close round in the seventh, both men work inside in round eight which sees Clark battle back, landing a big hook to take the round. Round nine, like most of the fight, is extremely close. Wilde becomes more aggressive in round ten, but he pays a price as Clark's counterpunching finds the range, ripping a cut over Wilde's left eye while causing his right eye to start to puff up. Heading into the late rounds, the Champ is still ahead by a narrow margin (96-95 according to the unofficial scorecard). Clark presses home the attack in round 11, taking the round as the veteran Wilde starts to wear down. Good action round as Wilde rallies, taking a more aggressive approach in round 12. WIlde continues but runs into a short uppercut from the Champ, and he takes a seat on the canvas briefly near the end of the 13th round. Wilde battles until the end, finishing strongly but it is not enough -- Clark retains the title by a UD 15 (146-138, 144-140, 146-139).

Elky Clark CH (22-4-1) vs Frankie Genaro #1 (21-6)

First meeting of the two. Genaro is unbeaten with two TKO wins since dropping the WBA title via a foul Clark has won his last three.

A closing opening round is followed by both men fighting outside in round two, with a slight edge to the Champ, who continues to pile up points on the inside in round three. Genaro returns the favor, firing away from the inside in the fourth, in what is another even round. Both men work inside in round five, when a big hook lands for Genaro and forces the Champ to cover up. At this point, the unofficial ringside observer has it as an even bout (48-all). Genaro tries to take advantage of Clark's weakened defenses in round six. Clark, who has struggled in the past two rounds, takes charge with a strong inside attack in round seven. Another close round in the eighth, as the Champ opens up and becomes even more aggressive. Genaro battles back on the inside in round nine, and then the Champ comes back, nailing Genaro with a big right hook to take round 10. No one is sure who is ahead at this point, although the ringside expert has Genaro up one (96-95) there have been many close rounds that could decide it either way. In round 11, Clark seems to control the bout from the inside. Both men move inside in the 12th, and once again it's Clark who has the better of it. Genaro battles back in the 13th, but once again, it's a really close round. Slight edge for the challenger in round 14. Both men throw caution to the wind, whaling away from the inside in the final round, another close one as the title hangs in the balance. When the scorecards are read, Clark escapes with a very narrow SD 15 verdict in his favor (144-143, 143-144, 144-143).

Elky Clark CH (23-4-1) vs Kid Socks # 3 (19-2-1)

First meeting, and Socks has won his last three to set up the title shot.

After an uneventful first round, both fighters take a cautious approach to round two, staying outside, with a slight edge to Socks. Kid Socks moves inside for round three, which is scored even. Fourth round sees the Champ work inside, but it's another close, even round. The Champ comes out ahead in the inside action in round five, but the unofficial scorecard has Socks up by one (48-47). Clark presses forward in round six, but again the edge goes to the defensive-minded challenger. Clark then hangs back on the outsid in round seven, meeting with success when he tags the challenger with a cross right before the bell. Clark follows up with another strong round in the eighth, thus taking charge of the fight. After another close round (round nine), Clark is on target again with a huge 10th round; the unofficial card has Clark now well ahead (97-93). Socks tries to get more aggressive in round 11, but instead he runs into a big hook and is forced to cover up. Socks' right eye starts to swell. A sharp combination from the Champ forces the challenger to cover up once again in round 12, and the next round the swelling around Socks' eye becomes too severe to allow for the bout to continue. Clark by TKO 13.

Elky Clark CH (24-4-1) vs Frankie Genaro #2 (21-7)

Fans who have been clamoring for a rematch after the very close SD bout earlier in the year get their wish.

After a strong start by Genaro in round one, both men work the outside in round two, again the edge goes to the challenger. Clark tries to press the action on the inside in round three, doing well to keep the round even. Genaro tries his luck on the inside in round four, another even round. More action as both men battle on the inside in round five, another even round. Slight edge for the Champ (48-47) on the unofficial card, although it's hard to be certain who is winning at this point. Genaro battles back with a strong round six. Clark tries to be more aggressive in the middle rounds. The unofficial ringside observer has the bout even (95-all) headed into the critical Championship rounds. Genaro's defense, repeatedly tested, proves key as the Champ punches himself out. A cut is opened on the Champ's forehead in round 14. At the finish, it is clear Genaro has done enough to regain the WBA title. Genaro by UD 15 (143-142, 147-140, 145-140).

NABF: Black Bill, the Cuban boxer, started 1926 with this belt, and he accepted the challenge of Frankie Genaro. Genaro exploits an early cut over the eye of his Cuban adversary, and a few rounds later, the cut reopens and the ref calls a halt. Genaro by TKO 5 (cuts stoppage). Genaro then abandons the NABF title after regaining the WBA belt, and Johnny McCoy and Willie LaMorte are matched for the vacant belt. LaMorte makes the most of his first title shot, and McCoy suffers from a swollen left eye midway through the bout. A late rally by McCoy makes it close, but LaMorte manages to hang on for a SD 12 to take the title.

