Herbert Lewis Hardwick


Herbert Lewis Hardwick Arroyo, 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.

Early years

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.
The Hardwick family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, when he was still a child and his father renamed him "Herbert Lewis Hardwick." Tragedy struck the family when his father and the rest of the crew of the USS Cyclops disappeared during World War I. 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. Mrs. Arroyo-Robinson raised Hardwick and he came to identify more with his Puerto Rican heritage.

Boxing career

Hardwick began to box in Atlanta when he was fourteen years old under the tutorship and management of Edward Allen Robinson. 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.
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." The name printed on his boxing license was that of "Louis Hardwick Arroyo." Hardwick used various names during his boxing career, besides using "Louis Arroyo," he would also fight under the name of "Louis Kid Cocoa". On April 4, 1932, he won his first fight in Connecticut, against a boxer named Joe Miller.

Black Murderers' Row

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. Hardwick fought Williams thirteen times, winning eight, losing three, and drawing in two.
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. 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. The term "murderers' row" was coined by writer Budd Schulberg, screenwriter of On the Waterfront.
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. On October 9, 1943, Hardwick made the cover of Knockout Magazine as "The Cocoa Kid."

World Colored Welterweight Championship

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.
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.
The ascension of Henry Armstrong as the world welterweight champ on May 31, 1938 seemingly made the title redundant, 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. 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

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.
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

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. When Hardwick was knocked down four times, referee Frankie Brown became suspicious and stopped the fight, declaring it a "no-contest." During an investigation carried out by the California Boxing Commission, Hardwick claimed his poor performance was due to personal anxiety about his "sick mother". 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.

End of his boxing career

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. In 1949, Sugar Ray Robinson entered into, and then broke, two agreements to fight against Hardwick.
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.
By the end of his boxing career, Hardwick had fought a total of 244 professional fights, of which he won 176 with 48 knockouts. He lost 56 fights, 7 by way of KOs and 10 of his fights were classified as draws. 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.

Later years

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.
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 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. In 2011, Hardwick was inducted to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012.

