My Universe

[JCWeb]

Finally, here are the pound-for-pound ratings as of year-end 1924, headed into 1925, ranked by Perf Pts (changes from last year in Parens):

1. Benny Leonard, LW (WBA Champ), 1668 (NC)
2. Gene Tunney, HW (WBA Champ), 1647 (NC)
3. Jack Dempsey, HW (NABF Champ), 1586 (NC)
4. Harry Greb, LHW (WBA Champ), 1566 (+3)
5. Harry Wills, HW (no titles), 1455 (+1)
6. Ted Kid Lewis, WW (WBA Champ), 1433 (new)
7. George Godfrey, HW (no titles), 1417 (+2)
8. Bryan Downey, MW (no titles), 1364 (new)
9. Mickey Walker, MW (no titles), 1339 (+1)
10. Lew Tendler, LW (no titles), 1323 (new)

Dropping out from last year are dethroned BW Champ Joe Lynch (was #4) and MWs Mike O'Dowd (was #5) and Panama Joe Gans (was #8). Ted Kid Lewis and Bryan Downey are appearing on the list for the first time, but Tendle was previously ranked #10 on the 1922 PFP list.

Leonard and Wills are each making their eighth appearance on the list, tied for the most, Wills appearing on the PFP list for eight consecutive years. Dempsey is making his seventh appearance on the list.

Three divisions (HW, MM and LW) dominate this year's list, as fighters from those divisions occupy eight of the ten slots. Perhaps because of the vagaries of the rankings system and also the thinness of the division, none of the great FLY champions (guys like Villa and Wilde) have made the list yet.

Will take a it of a break, perhaps one summary post listing all the current Champions, and then it's on to 1925.

[JCWeb]

Titleholders at end of 1924 (number of defenses in parens, along with date first won title belt)

HW
WBA: Gene Tunney (5, July 1923)
NABF: Jack Dempsey (3, Nov. 1923)
USBA: Fred Fulton (0, Mar. 1924)
CBU: Bartley Madden (1, Mar. 1924)
GBU: Phil Scott (0, Sept. 1924)
EBU: Erminio Spalla (0, Dec. 1924)
LHW
WBA: Harry Greb (3, Apr. 1924)
NABF: Tommy Gibbons (1, Jun. 1924)
USBA: Tommy Loughran (3, Nov. 1923)
CBU: Len Harvey (1, Apr. 1924)
GBU: Len Harvey (2, Dec. 1923)
EBU: Gypsy Daniels (0, Aug. 1924)
MW
WBA: Johnny Wilson (1, Jun. 1924)
NABF: Gordon McKay (0, Nov. 1924)
USBA: Joe Borrell (2, Sep. 1923)
CBU: Frank Moody (1, Dec. 1922)
GBU: Frank Moody (3, Sep. 1922)
EBU: Ted Moore (0, Jun. 1924)
WW
WBA: Ted Kid Lewis (5, Jun. 1923)
NABF: Pete Latzo (0, Nov. 1924)
USBA: Jack Sparr (0, Dec. 1924)
CBU: Bermondsey Billy Wells (2, Mar. 1924)
GBU: Hamilton Johnny Brown (0, Aug. 1923)
EBU: Piet Hobin (0, Sep. 1923)
OPBF: Paul Demsky (1, Apr. 1924)
JWW
WBA: Pinkey Mitchell (1, Jul. 1923)
USBA: Basil Galiano (0, Oct. 1924)
LW
WBA: Benny Leonard (9, Dec. 1922)
NABF: Clonie Tait (0, May 1924)
USBA: Andy Chaney (4, Jul. 1922)
CBU: Billy Grime (0, Dec. 1924)
GBU: Ernie Rice (2. Jul. 1922)
EBU: Benny Valgar (0, Apr. 1924)
JLW
WBA: Johnny Dundee (8, Dec. 1921)
USBA: Tod Morgan (0, Dec. 1924)
FW
WBA: Louis Kaplan (0, Oct. 1924)
NABF: Benny Bass (1, May 1924)
USBA: Mike Dundee (6, Dec. 1922)
CBU: Leo Roy (0, Jun. 1924)
GBU: Al Foreman (0, Oct. 1924)
EBU: Eugene Criqui (0, Aug. 1924)
OPBF: Elino Flores (1, Sep. 1923)
BW
WBA: Charles Ledoux (1, Jun. 1924)
NABF: Memphis Pal Moore (1, Dec. 1923)
USBA: Amos Carlin (0, Nov. 1924)
CBU: Johnny Brown (2, Nov. 1922)
GBU: Johnny Brown (1, Jul. 1923)
EBU: Harry Lake (0, May 1924)
OPBF: Pete Sarmiento (0, Dec. 1923)
FLY
WBA: Pancho Villa (9, May 1922)
NABF: Frankie Genaro (1, Jul. 1924)
USBA: Johnny Buff (0, Nov. 1924)
CBU: Jimmy Wilde (0, Dec. 1923)
GBU: Jimmy Wilde (1, Apr. 1923)
EBU: Jimmy Wilde (0, Apr. 1923)
OPBF: George Mendies (1, Aug. 1922)