USBA: Johnny McCoy defends versus Corporal Izzy Schwartz, who puts forth a strong effort in his first bout at Prime; a SD 12 for Schwartz means the belt changes hands. Schwartz then faces the challenge of Newsboy Brown, who takes advantage of a cut and takes the title via a cuts stoppage in round eight. Brown then defends versus Pinky Silverberg, pounding out a UD 12 win in a relatively uneventful bout. Then he finishes the year with another defense versus Young Zulu Kid, gradually wearing down his veteran opponent and sealing another UD 12 win with a late knockdown.

CBU: Two aging veterans, ex-WBA Champ and current CBU titleholder Jimmy Wilde and Aussie Georg Mendies, meet for the CBU title once again in a bout that soon becomes very one-sided once Wilde starts landing some heavy leather. The bout ends when Wilde puts Mendies down for the count and a KO win in round seven.

GBU: This belt was vacated when Clark won the WBA title, and Kid Socks took on aging vet Joe Symonds for the title. Socks rocked Symonds with some strong shots, opened a cut late in the bout, and coasted to a lopsided UD 12 win to capture the GBU title.

EBU: No contests for this belt, which remained in the hands of Jimmy Wilde.

OPBF: George Mendies, defending the belt for the first time since 1924, took on Young Dencio. Dencio came to fight, putting Mendies on the deck with a vicious cross in the opening round, and he continued to score a UD 12 over the aging Aussie vet. Dencio then faced his countryman, former WBA Champ Pancho Villa, who took advantage of an early cut to take the OPBF belt. Finally, the title came full circle when Villa defended versus Mendies, but the bout ended abruptly when a Villa uppercut put Mendies down for the count in round four.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1927 FLY Division Profile

Total: 61 RL: 35 TC: 26

RL by Career Stage:

End: 3
Post: 4
Prime: 15
Pre: 12
Beginning: 1 (1 New)

Rated: 25
800+: 3
500+: 14
200+: 22

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

Champ: Frankie Genaro 22-7 (14) (898) (+1)
1. Newsboy Brown 23-2-1 (10) (959) (+1) (USBA Champ)
2. Elky Clark 24-5-1 (15) (896) (-2)
3. Izzy Schwartz 18-5-1 (5) (717) (+3)
4. Pancho Villa 28-6-3 (14) (659) (NC) (OPBF Champ)
5. Lew Perfetti 18-4-1 (9) (588) (+7)
6. Young Zulu Kid 34-16-4 (14) (588) (+2)
7. Pinky Silverberg 21-10-2 (9) (577) (+2)
8. Kid Socks 19-4-1 (8) (576) (+2) (GBU Champ)
9. Jimmy Wilde 50-11-3 (44) (567) (-4) (EBU, CBU Champ)
10. Willie LaMorte 19-4-3 (10) (543) (+3) (NABF Champ)

Comments: Everyone on the list is at Prime, except for Clark and Villa at Post, and Wilde at End career stage going into 1927. Genaro won two of three 1926 contests, all three being title bouts. Brown continued as the top challenger, winning four bouts during the year, two USBA title tilts plus a UD 10 over Canadian Alex Burlie. Clark's title loss to Genaro snapped a five-bout winning streak. Schwartz had a solid year, winning three of four, dropping a TKO to Brown but winning his last two, a KO over Johnny Buff and a DQ win over Cuba's Black Bill. Villa remaining active in 1926, struggling at first through a pair of draws with Black Bill and Jimmy Russo then a DQ loss to Black Bill, before finishing strongly with KO wins over Dencio and Mendies for the OPBF title. Perfetti dropped a UD to Buff, then topped Young Zulu Kid before winning the rematch with Buff, both in UD 10 wins. Young Zulu Kid went 2-2 for the year, his wins coming against Paluso (UD) and Wilde (SD). Silverberg won two of four during the year, taking a UD from Frankie Mason before avenging a MD 10 loss to Kid Socks by taking a split duke in the rematch. Socks won three and then lost two during his 1926 campaign, taking the measure of Silverberg (MD 10) and Buff (UD 10), suffering a SD loss to Schwartz in addition to splitting the two title bouts. Wilde only won one of three, a stoppage of another aging rival, Mendies, but dropped a SD to Young Zulu Kid to slide down the rankings. New NABF titleholder LaMorte has been unbeaten in his last seven (five wins and two draws), impressing with a MD over Russo, but he has not faced any of the other top contenders to date.

