My Universe

[mh2365]

Good stuff JC

[JCWeb]

1922 WW Title Bouts

WBA

Ted Kid Lewis CH (34-12-4) vs Tommy Uren #2 (28-9)

First meeting of the two; Uren is coming off TKO wins over Flores and ex-Champ Art Magirl to take on Lewis, winner of his last three.

Uren staggers Lewis in round one with a hook to the head, takes a slight points lead. Round two, Uren pushes the pace on the inside but is cut above the right eye. Lewis starts connecting, taking rounds three and four. Meanwhile the cut has proven troublesome for the challenger, and while Uren tries to be more aggressive, Ted Kid Lewis stands his ground in rounds five and six. Finally, once the cut reopens a second time, the bout is stopped quickly. Lewis by TKO 7 (cut).

Ted Kid Lewis CH (35-12-4) vs Bermondsey Billy Wells #8 (25-5-1)

Lewis holds a UD 12 in a prior bout, for the EBU belt, back in 1920.

Strong start by both men, and the edge goes to the challenger in an action-packed first round. Both work outside in round two, edge goes to the Champ. Wells dominates on the outside to take round three. Lewis tries unsuccessfully to work the inside in round four. A close round five, and the unofficial card has it 48-47 for the challenger. Both work inside in round six, a good round for the Champ as a cut is opened above Wells' right eye. Lewis tries to target the cut in round seven. Aggressive fighting on the outside sees the Champ rebound to take round eight. The cut is reopened in a close round nine. Lewis presses home the attack in round 10, and he holds a slight edge (96-94) according to the unofficial card. After a close round 11, the tiring Wells puts forth a superhuman effort to make the bout close. The cut is reopened and most of the crowd expects another win for Lewis. But when the judges' cards are read, it's a surprise UD 15 win (144-141, 143-142, 144-141) for the new Champion -- Bermondsey Billy Wells.

Bermondsey Billy Wells CH (26-5-1) vs Albert Badoud #3 (32-13-2)

Wells' first defense is against the reigning EBU Champ, Badoud, who holds a SD 12 over Wells in a prior bout.

After a cautious start , both men work outside in round two. Wells starts to assert himself in round three. In round four, he catches Badoud with a short, clean combination but can't finish the Frenchman. Wells surges to a solid lead, 50-46, after five (according to the unofficial card). Badoud gets more aggressive in the middle rounds, while Wells is cautious -- he's also looking to land a strong countershot. Finally, Badoud suffers a cut and swollen eye and the excess punishment leads to a ninth round stoppage. Lewis keeps the belt via TKO.

Bermondsey Billy Wells CH (27-5-1) vs Pinkey Mitchell #1 JW (23-4-1)

No prior bouts and Mitchell (who is still awaiting the initial JWW title bout) moves up to take on the British WW king. Mitchell enters the bout unbeaten (eight wins, one draw) in his last nine bouts, winning his last seven.

After an even round one, the Champ dominates the action on the outside in round two. Mitchell moves inside in round three, but Wells continues to pile up points. Wells works inside in round four, and Mitchell's right eye starts to swell. Not much action in round five, and the unofficial ringside observer has a solid lead, 49-46, for the Champ. Bermondsey Billy continues to dominate in rounds six and seven, landing a solid cross that forces Mitchell to cover up. Mitchell appears overwhelmed and starts to tire in the late middle rounds. Mitchell closes up on the unofficial card with a strong round 10, when Wells' left eye starts swelling. Little action in the later rounds, as Mitchell fades as he can't match Wells' strong boxing skills. Wells wins going away by UD 15 (146-139, 144-141, 146-139).

NABF: Veteran Jack Britton defends the belt versus Johnny Alberts, and while Britton outboxes Alberts for most of the bout, Alberts decks Britton twice in round 11 and then takes the belt when Britton is called for a blatant foul, Alberts winning on a DQ in round 12. Alberts defends versus Willie Loughlin, and he bounces back from an early cut to put Loughlin down in round 10 and retains the title when a bad cut above Loughlin's eye worsens, leading to a TKO in round 12 for Alberts. Then, long-time NABF Champ Packey McFarland returns to reclaim the belt, nailing Alberts with a huge uppercut followed by a second KD that leads to a TKO in the 10th -- McFarland regains the belt.

USBA: Eddie Shevlin starts 1922 with this belt but loses in to Loughlin, who breaks through early, leading to a TKO in the third. Loughlin defends versus George Levine, who puts on an impressive boxing display to lift the belt by UD 12 despite suffering a cut eye early in the bout. Levine then gives Shevlin another title shot, battling back to escape wiht a majority draw (one judge scored the bout for Shevlin). Then Marty Cross stepped up to challenge Levine, and once again Levine dug deep (after suffering a cut above the eye), retaining the belt with a SD 12.

CBU: Bermondsey Billy Wells started the year with the belt, defending versus Canadian Frank Barrieau. Wells dominates from the start, decking Barrieau in the sixth en route to a UD 12 win. The belt is vacated when Wells earns the WBA title, and Barrieau returns to capture the belt, downing Brit Matt Wells in a rather boring UD 12 victory. Barrieau then takes on another British veteran, Johnny Summers, who again proves too slow and the Canadian keeps the belt with another UD 12 triumph.

GBU: This belt was also vacated by Bermondsey Billy, and ex-Champ Ted Kid Lewis was matched with aging vet, Summers, in another one-sided bout. Lewis took the title via a TKO in round eight.

EBU: Albert Badoud kept the belt but did not defend -- expect to see a mandatory defense in 1923.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1923 WW Division Profile

Total: 105 RL: 60 TC: 45

RL by Career Stage:
End - 5
Post - 7
Prime - 20
Pre - 20
Beginning - 8 (5 New)

Rated: 41
800+: 12
500+: 25
200+: 40

Jan 1923 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1922 in Parens)

Champ: Bermondsey Billy Wells 28-5-1 (14) (1186) (+8)
1. Ted Kid Lewis 37-13-4 (18) (1183) (-1)
2. Packey McFarland 54-7-4 (28) (1065) (+2)
3. Eddie Shevlin 35-15-5 (13) (1046) (+2)
4. Albert Badoud 32-14-2 (17) (1010) (-1)
5. Jack Britton 53-14-3 (18) (977) (-4)
6. Johnny Alberts 34-16-5 (15) (976) (+6)
7. Willie Loughlin 27-9 (19) (969) (-1)
8. Johnny Basham 33-15-3 (13) (863) (+1)
9. George Levine 20-4-1 (8) (850) (+8)
10. Paul Demsky 15-3 (2) (12) (808) (new)

Comments: Britton and Loughlin are set to join Badoud at Post in 1923. Demsky is still a Pre-Prime. Bermondsey Billy won all four title contests and took the WBA title as well. Ted Kid Lewis recovered from his title loss with a solid UD 10 win over Britton; he has won six of his last seven to cement his position as #1 contender. McFarland suffered a UD 10 loss to Loughlin but rebounded to regain the NABF belt and scored impressive TKOs over Hobin and Alberts. Shevlin registered a win, a draw and a loss, finishing with a UD 10 over ex-Champ Magirl. Badoud slipped a bit after a 2-2 year. Alberts won four of five, including two NABF title contests, but stumbled versus McFarland. Loughlin won three of five in 1922, besting McFarland and blasting out Basham in five. Basham started well by eking out a SD over Robson, but recently fell to Loughlin (KO'd) and dropped a UD 10 to Britton. Levine dropped a UD 10 to Uren but surged to the top ten by virtue of his strong results in USBA title competition. Rounding out the top ten was this year's top debutant in the rankings, Aussie Paul Demsky, who recovered from his third loss (a UD 10 to Schlaifer) with four consecutive wins, including UDs versus Fred Kay and Ray Long, but his big win was a 7th round KO over ex-Champ Tommy Uren.

