Herbert Lewis Hardwick
Herbert Lewis Hardwick | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Herbert Lewis Hardwick May 2, 1914 |
| Died | December 27, 1966 (aged 52) |
| Other names | "Cocoa Kid" |
| Statistics | |
| Weight(s) | Welterweight |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 249 |
| Wins | 178 |
| Wins by KO | 48 |
| Losses | 58 |
| Draws | 11 |
Herbert Lewis Hardwick Arroyo[nb 1] (May 2, 1914 – December 27, 1966), also known as "Cocoa Kid", was a Puerto Rican boxer of African descent who fought primarily as a welterweight but also in the middleweight division. Hardwick won the World Colored Championships in both divisions. He was a member of boxing's "Black Murderers' Row" and fought the best boxers of his time. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012.[2]
Early years
[edit]Hardwick was born in the City of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, to Maria Arroyo, a native of Puerto Rico, and Lewis Hardwick, an African American Merchant Marine. In 1913, his father was on leave and left the island without knowing that Maria was pregnant with his child. It was only upon his return several months later that he found out that he was a father.[3]
The Hardwick family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, when he was still a child and his father renamed him "Herbert Lewis Hardwick."[3] Tragedy struck the family when his father and the rest of the crew of the USS Cyclops disappeared during World War I.[4] The loss of the ship and 306 crew and passengers without a trace sometime after March 4, 1918, remains the single largest loss of life in U.S. Naval history not directly involving combat. The cause of the ship's loss is unknown. Hardwick was only three years old.
Shortly thereafter, upon the death of his mother, Hardwick went to live with his maternal aunt Antonia Arroyo-Robinson.[5] Mrs. Arroyo-Robinson raised Hardwick and he came to identify more with his Puerto Rican heritage.[3]
Boxing career
[edit]Hardwick began to box in Atlanta when he was fourteen years old under the tutorship and management of Edward Allen Robinson (Antonia's husband). He fought for the first time as a professional at the age of fifteen, on May 27, 1929, at the Elks' Restaurant, in Atlanta, against a boxer who went under the name of "Kid Moon" and was victorious in that encounter.[6]
In 1932, Connecticut State Senator Harry Durant was among those present at one of his fights in West Palm Beach. The Senator was impressed with Hardwick and sponsored his trip to New Haven where Hardwick began to fight under the name of the "Cocoa Kid."[5] The name printed on his boxing license was that of "Louis Hardwick Arroyo."[3] Hardwick used various names during his boxing career, besides using "Louis Arroyo," he would also fight under the name of "Louis Kid Cocoa".[5] On April 4, 1932, he won his first fight in Connecticut, against a boxer named Joe Miller.[6]
Black Murderers' Row
[edit]During his career in the late 1930s and early 1940s, Hardwick fought the top African-American fighters of the era in the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions. This group included, but was not limited to Charley Burley, Holman Williams, Jack Chase, Lloyd Marshall, Bert Lytell, Aaron Wade, and Eddie Booker.[7] Hardwick fought Williams thirteen times, winning eight, losing three, and drawing in two.[8]
The group came to be known as the "Black Murderers' Row" or Murderers' Row and was made up primarily of highly rated African-American boxing contenders in the 1940s, who competed around the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight divisions. Hardwick was the only Hispanic of African descent in the group.[5] Renowned for their toughness and great boxing ability, they were feared throughout the boxing world and were the most avoided fighters of their generation. According to boxing pundit Jim Murray, the Murderers' Row was the most exclusive men's club the ring had ever known. They were so good and so feared that they had to have their own tournament.[9] The term "murderers' row" was coined by writer Budd Schulberg, screenwriter of On the Waterfront.[10]
Amongst the many boxers whom Hardwick fought and defeated during his career were Louis "Kid" Kaplan. The fight occurred on February 2, 1933, at the Arena in New Haven. Kaplan was a champion who held the World Featherweight title until 1927. On December 5, 1933, he faced Lou Ambers and lost the match.
From April through September 1940, Hardwick was the number one welterweight contender in the world. However Henry Armstrong, who held the World Welterweight Championship, refused to give him a title shot.[2] On October 9, 1943, Hardwick made the cover of Knockout Magazine as "The Cocoa Kid."[5]
World Colored Welterweight Championship
[edit]The World Colored Welterweight title was created in 1936. On July 26 of that year, Hardwick met Young Peter Jackson, the holder of the Pacific Coast and Mexican lightweight titles, at Heinemann Park in New Orleans, Louisiana in a 10-round title bout referred by Harry Wills, a three-time World Colored Heavyweight Champ. Hardwick won via a technical knock-out in the second round.[11]
He made four defenses of the title. On September 22 of that year at the same venue, he defeated Jackie Elverillo on points in 10 rounds. On June 11, 1937, at the Coliseum Arena in New Orleans, Hardwick fought his old nemesis Holman Williams, prevailing in a close fight, winning a decision in the 12-rounder. Ring Magazine had donated a championship belt for the bout.
Hardwick successfully defended his title against Black Canadian boxer Sonny Jones at the Valley Arena in Holyoke, Massachusetts on November 15, 1937, in a bout refereed by then former world heavyweight champion Jack Sharkey. Hardwick scored a technical knock out in the sixth round of their 15-round bout. He had devastated Jones in the third with a right to his jaw and with a right opened a cut over Sonny's left eye. Sharkey stopped the fight when Jones could barely see.[12]
The ascension of Henry Armstrong as the world welterweight champ on May 31, 1938 (when he beat Barney Ross) seemingly made the title redundant (the World Colored Heavyweight Championship expired when Joe Louis became world heavyweight champ in 1937 and the World Colored Middleweight Championship became defunct for 10 years after Gorilla Jones lost the world middleweight title in 1932), but continued to be contested during Armstrong's reign.
Hardwick lost the title to Charley Burley on August 22, 1938, at Hickey Park in Millvale, Pennsylvania. Burley won a unanimous decision in the 15-round bout, knocking Hardwick to the canvas three times and defeating him decisively, taking his title.[13][14] Burley never defended the title, probably out of a desire to get a title shot with Armstrong. To fill the vacant title, Hardwick and Holman Williams met in a rematch on January 11, 1940, at the Coliseum in Baltimore, Maryland.