Other Notables: Falling one spot short of the top group at #11 is Black Bill, who scored a DQ win over Villa but suffered a DQ loss to Schwartz, with the DQ his only win in four bouts. Dropping out of the top ten was Johnny McCoy, who slipped five spots to #12, winning just one of three 1926 contests, a KO 5 over aging veteran Joe Symonds. Also slipping was Johnny Buff, who fell all the way from #3 to #13 after dropping his last three in a row after an early 1926 UD win over Lew Perfetti. Georgie Rivers went unbeaten in three 1926 contests, finishing the year at #14 as he ran his career record to 17-8-2 (7). Ruby "Dark Cloud" Bradley is the best of the newcomers in the rankings at #19, struggling with real-life opponents like German Harry Stein, who blasted him out in the first round, and Canadian Alex Burlie, who came away a UD 10 winner in their bout. Bradley did manage a UD 10 over Albert "Frenchy" Belanger and wound up the year at 13-3-1 (4). Another first-timer in the rankings is American Fidel LaBarba, whose 13-1-1 (8) career start is only good for 22nd due to an unfortunate TKO loss to a TC in early 1926. However, LaBarba has shown potential with a UD 10 over veteran journeyman Earl Puryear as he prepares to face more difficult opposition in 1927.

Prospects: The aforementioned Harry Stein had 13 straight wins before suffering his first career loss via a TKO 3 stoppage by Puryear; he enters 1927 with a 13-1 (12) record. Italian Johnny Vacca managed to keep a clean slate, going 11-0 (8) in his first 11 bouts, all versus TC opposition. French-Canadian prospect Albert Belanger suffered a DQ loss to a TC in addition to a UD 10 loss to Bradley and finished the year at 9-2-1 (7). Midget Wolgast (7-0, 5 KO) and Brits Jackie Brown (6-0, 3 KO) and Johnny Hill (5-0, 4 KO) all maintained unbeaten records versus TC competition. Frankie Anselm wound up at 6-1 (3) after a surprise UD loss to a TC opponent. Two young French prospects, Eugene Huat and Emile Pladner, did meet, with Huat taking a UD 6 before finishing the year at 6-0 (2) while Pladner ended up at 3-1-1 (2). American Phil Tobias survived a draw with a TC but otherwise remained undefeated and is off to a 5-0-1 (1) career start.

Retirements: One retirement from the FLY ranks in 1926.

Frankie Mason (USA) 1910-26 32-26-3 (19) WBA Champ 1912-13, 1917-18

Looking Ahead: Genaro could settle in for a long run at the top of the division, but with strong fighters such as Newsboy Brown, Izzy Schwartz, Perfetti and Silverberg still at Prime, a long title reign is far from guaranteed. Aging vets such as Wilde, Clark and Villa are likely to give way to younger foes like Kid Socks, Georgie Rivers and Alex Burlie (a potential contender for the CBU title). German Harry Stein and Italian Johnny Vacca, once they hit Prime, could contend for top EBU honors. Jackie Brown, Eugene Huat and Emile Pladner may prove to be the best of the young prospects. One newcomer, another French fighter, Valentin Anglemann, adds even more international flavor to the division in 1927.

[JCWeb]

And, last but not least, the pound-for-pound rankings for year-end 1926:

1. Benny Leonard, LW (WBA Champ), 1849 (NC)
2. Gene Tunney, HW (USBA Champ), 1781 (+1)
3. Harry Wills, HW (NABF Champ), 1722 (+1)
4. Mickey Walker, MW (WBA Champ), 1656 (+3)
5. Bryan Downey, MW (NABF Champ), 1511 (+3)
6. George Godfrey, HW, 1486 (+3)
7. Bermondsey Billy Wells, WW (CBU, EBU Champ), 1467 (New)
8. Jack Dempsey, HW, 1418 (-6)
9. Tommy Loughran, LH (WBA Champ), 1358 (New)
10. Bartley Madden, HW (CBU, EBU Champ), 1316 (New)

Dropped Out of Top Ten:
LH Harry Greb (was #5); WW Ted Kid Lewis (was #6); BW Joe Lynch (was #10).

Comments: "The Bennah" (Benny Leonard) tops the PFP list for the fourth consecutive year, his 1849 PP total is an all-time high in Universe history. (He also topped the 1919 list, making this his fifth time as leading PFP fighter in My Uni.) One more year atop the list and he equals the record of Abe Attell, who topped the PFP list for five consecutive years from 1908 through 1912. Tunney leads five HWs who make the list, although the new WBA Champ (Martin Burke) is not one of them.

Leonard and Wills make the list for the 10th time, while Dempsey is listed for the 9th time. Bartley Madden returns to the list after a four-year absence, having first been included in the PFP top ten in 1919. Wills, Downey, Dempsey and Madden will be at Post-Prime in 1927, perhaps meaning several spots will be open for some newcomers to the pound-for-pound list at year-end 1927.