Other Notables: Tommy Robson dropped from #7 to #11 after a winless 1922, losing a TKO to Marty Cross and a split duke with Basham. Uren slid all the way from #2 to #12, downing Levine but faltering badly when facing the youthful Demsky. Finally, ex-Champ "Oklahoma Whirlwind" Art Magirl slid six spots to #16, managing a single UD 10 over Long (his only win in the past two years) but, now at End career stage, another recovery is highly unlikely. Marty Cross, at #13, defeated Robson and drew with Joe Dundee; his career record now stands at 26-14-4 (9). CBU Champ Frank Barrieau is next at #14, going 2-1 in title bouts; his 25-14-1 (10) is worth 728 PPs. Several young fighters remain unbeaten, including Irineo Flores, whose 16-0-1 (13) career start is good for 15th spot, based on impressive wins over Joe Dundee (MD 10), Joe Simonich (KO) and Jack Sparr (SD). Pete Latzo added four more wins to run his mark to 15-0-1 (9), good for the #17 spot; Young Corbett III and Joe Dundee are among his recent victims. Johnny Adams also remained unbeaten, with a UD over Alger after being held to a draw by Hamilton Johnny Brown; his 14-0-1 (7) career start is good for 19th spot. He is one spot below another debutant, Jimmy Jones, whose impressive wins over Pete August (via TKO), Billy Alger, and Morris Schlaifer place ran his record to 13-1-1 (6).

Prospects: Alf Mancini got off to a 13-0 start before stumbling in his last bout, where he was bested by Bobby Tracey in a MD 10. Tommy Freeman, whose only loss was a SD 10 to Mancini, wound up the year at 11-1 (9). Jack Zivic kept his unbeaten slate intact with a MD 8 over Tracey and a UD 10 over Willie Harmon; he wound up the year at 10-0-1 (6). Harmon finished at 9-1-1 (8) stumbling in his two bouts with Zivic (one loss, one draw). Tracey found the going rough, finishing at 8-3-1 (3). Charley Feraci, Eddie Roberts and Pat Corbett each won their first five bouts.

Retirements: Three veteran WWs hung up the gloves in 1922.

Arthur Evernden (UK) 1908-22 28-22-1 (14) No Titles Highest Rank: 17
Dick Nelson (DEN) 1904-22 38-27-4 (24) WBA Champ Highest Rank: 2
Sid Burns (UK) 1910-22 22-27-1 (10) No Titles Highest Rank: 25

Looking Ahead: Wells is likely to be forced into a rematch with Lewis for the WBA belt; McFarland is obviously itching for a title shot. Badoud is likely to face one of the Brits in his next EBU title defense. It will be interesting to see if any of the young boxers (Demsky, Flores, Latzo and Adams) can continue to advance against tougher opposition. Only five newcomers in 1923, but one of them is Jimmy McLarnin from Canada, an all-time great WW.

[Romdawg88]

Hopefully, McFarland can get a WBA title shot and finally win that damn belt. It would be a shame if his career came to an end without ever being world champ.

[JCWeb]

McFarland -- of course, IRL, he never got a World title shot (ditto for Langford and Wills from the same era). In my Uni, so far he's lost three times (all to Jack Britton) in 1913, 1915 and 1917.

Jan. 1923 JWW Division Profile

Title Bouts: None, so far. Plans are underway to stage the initial WBA title contest in 1923.

Total: 9 RL: 5 TC: 4

RL by Career Stage:
Prime - 2
Pre - 1
Beginning - 2 (2 New)

Rated: 3
800+: 0
500+: 1
200+: 2

Jan 1923 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1922 in Parens):

Champ: None
1. Pinkey Mitchell 23-5-1 (12) (694) (NC)
2. Spug Myers 12-5-1 (6) (242) (new)
3. Basil Galiano 16-5 (3) (169) (-1)

Comments: Most of these guys have been moving up to fight WWs until the ranks of the junior division start to swell. Only Mitchell has had even modest success, cobbling together an impressive six-bout win streak before his unsuccessful try for the WW WBA title. Art Magirl (TKO win) and Ray Long (SD) were his best 1922 wins. Myers was busy, with five bouts in 1922, managing a MD over Georgie Ward and a draw with Jimmy Fryer. A MD loss to Jimmy Clabby and a DQ versus Hamilton Johnny Brown explain the relatively low PP total. Galiano dropped two bouts to Phinney Boyle (one via a DQ and the second, a MD 10); he also lost to Frithjof Hansen and only managed to beat Sid Burns, who was headed into retirement.

Looking Ahead: No superstars in this division, and this will continue to be a fairly short report for the next few years. Two newcomers, Mushy Callahan and Johnny Jadick, are expected to develop into title contenders sometime down the road.

[JCWeb]

1922 LW Tutle Bouts

WBA

Llew Edwards CH (24-7-4) vs Jimmy Dundee #2 (25-4-1)

No prior meetings. Edwards has a four-bout unbeaten streak (three wins, one draw) on the line while Dundee has not lost since his last title try in December 1919 (versus Benny Leonard).

Dundee gets off to a strong start in the opening stanza. Edwards tries to work inside in round two, but it's another good effort by Dundee to take the round. The challenger, aka Kid Lucky, winds up on top in round three, which sees both men work from the outside. The Champ finally breaks through with a strong performance to take round four. A cut is opened just below Dundee's right eye in round five, but Kid Lucky takes the round to lead 48-47 on the unofficial card at this point. Both men get their licks in in round six, a good action round. Dundee tries to work inside in round seven, but the edge goes to Edwards. After another close round in the eighth, Edwards tries applying more pressure, but Dundee piles up the points. After another close round, Dundee is still in front (96-94) with five rounds left. Edwards gets more aggressive, but Dundee's defense remains firm in rounds 11 - 13. Finally, the Champ breaks through to take the final rounds, doing just enough to escape with his title. Scores are 144-142 for Dundee, but 143-all on the other two cards for a majority draw.