Interesting. Over half the title belts (30 of 56) changed hands during 1924. Longest title run, going back to 1921, is JLW Champ Dundee. Only about 15% of the belts (9 of 56) have been held by the same fighter since 1922. ATG Benny Leonard (at 9) has made the most successful title defenses.

[JCWeb]

Jan. 16, 1925 -- Rome, Italy: German HW prospect Max Schmeling was back in the ring tonight, taking on Italian TC Giuseppe Bordin in his second pro bout, a scheduled four-rounder. It was Schmeling's first ring action since winning his debut in Germany in September of last year.

Round one, the Black Uhlan comes out trying to muscle his way inside. He connects with a cross and then waits for an opening. After some clinching, he fins the range with another cross, a strong jab, then lands a right flush on the chin of his opponent. Bordin appears overmatched as he retreats in a neutral corner. There's a flurry of activity right before the bell, Schmeling cuts loose with a hook to the head that appears to stagger Bordin. Strong opening round for the German.

Second round, alot of posturing but Schmeling keeps up the pressure by forcing the action on the inside. His first telling blow of the round is a strong shot that lands right below the ribcage, and Bordin drops to the canvas as if he'd been shot. The Italian makes a weak attempt to arise at the count of seven, but slumps back down and is counted out just 50 seconds into round two.

It's Schmeling's second KO win in as many bouts (he iced Fritz Anspach in one in his debut outing last year in Munich). His 2-0 (2) record is worth 283 PPs, but Schmeling's managers are bringing him around slowly, so he won't be seeing any more ring action until June of 1925.

[javier_83]

damn, we want to see mor of max xD

[JCWeb]

Just finished the final card of Jan 1925 in my Uni and wanted to announce that a landmark has been reached. Veteran LW Jack Blackburn fought in his 99th bout, lost a UD 10, but the important point is that, while he is at END career stage, he has not yet reached the point of a forced retirement, which means his next bout with be his 100th, so after over 40 years of boxing history rolled into one Uni, he will hold the distinction of being the first boxer to fight 100 bouts.

I would be willing to bet Benny Leonard, current LW Champ, is likely to become the second to hit the Century mark, but that is still several years off. (And not just years in Uni time, hehe ... ) Previous record among retired boxers for most bouts was FW great Abe Attell, at 93.

[JCWeb]

Feb. 12, 1925 -- Vancouver's Exhibition Stadium: Undefeated Canadian WW prospect Jimmy "Baby Face" McLarnin enters the ring in his first bout of 1925, taking on British TC Chris Dillingham (1-5-1) in a scheduled 8-rounder.