[JCWeb]

Finally, here's the list of title belt holders heading into 1927. Includes date first won title and number of successful defenses to date.

HW

WBA: Martin Burke (Dec 1926) (0)
NABF: Harry Wills (Sep. 1925) (0)
USBA: Gene Tunney (Jun. 1926) (0)
CBU: Bartley Madden (Mar. 1924) (5)
GBU: Phil Scott (Sep. 1924) (1)
EBU: Bartley Madden (Apr. 1926) (0)
OPBF: Tom Heeney (May 1925) (1)

LH

WBA: Tommy Loughran (Aug. 1926) (1)
NABF: Ad Stone (Nov. 1926) (0)
USBA: Vacant (vacated by Stone)
CBU: Len Harvey (Apr. 1924) (3)
GBU: Tom Berry (Jan. 1926) (1)
EBU: Len Harvey (Oct. 1925) (1)

MW

WBA: Mickey Walker (Apr. 1925) (7)
NABF: Bryan Downey (Jan. 1925) (4)
USBA: Jack McVey (Nov. 1926) (0)
CBU: Alf Stewart (Apr. 1926) (1)
GBU: Len Johnson (Mar. 1926) (1)
EBU: Rene DeVos (May 1925) (3)

WW

WBA: Young Jack Thompson (Apr. 1926) (1)
NABF: Willie Harmon (Aug. 1926) (1)
USBA: Tommy Robson (Sep. 1926) (0)
CBU: Bermondsey Billy Wells (Mar. 1924) (5)
GBU: Hamilton Johnny Brown (Aug. 1923) (2)
EBU: Bermondsey Billy Wells (Jan. 1925) (2)
OPBF: Lope Tenorio (Dec. 1926) (0)

JWW

WBA: Pinkey Mitchell (Jul. 1923) (3)
USBA: Mushy Callahan (Dec. 1926) (0)

LW

WBA: Benny Leonard (Dec. 1922) (16)
NABF: Sammy Mandell (Mar. 1926) (1)
USBA: Andy Chaney (Aug. 1926) (1)
CBU: Billy Grime (Dec. 1924) (3)
GBU: Ernie Rice (Jul. 1922) (2)
EBU: Benny Valgar (Apr. 1924) (3)

JLW

WBA: Sid Barbarian (Dec. 1926) (0)
USBA: Johnny Dundee (Dec. 1926) (0)

FW

WBA: Chick Suggs (Aug. 1926) (1)
NABF: Benny Bass (Apr. 1926) (1)
USBA: Louis Kaplan (Feb. 1926) (2)
CBU: Young Johnny Brown (Nov. 1926) (0)
GBU: Dom Volante (Jul. 1926) (0)
EBU: Andre Routis (Nov. 1925) (2)
OPBF: Johnny Hill (Nov. 1926) (0)

BW

WBA: Charley Phil Rosenberg (Jun. 1926) (1)
NABF: Abe Goldstein (Dec. 1926) (0)
USBA: Vacant (vacated by Goldstein)
CBU: Harry Lake (Nov. 1926) (0)
GBU: Nipper Pat Daly (Feb. 1926) (0)
EBU: Charles Ledoux (Sep. 1926) (0)
OPBF: Pete Sarmiento (Dec. 1923) (reinstated in 1926) (0)

FLY

WBA: Frankie Genaro (Dec. 1926) (0)
NABF: Willie LaMorte (Nov. 1926) (0)
USBA: Newsboy Brown (Apr. 1926) (2)
CBU: Jimmy Wilde (Dec. 1923) (1)
GBU: Kid Socks (Mar. 1926) (0)
EBU: Jimmy Wilde (Apr. 1923) (0)
OPBF: Pancho Villa (Sep. 1926) (1)

Comments: No surprise that Leonard, the highest rated boxer in the history of this Uni, has held his title for the longest and also made the most successful defenses. However, the trend has been lots of turnover: of the 55 current titleholders, only 20 of those belts are in the same hands as a year ago. Additionally, only 16 titleholders have made at least two successful defenses. Mickey Walker and Pinkey Mitchell were the only two World Champs, in addition to Leonard, to retain their titles throughout 1926.

[JCWeb]

January 22, 1927 -- First big fight card at Madison Square Garden in NY City features two unbeaten young prospects. First up is Jimmy Braddock, in a 6-round HW bout versus TC Paul Freeland, who is winless in his first three bouts while Braddock is 4-0.

Round one: Braddock is off target, works his way inside while Freeland misses. Braddock scores with a short uppercut. He works to the head and body of his hapless opponent. Braddock connects with another uppercut. Freeland fires a straight right that bounces harmless off Braddock's shoulder. The two men clinch in ring center. Braddock fires a right-left combination. A leaping shot from Braddock falls short just before the bell.