Llew Edwards CH (24-7-5) vs Benny Valgar #14 (23-4-2)

The two have fought to two draws in EBU competition, but now they face each other with the top prize on the line.

The French Flash holds his own in the early action, pulling ahead slightly in the outside action in round two. Edwards, fighting inside, runs into a strong shot from Valgar that puts the Champ down for a seven-count in round three. Edwards bounces back to bloody Valgar's nose by the end of the round. A strong round four for the Champ, as Edwards is clearly bothered by the cut. Edwards holds the edge after round five, but his right eye is starting to swell up. Valgar works inside in round six, another close round. Both men mix it up in the inside, and Valgar's cut is reopened. It becomes difficult to control, and after a second inspection by the ringside physician, the bout is called to a halt. Edwards by TKO 7.

Llew Edwards CH (25-7-5) vs Benny Leonard #1 (48-2-1)

Finally, Benny Leonard gets a chance to regain the WBA title he held for over four years from 1916 to 1920, and it's a chance for Edwards to reverse the earlier result when he was one of Leonard's title victims in 1919.

Leonard gets off to a strong start in the opening two rounds, and it looks like a long evening for Edwards. Edwards tries his luck on the inside in round three, but Leonard's defense remains solid. Leonard dominates the inside action in round four, and is well ahead (50-45) after a check of the unofficial card after five. Leonard moves inside for round six, a close round. After a lacklustre round seven, Edwards nails Leonard with a solid hook in round eight, which goes down as his best round and punch of the fight. Edwards tries to get more aggressive in rounds nine and ten, but the Ghetto Wizard simply wears down the Champ. It's 99-91 for Leonard, who appears well on his way to victory. Leonard adopts a defensive posture, but his consistently accurate counterpunching causes Edwards' left eye to swell up. A cut opened in round 12 gradually worsens and the ref mercifully steps in late in the bout to save the Champ from futher punishment. Leonard by TKO 14 on a cuts stoppage.

NABF: Leonard starts the year with the belt, and he defends it twice before challenging for the WBA title. Sam Robideau is his first victim, with Leonard scoring an early KD in round three and winning via a cuts stoppage in round 7. Lockport Jimmy Duffy is next up, and Leonard dominates from the opening bell, causing Duffy's right eye to swell shut which leads to a stoppage in the eighth. The NABF title will be up for grabs in early 1923 after Leonard resumes his career as World Champ for the second time.

USBA: Jimmy (Kid Lucky) Dundee defended versus Andy Chaney, and Chaney rallied after Dundee dominated the early action, surviving a late cut to take the crown via a very narrow UD 12 verdict. Chaney then took on Lew Tendler, who was called for a vicious head butt in round four -- and Chaney was awarded a win via DQ in a very controversial decision.

CBU: Aussie Herb McCoy made no defenses in 1922.

GBU: "Ring Gorilla" Phil Bloom defended versus Ernie Rice, who put on a surprisingly strong showing, coming on strongly to take a UD 12 in a huge upset.

EBU: Vacated in late 1921 by Edwards, "French Flash" Benny Valgar is matched with Bloom, and a close bout is broken open when a strong combination from Valgar puts Bloom in difficulty. An unintentional head butt in the next round leads to a premature ending, resulting in a UTD in Valgar's favor.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1923 Division Profile

Total: 119 RL: 66 TC: 47

RL by Career Stage:
End - 1
Post - 17
Prime - 24
Pre - 17
Beginning - 7 (1 New)

Rated: 48
800+: 13
500+: 24
200+: 43

Jan 1923 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1922 in Parens):

Champ: Benny Leonard 49-2-1 (29) (1362) (+3)
1. Llew Edwards 25-8-5 (16) (1251) (-1)
2. Rocky Kansas 34-9-3 (17) (1194) (+7)
3. Andy Chaney 26-5-2 (11) (1182) (+5)
4. Lew Tendler 33-6-1 (10) (1181) (-3)
5. Willie Ritchie 40-19-4 (12) (1044) (-1)
6. Jimmy Dundee 25-6-2 (9) (1023) (-4)
7. Sam Robideau 28-17-2 (10) (1005) (-1)
8. Lockport Jimmy Duffy 37-18-4 (17) (990) (-1)
9. Jack Blackburn 70-16-4 (25) (919) (+3)
10. Jimmy Goodrich 22-4 (9) (883) (+19)

Comments: An aging group, with Edwards, Ritchie, Duffy and the ageless vet Jack Blackburn, who are at Post. Leonard moved back to his rightful position as best of the lot, scoring a TKO over Herb McCoy and a UD over JL Champ Johnny Dundee in addition to three title bout wins, running his win streak to seven since dropping two in a row back in 1920-21. Edwards remains the top challenger, doing well despite hitting Post-Prime in 1922 and only winning one of three contests during the year. Kansas won all five bouts in 1922, two of them SDs versus Ritchie, in addition to UDs over Valgar, Hirsch and Goodrich. Chaney went 3-0 for the year, winning his USBA title clashes and also a UD 10 over Phil Bloom. Tendler slipped with his recent loss to Chaney, which snapped a five-bout win streak; he registered UD wins over Blackburn and Gallant earlier in the year. Ritchie dropped the two SD verdicts to Kansas but kept his top ten status with UD wins over Rivers and Jimmy Dundee. Dundee had a seven-bout win streak snapped with consecutive UD losses to Chaney and Ritchie in his last two efforts. Robideau was fortunate to remain in the top group, as he has been winless since 1920; his best 1922 result was a draw with Blackburn. Duffy's UD 10 win over Ever Hammer in his most recent bout salvaged a subpar year when he suffered losses to White (SD), McCoy (KO) and Tait (another SD). Finally, aging vet Jack Blackburn logged his 90th bout and surprised all by reaching the top ten, scoring a TKO over Mexican Joe Rivers and drawing with Robideau despite the UD loss to Tendler. Finally, Goodrich shot up the ranks by winning four of five in 1922, notably a MD over Tait and a UD versus Charley White; his one loss was to Kansas.