Round one, McLarnin starts cautiously on the outside, tries to land a roundhouse left that is sidestepped by Dillingham. Dillingham shoots a right, McLarnin works to the head and body. Dillingham misses; McLarnin unleashes a barrage of blows and bobs and weaves his way inside. Most of his punches are smothered by the defensive-minded Dillingham. McLarnin is a tad short with most of his punches, coming on near the end of the round to connect with a short hook to the ribs.

Round two, McLarnin moves inside to try to do some damage. He uses the jab to set up Dillingham for a cross, which lands flush and staggers his opponent. Dillingham is trapped against the ropes, and McLarnin lands another uppercut, then fires and misses and Dillingham escapes. Back at ring center, McLarnin lets loose with a hook that is wild. He continues to press forward and shoots a right home. Dillingham fights back, connecting with a hook to the head right before the bell.

Third round, more of the same as McLarnin presses the attack. He pops a jab and moves forward, hooking off the jab and working the body as well. Dillingham shifts tactics, pushing and shoving as the crowd booes. McLarnin uses a head feint to set his man up for a hook to the head, and the two trade blows as Dillingham begins to show signs of swelling about his left eye from the accumulated punches unleashed by his opponent.

Fourth round, McLarnin is looking to finish matters now. He finds the range with an uppercut to the chin. A right from McLarnin also connects. A jab sets up another shot that the defenseless Dillingham cannot avoid. He slumps to the canvas, arising at the count of eight. One minute left in the round, McLarnin connects with a straight right but is off target with his follow up punches and cannot end the matter.

Fifth round, McLarnin continues headhunting, looking for the KO. An uppercut scores for McLarnin, but Dillingham responds with a right over the defenses of the Canadian. "Baby Face" moves in behind a strong jab, backing up Dillingham with a cross. A hard shot to the top of the head has Dillingham stumbling, seeking refuge in a neutral corner. A hook to the head followed by a right cross, and Dillingham is down once again. The count reaches 10 just as the bell sounds. KO for McLarnin.

The win lifts McLarnin's record to 8-0, all KOs, worth 459 PPs and -- good news for his fans -- he's back in action in March 1925 against an opponent to be named later.

[Jersey-Jim]

Originally Posted by JCWeb

Just finished the final card of Jan 1925 in my Uni and wanted to announce that a landmark has been reached. Veteran LW Jack Blackburn fought in his 99th bout, lost a UD 10, but the important point is that, while he is at END career stage, he has not yet reached the point of a forced retirement, which means his next bout with be his 100th, so after over 40 years of boxing history rolled into one Uni, he will hold the distinction of being the first boxer to fight 100 bouts.

I would be willing to bet Benny Leonard, current LW Champ, is likely to become the second to hit the Century mark, but that is still several years off. (And not just years in Uni time, hehe ... ) Previous record among retired boxers for most bouts was FW great Abe Attell, at 93.

That's great to keep a universe going for that long. Even with the layoff's. Congrats on your guys hitting or coming close to the 100 mark!

[JCWeb]

March 6, 1925 -- Montreal Forum: Back in the ring quickly after his last bout in February, unbeaten Canadian WW prospect Jimmy "Baby Face" McLarnin was in action at the other end of the country, in Montreal, taking on another TC, winless Jay Ballard (0-8), in a scheduled 8-rounder. Only question before the bout: How long would Ballard manage to last?

Round one, McLarnin rocks his opponent with a cross within seconds of the opening bell. McLarnin presses forward, pinning his opponent against the ropes. Ballard leaves himself open for a hook to the head, and "Baby Face" follows up with a jab, then unleashes a barrage of blows, topped off by a strong uppercut. Ballard, obviously in big trouble, backpedals out of range and clinches when McLarnin moves inside to do more damage. McLarnin staggers Ballard with a big hook, and finally the ref steps in as a defenseless Ballard is clinging to the top rope. Good decision, TKO stoppage at 2:51 of round one.

McLarnin moves to 9-0 with his 9th successive KO win, and he now has 478 PPs. Next scheduled bout will be a 10-rounder in June 1925.