Second round, Braddock pins Freeland in the corner and fires a jab. Then Braddock launches a two-fisted attack, scoring with a right left-combination, a jab to the chest, then finally a flurry of blows. When the two separate, a stream of blood is flowing from a severe gash over Freeland's left eye. Referee Art Donovan wastes no time in halting the bout. TKO win for Braddock, who moves up to Pre-Prime with a 5-0 (4) record worth 378 PPs.

Next up is an 8-rounder featuring the "Roman Warrior, " Tony Canzoneri against LW Nick Jarrett, who has yet to win in six outings.

First round, Canzoneri traps Jarrett in the corner, but Jarrett picks off a jab. Canzoneri unleashes a flurry of blows, then steps back and splits his opponent's gloves with a nice jab. Canzoneri lands to the chest and neck of his opponent. A big left is sidestepped by Jarrett. Then a Canzoneri blow opens a bad cut under the left eye of Jarrett. Canzoneri tries to take advantage, working his way inside, missing with a jab but scoring with a follow-up cross.

Round two, the cut is patched up by Jarrett's cornerman. Jarrett retreats to a neutral corner. Canzoneri fires a jab. The two clinch, then back at ring center Canzoneri works the head and body while all of Jarrett's punches are off target. Canzoneri sneaks home a big right, and a hard hook has Jarrett shaken. Canzoneri pins Jarrett in the corner, moves in behind the jab. Jarrett survives the onslaught, but a new cut is opened, this one over the right eye of Jarrett.

Third round, Canzoneri moves inside and connects with a quick hook to the head. Jarrett is wild with a roundhouse right. Canzoneri pushes forward, targeting the cut over Jarrett's eye which is now oozing blood. Canzoneri doubles up on his jab. Referee Donovan calls the doctor over to examine Jarrett, and the bout is allowed to continue. Canzoneri continues to pound away, scoring with a jab and a cross. Canzoneri is warned for holding and hitting. Two quick jabs from Canzoneri land right before the bell, but Jarrett is still on his feet, having survived another round.

Round four, Canzoneri is looking for the KO while Jarrett is protecting the cut versus further damage. The cut over Jarrett's eye is still bleeding, and Canzoneri lands a huge shot that sends Jarrett to the canvas for a five-count. He arises, but Canzoneri connects with another big shot and, this time, Jarrett is counted out.

It goes down as KO at 1:32 of round four for Canzoneri. The "Roman Warrior" moves to 7-0, all wins by knockout. He now has 430 PPs and is slated to return to the ring in February while Braddock is expected to take a month off.

[JCWeb]

February 26, 1927 -- Atlantic City's Convention Hall: The unbeaten "Roman Warrior," Tony Canzoneri, winner by KO in all seven of his previous bouts, takes on JWW TC Sammy Clay (0-7) in a scheduled 8-rounder tonight. This represents a bit of a step up for Canzoneri, who has fought all his bouts versus LWs thus far.

Round one, Canzoneri doubles up on the left, then works to the head and the body of Clay. A right cross lands flush, causing Clay's knees to buckle. Both men take a step back before unleashing a flurry of furious blows at ring center. Canzoneri is wild with a hook. Another exchange of blows, followed by some clinching. Canzoneri shoots a jab to the chest but whiffs with a follow-up. Clear but not dominating edge to the "Roman Warrior" thus far.

Second round, Canzoneri elects to box on the outside. He shoots a jab home through Clay's defenses. More posturing by Clay, and Canzoneri doubles up on the jab, with the second one scoring. A quick hook to head forces Clay to retreat. Canzoneri slowly and carefully works his way inside, shooting another jab then bouncing a hook off Clay's side. Canzoneri scores with a solid combination, then wings a big left that is easily sidestepped. Another good round for "The Roman Warrior."

Round three, Canzoneri continues to pound away from the outside. Canzoneri lands on the chest of Clay, bouncing off the ropes to inflict more damage. Clay's right eye starts to swell. The "Roman Warrior" is on target with a hook to the head, then circles around the ring, creating another opening with his jab, following with another hook that rips open a cut over the right eye. Then Clay starts to clinch, and Canzoneri is warned for rabbit punching. A right cross bounces off Clay's forehead. Big round for Canzoneri, who is cheered loudly as the bell sounds.

Round four, Canzoneri becomes more aggressive, looking to move inside. A quick jab puts Clay off balance, but he clinches before Canzoneri can do more damage. A cross scores for Canzoneri, and Clay seems to be on autopilot, flying blind. Canzoneri pins him in the corner, firing jabs to the chest and neck of his hapless opponent. A glancing overhand right also scores for Canzoneri, capping off another dominating round for the "Roman Warrior."