Hardwick won a unanimous decision in their 15-round title bout, winning the title for a second time. Hardwick never defended his second title.
World Colored Middleweight Championship
[edit]Hardwick faced Holman Williams for his World Colored Middleweight Championship on January 15, 1943, at the Victory Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana. Hardwick took the title from Williams on points in the 12-round bout.[15]
He never defended the title, which became extinct. Instead, he met Williams at New Orleans' Coliseum Arena on September 15, 1944, for the "Duration Middleweight World Title". This time, the result was a draw after 12 rounds. It was his second fight after being discharged from the U.S. Navy.
The Hardwick – Billy Smith controversy
[edit]In 1944, a controversy erupted between Hardwick and a boxer named "Oakland Billy Smith." When the fighters met on November 24, in the Civic Auditorium of San Francisco, California, the betting odds favored the Cocoa Kid over Smith by 2 to 1.[3] When Hardwick was knocked down four times, referee Frankie Brown became suspicious and stopped the fight, declaring it a "no-contest."[6] During an investigation carried out by the California Boxing Commission, Hardwick claimed his poor performance was due to personal anxiety about his "sick mother" (meaning his aunt Antonia). According to the Oakland Tribune, the commission felt that Hardwick threw the fight. In addition to withholding his earnings, the commission fined him $500, and suspended him from boxing for six months.[3]
End of his boxing career
[edit]On September 17, 1945, Hardwick fought and lost to Archie Moore. He lost his last professional fight on August 24, 1948, against Bobby Mann at Ball Park in Trenton, New Jersey.[16] In 1949, Sugar Ray Robinson entered into, and then broke, two agreements to fight against Hardwick.[2]
That same year of 1949, Hardwick was Robinson's sparring partner at the welterweight king's training camp in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. Robinson was training for a fight with Steve Belloise and was at his peak. In one session, Hardwick landed a short overhand right to Robinson's chin and dropped him in the second round.[3][2]
By the end of his boxing career, Hardwick had fought a total of 244 professional fights, of which he won 176 with 48 knockouts (KO). He lost 56 fights, 7 by way of KOs and 10 of his fights were classified as draws (ties).[5] Among the Champions which he faced during his career were: Louis Kaplan, Johnny Jadick, Lou Ambers, Christopher "Battling" Battalino, Chalky Wright and Archie Moore. Of these he defeated Kaplan, Jadick and Wright in non-title fights.[2]
Later years
[edit]After retiring from the ring in 1950, Hardwick found himself homeless and penniless in Chicago. Marguerite Winrou, his wife, divorced him and gained the custody of their children. According to the Naval Record Management Center in St. Louis, Missouri, Hardwick had served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was honorably discharged after being diagnosed with pugilistic dementia by military doctors. He kept his diagnosis a secret during his days as a boxer in order to continue boxing.[2]
Due to his long and difficult boxing career, Hardwick suffered from pugilistic dementia in his last years. In 1955, he wrote to the Navy asking for a copy of his discharge papers which he claimed were stolen with his Social Security card[3] and was later admitted to the Veterans Administration Hospital in North Chicago. He died there on December 27, 1966, and is buried in Wood National Cemetery, section 36a, row 11, site 3, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.[3] In 2011, Hardwick was inducted to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012.[2]
Professional boxing record
[edit]| 249 fights | 178 wins | 58 losses |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 48 | 7 |
| By decision | 130 | 50 |
| By disqualification | 0 | 1 |
| Draws | 11 | |
| No contests | 2 | |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 249 | Loss | 178–58–11 (2) | Bobby Mann | PTS | 8 | Aug 24, 1948 | Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 248 | Win | 178–57–11 (2) | Ray Barnes | KO | 6 (10) | Dec 17, 1947 | Coliseum Annex, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 247 | Win | 177–57–11 (2) | Julio Pedroso | PTS | 10 | Oct 12, 1947 | Palacio de Deportes, Havana, Cuba | |
| 246 | Win | 176–57–11 (2) | Jose Garcia Alvarez | KO | 6 (10) | Oct 4, 1947 | Palacio de Deportes, Havana, Cuba | |
| 245 | Loss | 175–57–11 (2) | Jose Garcia Alvarez | DQ | 2 (10) | Sep 30, 1947 | Palacio de Deportes, Havana, Cuba | |
| 244 | Loss | 175–56–11 (2) | William Poli | UD | 8 | Sep 2, 1947 | MacArthur Stadium, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 243 | Win | 175–55–11 (2) | Ellis Stewart | UD | 8 | Aug 29, 1947 | Open Air Arena, Leiperville, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 242 | Loss | 174–55–11 (2) | Pete Mead | MD | 10 | Jul 21, 1947 | Coney Island Velodrome, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 241 | Draw | 174–54–11 (2) | Jerry Marshall | PTS | 8 | Jul 7, 1947 | Queensboro Arena, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 240 | Loss | 174–54–10 (2) | Bert Lytell | RTD | 6 (10) | May 18, 1947 | Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| 239 | Loss | 174–53–10 (2) | Jimmy Sherrer | TKO | 4 (10) | Apr 29, 1947 | Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. | |
| 238 | Win | 174–52–10 (2) | Bobby Richardson | SD | 10 | Jan 31, 1947 | Rainbo Arena, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 237 | Win | 173–52–10 (2) | Lloyd Gibson | PTS | 6 | Jan 27, 1947 | Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 236 | Draw | 172–52–10 (2) | O'Neill Bell | PTS | 10 | Jan 10, 1947 | Rainbo Arena, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 235 | Loss | 172–52–9 (2) | Eddie O'Neill | PTS | 8 | Dec 27, 1946 | Rainbo Arena, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 234 | Win | 172–51–9 (2) | Young Gene Buffalo | PTS | 8 | Dec 5, 1946 | Rainbo Arena, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| 233 | Loss | 171–51–9 (2) | Bert Lytell | PTS | 10 | Jul 30, 1946 | Sixto Escobar Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico | |
| 232 | Win | 171–50–9 (2) | Mario Raul Ochoa | PTS | 10 | Jul 16, 1946 | Sixto Escobar Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico | |
| 231 | Win | 170–50–9 (2) | Billy Morris | UD | 10 | Apr 4, 1946 | Fayette Street Garden, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 230 | Loss | 169–50–9 (2) | Bert Lytell | PTS | 10 | Mar 25, 1946 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 229 | Win | 169–49–9 (2) | Cecil Hudson | MD | 10 | Feb 7, 1946 | Fayette Street Garden, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 228 | Loss | 168–49–9 (2) | Archie Moore | KO | 8 (10) | Sep 17, 1945 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 227 | Loss | 168–48–9 (2) | George Henry | UD | 10 | Aug 20, 1945 | Century Stadium, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 226 | Win | 168–47–9 (2) | Joe Carter | SD | 10 | Jul 30, 1945 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 225 | Win | 167–47–9 (2) | Joe Carter | SD | 10 | Jul 9, 1945 | Century Stadium, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 224 | Win | 166–47–9 (2) | Joe Hyman | PTS | 10 | May 23, 1945 | Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 223 | Loss | 165–47–9 (2) | Holman Williams | UD | 12 | May 14, 1945 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 222 | Win | 165–46–9 (2) | Joe Reddick | TKO | 6 (8) | May 2, 1945 | Armory, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 221 | Loss | 164–46–9 (2) | Joe Carter | PTS | 10 | Apr 20, 1945 | Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| 220 | Win | 164–45–9 (2) | Holman Williams | SD | 10 | Mar 26, 1945 | St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 219 | Loss | 163–45–9 (2) | Johnny Carter | PTS | 10 | Mar 19, 1945 | Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 218 | Win | 163–44–9 (2) | Butch Lynch | PTS | 10 | Feb 15, 1945 | Masonic Hall, Highland Park, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 217 | Loss | 162–44–9 (2) | Joe Carter | UD | 10 | Jan 29, 1945 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 216 | NC | 162–43–9 (2) | Oakland Billy Smith | NC | 3 (10) | Nov 24, 1944 | Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S. | Cocoa Kid was knocked down four times, but the referee declared it a no contest believing that he was faking |
| 215 | Loss | 162–43–9 (1) | Aaron Wade | PTS | 10 | Nov 13, 1944 | Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S. | |
| 214 | Win | 162–42–9 (1) | Jack Chase | UD | 10 | Oct 20, 1944 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
| 213 | Draw | 161–42–9 (1) | Holman Williams | PTS | 12 | Sep 15, 1944 | Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | For vacant duration middleweight title |
| 212 | Win | 161–42–8 (1) | Billy Campanelli | TKO | 1 (8) | Aug 24, 1944 | Fort Hamilton Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 211 | Win | 160–42–8 (1) | Jimmy McDaniels | UD | 10 | Oct 8, 1943 | Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S. | |
| 210 | Win | 159–42–8 (1) | Anthony Jones | PTS | 10 | Sep 24, 1943 | Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| 209 | Win | 158–42–8 (1) | Verne Patterson | TKO | 7 (8) | Sep 9, 1943 | Fort Hamilton Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 208 | Win | 157–42–8 (1) | Phil Norman | PTS | 10 | Aug 30, 1943 | Lido Sports Arena, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 207 | Loss | 156–42–8 (1) | Joe Carter | PTS | 10 | Jul 12, 1943 | Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 206 | Loss | 156–41–8 (1) | George Kochan | SD | 10 | Jun 7, 1943 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 205 | Win | 156–40–8 (1) | Pete DeRuzza | TKO | 5 (8) | May 24, 1943 | Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 204 | Win | 155–40–8 (1) | Al Gilbert | TKO | 2 (10) | May 17, 1943 | Arcadia, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
| 203 | Win | 154–40–8 (1) | Bob Jacobs | PTS | 8 | May 10, 1943 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 202 | Win | 153–40–8 (1) | Deacon Johnny Brown | UD | 15 | May 3, 1943 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 201 | Draw | 152–40–8 (1) | Charley Burley | PTS | 10 | Apr 19, 1943 | Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| 200 | Win | 152–40–7 (1) | Henry Robinson | PTS | 8 | Apr 9, 1943 | Uline Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S. | |
| 199 | Loss | 151–40–7 (1) | Earl Turner | PTS | 10 | Jan 25, 1943 | Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S. | |
| 198 | Win | 151–39–7 (1) | Holman Williams | PTS | 12 | Jan 15, 1943 | Victory Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | Won world colored middleweight title |
| 197 | Loss | 150–39–7 (1) | California Jackie Wilson | SD | 10 | Dec 14, 1942 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 196 | Win | 150–38–7 (1) | Syd Brown | PTS | 10 | Nov 8, 1942 | Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama | |
| 195 | Win | 149–38–7 (1) | Dan Calcagno | PTS | 10 | Oct 25, 1942 | Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama | |
| 194 | Win | 148–38–7 (1) | Fabio Hurtado | KO | 4 (10) | Oct 11, 1942 | Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama | |
| 193 | Win | 147–38–7 (1) | Johnny Jackson | UD | 10 | Aug 31, 1942 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 192 | Win | 146–38–7 (1) | Saverio Turiello | UD | 10 | Aug 6, 1942 | Century Stadium, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 191 | Win | 145–38–7 (1) | Milo Theodorescu | PTS | 8 | Jul 24, 1942 | Randolph-Clowes Stadium, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 190 | Win | 144–38–7 (1) | Pete DeRuzza | PTS | 10 | Jun 19, 1942 | White City Stadium, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 189 | Win | 143–38–7 (1) | Joe Legon | PTS | 10 | May 2, 1942 | Arena Cristal, Havana, Cuba | |
| 188 | Win | 142–38–7 (1) | Bobby Britton | TKO | 6 (10) | Apr 13, 1942 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 187 | Win | 141–38–7 (1) | Holman Williams | PTS | 6 | Mar 27, 1942 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 186 | Win | 140–38–7 (1) | Holman Williams | UD | 15 | Mar 2, 1942 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 185 | Win | 139–38–7 (1) | Felix Morales | PTS | 8 | Feb 26, 1942 | Waltz Dream Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 184 | Loss | 138–38–7 (1) | Holman Williams | UD | 12 | Jan 19, 1942 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 183 | Win | 138–37–7 (1) | Eddie Dolan | TKO | 3 (10) | Jan 14, 1942 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | Won vacant Connecticut welterweight title |