Other Notables: Blackburn's resurgence to top ten status was aided by the fact that some of the other top contenders did not perform up to expectations. Aussie Herb McCoy, the CBU Champion, lost all three 1922 bouts by KO to Leonard, Duffy and Bronson, causing hims to drop five spots to #15; his record of 32-18-1 (13) is worth 754 PPs. Canadian Clonie Tait fared worse, falling all the way from #5 to #17, with a DQ loss to Gallant and a MD loss to Goodrich on his ledger. Positioned just outside the top ten at #11 is veteran contender Charley White, who missed the top group after the UD loss to Goodrich which snapped a three-bout win streak. Ever Hammer, who scored consecutive first-round blowout wins over Ray Bronson and Eddie Wagner, wound up at #12 after suffering a UD loss to Duffy. Joe Welling wound up the year at #13, winning his last three over Gallant (SD), Wolgast (TKO) and de Ponthieu (UD). Top newcomer to make the list is the still-unbeaten Sammy Mandell, a slick boxer who won his first 15, seven by KOs. His 1922 results included UDs over Joe Ryder, Johnny Kaiser, JLW Jack Bernstein, a SD over Solly Seeman, and a MD versus Johnny Drummie. Tommy O'Brien put together an impressive seven-bout win streak to wind up at #19, raising his record to 24-5-1 (14). Next at #20 is the current EBU Champ, Frenchman Benny Valgar, whose 23-6-2 (11) mark is good for 655 PPs. GBU Champ Ernie Rice is much further down the list, at 19-5-1 (12), good for 359 PPs and only 36th. Other notable first-timers to appear include #21 Billy Wallace, who dropped a TKO to Johnny Kaiser but surprised veteran Willie Jackson with a first round TKO to run his record to 14-1-1 (10); and Solly Seeman, who fought eight (!) times in 1922, going 4-3-1 but impressing with UDs in his last two bouts versus Hart and Arrousey after narrow SD losses to Mandell and Brit Harry Mason to wind up at #33 with a 14-3-1 (8) career start.

Prospects: Australian Billy Grime won a TKO over Jack Bernstein, stumbled with a UD loss to Kaiser, then bounced back off with a UD over Terry Brooks to end the year at 12-1 (11). Harry Mason garnered two wins over Seeman but stumbled in a bout with Ernie Rice; his record is now 12-1 (1). Kaiser is 12-2 (9) after suffering his second loss to Mandell. Sammy Vogel slipped to 8-3 (6) after TKO losses to Kaiser and Johnny Trambitas. Maintaining a clean slate versus TC competition were Joe Glick (10-0, 9 KOs), Archie Walker (8-0, 3 KOs), Stanislaus Loayza (7-0, 4 KOs), Jack Silver (7-0, 4 KOs), Luis Vicentini (6-0, 5 KOs) and Al Gordon (5-0, 3 KOs). Harry Kahn recovered from an early TC loss to end the year at 7-1 (5). Billy Petrolle had a strong rookie season, taking out all four opponents inside the distance. Sid Terris, at 4-0 (1), also got off to a strong start.

Retirements: Three LWs -- none of whom won any titles -- retired in 1922, including the under-achieving Ad Wolgast, a RL Champ who had trouble cracking the top 10 in the rankings.

Eddie Wallace (USA) 1905-22 39-33-2 (11) No Titles Highest Rank: 15
Louis de Ponthieu (FRA) 1911-22 25-1-5 (3) No Titles Highest Rank: 9
Ad Wolgast (USA) 1906-22 34-17-3 (15) No Titles Highest Rank: 10

Looking Ahead: With three retirements and only one new addition, the LW ranks will shrink in 1923. With Leonard back on top, it will be interesting to see if he settles in for a long reign, as was forecast in his earlier title run. Kansas and Tendler appear to be his two toughest challengers, but Goodrich and Mandell appear to be the best long-term bets. McCoy appears to be headed toward a tough CBU title challenge from either Gallant, Tait, or the youthful Brit, Mason. Billy Petrolle may be the best of the younger prospects, and the only newcomer to the LW ranks for 1923 will be Cuban Emory Cabana.

[javier_83]

who is the best fighter in your universe right now??

[JCWeb]

Hi Javier,

Good question. I suppose the answer might differ depending on whether you go by the Fighter's overall rating or, alternatively, the overall record. However, as things stand right now, I would have to say the answer on either account would be the same -- it would be Benny Leonard, who is the highest rated active fighter (a 14) and also has the best overall record (only two losses in over 50 fights) -- his recent exploits are chronicled in the past two LW division reports. He was undefeated for a long time (had one draw in his Pre-Prime level) up until he won the title belt and then lost on a foul and I believe his other loss was a TKO due to a cut. Other strong active fighters are two 13s (Dempsey and Tunney in the HW Division --look for them to take on each other in the next year or two) plus I have one 13 fighter due to start his career in 1923 (WW Jimmy McLarnin).

On the other hand, there have been quite a few under-achievers (guys who held World title bouts in real life who haven't come close in my Uni). A few that come to mind are HWs Marvin Hart and Jess Willard, MW George Chip, LWs Jimmy Britt and Ad Wolgast.

JC

[JCWeb]

1922 JLW Title Bouts

WBA

Johnny Dundee CH (35-11-2) vs Steve Sullivan #3 (29-14-3)

Dundee holds a 2-1 edge in three prior bouts, most recent being a TKO for the NABF FW title in 1917. Sullivan enters the bout having lost his last two, demonstrating the paucity of talent in this fledgling division.

After a cautious start by both men in a close opening round, the Scotch Wop (Dundee) gains a slight edge as both fight outside in round two. Sullivan tries to fight inside in round three, but is ineffective. The Champ moves inside and opens a cut over Sullivan's left eye. Dundee targets the cut, but is off target. It's 49-47 in favor of the Champ on the unofficial card after five. Dundee continues to pile up the points, and Sullivan gradually becomes more aggressive. The cut is reopened in round eight, and it's apparent after a few more rounds that Sullivan is fighting a losing battle. The bout ends on a late cuts stoppage. TKO win for Dundee in the 14th.

Johnny Dundee CH (36-11-2) vs Sid Barbarian #1 (18-1)

First meeting of the two, as Dundee takes on the JLW USBA Champ who is making his first try for a WBA title. Dundee is coming off a loss to the great Benny Leonard after two successive wins in JLW title action.

After a strong opening round, Barbarian moves inside in round two, which is essentially an even round. Dundee tries his luck in another even round in the third round. Both stay outside in round four and the Scotch Wop is on target, taking the round decisively. Dundee applies the pressure on the inside in the fifth, yet another even round. (The scores are even, 48-48, according to the unofficial scores.) Barbarian presses the action in round six, but his inside attack is foiled by the Champ. Barbarian's right eye starts to swell, and the toe-to-toe action on the inside in round seven favors Dundee. Barbarian is the aggressor in round eight, but Dundee holds him off. Barbarian goes all out in round nine, but Dundee's defense and counterpunching dominates the action. Barbarian starts to tire in round ten, but the unofficial scorer has it only a one-point lead for Dundee (96-95) after ten rounds. Round 11, with Barbarian pressing the action on the inside, sees an accidental clash of heads, opening a gash over Dundee's left eye. The officials call a halt and go to the scorecards after 10, and it's a STD (split technical decision) in favor of the Champ, Dundee (98-93, 95-96, 97-94).

NABF: No title competition instituted yet for this weight class.

USBA: Barbarian, victor in his first 15 bouts, takes on Steve Sullivan in the initial title bout in this weight class. It's a close bout, and in the final round, Barbarian clinches the win by staggering Sullivan with a strong cross. Barbarian by MD 12 to take the crown. George Chaney, who is still fighting as a LW, is Barbarian's first challenger, and Barbarian puts in a solid performance, flooring Chaney in round 10, to win a close but UD 12 verdict. Eddie Wagner is the next challenger for the USBA belt, and it's another solid performance and a UD 12 win for Barbarian.