Fifth round sees Canzoneri looking to finish Clay to keep his knockout streak going. After an exchange at ring center, Clay tries to tie up Canzoneri. Tony works free, firing shots to the head and body. Clay fires back but is just short with his counter. Canzoneri lands to the chest and neck of Clay. Canzoneri tries to follow up but misses badly with his left. Clay escapes but is jarred by a crushing right to the jaw. Canzoneri slips a cross through Clay's guard. Clay misses with a huge shot. Canzoneri pins Clay in the corner but the bell sounds before he can land the big punch.

Round six, Canzoneri is back on the outside, perhaps content to settle for a decision as Clay is proving to be a tough nut to crack. Canzoneri lands a right, but Clay comes back with a hook that is blocked. Tony follows with a hook of his own as Clay put himself in a vulnerable position there. Canzoneri continues with a two-fisted attack to the head and body, but he slows noticeably after having injured his hand in hammering away at Clay. Canzoneri pops home a jab, Clay fires a cross, then Canzoneri lands a cross of his own right before the bell, wincing in pain as he returns to his corner.

Seventh round sees a much more conservative approach as Canzoneri is clearly just looking to get through the bout at this point. He finds the range with a lead right, rakes the head and body of Clay with repeated blows. The two men clinch at ring center, and the crowd hoots and hollers for more action. Canzoneri obliges, landing a hook to the body, a combination, and winging a right cross. Not much action for the rest of the round.

Round eight, the final round, Canzoneri is coasting now. Canzoneri wings a big left. Clay misses. Canzoneri works the jab, sneaking home a right but as he actually goes the distance for the first time in his young career.

Not much drama as the cards show a UD 8 for Canzoneri (78-74, 80-72, 79-75) as some of the judges may have been a bit too generous to Clay. The win lifts Tony C to 8-0 (7), worth 450 PPs.

[JCWeb]

March 19, 1927 -- Palais du Sport, Cannes, France: Max Schmeling, the Black Uhlan, faces his sternest test in his 12th pro bout as he faces another unbeaten HW prospect, Jose Santo of Portugal. Like Schmeling, Santo has won his previous 11 pro bouts. He enters with 9 KOs, compared to 10 for Schmeling, and Santo has iced his past three opponents inside the first round. Interestingly, while the bout is scheduled for 10 rounds, neither man has gone past six.

Round one: Schmeling connects with a hook to the body, while Santo paws with the jab. Max steps up the pace with a double hook to the body, forcing Santo to retreat. Schmeling finds the range with a jab, then counters the jab from Santo by working the head and body of his opponent. Santo connects with a straight right, followed by a couple of body shots. Schmeling misses with a huge shot but lands a straight right. Santo battles back, staggering Max with a winging right. Schmeling covers up, but he scored well enough in the early going to take the round.

Second round, both men elect to stay outside. Santo attempts to move in behind his jab. Max forces the Portugese back into the corner against the ropes. Schmeling then doubles up on a hook. Santo is wild with a hook of his own. The two battle along the ropes, with more pushing and shoving instead of clean punches landed. Santo snaps an uppercut. Schmeling clinches. Max fires a volley of punches but does little damage as Santo quickly moves out of range. Max sneaks home a right just before the bell.

Round three, this time Schmeling is pressing the action on the inside with Santo staying on the outside. Santo lands a hook. Schmeling is staggered momentarily, but Santo retreats. Max pursues and lands a clean uppercut, following up immediately with a second uppercut. Santo is pinned against the ropes. Max tags Santo with a cross. He bobs and weaves his way inside, while Santo adopts a defensive posture. A huge uppercut scores big for Schmeling, but Max cannot follow up. The bell sounds, saving Santo from further punishment -- for the moment.

Fourth round and Santo elects to work inside. Schmeling staggers Santo with a big hook that lands flush on the chin. Santo just misses with an uppercut, then leaves himself open for a Schmeling cross. Santo's knees buckle in a delayed reaction to the blow, but once again Schmeling is unable to follow up. After a brief exchange at ring center, Schmeling is back in charge when he connects with a grazing cross then follows with a straight right to the chest and neck of Santo. Santo is in real trouble right now, and this time Schmeling seizes the opportunity, landing a crushing cross that puts Santo on the canvas. He is counted out at 2:38 of the round.

The KO win is Schmeling's 11th in 12 pro bouts, and his unbeaten record is worth 574 PPs.

[JCWeb]

March 19, 1927 -- Polo Grounds, NY City: Young HW prospect James Braddock is back in action here tonight, in a scheduled 8-rounder versus winless TC Mark Branson. Should be an easy time of it for Braddock, who is looking to add another win to his 5-0 (4) pro record.