| 182 | Draw | 137–37–7 (1) | Holman Williams | SD | 10 | Dec 22, 1941 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 181 | Win | 137–37–6 (1) | Slugger White | UD | 15 | Dec 8, 1941 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 180 | Win | 136–37–6 (1) | Pedro Tomez | KO | 4 (8) | Nov 17, 1941 | Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 179 | Win | 135–37–6 (1) | Freddie Camuso | PTS | 10 | Nov 13, 1941 | Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 178 | Win | 134–37–6 (1) | Bobby Britton | PTS | 10 | Oct 1, 1941 | Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 177 | Win | 133–37–6 (1) | Vinnie Vines | PTS | 10 | Sep 8, 1941 | Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 176 | Loss | 132–37–6 (1) | Izzy Jannazzo | PTS | 10 | Aug 5, 1941 | Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 175 | Win | 132–36–6 (1) | Manuel Villa II | KO | 4 (8) | Jun 10, 1941 | Queensboro Arena, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 174 | Win | 131–36–6 (1) | Norman Rubio | PTS | 10 | Jun 2, 1941 | Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 173 | Win | 130–36–6 (1) | Phil Furr | UD | 10 | May 13, 1941 | Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 172 | Win | 129–36–6 (1) | Joe Sutka | KO | 10 (10) | Apr 21, 1941 | Turner's Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S. | |
| 171 | Win | 128–36–6 (1) | Jerry Fiorello | PTS | 8 | Apr 15, 1941 | Broadway Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 170 | Win | 127–36–6 (1) | Andre Jessurun | UD | 10 | Mar 31, 1941 | Turner's Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S. | |
| 169 | Win | 126–36–6 (1) | Tony Cisco | UD | 10 | Mar 17, 1941 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 168 | NC | 125–36–6 (1) | Kid Azteca | NC | 10 (10) | Jan 11, 1941 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
| 167 | Loss | 125–36–6 | Kid Azteca | PTS | 10 | Jan 1, 1941 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
| 166 | Loss | 125–35–6 | Jimmy Leto | KO | 3 (10) | Nov 11, 1940 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 165 | Loss | 125–34–6 | Izzy Jannazzo | SD | 15 | Oct 14, 1940 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | For vacant Maryland world welterweight title |
| 164 | Loss | 125–33–6 | Georgie Abrams | SD | 10 | Aug 12, 1940 | Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S. | |
| 163 | Win | 125–32–6 | Phil Furr | UD | 10 | Jul 15, 1940 | Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S. | |
| 162 | Win | 124–32–6 | Jimmy Leto | UD | 10 | Jul 8, 1940 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 161 | Win | 123–32–6 | Frankie Britt | TKO | 7 (12) | Jul 1, 1940 | Donovan Field, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | Won USA New England welterweight title |
| 160 | Win | 122–32–6 | Bill McDowell | UD | 10 | Jun 19, 1940 | Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S. | |
| 159 | Win | 121–32–6 | Johnny Barbara | TKO | 1 (10) | Jun 13, 1940 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 158 | Win | 120–32–6 | Billy White | KO | 2 (12) | May 27, 1940 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 157 | Win | 119–32–6 | Chalky Wright | MD | 10 | Apr 29, 1940 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 156 | Win | 118–32–6 | Billy White | TKO | 9 (12) | Mar 25, 1940 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 155 | Win | 117–32–6 | Tony Martin | UD | 10 | Feb 19, 1940 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 154 | Win | 116–32–6 | Holman Williams | UD | 15 | Jan 11, 1940 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | Won vacant world colored welterweight title |
| 153 | Win | 115–32–6 | Tommy Bland | PTS | 10 | Dec 7, 1939 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 152 | Win | 114–32–6 | Mike DeStefano | PTS | 10 | Dec 1, 1939 | Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 151 | Win | 113–32–6 | Carl Dell | SD | 10 | Oct 16, 1939 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 150 | Win | 112–32–6 | Kenny LaSalle | PTS | 10 | Oct 9, 1939 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 149 | Win | 111–32–6 | Wicky Harkins | MD | 8 | Oct 2, 1939 | Maple Grove Field House, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 148 | Win | 110–32–6 | Buster Carroll | UD | 10 | Aug 3, 1939 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 147 | Win | 109–32–6 | Steve Mamakos | UD | 10 | Jul 20, 1939 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 146 | Loss | 108–32–6 | Tony Martin | PTS | 10 | Jul 3, 1939 | Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 145 | Win | 108–31–6 | Bobby Masters | TKO | 3 (10) | Jun 15, 1939 | Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 144 | Loss | 107–31–6 | Mike Kaplan | SD | 10 | May 12, 1939 | Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 143 | Win | 107–30–6 | Sigi Lander | RTD | 1 (10) | Mar 30, 1939 | Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 142 | Draw | 106–30–6 | Mike Kaplan | PTS | 10 | Mar 24, 1939 | Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 141 | Win | 106–30–5 | Eddie Booker | PTS | 10 | Mar 9, 1939 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 140 | Win | 105–30–5 | Freddie Camuso | UD | 10 | Feb 22, 1939 | Bristol Arena, New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 139 | Win | 104–30–5 | Buster Carroll | PTS | 10 | Feb 16, 1939 | Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 138 | Loss | 103–30–5 | Frankie Britt | SD | 12 | Jan 26, 1939 | Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S. | Lost USA New England welterweight title |
| 137 | Win | 103–29–5 | Eddie Cerda | PTS | 10 | Oct 1, 1938 | Rockland Palace, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 136 | Win | 102–29–5 | George Martin | UD | 15 | Sep 9, 1938 | Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | Retained USA New England welterweight title |
| 135 | Win | 101–29–5 | Howell King | PTS | 10 | Aug 31, 1938 | Naval Armory, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. | |
| 134 | Loss | 100–29–5 | Charley Burley | UD | 15 | Aug 22, 1938 | Hickey Park, Millvale, Pennsylvania, U.S. | Lost world colored welterweight title |
| 133 | Loss | 100–28–5 | Johnny Jackson | TKO | 10 (10) | Aug 4, 1938 | City Park Baseball Field, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| 132 | Win | 100–27–5 | Tommy Bland | PTS | 10 | Jul 16, 1938 | Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 131 | Loss | 99–27–5 | Paulie Walker | SD | 10 | May 2, 1938 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 130 | Win | 99–26–5 | Vince De Angelo | PTS | 10 | Feb 28, 1938 | Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