[JCWeb]

March 13, 1925 -- Atlantic City: It's a battle of two unbeaten LH prospects in the co-feature, 10-round bout at the Convention Hall. Popular NYC area LH "Slapsie Maxie" Rosenbloom, unbeaten in 12 bouts with 7 KOs, is paired with Battling Slim Ryan, aka "The Jewish Bomber," who has yet to taste defeat in 11 contests while registering 8 KOs. It promises to be Rosenbloom's toughest test to date in his fledgling career.

Round one: Rosenbloom scores with an uppercut, Ryan then uncorks an uppercut of his own that buckles Maxie's knees. Ryan follows up with a second uppercut. Rosenbloom is back on track with a left-right combination to the head of Slim. After some clinching, Ryan gets in another solid uppercut. Rosenbloom feints and unleashes a quick hook to the head. Ryan shoots home a jab, Maxie responds with a hook to the ribs. Slim Ryan lands another big uppercut and takes the round, according to most observers. The bout appears to be living up to its promise based on the non-stop action in round one.

Second round, both men stay on the outside. Rosenbloom flicks the jab and closes the range to land an uppercut. Ryan goes to the chest and neck of Rosenbloom. After some clutching and grabbing, Ryan connects with a crushing right to the jaw. Maxie winces, but double up with the hook to the body, one of which reaches its target. Ryan pins Rosenbloom in the corner, but not many scoring blows are landed. Fairly even round.

Round three, Ryan steps up the pace and works the inside while Maxie decides to stay outside. Rosenbloom works the jab, keeping Ryan at bay. An uppercut from way outside finds its target, forcing Ryan to the ropes. Rosenbloom pursues the opening, landing another uppercut. Ryan staggers Maxie with a three-punch combo. After a pause in the action, Rosenbloom circles the ring, connecting with some more jabs, setting up Ryan for a hook to the body. Strong round for Rosenbloom.

Fourth round, this time it's Rosenbloom pressing the action on the inside. Ryan swings and misses. Maxie launches a two-fisted attack, finishing with a crushing hook, and Ryan appears to feel the effects of that one. Slim battles back, unleashing a short hook inside, but Rosenbloom deftly works free and avoids being trapped in the corner. Ryan takes a step back, Rosenbloom connects with a short uppercut to the jaw. There's a short flurry right before the bell, and Ryan gets in a couple of quick jabs.

Round five sees some toe-to-toe action as both men whale away on the inside. Ryan throws a straight right, Rosenbloom responds with an uppercut, then a leaping shot from the Jewish Bomber finds the target. Ryan then throws a short hook to the midsection, taking the wind out of Rosenbloom. Maxie backpedals out of range, but Ryan unleashes another uppercut. Rosenbloom recovers to land a huge shot to the body, but at this point Ryan holds a slight edge (48-47 according to the unofficial scorecards).

Sixth round, Ryan is on the attack once again. Rosenbloom unleashes a flurry, Ryan retreats to a neutral corner. Not much action, and the two move back to ring center. Ryan is off target with a lead right. He is wild with the hook, and Rosenbloom bobs and weaves and scores with a hook. The two bump heads, then Ryan shoots home a cross. Rosenbloom, undeterred, responds with a hook to the head. Ryan connects with a cross right before the bell. Even round, lots of good action for the fight fans.

Round seven, Ryan is looking for the knockout now. Slim connects with an uppercut to the chin of Rosenbloom, but Maxie counters with a right cross. Ryan retreats, while Maxie shoots a jab to his chest. Ryan doubles up on his jab, but he is off target. Rosenbloom sticks a quick jab, bounces around the ring off the ropes. Ryan appears befuddled at this point. The bell sounds after a strong round for Rosenbloom, while Ryan's attack sputters.

Eighth round, both men appear to be a bit tired at this point. Ryan presses the inside attack, Rosenbloom uncorks a jab but Ryan responds with a cross. Rosenbloom then lands with a huge hook that causes Ryan to drop to the canvas. He bounces up at the count of eight, and with a minute and a half left, Rosenbloom tries to take advantage of this opportunity, but Ryan does a good job of covering up. Ryan wriggles off the hook and survives the round, despite the knockdown.