Professional boxing record

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRoundDateLocationNotes
249LossBobby MannPTS8Aug 24, 1948Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
248Win178–57–11 Ray BarnesKO6 Dec 17, 1947Coliseum Annex, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
247Win177–57–11 Julio PedrosoPTS10Oct 12, 1947Palacio de Deportes, Havana, Cuba
246Win176–57–11 Jose Garcia AlvarezKO6 Oct 4, 1947Palacio de Deportes, Havana, Cuba
245Loss175–57–11 Jose Garcia AlvarezDQ2 Sep 30, 1947Palacio de Deportes, Havana, Cuba
244Loss175–56–11 William PoliUD8Sep 2, 1947MacArthur Stadium, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
243Win175–55–11 Ellis StewartUD8Aug 29, 1947Open Air Arena, Leiperville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
242Loss174–55–11 Pete MeadMD10Jul 21, 1947Coney Island Velodrome, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
241Draw174–54–11 Jerry MarshallPTS8Jul 7, 1947Queensboro Arena, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
240Loss174–54–10 Bert LytellRTD6 May 18, 1947Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
239Loss174–53–10 Jimmy SherrerTKO4 Apr 29, 1947Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
238Win174–52–10 Bobby RichardsonSD10Jan 31, 1947Rainbo Arena, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
237Win173–52–10 Lloyd GibsonPTS6Jan 27, 1947Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
236Draw172–52–10 O'Neill BellPTS10Jan 10, 1947Rainbo Arena, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
235Loss172–52–9 Eddie O'NeillPTS8Dec 27, 1946Rainbo Arena, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
234Win172–51–9 Young Gene BuffaloPTS8Dec 5, 1946Rainbo Arena, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
233Loss171–51–9 Bert LytellPTS10Jul 30, 1946Sixto Escobar Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico
232Win171–50–9 Mario Raul OchoaPTS10Jul 16, 1946Sixto Escobar Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico
231Win170–50–9 Billy MorrisUD10Apr 4, 1946Fayette Street Garden, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
230Loss169–50–9 Bert LytellPTS10Mar 25, 1946Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
229Win169–49–9 Cecil HudsonMD10Feb 7, 1946Fayette Street Garden, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
228Loss168–49–9 Archie MooreKO8 Sep 17, 1945Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
227Loss168–48–9 George HenryUD10Aug 20, 1945Century Stadium, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
226Win168–47–9 Joe CarterSD10Jul 30, 1945Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
225Win167–47–9 Joe CarterSD10Jul 9, 1945Century Stadium, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
224Win166–47–9 Joe HymanPTS10May 23, 1945Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
223Loss165–47–9 Holman WilliamsUD12May 14, 1945Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
222Win165–46–9 Joe ReddickTKO6 May 2, 1945Armory, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
221Loss164–46–9 Joe CarterPTS10Apr 20, 1945Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
220Win164–45–9 Holman WilliamsSD10Mar 26, 1945St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
219Loss163–45–9 Johnny CarterPTS10Mar 19, 1945Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
218Win163–44–9 Butch LynchPTS10Feb 15, 1945Masonic Hall, Highland Park, New Jersey, U.S.
217Loss162–44–9 Joe CarterUD10Jan 29, 1945Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
216NC162–43–9 Oakland Billy SmithNC3 Nov 24, 1944Civic 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
215Loss162–43–9 Aaron WadePTS10Nov 13, 1944Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
214Win162–42–9 Jack ChaseUD10Oct 20, 1944Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
213Draw161–42–9 Holman WilliamsPTS12Sep 15, 1944Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.For vacant duration middleweight title
212Win161–42–8 Billy CampanelliTKO1 Aug 24, 1944Fort Hamilton Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
211Win160–42–8 Jimmy McDanielsUD10Oct 8, 1943Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
210Win159–42–8 Anthony JonesPTS10Sep 24, 1943Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
209Win158–42–8 Verne PattersonTKO7 Sep 9, 1943Fort Hamilton Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
208Win157–42–8 Phil NormanPTS10Aug 30, 1943Lido Sports Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
207Loss156–42–8 Joe CarterPTS10Jul 12, 1943Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
206Loss156–41–8 George KochanSD10Jun 7, 1943Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
205Win156–40–8 Pete DeRuzzaTKO5 May 24, 1943Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
204Win155–40–8 Al GilbertTKO2 May 17, 1943Arcadia, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
203Win154–40–8 Bob JacobsPTS8May 10, 1943Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
202Win153–40–8 Deacon Johnny BrownUD15May 3, 1943Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
201Draw152–40–8 Charley BurleyPTS10Apr 19, 1943Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
200Win152–40–7 Henry RobinsonPTS8Apr 9, 1943Uline Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S.
199Loss151–40–7 Earl TurnerPTS10Jan 25, 1943Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
198Win151–39–7 Holman WilliamsPTS12Jan 15, 1943Victory Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.Won world colored middleweight title