| 129 | Win | 98–26–5 | Gordon Wallace | UD | 10 | Feb 21, 1938 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 128 | Loss | 97–26–5 | Michele Palermo | UD | 10 | Jan 31, 1938 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 127 | Win | 97–25–5 | Teddy Loder | SD | 10 | Dec 6, 1937 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 126 | Win | 96–25–5 | Sonny Jones | TKO | 6 (15) | Nov 15, 1937 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | Retained world colored welterweight title |
| 125 | Loss | 95–25–5 | Saverio Turiello | UD | 10 | Sep 20, 1937 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 124 | Loss | 95–24–5 | Saverio Turiello | UD | 10 | Aug 16, 1937 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 123 | Win | 95–23–5 | Johnny Lucas | TKO | 8 (15) | Jul 26, 1937 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 122 | Win | 94–23–5 | Willie Eley | PTS | 10 | Jul 17, 1937 | Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 121 | Win | 93–23–5 | Werther Arcelli | KO | 2 (10) | Jul 12, 1937 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 120 | Win | 92–23–5 | Holman Williams | PTS | 15 | Jun 11, 1937 | Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | Retained world colored welterweight title |
| 119 | Loss | 91–23–5 | Johnny Lucas | SD | 12 | Jun 7, 1937 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 118 | Win | 91–22–5 | Johnny Lucas | SD | 12 | May 3, 1937 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 117 | Win | 90–22–5 | Andre Jessurun | KO | 11 (12) | Apr 5, 1937 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 116 | Win | 89–22–5 | Tommy Jones | PTS | 10 | Mar 22, 1937 | Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| 115 | Loss | 88–22–5 | Holman Williams | PTS | 12 | Mar 12, 1937 | Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| 114 | Win | 88–21–5 | Jack Portney | TKO | 12 (15) | Mar 1, 1937 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 113 | Win | 87–21–5 | Paulie Walker | PTS | 8 | Dec 16, 1936 | Hippodrome, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 112 | Win | 86–21–5 | Casper LaRosa | UD | 10 | Nov 30, 1936 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 111 | Win | 85–21–5 | Jack Portney | SD | 10 | Nov 9, 1936 | Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 110 | Win | 84–21–5 | Bobby Orr | TKO | 4 (10) | Oct 14, 1936 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 109 | Win | 83–21–5 | Jackie Elverrillo | PTS | 10 | Sep 22, 1936 | Heinemann Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | Retained world colored welterweight title |
| 108 | Win | 82–21–5 | Jack Portney | PTS | 10 | Aug 7, 1936 | Newfield Park, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 107 | Win | 81–21–5 | Young Peter Jackson | TKO | 2 (10) | Jul 26, 1936 | Heinemann Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | Won vacant world colored welterweight title |
| 106 | Win | 80–21–5 | Vince De Angelo | PTS | 10 | Jun 29, 1936 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 105 | Win | 79–21–5 | Werther Arcelli | PTS | 12 | Jun 19, 1936 | Meadowbrook Arena, North Adams, Massachusetts, U.S. | Retained USA New England welterweight title |
| 104 | Loss | 78–21–5 | Andre Jessurun | UD | 10 | Jun 1, 1936 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 103 | Win | 78–20–5 | Holman Williams | PTS | 10 | Apr 17, 1936 | Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| 102 | Win | 77–20–5 | Werther Arcelli | PTS | 10 | Apr 2, 1936 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 101 | Win | 76–20–5 | Holman Williams | MD | 10 | Mar 13, 1936 | Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| 100 | Win | 75–20–5 | Darcey White | PTS | 10 | Feb 28, 1936 | Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| 99 | Win | 74–20–5 | Wesley Farrell | PTS | 10 | Feb 21, 1936 | Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| 98 | Win | 73–20–5 | Tiger Joe Randall | PTS | 10 | Jan 31, 1936 | Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| 97 | Win | 72–20–5 | Joe Pennino | PTS | 10 | Jan 6, 1936 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 96 | Win | 71–20–5 | Frankie Cinque | SD | 10 | Dec 9, 1935 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 95 | Loss | 70–20–5 | Andre Jessurun | UD | 10 | Nov 25, 1935 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 94 | Win | 70–19–5 | Tommy Mollis | PTS | 10 | Nov 14, 1935 | New Albert Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | |
| 93 | Draw | 69–19–5 | Harvey Massey | SD | 10 | Nov 1, 1935 | Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| 92 | Win | 69–19–4 | Wesley Farrell | PTS | 10 | Oct 18, 1935 | Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| 91 | Win | 68–19–4 | Andy Callahan | TKO | 10 (12) | Sep 9, 1935 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | Retained USA New England welterweight title |
| 90 | Win | 67–19–4 | Casper LaRosa | PTS | 8 | Aug 31, 1935 | Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 89 | Win | 66–19–4 | Davey Grande | UD | 10 | Aug 1, 1935 | Meadowbrook Arena, North Adams, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 88 | Win | 65–19–4 | Paul Canamare | PTS | 8 | Jul 12, 1935 | Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 87 | Win | 64–19–4 | Harry Carlton | PTS | 10 | Jun 28, 1935 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 86 | Win | 63–19–4 | Werther Arcelli | UD | 10 | Jun 13, 1935 | Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 85 | Win | 62–19–4 | Frankie Britt | PTS | 10 | May 27, 1935 | Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | Won USA New England welterweight title; Won vacant USA New England middleweight title |
| 84 | Win | 61–19–4 | Johnny Graycar | TKO | 4 (10) | May 13, 1935 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 83 | Loss | 60–19–4 | Jimmy Leto | PTS | 10 | Apr 26, 1935 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 82 | Win | 60–18–4 | Ray Napolitano | UD | 8 | Mar 22, 1935 | Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 81 | Win | 59–18–4 | Ray Napolitano | PTS | 8 | Feb 28, 1935 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 80 | Loss | 58–18–4 | Kid Azteca | PTS | 10 | Jan 26, 1935 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
| 79 | Draw | 58–17–4 | Kid Azteca | PTS | 10 | Jan 19, 1935 | Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico | |
| 78 | Win | 58–17–3 | Elmer Bezenah | PTS | 6 | Dec 3, 1934 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 77 | Win | 57–17–3 | Petey Mike | PTS | 10 | Nov 22, 1934 | Kanter's Auditorium, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 76 | Loss | 56–17–3 | Christopher Battalino | RTD | 6 (10) | Oct 23, 1934 | Foot Guard Hall, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 75 | Loss | 56–16–3 | Michele Palermo | PTS | 10 | Sep 27, 1934 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 74 | Win | 56–15–3 | Carmen Roman | PTS | 10 | Aug 21, 1934 | St. Michael's Arena, Pawcatuck, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 73 | Loss | 55–15–3 | Frankie Britt | PTS | 10 | Aug 16, 1934 | Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 72 | Win | 55–14–3 | Gaston LeCadre | SD | 8 | Aug 6, 1934 | Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 71 | Win | 54–14–3 | Morrie Sherman | PTS | 6 | Jul 17, 1934 | Coney Island Velodrome, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 70 | Win | 53–14–3 | Steve Halaiko | PTS | 8 | Jul 9, 1934 | Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 69 | Win | 52–14–3 | Danny Devlin | UD | 10 | Jun 18, 1934 | Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 68 | Win | 51–14–3 | Steve Halaiko | UD | 10 | Jun 11, 1934 | Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 67 | Win | 50–14–3 | Billy Bridges | TKO | 4 (8) | Jun 7, 1934 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 66 | Win | 49–14–3 | Eddie Holmes | UD | 10 | May 28, 1934 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 65 | Win | 48–14–3 | Frankie Bruno | PTS | 6 | May 26, 1934 | Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 64 | Win | 47–14–3 | Johnny Lucas | PTS | 10 | Apr 30, 1934 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 63 | Win | 46–14–3 | Sailor Randall | PTS | 10 | Apr 20, 1934 | Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 62 | Win | 45–14–3 | Andy DiVodi | PTS | 10 | Apr 12, 1934 | Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
| 61 | Loss | 44–14–3 | Joey Ferrando | PTS | 10 | Apr 9, 1934 | Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 60 | Win | 44–13–3 | Pancho Villa | SD | 10 | Mar 16, 1934 | Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 59 | Win | 43–13–3 | Joey Bazzone | PTS | 10 | Feb 26, 1934 | Palisades Rink, McKeesport, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 58 | Loss | 42–13–3 | Ray Napolitano | SD | 6 | Feb 24, 1934 | Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 57 | Win | 42–12–3 | Tony Catalano | TKO | 2 (8) | Feb 15, 1934 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 56 | Win | 41–12–3 | Eddie Marks | TKO | 3 (8) | Feb 8, 1934 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 55 | Loss | 40–12–3 | Jackie Davis | PTS | 8 | Jan 18, 1934 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 54 | Win | 40–11–3 | Joey Bazzone | PTS | 10 | Jan 7, 1934 | Johnstown, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| 53 | Loss | 39–11–3 | Lou Ambers | PTS | 10 | Dec 5, 1933 | Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. | |
| 52 | Draw | 39–10–3 | Joe Ghnouly | PTS | 6 | Nov 24, 1933 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 51 | Win | 39–10–2 | Victor Lotti | TKO | 3 (10) | Sep 26, 1933 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 50 | Loss | 38–10–2 | Wesley Ramey | UD | 10 | Aug 31, 1933 | Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 49 | Win | 38–9–2 | Eddie Shapiro | PTS | 10 | Aug 26, 1933 | Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 48 | Win | 37–9–2 | Young Joe Firpo | PTS | 10 | Aug 14, 1933 | Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. | |
| 47 | Loss | 36–9–2 | Steve Halaiko | PTS | 10 | Jul 31, 1933 | White City Stadium, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 46 | Win | 36–8–2 | Paolo Villa | KO | 3 (8) | Jul 22, 1933 | Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 45 | Win | 35–8–2 | George Goldberg | TKO | 4 (10) | Jul 13, 1933 | Meadowbrook Arena, North Adams, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 44 | Win | 34–8–2 | Jimmy O'Brien | TKO | 6 (10) | Jul 8, 1933 | Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 43 | Loss | 33–8–2 | Steve Halaiko | UD | 10 | Jun 19, 1933 | Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 42 | Win | 33–7–2 | Eddie Conley | TKO | 5 (10) | Jun 9, 1933 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 41 | Win | 32–7–2 | Frankie Carlton | KO | 2 (10) | May 22, 1933 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 40 | Loss | 31–7–2 | Jimmy Leto | UD | 10 | May 8, 1933 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 39 | Win | 31–6–2 | Johnny Jadick | PTS | 10 | Apr 17, 1933 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 38 | Loss | 30–6–2 | Billy Bridges | PTS | 10 | Apr 7, 1933 | Columbus Hall, Stamford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 37 | Win | 30–5–2 | Lou Saunders | TKO | 2 (10) | Mar 28, 1933 | Columbus Hall, Stamford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 36 | Win | 29–5–2 | Miki Gelb | TKO | 8 (10) | Mar 20, 1933 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 35 | Win | 28–5–2 | Louis Kid Kaplan | PTS | 10 | Feb 20, 1933 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 34 | Loss | 27–5–2 | Harry Carlton | PTS | 10 | Feb 2, 1933 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 33 | Win | 27–4–2 | Pancho Villa | PTS | 10 | Jan 12, 1933 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 32 | Win | 26–4–2 | Harry Alexanian | PTS | 8 | Dec 15, 1932 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 31 | Win | 25–4–2 | Patsy Rubinetti | PTS | 8 | Dec 2, 1932 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 30 | Win | 24–4–2 | Eddie Conley | PTS | 6 | Nov 17, 1932 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 29 | Win | 23–4–2 | Mickey Paul | TKO | 3 (8) | Nov 14, 1932 | St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S. | |
| 28 | Win | 22–4–2 | Baby Bear | KO | 2 (5) | Oct 24, 1932 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 27 | Win | 21–4–2 | Abe Schulman | PTS | 8 | Sep 19, 1932 | Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 26 | Win | 20–4–2 | Tommy Jarrett | PTS | 5 | Sep 1, 1932 | White City Stadium, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 25 | Loss | 19–4–2 | Pete Herman | KO | 3 (6) | Aug 2, 1932 | Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 24 | Win | 19–3–2 | Pete Herman | PTS | 6 | Jul 26, 1932 | Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 23 | Win | 18–3–2 | Baby Jack Renault | PTS | 10 | Jul 21, 1932 | Meadowbrook Arena, North Adams, Massachusetts, U.S. | |