Round nine, Ryan goes all-out while Rosenbloom (confident of victory after the KD in round 8), adopts a more defensive posture. Rosenbloom flicks a jab, which becomes his main weapon at this point. Ryan unloads with an overhand right, but Rosenbloom is able to counter with a right cross. He continues circling the ring, a difficult target for Ryan to hit. Ryan scores with a cross, and the round ends -- difficult to tell who won that one.

Final round, the fighters touch gloves. Ryan is still looking to land a big haymaker. He plants an uppercut, Maxie responds with a hook to the body. A huge left by Ryan puts Rosenbloom on the defensive. A right cross followed by a left -- huge round for Ryan, but is it enough to make up for the knockdown in round eight? Final bell sounds, and we await for the judges' scores to be announced.

Final result: it's a split decision! One judge has it 96-93 for Rosenbloom, another 95-94 for Ryan and then -- the final judge -- also 96-93 for the winner, Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom!!

The win moves Rosenbloom up to 13-0 (7), worth 565 PPs. After this unexpectedly close contest, Rosenbloom's principals need to reasses where he is in his career before matching him up for his 14th bout. The fans, of course, are clamoring for a rematch with Ryan.

[JCWeb]

As alluded to in a prior post, the first fighter in this Uni to have 100 fights is the veteran, Jack Blackburn. The bout took place April 3, 1925 in Toronto; Blackburn lost a UD 10 to top ten ranked Canadian LW, Clonie "T" Tait. Blackburn, who is now 42, has one more bout before hitting retirement later in 1925.

[javier_83]

wow, Maxie barely did it!!

he need to train more!!

[JCWeb]

(this one is for Javier's benefit)

June 12, 1925 -- Phoenix Arizona: The first Mexican fighter in my Uni, LW Joe Guerrero (aka "The Emsco Boy") made his debut with an impressive 4th round KO over TC Art Warner.

Now, earlier there was Aurelio Herrera, who was a US fighter of Hispanic/Mexican origin, but Guerrero is first fighter officially identified in the game as a Mexican. However, Javier and other fans should not get their hopes up, he's only rated a "2."

[JCWeb]

June 19, 1925 -- Vancover, BC, Exhibition Gardens: Unbeaten Canadian WW prospect Jimmy "Baby Face" McLarnin puts his perfect record (9-0, 9 KOs) on the line in his first scheduled 10-round bout, taking on veteran TC Mick Nixon, who has managed just one draw, no wins in 13 prior bouts (0-12-1).

First round, after a short feeling-out process, Nixon falls to connect with a looping short. McLarnin lands to the chest and neck. Nixon responds with a short hook to the head, then retreats to a neutral corner. "Baby Face" pursues Nixon, shooting home a right and then landing a blow that is part hook, part uppercut. McLarnin works the jab, is wild with a hook right before the bell. Good start for the Canadian, and the crowd roars in support.

Round two, McLarnin pressures Nixon on the inside. He staggers his opponent with a sharp combination, but then McLarnin winces with an injured hand, causing Jimmy to step off the gas. He shoots home the right, and then there is a short flurry of punches from Nixon. McLarnin counters with a right cross to the jaw, but Nixon responds with an uppercut right before the bell. The crowd is subdued, and McLarnin's corner is concerned about possible injury to their fighter's hand.

Third round, McLarnin elects to bide his time on the outside. A leaping shot from "Baby Face" is short. Nixon works inside and delivers an uppercut. McLarnin pops the jab, using it to set up an uppercut than stuns Nixon. McLarnin tries to follow up, but Nixon moves out of range. McLarnin pursues him, lashing out with a left-right combination, then following up with a right cross. The bell sounds, and McLarnin seems to have recovered from whatever may have bothered him in the prior round.