197Loss150–39–7 California Jackie WilsonSD10Dec 14, 1942Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
196Win150–38–7 Syd BrownPTS10Nov 8, 1942Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama
195Win149–38–7 Dan CalcagnoPTS10Oct 25, 1942Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama
194Win148–38–7 Fabio HurtadoKO4 Oct 11, 1942Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama
193Win147–38–7 Johnny JacksonUD10Aug 31, 1942Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
192Win146–38–7 Saverio TurielloUD10Aug 6, 1942Century Stadium, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
191Win145–38–7 Milo TheodorescuPTS8Jul 24, 1942Randolph-Clowes Stadium, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
190Win144–38–7 Pete DeRuzzaPTS10Jun 19, 1942White City Stadium, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
189Win143–38–7 Joe LegonPTS10May 2, 1942Arena Cristal, Havana, Cuba
188Win142–38–7 Bobby BrittonTKO6 Apr 13, 1942Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
187Win141–38–7 Holman WilliamsPTS6Mar 27, 1942Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
186Win140–38–7 Holman WilliamsUD15Mar 2, 1942Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
185Win139–38–7 Felix MoralesPTS8Feb 26, 1942Waltz Dream Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
184Loss138–38–7 Holman WilliamsUD12Jan 19, 1942Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
183Win138–37–7 Eddie DolanTKO3 Jan 14, 1942Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.Won vacant Connecticut welterweight title
182Draw137–37–7 Holman WilliamsSD10Dec 22, 1941Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
181Win137–37–6 Slugger WhiteUD15Dec 8, 1941Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
180Win136–37–6 Pedro TomezKO4 Nov 17, 1941Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
179Win135–37–6 Freddie CamusoPTS10Nov 13, 1941Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
178Win134–37–6 Bobby BrittonPTS10Oct 1, 1941Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
177Win133–37–6 Vinnie VinesPTS10Sep 8, 1941Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
176Loss132–37–6 Izzy JannazzoPTS10Aug 5, 1941Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
175Win132–36–6 Manuel Villa IIKO4 Jun 10, 1941Queensboro Arena, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
174Win131–36–6 Norman RubioPTS10Jun 2, 1941Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
173Win130–36–6 Phil FurrUD10May 13, 1941Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
172Win129–36–6 Joe SutkaKO10 Apr 21, 1941Turner's Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S.
171Win128–36–6 Jerry FiorelloPTS8Apr 15, 1941Broadway Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
170Win127–36–6 Andre JessurunUD10Mar 31, 1941Turner's Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S.
169Win126–36–6 Tony CiscoUD10Mar 17, 1941Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
168125–36–6 Kid AztecaNC10 Jan 11, 1941Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
167Loss125–36–6Kid AztecaPTS10Jan 1, 1941Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
166Loss125–35–6Jimmy LetoKO3 Nov 11, 1940Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
165Loss125–34–6Izzy JannazzoSD15Oct 14, 1940Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.For vacant Maryland world welterweight title
164Loss125–33–6Georgie AbramsSD10Aug 12, 1940Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
163Win125–32–6Phil FurrUD10Jul 15, 1940Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
162Win124–32–6Jimmy LetoUD10Jul 8, 1940Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
161Win123–32–6Frankie BrittTKO7 Jul 1, 1940Donovan Field, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S.Won USA New England welterweight title
160Win122–32–6Bill McDowellUD10Jun 19, 1940Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
159Win121–32–6Johnny BarbaraTKO1 Jun 13, 1940Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
158Win120–32–6Billy WhiteKO2 May 27, 1940Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
157Win119–32–6Chalky WrightMD10Apr 29, 1940Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
156Win118–32–6Billy WhiteTKO9 Mar 25, 1940Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
155Win117–32–6Tony MartinUD10Feb 19, 1940Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
154Win116–32–6Holman WilliamsUD15Jan 11, 1940Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.Won vacant world colored welterweight title
153Win115–32–6Tommy BlandPTS10Dec 7, 1939Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
152Win114–32–6Mike DeStefanoPTS10Dec 1, 1939Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
151Win113–32–6Carl DellSD10Oct 16, 1939Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
150Win112–32–6Kenny LaSallePTS10Oct 9, 1939Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
149Win111–32–6Wicky HarkinsMD8Oct 2, 1939Maple Grove Field House, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.
148Win110–32–6Buster CarrollUD10Aug 3, 1939Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
147Win109–32–6Steve MamakosUD10Jul 20, 1939Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
146Loss108–32–6Tony MartinPTS10Jul 3, 1939Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
145Win108–31–6Bobby MastersTKO3 Jun 15, 1939Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