CBU, CBU, EBU: No title competition instituted yet for this weight class.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1923 JLW Division Profile

Total: 10 RL: 7 TC: 3

RL by Career Stage:
Prime - 4
Pre - 3
Beginning - 0 (0 New)

Rated: 5
800+: 1
500+: 4
200+: 5

Jan 1923 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan. 1922 in Parens):

Champ: Johnny Dundee 37-12-2 (12) (875) (NC)
1. Steve Sullivan 31-15-4 (8) (782) (new, was #7 FW)
2. Sid Barbarian 18-2 (10) (748) (new, was #18 LW)
3. Eddie Wagner 21-9-1 (13) (673) (-2)
4. Jack Bernstein 12-3 (4) (357) (new)

Comments: Bernstein still at Pre-Prime, all the rest at Prime. Dundee (Kid Lucky) prevailed in two title bouts but was overmatched when he stepped up to the LW division, dropping a UD 10 to ATG Benny Leonard. Sullivan moved up from FW with a KO of George Chaney but could only manage a draw with Wagner; he also scored a UD over French SW Andre Routis. Barbarian retained the USBA crown and is now at Prime, after suffering his first two losses, one for the WBA title and a MD to LW Charley White. Wagner has been winless since July 1921, his best result being the draw with Sullivan. He was, however, blasted out in one round by top LW contender Rocky Kansas. Bernstein debuts at #4 but struggled after winning his first 12 versus TC opposition. His last three were all losses, to Aussie LW Billy Grime, top LW prospect Sammy Mandell, and a SD loss to fellow JLW Tod Morgan.

Prospects: Morgan has put together a perfect 13-0 career start (winning 8 by KO), scoring a UD 10 over fellow prospect Mike Ballerino in addition to the SD versus Bernstein, on top of 11 wins versus easier TC competition. Ballerino wound up 12-1 (5), scoring UDs over LW prospects Ryder and Johnny Trambitas, but of course stumbled versus Morgan.

Looking Ahead: Not much new on the horizon here; expect to see the continued development of Barbarian, who will be at Prime starting his next bout. Morgan appears to be the best of the three newer guys, plus there could be the occasional FW moving up or LW moving down to spice up the action in this fledgling and admittedly very thin division.

[JCWeb]

1922 FW Title Bouts

WBA

Johnny Kilbane CH (47-10-4) vs K. O. Mars #5 (28-13-2)

This is the second meeting of the two, Kilbane winning by a UD 10 back in 1916. Mars is coming off a loss to Bud Ridley for the NABF title.

After a close opening round, it is a slow, cagey start by both boxers in round two, with the Champ pulling ahead on points by a slight margin. Kilbane moves inside in round three, but this time the edge goes to the Challenger. Mars works inside in round four, but Kilbane bounces back with a strong round. Kilbane scores well in the inside action in round five, and he has a good lead (49-46) after five, according to the unofficial scorecard. Mars does well as both stay outside in round six. Kilbane dominates round seven, and Mars suffers a severe cut arove his left eye in addition to showing signs of swelling about his right eye. Things worsen for the challenger, as Kilbane dominates the action in round eight. The cut is reopened in round nine, and it proves to be a challenge for Mars' cornermen for the rest of the bout. Kilbane maintains control, and the cut results in a late stoppage. Kilbane by TKO 13 (cut).

Johnny Kilbane CH (48-10-4) vs Bud Ridley #1 (27-2)

First meeting of the two, and the highly touted youthful challenger who is coming off seven straight wins is given a good chance to end Kilbane's reign at the top.

Kilbane looks sharp early, taking round one and dominating the outside exchanges in round two. Ridley tries to press the Champ on the inside in round three, but the edge goes to Kilbane. Round four, Ridley continues to press, putting Kilbane on the defensive -- and the Champ's right eye starts to swell. Kilbane still holds the edge after five, and he reasserts himself by working inside to regain control in round six. There is some close-in, toe-to-toe action in round seven, the Champ rakes the head and body of Ridley, staggering the challenger with a huge left hook. More of the same in round eight, which is an even round. Ridley puts Kilbane on the defensive again in round nine, piling up a slight edge to take the round. Ridley continues to press the attack in round ten, and the unofficial card has Ridley pulling ahead by one, 96-95. The fight goes down to the wire in the final rounds, with Kilbane outscoring Ridley in the last three rounds to keep the title in a close, hard fought contest. Kilbane by UD 15 (144-142. 144-141, 145-143).

Johnny Kilbane CH (49-10-4) vs Kid Julian #7 (35-16-8)

It's the fourth meeting of the two, with Kilbane winning all three prior bouts. Julian is coming off a UD win versus Ansel Bell.

Julian gets off to a strong start to take the opening round. Kilbane starts connecting from the outside in round two. Kilbane gains the upper hand in round three, where both men are content to stay on the outside. Both move inside for some good toe-to-toe action in round four, and Julian stays with the Champ in a close, even round. Kilbrane retreats to the outside as Julian continues to apply pressure in round five. (49-47 for Kilbane on the unofficial card after five.) After a close round six, Julian gets more aggressive in the middle rounds and does well to keep the bout close as Kilbane repeatedly finds the range from the outside. The bout remains close into the final rounds, and the outcome remains in doubt until the final bell. The judge's scorecards go Kid Julian's way, and Kilbane's long title reign is at an end. Julian by SD 15 (142-143, 146-138, 143-141).

NABF: Bud Ridley defends versus Patsy Brannigan, and he gets off to a strong start but then is staggered by a Brannigan right in round four. Ridley then unleashes a strong inside attack to dominate the middle rounds. A late rally by Brannigan falls short, and Ridley takes the bout by a MD 12. Then long-time former Champ Abe Attell takes on the youthful Ridley, making it difficult for the younger main, carrying a close bout into the later rounds. In what may be Attell's last hurrah, he captures the NABF title by a relatively close UD 12.

USBA: Brannigan starts the year with the belt, and he defends versus a youthful challenger, Benny "Little Fish" Bass. Bass staggers Brannigan with a big left hook in round three, setting the tone for most of the bout. Brannigan keeps it close, but Bass takes the title via a MD 12. Bass defends versus Chick Sugges, who gets off to a strong start in his first title try. Bass comes only strongly in the middle rounds, and he gradually wears down Suggs to take a UD 12. Next up for Bass is Mike Dundee, who proves to be a tough nut to crack -- Dundee survives a cut below the eye to gradually pile up points and finally takes the belt as the ref steps in due to severe swelling of Bass' left eye. Dundee by TKO 10.