| 22 | Win | 17–3–2 | Rene Peloquin | TKO | 6 (8) | Jun 29, 1932 | Hurley Stadium, East Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 21 | Win | 16–3–2 | Tommy Jarrett | KO | 5 (10) | Jun 23, 1932 | Thames Arena, New London, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 20 | Loss | 15–3–2 | Harry Alexanian | PTS | 8 | Jun 14, 1932 | Armory, Willimantic, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 19 | Win | 15–2–2 | Wildman Firpo | PTS | 6 | Jun 3, 1932 | Thames Arena, New London, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 18 | Win | 14–2–2 | Al Gauthier | PTS | 6 | May 20, 1932 | Thames Arena, New London, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 17 | Win | 13–2–2 | Walter Sharp | TKO | 3 (6) | Apr 29, 1932 | Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 16 | Win | 12–2–2 | Joe Miller | PTS | 6 | Apr 15, 1932 | Red Men's Hall, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S. | |
| 15 | Loss | 11–2–2 | Kid LaGula | PTS | 8 | Feb 9, 1932 | Miami, Florida, U.S. | |
| 14 | Win | 11–1–2 | Young Harry Wills | TKO | 2 (10) | Feb 5, 1932 | Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 13 | Win | 10–1–2 | Battling McCoy | KO | 10 (10) | Dec 10, 1931 | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 12 | Win | 9–1–2 | Kid LaGula | PTS | 10 | Sep 9, 1931 | Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 11 | Win | 8–1–2 | Kid Tiller | PTS | ? | Aug 31, 1931 | Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 10 | Draw | 7–1–2 | Cowboy Kid | PTS | 10 | Apr 24, 1931 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 9 | Win | 7–1–1 | Patent Leather Kid | PTS | 10 | Oct 12, 1930 | Probably in Florida, U.S. | Exact date and location unknown |
| 8 | Loss | 6–1–1 | Gus De Sagon | PTS | 10 | Oct 5, 1930 | Riverside Stadium, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico | |
| 7 | Win | 6–0–1 | Ramon Bordelies | PTS | 8 | Sep 17, 1930 | Probably in Puerto Rico | Exact date and location unknown |
| 6 | Win | 5–0–1 | Pedro Benitez | PTS | 10 | Aug 31, 1930 | Riverside Stadium, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico | |
| 5 | Draw | 4–0–1 | Baby Bear | PTS | 6 | Jun 17, 1930 | Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Battling Sells | PTS | ? | May 23, 1930 | 81 Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Dynamite Adams | PTS | 6 | Apr 28, 1930 | Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | B W Jackson | KO | 3 (6) | Jun 21, 1929 | Elks' Rest, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Kid Moon | PTS | 8 | May 27, 1929 | Elks' Rest, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
 Puerto Ricans in the International Boxing Hall of Fame |
| Number | Name | Year inducted | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Ortíz | 1991 | World Jr. Welterweight Champion 1959 June 12- 1960, September 1, WBA Lightweight Champion 1962 Apr 21 – 1965 Apr 10, WBC Lightweight Champion 1963 Apr 7 – 1965 Apr 10, WBC Lightweight Champion 1965 Nov 13 – 1968 Jun 29. |
| 2 | Wilfred Benítez | 1994 | The youngest world champion in boxing history. WBA Light Welterweight Champion 1976 Mar 6 – 1977, WBC Welterweight Champion 1979 Jan 14 – 1979 Nov 30, WBC Light Middleweight Champion. |
| 3 | Wilfredo Gómez | 1995 | WBC Super Bantamweight Champion 1977 May 21 – 1983, WBC Featherweight Champion 1984 Mar 31 – 1984 Dec 8, WBA Super Featherweight Champion 1985 May 19 – 1986 May 24. |
| 4 | José "Chegui" Torres | 1997 | Won a silver medal in the junior middleweight at the 1956 Olympic Games. Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion 1965 Mar 30 – 1966 Dec 16 |
| 5 | Sixto Escobar | 2002 | Puerto Rico's first boxing champion. World Bantamweight Champion 15 Nov 1935– 23 Sep 1937, World Bantamweight Champion 20 Feb 1938– Oct 1939 |
| 6 | Edwin Rosario | 2006 | Ranks #36 on the list of "100 Greatest Punchers of All Time." according to Ring Magazine. WBC Lightweight Champion 1983 May 1 – 1984 Nov 3, WBA Lightweight Champion 1986 Sep 26 – 1987 Nov 21, WBA Lightweight Champion 199 Jul 9 – 1990 Apr 4, WBA Light Welterweight Champion 1991 Jun 14 – 1992 Apr 10. |
| 7 | Pedro Montañez | 2007 | 92 wins out of 103 fights. Never held a title. |
| 8 | Joe Cortez | 2011 | The first Puerto Rican boxing referee to be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame |
| 9 | Herbert "Cocoa Kid" Hardwick | 2012 | Member of boxing's "Black Murderers' Row". World Colored Welterweight Championship - June 11, 1937 to August 22, 1938; World Colored Middleweight Championship - January 11, 1940 until the title went extinct in the 1940s; World Colored Middleweight Championship - January 15, 1943 until the title went extinct in the 1940s |
| 10 | Félix "Tito" Trinidad | 2014 | Captured the IBF welterweight crown in his 20th pro bout. Won the WBA light middleweight title from David Reid in March 2000 and later that year unified titles with a 12th-round knockout against IBF champ Fernando Vargas. In 2001 became a three-division champion. |
| 11 | Héctor "Macho" Camacho | 2016 | First boxer to be recognized as a septuple champion in history (counting championships from minor sanctioning bodies). WBC Super Featherweight Championship - August 7, 1983 – 1984, WBC Lightweight Championship - August 10, 1985 – 1987, WBO Light Welterweight Champion - March 6, 1989 – February 23, 1991, WBO Light Welterweight Champion - May 18, 1991–1992. |
| 12 | Mario Rivera Martino | 2019 | First Puerto Rican boxing sports writer to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He served Puerto Rican boxing for more than 50 years as a writer and eventual commissioner. |
| 13 | Miguel Cotto | 2022 | He is a multiple-time world champion, and the first Puerto Rican boxer to win world titles in four weight classes, from light welterweight to middleweight. In 2007 and 2009, |
= Indicates the person is no longer alive
See also
[edit]
- List of Puerto Ricans
- Sports in Puerto Rico
- African immigration to Puerto Rico
- List of Puerto Rican boxing world champions
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Springs Toledo (May 2, 2001). "Traveling Light". The Sweet Science. Retrieved June 19, 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g "International Boxing Hall of Fame". Ibhof.com. May 2, 1914. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Toledo, Springs (May 2, 2011). "'Just Watch Mah Smoke' Part 8: Traveling Light". The Sweet Science. Archived from the original on May 4, 2011. Retrieved May 24, 2014 – via Wayback Machine.