First round, Braddock stays on the outside. He bangs a right cross off Branson's forehead. Branson fires back with a hook that Braddock blocks, then Jimmy retaliates with a hook of his own. Braddock moves inside, firing a jab as Branson retreats. A leaping shot by Braddock falls just short. A flurry of blows near the end of the round, and Braddock gets the best of it.

Round two, Braddock decides to move inside to force the action. He pursues Branson to a neutral corner, then works to the chest and neck of his opponent. A straight right has Branson shaken. Braddock tries to follow up with an uppercut and a cross, but Branson covers up well. Braddock continues to pound away, but Branson remains upright.

Round three, Braddock moves inside to pressure his hapless opponent. His jab is on target but he misses the follow-up as Branson dances out of range. Braddock bulls his way inside and scores with an uppercut to the chin. He works the head and body, but his punching accuracy is off by a hair. Branson ties up Braddock for most of the rest of the round to avoid further punishment.

Fourth round, Braddock is looking to end the bout with a KO now. A lead right pins Branson against the ropes. Braddock works the uppercut inside but is wild with the hook. After some clinching, Braddock unloads with a short hook to the midsection. He fires and misses with a follow-up jab. Then another short hook gets inside the defenses of Branson. The rest of the round is all Braddock, but Branson is still standing.

Round five, more of the same as Braddock remains the aggressor. He fires and misses, and Branson succeeds in tying him up. An uppercut, then two quick jabs, score for Braddock. The Cinderella Man continues to pursue his adversary all over the ring, but he is still unable to deliver the knockout punch.

Sixth round sees Braddock working inside against a tired opponent. He paws with the jab, trying to set up Branson for a big right hook. He works inside, delivering a solid uppercut. Braddock is warned for holding and hitting near the end of the round, but right now he has amassed a solid points lead.

Round seven, Braddock is content to work outside. He nails Branson with a stinging jab then slithers along the ropes, scoring with an uppercut and winging a big left that also connects. Branson then dances around the ring, and there is not much action for the rest of the round.

Final round, Braddock is coasting a bit now, secure in his points lead. He fires a jab and pins Branson against the ropes. A second warning is issued to Braddock for holding and hitting, and he continues to work the jab for most of the round while Branson appears content just to survive the full eight rounds.

It comes down to the judges' scorecards and, as expected, it's a lopsided UD 8 for Jimmy Braddock (80-72, 79-73, 79-73).

The win runs Braddock's record to 6-0 (4 KOs) for 402 PPs. Look for Braddock to be back in action in two months' time.

[JCWeb]

April 15, 1927 -- Atlantic City's Convention Hall: The "Roman Warrior," Tony Canzoneri, who has fought as a LW for much of his young career, steps up in weight for the second bout in a row, taking on a JWW TC in an eight-rounder here tonight. Canzoneri (8-0, 7 KO) is heavily favored versus Jay Bond (winless at 0-7 in seven pro bouts).

Round one: Canzoneri starts cautiously, working on the outside. Canzoneri is off target while Bond lands a solid combination. A quick flurry of shots and Canzoneri is back on track. Bond bounces a right off the shoulder of Canzoneri. Tony responds with a hook to the body. Canzoneri also flicks out a stinging jab. Bond ties him up with less than 30 seconds in the round. Canzoneri gets his hands free to send a solid shot to the head. Big round for Tony C.

Second round, Canzoneri moves inside to force the action. A sharp exchange favors Canzoneri. Tony lands the lead right. A cut opens over the right eye of Bond. The "Roman Warrior" pins his opponent up against the ropes, but Bond is able to clinch for most of the rest of the round. Canzoneri does connect with a right hook, then nails Bond with a short hook right before the bell.

Round three, good work in the corner has the cut over Bond's eye under control -- for now. Canzoneri slithers along the ropes, surprising Bond with a big cross. A follow-up cross and the cut is reopened. Canzoneri paws with the jab, then pushes off after some pushing and shoving by Bond, connecting with an uppercut on the inside. Bond misses with a shot of his own. Canzoneri's round.

Fourth round sees Canzoneri looking for the knockout blow while the cut is once again brought under control by Bond's cornermen. Canzoneri moves in behind the jab, falling just short before nailing Bond with a straight right. The cut is reopened once again. The ring doctor is called in, and the bout is allowed to continue. Bond whales away with an uppercut from far outside. Canzoneri snakes a jab through Bond's defenses. Canzoneri continues to work a piston-like jab, while Bond plants a short hook to the ribs of Canzoneri. Tony responds with a straight right and is off target with a cross right before the bell.