CBU: Aussie Jimmy Hill makes one title defense (his first in over two years), taking on British TC Arthur Bradford. Hill survives a cut above the left eye, and retains the belt with a lopsided UD 12 win.

GBU: Title remains vacant until contenders emerge.

EBU: Belt is held by Criqui, who did not defend in 1922.

OPBF: First FW title fight for the OPBF belt pitted two Filipinos, Johnny Datto and Francisco Flores (Datto still at Pre). Flores suffers an early cut, and Datto appears well on his way to victory when he puts Flores on the canvas in round six. But, as fate would have it, in the very next round Datto injures his hand and cannot continue. Francisco Flores by TKO 7 to become the first OPBF FW title belt holder.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1923 FW Division Profile

Total: 102 RL: 59 TC: 43

RL by Career Stage:
End - 2
Post - 7
Prime - 15
Pre - 23
Beginning - 12 (4 New)

Rated: 32
800+: 7
500+: 16
200+: 30

Jan 1923 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1922 in Parens):

Champ: Kid Julian 36-16-8 (11) (1046) (+10)
1. Eugene Criqui 38-8-5 (16) (1121) (NC)
2. Johnny Kilbane 48-11-3 (1045) (-2)
3. Abe Attell 76-9-5 (980) (+5)
4. Bud Ridley 27-4 (15) (979) (-2)
5. Patsy Brannigan 33-15-5 (9) (869) (-2)
6. K. O. Mars 29-15-2 (7) (860) (-1)
7. Mike Dundee 23-5 (17) (776) (+5)
8. Benny Bass 18-2 (9) (775) (new)
9. Ansel Bell 22-8-4 (13) (764) (-5)
10. Chick Suggs 18-5-1 (8) (674) (+5)

Comments: All at Prime, except for the ageless Attell (who is at End, with only one or two bouts left) and Brannigan, who is set to join Kilbane at Post in 1923. Kid Julian started off the year by dropping a UD 10 to Brannigan, but rebounded with a UD over Bell, was held to a draw by Routis, then surprised all by capturing the title once again. Criqui won both bouts in 1922 (a SD versus Suggs and a TKO over Ansel Bell) to remain the top contender with the division's highest PP total. Kilbane had an eight bout win streak snapped with the loss to Julian, and it looks like the aging effects are beginning to catch up with him. On the other hand, a resurgent Attell shook off the effects of aging with four wins and a draw (with Aussie Jimmy Hill), regaining the NABF belt; his other wins versus Bass (a MD), Danny Kramer (a SD) and Mars (a UD) show he's still a potent force despite advancing years. Ridley registered a UD 10 over Hill but his two recent losses in title bouts snapped a nine-bout win streak. Likewise, Brannigan had an uneven year, dropping a pair of MDs to Bass and Ridley, scoring a bounceback UD 10 over Charlie Beecher. Mars managed a UD 10 over Vincent "Pepper" Martin to snap a three-bout losing streak. Mike Dundee surged into the top group, recovering from a TKO loss to Routis with a SD over Eddie O'Keefe before capturing the USBA belt. Benny Bass starts at #8 in the rankings, after a busy year that saw him win four of six, scoring MDs over Babe Herman and Brannigan but dropping one to Attell; he will start 1923 at Prime. Bell dropped both bouts in 1922 (a TKO loss to Criqui and a UD 10 loss to Julian) to slide down the list of top contenders. Rounding out the top 10 is Chick Suggs, who registered UDs over F Flores, O'Keefe and Lee Johnson.

Other Notables: Steve Sullivan, #7 ranked FW last year, now appears in the JLW rankings list. CBU Champ Jimmy Hill dropped two spots to #11, with only one win (versus a TC) and two draws with Attell and Danny Edwards; his mark of 35-16-4 (2) is worth 674 PPs. O'Keefe fell six spots to #12, going 2-2 in 1922, suffering a SD loss to Dundee and a UD defeat at the hands of Suggs. Frenchman Andre Routis, who scored a TKO win over Dundee but lost to Steve Sullivan, winds up the year at #13 with a 17-2-2 (11) career mark. Danny Edwards, with two wins and two draws in 1922, winds up the year in 14th. Louis Kaplan enters the ratings list at #17, after suffering a second loss to Beecher but winning three in a row versus F. Flores and Mike Flynn (both UDs) and Babe Herman (SD) to run his record to 15-2 (7). Red Chapman debuts one spot behind Kaplan, scoring TKO wins over Datto and Reddy but himself a TKO victim to Jose Lombardo to end the year at 13-3 (5). Filipino Elino Flores is off to a 14-2 (7) start, suffering a MD loss to Chapman for his second loss, winding up in 19th spot. New OPBF Champ Francisco Flores is only ranked 22nd, although the title win and a SD over Ty Cobb snapped a four-bout losing streak; his record of 22-10 (10) yields a PP total of just 365.

Prospects: Top British prospect Young Johnny Brown has quietly compiled a 14-0 (10) record, including a 1922 TKO of fellow UK prospect Johnny Cuthbert and a UD versus Benny Vierra. Al Foreman and Jose Lombardo are off to identical 12-1 (10) starts, with Foreman handing Lombardo his only loss via KO while Foreman dropped a SD to Babe Herman to spoil his perfect record. Canadian Leo Roy wound up the year at 12-1 (6), impressing with UDs over Dick "Honeyboy" Finnegan and Carl Duane but suffered his first setback at the hands of Lombardo. Duane also wound up the year at 12-1 (9), going the distance to top "Wyoming Cowboy" Eddie Anderson. Anderson finished after 10-1 (8), all ten wins coming versus TCs. Likewise, Finnegan wound up at 10-1 (5), with all wins versus TCs before suffering the sole loss to Roy. Bobby Garcia suffered his third loss at the hands of Bass, ending 1922 at 9-3 (7). Cuthbert struggled versus RL opponents, suffering two losses to Brown, and he finished at 9-3 (6). Keeping his slate clean was Joey Sangor, off to a 9-0 (6) start versus TC opposition. Knud Larsen (5-0, 2 KO), Doc Snell (5-0-1, 3 KO), Wilbur Cohen (4-0-1, 0 KO), Eddie Shea (4-0, 4 KO), Johnny Farr (4-0, 3 KO) and Frenchman Edouart Mascart (4-0, 0 KO) remain undefeated. Frankie Albano (at 3-1) loss to Cohen. Canadian Georgie Balduc (2-1) suffered a DQ loss to a TC. Steve Smith (4-1, 1 KO) lost to a TC but won a rematch.

Retirements: None in 1922.

Looking Ahead: Julian is unlikely to keep the WBA belt for long, with Criqui, Ridley, Dundee and Bass all likely challengers. Attell should finally hang up the gloves after one final bout in 1923. Frenchman Andre Routis should compete for EBU honors, and Young Johnny Brown seems ready to annex the long dormant GBU crown. Andy Martin (USA) and Dom Volante (UK) top the rather short list of four newcomers to the division in 1923.