144Loss107–31–6Mike KaplanSD10May 12, 1939Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
143Win107–30–6Sigi LanderRTD1 Mar 30, 1939Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
142Draw106–30–6Mike KaplanPTS10Mar 24, 1939Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
141Win106–30–5Eddie BookerPTS10Mar 9, 1939Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
140Win105–30–5Freddie CamusoUD10Feb 22, 1939Bristol Arena, New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S.
139Win104–30–5Buster CarrollPTS10Feb 16, 1939Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
138Loss103–30–5Frankie BrittSD12Jan 26, 1939Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.Lost USA New England welterweight title
137Win103–29–5Eddie CerdaPTS10Oct 1, 1938Rockland Palace, New York City, New York, U.S.
136Win102–29–5George MartinUD15Sep 9, 1938Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.Retained USA New England welterweight title
135Win101–29–5Howell KingPTS10Aug 31, 1938Naval Armory, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
134Loss100–29–5Charley BurleyUD15Aug 22, 1938Hickey Park, Millvale, Pennsylvania, U.S.Lost world colored welterweight title
133Loss100–28–5Johnny JacksonTKO10 Aug 4, 1938City Park Baseball Field, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
132Win100–27–5Tommy BlandPTS10Jul 16, 1938Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
131Loss99–27–5Paulie WalkerSD10May 2, 1938Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
130Win99–26–5Vince De AngeloPTS10Feb 28, 1938Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
129Win98–26–5Gordon WallaceUD10Feb 21, 1938Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
128Loss97–26–5Michele PalermoUD10Jan 31, 1938Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
127Win97–25–5Teddy LoderSD10Dec 6, 1937Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
126Win96–25–5Sonny JonesTKO6 Nov 15, 1937Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.Retained world colored welterweight title
125Loss95–25–5Saverio TurielloUD10Sep 20, 1937Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
124Loss95–24–5Saverio TurielloUD10Aug 16, 1937Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
123Win95–23–5Johnny LucasTKO8 Jul 26, 1937Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
122Win94–23–5Willie EleyPTS10Jul 17, 1937Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
121Win93–23–5Werther ArcelliKO2 Jul 12, 1937Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
120Win92–23–5Holman WilliamsPTS15Jun 11, 1937Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.Retained world colored welterweight title
119Loss91–23–5Johnny LucasSD12Jun 7, 1937Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
118Win91–22–5Johnny LucasSD12May 3, 1937Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
117Win90–22–5Andre JessurunKO11 Apr 5, 1937Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
116Win89–22–5Tommy JonesPTS10Mar 22, 1937Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
115Loss88–22–5Holman WilliamsPTS12Mar 12, 1937Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
114Win88–21–5Jack PortneyTKO12 Mar 1, 1937Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
113Win87–21–5Paulie WalkerPTS8Dec 16, 1936Hippodrome, New York City, New York, U.S.
112Win86–21–5Casper LaRosaUD10Nov 30, 1936Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
111Win85–21–5Jack PortneySD10Nov 9, 1936Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
110Win84–21–5Bobby OrrTKO4 Oct 14, 1936Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
109Win83–21–5Jackie ElverrilloPTS10Sep 22, 1936Heinemann Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.Retained world colored welterweight title
108Win82–21–5Jack PortneyPTS10Aug 7, 1936Newfield Park, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
107Win81–21–5Young Peter JacksonTKO2 Jul 26, 1936Heinemann Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.Won vacant world colored welterweight title
106Win80–21–5Vince De AngeloPTS10Jun 29, 1936Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
105Win79–21–5Werther ArcelliPTS12Jun 19, 1936Meadowbrook Arena, North Adams, Massachusetts, U.S.Retained USA New England welterweight title
104Loss78–21–5Andre JessurunUD10Jun 1, 1936Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
103Win78–20–5Holman WilliamsPTS10Apr 17, 1936Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
102Win77–20–5Werther ArcelliPTS10Apr 2, 1936Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
101Win76–20–5Holman WilliamsMD10Mar 13, 1936Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
100Win75–20–5Darcey WhitePTS10Feb 28, 1936Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
99Win74–20–5Wesley FarrellPTS10Feb 21, 1936Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
98Win73–20–5Tiger Joe RandallPTS10Jan 31, 1936Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
97Win72–20–5Joe PenninoPTS10Jan 6, 1936Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
96Win71–20–5Frankie CinqueSD10Dec 9, 1935Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
95Loss70–20–5Andre JessurunUD10Nov 25, 1935Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
94Win70–19–5Tommy MollisPTS10Nov 14, 1935New Albert Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
93Draw69–19–5Harvey MasseySD10Nov 1, 1935Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
92Win69–19–4Wesley FarrellPTS10Oct 18, 1935Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