Round five, Canzoneri is pressing the action on the inside now. A leaping shot from Canzoneri is just short, but then he scores with a jab to the chest of Bond. Canzoneri is warned for holding and hitting by the ref. Canzoneri backs off, then nails Bond with a short uppercut. He misses with a follow-up shot. Canzoneri picks off a Bond jab, then Bond fires a return shot over the jab of Canzoneri. Closest round of the bout thus far.

Sixth round, this time Canzoneri is content to stay outside. His first shot bounces off Bond's shoulder. Bond works to the head and body. Canzoneri blasts home a hook. He works to the chest and neck of Bond. The cut over Bond's eye is reopened. Once again, the ringside physician is called in and this time -- the cut is too severe to allow the bout to continue.

This one goes down as a TKO win for Canzoneri at 2:32 of round six. The win lifts his record to 9-0 (8), worth 470 PPs. He is expected to return to the ring in June, two months hence.

[CONN CHRIS]

Schmeling and Braddock have big shoes to fill (assuming thet Dempsey and Wills will be exiting or tumbling soon).

Well done as always John - thanks.

[JCWeb]

Hey Chris, thanks for the kind words. Just as a teaser for the 1927 year-end reports, which you won't see for awhile, but Connecticut LH Lou Bogash did earn a World title shot, but this report focuses on one of the up-and-coming young fighters in the preliminary bouts:

Local area fan favorite James "Cinderella Man" Braddock puts his unbeaten record on the line at the Polo Grounds tonight in a 8-round prelim bout (with the feature being a LH World title bout) against TC Roy Durning. Durning, who holds a win over a "name" opponent, could prove to be a good test for Braddock. Durning enters the bout at 1-4 while Braddock is 6-0 with 4 KOs thus far in his fledgling career.

First round, Braddock takes a cautious approach, waiting for an opening. He unleashes a flurry of blows that are ineffective. Durning is off with a combination. Braddock sneaks home a right. He then doubles up with a hook to the body. This leaves Durning vulnerable to a Braddock right cross. Then the ref steps in, Braddock is warned for kidney punching. Undeterred, Jimmy scores with a lead right. Durning lands a shot that is part uppercut, part hook. Braddock works his way inside and connects with an uppercut to the chin. Solid start for Braddock.

Round two, Jimmy moves inside, looking to inflict more punishment. He lands a hard shot to the head that staggers Durning. Braddock is just off with a follow-up shot. Durning retreats after shooting home a right. Braddock fires a straight right that bounces off Durning's shoulder. The two clinch at ring center, Braddock fires and misses just after the break. Durning is wild with his counter-shot as Braddock ducks under the blow. Braddock feints then fires a quick hook to the head, surprising Durning. A follow-up uppercut stuns his hapless opponent, who is lucky to survive the round as Braddock lines up a punishing hook to the body right before the bell.

Third round, Braddock is working on the inside again. Durning connects with an uppercut. Braddock is just short with a leaping right. He gets inside and drills an uppercut. Durning then walks into a second uppercut and is decked for a 6-count. Back on his feet, he covers up and sidesteps a Braddock right. Braddock shuffles forward but can't take advantage of a hurt opponent. Durning's head clears and he fires back a right cross. Braddock scores with a combination but can't put Durning away.

Round four, and Braddock is eager to finish his man now. Durning retreats but Braddock pursues and nails him with a cross, missing with a follow-up shot. Durning counters with a left hook to the head. Braddock responds with a nice combination. Both men paw with the jab, then Braddock pounces with a nice, short uppercut. He is wild with the hook, and Durning counters with a strong uppercut. Braddock wings a big left that is sidestepped by Durning. Braddock does enough to take the round, and leads 39-36 on the scorecard after Durning's best round of the bout thus far.

Fifth round, more of the same as Braddock remains the aggressor. He lands a lead right, and then a cut is opened over Durning's right eye. The ringside doctor is called in, and the bout is allowed to continue. Braddock snakes a jab through the gloves, backing Durning up against the ropes. Durning ties Braddock up. Braddock gets his hands free and fires a flurry and then a cross. A right cross and a left hook follow. Then, right before the bell, Braddock finds the target with a short, clean uppercut that sends Durning to the canvas for the second time. He cannot regain his feet and is counted out at 3:00 of round five.

The KO win lifts Braddock to 7-0 (5), worth 434 PPs.

[CONN CHRIS]

Originally Posted by JCWeb

Hey Chris, thanks for the kind words. Just as a teaser for the 1927 year-end reports, which you won't see for awhile, but Connecticut LH Lou Bogash did earn a World title shot, but this report focuses on one of the up-and-coming young fighters in the preliminary bouts:

Bogash should be nearing the end of the road in your little world at this point I'd imagine. Nathan Mann is still the better part of a decade away but Battalino should be debuting about now. Other than that, I think it's a long wait for Pep in Connecticut - at least I can't think of another headliner that might be around the corner. (which means that there assuredly must be one)