- ^ Toledo, Springs (March 10, 2011). "'Just Watch Mah Smoke,' Part I: Lost at Sea". The Sweet Science. Archived from the original on March 12, 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2012 – via Wayback Machine.
- ^ a b c d e f "Cocoa Kid". Boxrec.com. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Box Rec 3". Boxrec.com. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
- ^ Harry Otty (2010) Charley Burley and the Black Murderers' Row. Tora Book Publishing. ISBN 0-9543924-2-6.
- ^ "BoxRec". BoxRec. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
- ^ Springs Toledo (August 16, 2010) Chasing Jack Chase. thesweetscience.com
- ^ "Budd Schulberg: A Bio-Bibliography"; by: Beck, Nicholas; Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press, 2001.
- ^ "Cocoa Kid: Record". BoxRec. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
- ^ "Recalling the Cocoa Kid". Onmilwaukee.com. December 11, 2011. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
- ^ Otty, Harry. "Who is the Cocoa Kid?". CharleyBurley.com.
- ^ "Black Dynamite: Charles Duane Burley". Cyber Boxing Zone. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
- ^ "Holman Williams – Record". BoxRec.
- ^ "BoxRec2". Boxrec.com. December 27, 1966. Retrieved May 24, 2014.
External links
[edit]- Boxing record for Herbert Lewis Hardwick from BoxRec (registration required)
Puerto Ricans in the International Boxing Hall of Fame |
| Number | Name | Year inducted | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlos Ortíz | 1991 | World Jr. Welterweight Champion 1959 June 12- 1960, September 1, WBA Lightweight Champion 1962 Apr 21 – 1965 Apr 10, WBC Lightweight Champion 1963 Apr 7 – 1965 Apr 10, WBC Lightweight Champion 1965 Nov 13 – 1968 Jun 29. |
| 2 | Wilfred Benítez | 1994 | The youngest world champion in boxing history. WBA Light Welterweight Champion 1976 Mar 6 – 1977, WBC Welterweight Champion 1979 Jan 14 – 1979 Nov 30, WBC Light Middleweight Champion. |
| 3 | Wilfredo Gómez | 1995 | WBC Super Bantamweight Champion 1977 May 21 – 1983, WBC Featherweight Champion 1984 Mar 31 – 1984 Dec 8, WBA Super Featherweight Champion 1985 May 19 – 1986 May 24. |
| 4 | José "Chegui" Torres | 1997 | Won a silver medal in the junior middleweight at the 1956 Olympic Games. Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion 1965 Mar 30 – 1966 Dec 16 |
| 5 | Sixto Escobar | 2002 | Puerto Rico's first boxing champion. World Bantamweight Champion 15 Nov 1935– 23 Sep 1937, World Bantamweight Champion 20 Feb 1938– Oct 1939 |
| 6 | Edwin Rosario | 2006 | Ranks #36 on the list of "100 Greatest Punchers of All Time." according to Ring Magazine. WBC Lightweight Champion 1983 May 1 – 1984 Nov 3, WBA Lightweight Champion 1986 Sep 26 – 1987 Nov 21, WBA Lightweight Champion 199 Jul 9 – 1990 Apr 4, WBA Light Welterweight Champion 1991 Jun 14 – 1992 Apr 10. |
| 7 | Pedro Montañez | 2007 | 92 wins out of 103 fights. Never held a title. |
| 8 | Joe Cortez | 2011 | The first Puerto Rican boxing referee to be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame |
| 9 | Herbert "Cocoa Kid" Hardwick | 2012 | Member of boxing's "Black Murderers' Row". World Colored Welterweight Championship - June 11, 1937 to August 22, 1938; World Colored Middleweight Championship - January 11, 1940 until the title went extinct in the 1940s; World Colored Middleweight Championship - January 15, 1943 until the title went extinct in the 1940s |
| 10 | Félix "Tito" Trinidad | 2014 | Captured the IBF welterweight crown in his 20th pro bout. Won the WBA light middleweight title from David Reid in March 2000 and later that year unified titles with a 12th-round knockout against IBF champ Fernando Vargas. In 2001 became a three-division champion. |
| 11 | Héctor "Macho" Camacho | 2016 | First boxer to be recognized as a septuple champion in history (counting championships from minor sanctioning bodies). WBC Super Featherweight Championship - August 7, 1983 – 1984, WBC Lightweight Championship - August 10, 1985 – 1987, WBO Light Welterweight Champion - March 6, 1989 – February 23, 1991, WBO Light Welterweight Champion - May 18, 1991–1992. |
| 12 | Mario Rivera Martino | 2019 | First Puerto Rican boxing sports writer to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He served Puerto Rican boxing for more than 50 years as a writer and eventual commissioner. |
| 13 | Miguel Cotto | 2022 | He is a multiple-time world champion, and the first Puerto Rican boxer to win world titles in four weight classes, from light welterweight to middleweight. In 2007 and 2009, |
= Indicates the person is no longer alive
- 1914 births
- 1966 deaths
- Puerto Rican male boxers
- International Boxing Hall of Fame inductees
- World colored middleweight boxing champions
- World colored welterweight boxing champions
- Middleweight boxers
- Welterweight boxers
- African-American boxers
- Sportspeople from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
- United States Navy sailors
- Puerto Rican United States Navy personnel
- 20th-century African-American sportsmen
- African-American United States Navy personnel
- African Americans in World War II