91Win68–19–4Andy CallahanTKO10 Sep 9, 1935Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.Retained USA New England welterweight title
90Win67–19–4Casper LaRosaPTS8Aug 31, 1935Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
89Win66–19–4Davey GrandeUD10Aug 1, 1935Meadowbrook Arena, North Adams, Massachusetts, U.S.
88Win65–19–4Paul CanamarePTS8Jul 12, 1935Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
87Win64–19–4Harry CarltonPTS10Jun 28, 1935Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
86Win63–19–4Werther ArcelliUD10Jun 13, 1935Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
85Win62–19–4Frankie BrittPTS10May 27, 1935Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.Won USA New England welterweight title;
Won vacant USA New England middleweight title
84Win61–19–4Johnny GraycarTKO4 May 13, 1935Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
83Loss60–19–4Jimmy LetoPTS10Apr 26, 1935Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
82Win60–18–4Ray NapolitanoUD8Mar 22, 1935Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
81Win59–18–4Ray NapolitanoPTS8Feb 28, 1935Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
80Loss58–18–4Kid AztecaPTS10Jan 26, 1935Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
79Draw58–17–4Kid AztecaPTS10Jan 19, 1935Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
78Win58–17–3Elmer BezenahPTS6Dec 3, 1934Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
77Win57–17–3Petey MikePTS10Nov 22, 1934Kanter's Auditorium, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
76Loss56–17–3Christopher BattalinoRTD6 Oct 23, 1934Foot Guard Hall, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
75Loss56–16–3Michele PalermoPTS10Sep 27, 1934Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
74Win56–15–3Carmen RomanPTS10Aug 21, 1934St. Michael's Arena, Pawcatuck, Connecticut, U.S.
73Loss55–15–3Frankie BrittPTS10Aug 16, 1934Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
72Win55–14–3Gaston LeCadreSD8Aug 6, 1934Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
71Win54–14–3Morrie ShermanPTS6Jul 17, 1934Coney Island Velodrome, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
70Win53–14–3Steve HalaikoPTS8Jul 9, 1934Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
69Win52–14–3Danny DevlinUD10Jun 18, 1934Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
68Win51–14–3Steve HalaikoUD10Jun 11, 1934Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
67Win50–14–3Billy BridgesTKO4 Jun 7, 1934Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
66Win49–14–3Eddie HolmesUD10May 28, 1934Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
65Win48–14–3Frankie BrunoPTS6May 26, 1934Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
64Win47–14–3Johnny LucasPTS10Apr 30, 1934Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
63Win46–14–3Sailor RandallPTS10Apr 20, 1934Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S.
62Win45–14–3Andy DiVodiPTS10Apr 12, 1934Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
61Loss44–14–3Joey FerrandoPTS10Apr 9, 1934Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
60Win44–13–3Pancho VillaSD10Mar 16, 1934Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
59Win43–13–3Joey BazzonePTS10Feb 26, 1934Palisades Rink, McKeesport, Pennsylvania, U.S.
58Loss42–13–3Ray NapolitanoSD6Feb 24, 1934Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
57Win42–12–3Tony CatalanoTKO2 Feb 15, 1934Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
56Win41–12–3Eddie MarksTKO3 Feb 8, 1934Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
55Loss40–12–3Jackie DavisPTS8Jan 18, 1934Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
54Win40–11–3Joey BazzonePTS10Jan 7, 1934Johnstown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
53Loss39–11–3Lou AmbersPTS10Dec 5, 1933Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
52Draw39–10–3Joe GhnoulyPTS6Nov 24, 1933Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
51Win39–10–2Victor LottiTKO3 Sep 26, 1933Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
50Loss38–10–2Wesley RameyUD10Aug 31, 1933Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
49Win38–9–2Eddie ShapiroPTS10Aug 26, 1933Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
48Win37–9–2Young Joe FirpoPTS10Aug 14, 1933Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
47Loss36–9–2Steve HalaikoPTS10Jul 31, 1933White City Stadium, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
46Win36–8–2Paolo VillaKO3 Jul 22, 1933Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
45Win35–8–2George GoldbergTKO4 Jul 13, 1933Meadowbrook Arena, North Adams, Massachusetts, U.S.
44Win34–8–2Jimmy O'BrienTKO6 Jul 8, 1933Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
43Loss33–8–2Steve HalaikoUD10Jun 19, 1933Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
42Win33–7–2Eddie ConleyTKO5 Jun 9, 1933Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
41Win32–7–2Frankie CarltonKO2 May 22, 1933Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
40Loss31–7–2Jimmy LetoUD10May 8, 1933Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
39Win31–6–2Johnny JadickPTS10Apr 17, 1933Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
38Loss30–6–2Billy BridgesPTS10Apr 7, 1933Columbus Hall, Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.
37Win30–5–2Lou SaundersTKO2 Mar 28, 1933Columbus Hall, Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.
36Win29–5–2Miki GelbTKO8 Mar 20, 1933Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
35Win