[javier_83]

how did julian won!! they deserve a rematch!!

[JCWeb]

1922 BW Title Bouts

Javier, that last FW Title Bout was a bit of a controversial decision, but given that Kilbane was already at Post-Prime, his days as Champion were probably numbered. But as I mentioned, I doubt Julian will keep the title for long no matter who the challenger turns out to be. There was also a new Champ in the BW Division, again partly because of an "over the hill" defending Champ.

WBA

Pete Herman CH (39-3-1) vs Joe Lynch #3 (25-7)

First meeting of the two, and Lynch is coming off a successful campaign where he captured the NABF and USBA titles -- winning his last five.

Lynch gets off to a strong start in round one, and Herman looks sluggish. Both work outside in round two, which is a close round. Lynch moves inside in round three, but the edge goes to the Champ. Herman does well fighting inside in round four. In round five, Lynch is the aggressor, stopping Herman in his tracks with a powerful hook. It's 48-47 for the challenger on the unofficial card. Lynch presses the attack in round six, and a strong combination puts the Champ on the deck for the first time. Lynch dominates the action in round seven but can't follow up on his success in round six. Toe-to-toe action in round eight sees another strong round for the challenger. Herman, seeing his title slipping away, gets more aggressive in round nine, and he manages to slice open a cut above Lynch's left eye. Herman targets the cut and does well in round ten. The unofficial scorer has Lynch ahead by 97-93 heading into the final five rounds. After an even round 11, Herman takes round 12. The Champ continues to press in round 13, but is nailed by a Lynch uppercut for the second knockdown of the bout. That takes the wind out of Herman's rally, and while he lasts the distance, the result is a foregone conclusion. Lynch by UD 15 (145-139, 145-139, 155-139) to take the title.

Joe Lynch CH (26-7) vs Memphis Pal Moore # 2 (32-9-2)

No prior meetings. Memphis Pal is carrying a three-bout win streak into the bout, including a TKO win versus former Champ Johnny Coulon.

Action is slow to develop due to a long feeling-out process. Moore starts to assert himself near the end of round two. Moore moves inside and staggers Lynch with a hook to the head in round three. Lynch comes back with a strong inside effort of his own to take round four. Round five sees both men work inside and some good, close action. The unofficial ringside expert has a narrow 48-47 edge for Lynch at this point. Lynch skillfully mixes an inside and outside attack to build a points lead in the middle rounds. Memphis Pal's left eye shows signs of swelling by the end of round 11. The bout wears on, and it's a predictable UD 15 for Lynch (145-141, 146-139, 145-140) who retains his title.

NABF: Abe Goldstein defends versus Lynch, who enters the bout with the USBA title. Midway through round two, Lynch decks Goldstein who cannot beat the count. Lynch then vacates the belt, and Kid Williams is matched with Goldstein for the vacant title. Williams pulls ahead in the early rounds, but Goldstein comes on strongly in the second half of the bout and takes a SD 12 to recapture the belt.

USBA: Jack Kid Wolfe defends versus Lynch, who puts Wolfe on the defensive and then coasts to a UD 12 win. Lynch vacates the title and it's Kid Williams versus Philadelphia Pal Moore, but we don't have a new titleholder as the bout ends in a majority draw. Then Coulon and Wolfe are matched for the USBA belt, and Wolfe pounds out a solid UD 12 win. He then defends versus Williams, in a bout punctuated by a severe clash of heads in round eight, but very little action otherwise-- the result being a draw. Wolfe's final effort of the year is a defense versus Frankie Burns, whom he dominates but can't knock down in a solid UD 12 win.

CBU: Canadian Carl Tremaine defends versus Aussie Vince Blackburn, who keeps the bout close and manages a MD 12 win after an 11th round knockdown. There's rematch in Australia and Tremaine turns the table on Blackburn, slicing open a cut and scoring three KDs en route to a UD 12 win. Tremaine then takes on a young Brit, Johnny Brown, who proves to be too much, targeting a cut on Tremaine's forehead that leads to a late stoppage. Brown by TKO 11 on cuts, and the musical chairs effect continues as the CBU title changes hands for the fifth time in five title bouts.

GBU: No action as the title remains dormant for another year.

EBU: Frenchman Robert Dastillon gives Brown a title shot, and the younger man surprises Dastillon by decking him early in the fight with a big uppercut in round three. Dastillon battles back, however, to put Brown on the deck in round seven. The result is a draw, enabling Dastillon to keep the title. He defends versus Joe Fox, who holds his own and pushes Dastillon, who is lucky to escape with a SD 12 verdict.

[JCWeb]

Jan 1923 BW Division Profile

Total: 92 RL: 55 TC: 37

RL by Career Stage:
End - 4
Post - 4
Prime - 17
Pre - 21
Beginning - 9 (5 New)

Rated: 28
800+: 11
500+: 19
200+: 27

Jan 1923 Rankings (Perf Pts and Changes from Jan 1922 in Parens):

Champ: Joe Lynch 27-7 (14) (1381) (+6)
1. Pete Herman 40-4-2 (15) (1349) (-1)
2. Memphis Pal Moore 32-10-2 (12) (1046) (-1)
3. Charles Ledoux 43-12 (31) (1012) (NC)
4. Abe Goldstein 23-5-1 (10) (990) (+1)
5. Jack Kid Wolfe 31-14-4 (8) (953) (+2)
6. Kid Williams 38-13-3 (17) (934) (-2)
7. Philadelphia Pal Moore 45-17-5 (14) (901) (+1)
8. Packey O'Gatty 24-4-1 (15) (884) (+4)
9. Johnny Coulon 47-12-6 (17) (827) (-7)
10. Joe Burman 23-6-4 (11) (814) (+3)

Comments: All the above at Prime, except for Herman and Williams at Post and Coulon who has reached End career stage. Lynch won all four title bouts in 1922, extending his win streak to seven. Herman resumed his career after the title loss, scoring a MD 10 over Ledoux, but then wound up the year on a sour note, a TD 4 with Joe Burman. Memphis Pal Moore racked up wins over Ertle and Campi before suffering his title bout loss. Ledoux went 2-2 for the year, dropping MDs to Herman and Goldstein while scoring wins over Coulon (a UD 10) and Tremaine (a TKO). Goldstein split the two title bouts, scoring a MD 10 over Ledoux to remain a top flight contender. Wolfe fought a series of USBA title bouts, but was held to a draw by Burns. Williams faded after a winless 1922, despite managing draws in title clashes with Wolfe and Philly Pal Moore. Philly Pal scored a UD over George Marks, a MD versus Burman in addition to the draw with Williams. O'Gatty moved into the top ten by virtue of UD wins over Rubidoux and Dastillon plus a KO 4 over ex-Champ Coulon, fashioning a five-bout win streak. Coulon slid down the list, having lost his last four contests. Burman eased into the top ten despite the MD loss to Philly Pal Moore which snapped a four-bout win streak that included a pair of KOs over veteran Frankie Conley.