Round four, McLarnin boxes on the outside, again indicating a cautious approach. Nixon slips a cross from McLarnin, then lands a three-punch combo as McLarnin is off target with a follow-up punch. Then a short right from "Baby Face" gets through, and McLarnin doubles up on his left. Nixon is forced to give ground, bouncing off the ropes as the bell sounds.

Fifth round, McLarnin charges out from his corner and connects with a quick hook to the head. A cut opens above Nixon's right eye, and McLarnin takes advantage of the opportunity to step up the pace of his attack. A hook to the midsection and a big left leave Nixon looking vulnerable. A neat combination from McLarnin, and Nixon slumps to the canvas with a half minute left in the round. Nixon tries to get up at the count of eight, but can't get his footing and is counted out.

It goes down as another KO win for McLarnin at 2:38 of round five. He now is off to a stellar start, 10 KO victories in his first 10 bouts (worth 490 PPs). The initial report on the hand injury is that it's not serious, and McLarnin is expected to return to action in August 1925.

[JCWeb]

Polo Grounds, NY City, June 19, 1925 -- Unbeaten LH prospect "Slapsie Maxie" Rosenbloom, who escaped with a narrow SD win in his last bout, returns to the ring to take on LH Ernie Owens in a 10-rounder that is one of the main support bouts to the MW Championship bout featuring Mickey Walker. Owens, another RL LH opponent, has had an up and down career resulting in a 12-6 (11) mark thus far. Owens' best outing thus far was a TKO win over ex-LH Champ Jack Dillon. Shapes up to be an interesting contest.

Round one, Rosenbloom opens up with an uppercut to the jaw of Owens. Owens has a hook blocked by Rosenbloom, and Maxie responds with a hook of his own. Both men circle the inside, and there is alot of clinching. Owens ties Rosenbloom up in the corner, but Maxie works free to blast home another hook. Not much action for the rest of the round, but what little there is is all Rosenbloom.

Round two, both men work from the outside. Owens flings a left from outside, and then two trade blows. Rosenbloom gets the better of the action, registering an uppercut to the chin of Owens. Owens, undeterred, staggers Maxie with a jolting uppercut. He can't follow up, allowing Rosenbloom some precious time to clear his head and recover. Rosenbloom splits the gloves with a jab. Owens connects with a jab, but Rosenbloom gets in another uppercut. Lots of action in what was an even round.

Third round, Owens tries his luck on the inside, Maxie boxes on the outside. Both men work the jab, then a wicked right by Owens causes Rosenbloom to retreat to the neutral corner. Rosenbloom battles back to score with a hook to the head. Rosenbloom measures his man with a couple of penetrating jabs. Owens is wild with a hook. Rosenbloom continues to work the jab, strong round for Maxie.

Fourth round, this time it's Rosenbloom who looks to force the action on the inside. Rosenbloom bulls his way inside, forcing Owens to retreat and then unleashing a huge uppercut. Owens tries to double up on the hook but Rosenbloom bobs and weaves his way out of range. Maxie then flicks a couple of jabe, is tied up by Owens, then launches a two-fisted attack, while Owens fires a right that misses. Good round for Rosenbloom.

Round five, good toe-to-toe action as both men like their chances on the inside. Rosenbloom uses a head feint to set up a probing jab. Owens continues to lumber forward, but the nimble Rosenbloom punishes him with a hook to the body. Rosenbloom continues to flick the jab, then works the head and body and follows with a hook to the ribs. Halfway through, the unofficial scorecard has Rosenbloom up, 49-46.

Sixth round, Owens gets more aggressive while Maxie works outside. Rosenbloom pops the jab as Owens starts to tire. A cross hits home for Rosenbloom. Owens is trapped in the corner, but works free as Maxie mis-times a volley of punches. A short hook on the inside scores for Rosenbloom. Owens is wild with a hook. Rosenbloom misses with a left. Another good scoring round for Rosenbloom.

Round seven, Owens continues to press the action as Rosenbloom adopts a defensive posture. Rosenbloom backs up, finding room to clock an onrushing Owens with an uppercut. Maxie shoots a hook to the body, while Owens struggles with his timing. Rosenbloom uncorks a blow that is part hook, part uppercut. Another strong round for Maxie.

