[legendsport]

The Middleweight division received some horrible news when it was announced that former middleweight champ Stanley Ketchel had been shot and killed on October 15, 1910. The former champ finished with a lifetime record of 52-5-4 and 50 KOs.

Frank Klaus

December 10, 1910 (Boston, MA): Frank Klaus (34-1-0) vs Hugo Kelly for World Middleweight Title. Klaus makes his first title defense against contender Hugo Kelly (12-6-12) who had been KO'd in the third in his first title shot (against Ketchel). The fighters appear fairly evenly matched - and the fight bears that out. No knockdowns occur and this becomes the first title bout since the days of Tommy Ryan to go to the judges. In a very close decision, the nod is given to the champ - Klaus retains his title.
Historic result: Hugo Kelly over Frank Klaus in decision

The next several challengers are unrated. Klaus is given victories over Bill McKinnon, Cyclone Johnny Thompson, Jack Dillon, and Georges Carpentier, running his record to 39-1-0.

March 5, 1913 (Paris, France Cirque de Paris): Frank Klaus (39-1-0) vs Billy Papke (37-8-6). Former champ Papke gets another shot at the belt against the man who took it from him. Like their previous match up this fight is spirited and bloody. A brutal exchange in the sixth extends beyond the bell as both men's blood is up. Unfortunately for Papke, just as in their last fight, he finds eye trouble in the later rounds. Severe swelling begins in the eighth and by the tenth, both eyes are nearly swollen shut. The ref waves an end to hostilities and Klaus retains his belt.
Historic result: Klaus over Papke in decision

October 11, 1913 (Pittsburgh, PA): Frank Klaus (40-1-0) vs George Chip (16-3-0). Chip was next on the hit list for Klaus, who has by now established a chokehold on the title similar to that of the late Stanley Ketchel. Klaus and Chip battle thru a tough fifteen rounds, and both men stand bloodied and weary as the bell ends the fifteenth round. In a unanimous decision, the belt remains with Klaus - though many observers feel that Chip actually won the bout.
Historic result: Chip over Klaus KO 6

Decemeber 23, 1913 (Pittsburgh, PA): Frank Klaus (41-1-0) vs George Chip (16-4-0). The unpopular decision in the previous has led to a rematch just over two months later. The champion, hurt by what he feels has been character assassination by the media, promises a resounding victory over Chip. Chip has been quiet, but looks tough, resolved and fit as the opening bell sounds. Chip quickly scores a knockdown and Klaus staggers to his feet as the count reaches nine. Klaus makes a game comeback, but Chip is in the driver's seat for the remainder of the fight, scoring knockdowns in the sixth and tenth, but is unable to finish off the champ. The damage has not escaped the judges' view however as they announce that the new World Middleweight Champion is George Chip.
Historic result: Chip over Klaus KO 5