Other Notables: Dropping out of the top group from last year are Little Jack Sharkey, who slipped from #9 to #14, suffering UD losses to Burns and Ertle despite and SD win versus Joe Fox and a UD versus Eddie Campi, who slipped five spots down to #15 after losing his last seven, going winless since 1920. Winding up one spot short at #11 was Frankie Burns, who suffered the loss to Wolfe and won only once, a UD versus Sharkey, in four 1922 bouts. CBU Champ Johnny Brown is #12, compiling a 16-0-1 (14) record for 704 PPs, including a KO over veteran FLY Tancy Lee, the one draw coming versus Dastillon in the EBU title bout. Dastillon winds up one spot lower, at #13, adding a TKO versus Campi and a UD loss to O'Gatty in addition to his EBU title bouts, running his record to 22-20-3 (15) for 668 PPs. Ad Rubidoux finished up the Pre-Prime portion of his career with a 17-3 (15) mark, good for 17th spot in the rankings, bouncing back from a UD 10 loss to O'Gatty with a KO versus Conley and a SD over Pete Sarmiento. Sarmiento debuts at #18 with an impressive 15-2 (12) mark, adding 1922 wins over Midget Smith (via TKO) and Frankie Jerome (UD) before the loss to Rubidoux snapped a six-bout win streak. British prospect Harry Lake debuts one spot lower, at #19, winning just three of five to wind up the year at 13-4 (11), struggling through a TKO loss to FLY Young Zulu Kid and a UD loss to fellow Brit Joe Fox but then registering a MD 10 over Dynamite Murphy.

Prospects: Harold Smith wound up 13-0 (10) , topping off 10 TC wins with UDs over Dynamite Murphy and Bobby Green and a TKO over Indian Russell. Bud Taylor is a perfect 12-0 (9), adding Murphy (a UD) and Howard Mayberry (via TKO) to his 10 TC victims. Mayberry dropped to 12-2 (11) after suffering TKO losses to Taylor and Midget Smith in his last two. Midget Smith finished at 10-2-2 (7), after suffering his second loss (a TKO) to Sarmiento but registered impressive KO wins over Henny Catena and Murphy despite being held to a draw by FLY Elky Clark. The loss was Catena's first after 10 TC wins; his record stands at 10-1 (4). Charley Phil Rosenberg's perfect start was spoiled by a draw with Murphy, and he wound up 1922 at 10-0-1 (9); Murphy finished at 8-3-2 (5), running into trouble once he faced some RL opponents. Bobby Green finished the year at 9-1 (7) after suffering a loss to Harold Smith, his first non-TC opponent. Chuck Hellman (9-0, 7 KO), Eddie Cannonball Martin (8-0, 8 KO), Canadian Vic Foley (8-0, 7 KO), Brit Teddy Baldock (8-0, 6 KO), Bushy Graham (8-0, 4 KO), Dixie LaHood (7-0, 4 KO), Amos Carlin (6-0, 5 KO), Tommy Milton (6-0, 5 KO) and Connie Curry (6-0, 5 KO) all remain undefeated versus TC competition. Panama Al Brown is off to a promising 5-0 (4) start, as is Happy Atherton (4-0, 2 KO).

Retirements: None in 1922.

Looking Ahead: Lynch, having toppled just about all the leading contenders recently, may be set for a fairly lenghty run as WBA Champ. Ledoux may be prepared to make a WBA title run, or alternatively, issue a challenge to the EBU titleholder, Dastillon. O'Gatty, Brown and Rubidoux may be prepared to rise in the ranks, and Brown and Lake may be candidates for a renewal of GBU BW title action. Five new BWs are set to start their careers in 1923, paced by Italian Kid Francis and the USA's Archie Bell.

[JCWeb]

1922 FLY Title Bouts

WBA

Joe Symonds CH (27-11-3) vs Pancho Villa #2 (16-2)

This is a rematch of a late 1921 title bout, won on a UTD 5 by Symonds.

Villa starts strongly, dominating the action and landing at will in the initial round. Villa tries to work inside in round two, but is thwarted by some strong defense from Symonds. A close round three follows as Symonds moves inside. Round four sees the two men pound away from long range in another close, action-packed round. Symonds is ahead by one (49-48) on the unofficial cards after both men wail away from the inside in round five. Symonds tries to be more aggressive, but Villa pulls ahead with strong efforts to take rounds six and seven. Villa follows up with a strong combination to put Symonds down in round eight. Villa continues to pile up points in rounds 9 and 10 and carries a 97-94 lead into the final rounds (according to the unofficial ringside observer). Villa takes round 11 and adopts a defensive posture as Symonds runs out of steam in the final rounds. Villa regains the WBA title with a UD 15 (147-140, 148-137, 147-140).

Pancho Villa CH (17-2) vs Johnny Buff #4 (16-4)

Villa accepts a challenge from Buff, the reigning NABF Champ. Villa won two prior bouts when both were at Pre-Prime.

Buff looks sharp early, taking the opening stanza. Round two, both men fight outside and Villa starts to find the range, with Buff's left eye starting to puff up as a result. Villa moves inside in round three, slight edge to the Filipino champion. Both battle away on the inside in round four, but this time the edge goes to Buff. Buff continues to work the inside in round five, and this time Villa's counterpunching from the outside carries the round. It's a close bout, edge to Villa (48-47) on the unofficial card. A cut is opened above Buff's left eye in round six. Villa starts to target the cut, and it pays off as he staggers Buff with a hard shot in round eight. Buff recovers and takes rounds nine and ten by staying outside. With five rounds left, the unofficial scorer has Villa up by two, 96-94. Villa remains aggressive to the end, but Buff holds him off despite having the cut reopen late in the bout. The bout goes to the scorecards, and it's a draw, one judge going for Villa (143-142), another for Buff (143-142) and a third had it even (143-all). Villa keeps the title.

Pancho Villa CH (17-2-1) vs Jimmy Wilde #1 (45-5-1)

Villa takes on long-time Champ Jimmy Wilde in a rematch of their 1921 title clash, won by Villa.

After a listless opening round, Villa moves inside in round two, which sees Wilde land repeatedly. Wilde moves inside in round three, a close round. Round four, with both men staying outside, is another even round. Both work inside in round five, and Villa dominates to lead 48-46 on the unofficial card. Villa lands repeatedly from the outside in round six, but the fans want to see more action. Wilde tries to be more aggressive in round seven, but Villa's defense is solid. Wilde tags Villa with a strong jab in round eight, but the wily Filipino covers up to survive the round. Villa drops his hands but Wilde can't take advantage in the following rounds. After an even round 10, it's still Villa ahead on the unofficial card (96-95) in a very close bout. Toe-to-toe action in round 11 favors Wilde. Villa bounces back to take round 12. A tired Villa manages to hold off the aggressive Wilde in