Eighth round, Rosenbloom scores with a hook to the body. Owens is tiring badly now. Rosenbloom attacks the head and body, Owens flicks a short hook inside that doesn't have much on it. A flurry by Rosenbloom, who continues to pile up points.

Round nine, Maxie avoids a leaping shot from Owens and then doubles up on the jab, circling the ring. Owens scores while Rosenbloom continues with a defensive posture. Even round, but Owens is trailing badly now.

Final round, the tenth, and a desperate Owens lunges at Rosenbloom, who easily sidesteps a wild right. Owens works the head and body on the inside, and finally the final bell. Good, solid effort by Rosenbloom.

The scorecards are a foregone conclusion: 96-94, 100-90, 99-91, all for Maxie Rosenbloom, whose record now stands at 14-0 (8), worth 609 PPs.

[JCWeb]

June 26, 1925 -- Rome, Italy -- Young German HW Max Schmeling takes on another young HW prospect, local favorite Arthur De Kuh, at the Sports Palace here tonight. Both are undefeated (Schmeling at 2-0, 2 KO; DeKuh at 3-0, 2 KO) headed into the 6-round bout. DeKuh should have a hometown crowd behind him, but since he's only rated a "2", that might not be enough when facing a talented fighter like Schmeling.

Round one: DeKuh looks to trade blows on the inside, while Schmeling is content to fight outside. Schmeling shows good side-to-side movement, then rips a hook to the body of DeKuh. The German is warned for hitting low. The "Black Uhlan" lands a solid combination, then DeKuh unloads with a big left that is sidestepped by Max. DeKuh retreats to a neutral corner, where he is tagged by a glancing cross from Schmeling. A follow-up hook is blocked by DeKuh. A late flurry scores for Schmeling, who takes the opening round.

Second round, Schmeling starts to pressure DeKuh on the inside. After a brief exchange, DeKuh ties up the big German, who manages to get a hand free to score with an uppercut. DeKuh is tagged by a straight right, and Schmeling follows with a left-right and another left. A straight right from Schmeling bounces off the Italian's shoulder. DeKuh tries to double up on his left but round two is another strong one for Schmeling.

Round three, both men stay outside. Schmeling rips a right cross that finds its target. A short uppercut from Schmeling also lands. DeKuh opens up, and inviting target for Schmeling who continues to pour it on as the bell sounds. DeKuh's right eye is starting to puff up.

Round four, this time Schmeling is on the attack, looking to finish DeKuh. Schmeling uses the jab to set up a right to the head that staggers DeKuh. A hook to the side of DeKuh scores for Schmeling. A leaping shot from Max falls short. DeKuh is carrying his hands low now. A sharp combination also connects, and DeKuh is lucky is lucky to be standing at the end of the round.

Fifth round, both men look to connect from the inside. DeKuh lands a right cross, then follows up with a jolting uppercut. Schmeling connects with a hook to the head. Schmeling is wild with a second hook, but then he lands an uppercut. DeKuh evades a Schmeling jab, but he walks into a right hand that lands flush on the chin, sending the Italian to the canvas. DeKuh is up quickly, and Schmeling dishes out more punishment in the form of a right cross to the forehead. Ouch, that hurt! But DeKuh, once again, survives another huge onslaught from the big German.

Final round, DeKuh is going all out while Schmeling continues to press on the inside. He sidesteps a left from DeKuh, then has a combination that is blocked. DeKuh scores with a three-punch combo, but it is a case of too little, too late. DeKuh's punches lack steam, and they are almost all off target now. Schmeling ties him up, scores with the uppercut. Final bell, and Schmeling raises his arms in triumph.

Judge's scorecards, even here in Italy, show a UD 6 for Schmeling (58-55, 60-53, 60-53). Max moves to 3-0 (2 KOs) worth 328 PPs and will still be brought along slowly by his managers.