Jackie Sharkey


Jackie Sharkey or Jack Sharkey was an Italian-born American boxer who made a claim to the World Bantamweight Title on August 15, 1919, defeating reigning champion Pete Herman in a ten-round, no-decision bout in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His claim to the title was not universally recognized at the time. Jack Sharkey, also known as Little Jackie Sharkey, should not be confused with the heavyweight champion Jack Sharkey.

Early life and career

Jackie Sharkey was born Giovanni Cervati in Bologna, Emilia Romagna, Italy on June 20, 1897, though he would live most of his life in New York City. In his early professional career between May 23, 1914, and February 21, 1916, fighting almost exclusively in the New York area, he won three and lost six bouts, with one draw.
On February 21, 1916, Sharkey lost to Jewish boxer Abe Friedman at the Olympia Boxing Club in New York in a ten-round newspaper decision. Friedman would become a competent bantamweight fringe contender during his career taking the USA New England Bantamweight Title in 1921.
On June 2, 1916, Sharkey lost to Young Zulu Kid in a fifth-round knockout at the Vanderbilt Athletic Club in Brooklyn, New York. By that year, Zulu Kid had established himself as a serious world flyweight contender.

Draw with Johnny Coulon, February 1917

On February 5, 1917, Sharkey drew with former World Bantamweight champion Johnny Coulon in a ten-round newspaper decision at the Pioneer Sporting Club in New York. Local newspapers disagreed on the decision. Coulon held the World Bantamweight Championship from 1911 to 1913, though the title was not unified at the time.
On July 27, 1917, Sharkey first lost to Kid Williams in six rounds at Oriole Park in Baltimore, at least by the newspaper decision of the Baltimore Sun. He lost to Williams again on April 1, 1918, in a twelve-round points decision at the Lyric Theater in Baltimore. Williams held the World Bantamweight Title from June 1914 to January 1917.

Bouts with December 1920 World Bantamweight Champion Joe Lynch 1916–25

Sharkey first met Joe Lynch on September 26, 1916, in the star bout at the Pioneer Sporting Club in New York, losing in ten-round newspaper decisions of the New York Times and New York Tribune. They met on February 27, 1917, and Sharkey lost again by a ten-round decision of three New York newspapers at the Pioneer Sports Club in New York City. Sharkey was down in the fifth round, after which Lynch had little trouble penetrating his defenses. The bout was an elimination series for the bantamweight championship, and Lynch had some difficulty with Sharkey in the early rounds.
Sharky and Joe Lynch drew in a fifteen-round points decision at New York's Madison Square Garden on September 28, 1920, although Lynch was down in several rounds from the blows of Sharkey. Sharkey's ability to stay fifteen rounds with a top bantamweight contender put him squarely in the list of top contenders himself. On December 2, 1920, in a somewhat more historic bout, Lynch defeated Sharkey in a fifteenth-round knockout at Madison Square Garden. Sharkey had the better of the bout up until the sixth round, when Lynch became far more dominant. Lynch's win gave him the right to challenge Pete Herman for the Bantamweight Championship three weeks later. On July 2, 1925, at the Polo Grounds in New York, home of the New York Giants, the two drew in four rounds to a large house in which Lynch was somewhat favored to win.

Seven bouts with top bantamweight contender Frankie Burns, 1916–18

Sharkey met Frankie Burns seven times during his career, but had little luck with the highly rated bantamweight contender. Beginning on November 27, 1916, Sharkey faced a ten-round loss by newspaper decision from Burns in New York, followed by a ten-round loss on February 9, 1917, at the Harlem Sports Club in New York by newspaper decision of the New York Sun. Sharkey sank to the mat in the sixth round and claimed a foul, though he recovered by the seventh. He fought the first two rounds "like a whirlwind" and looked to have an advantage, but lost his pace in subsequent rounds. In the third, Sharkey was stunned by a left hook to his midriff that may have affected him for the remainder of the bout.
On October 15, 1917, he lost to Burns in a newspaper decision ten rounder in Albany, New York. Burns was "too clever" for Sharkey and "won by use of constant left jabs and right handers to the body". Sharkey fell to a ten-round loss by newspaper decision in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on February 21, 1918. In their February 21 Jersey City Town Hall bout, Burns was described as easily outpointing his opponent, and taking seven of the ten rounds, with only one to Sharkey before a substantial house of 4000. On June 20, 1918, he drew with Burns in a six-round newspaper decision in Madison Square Garden, and he lost to Burns again at the Garden in their last bout on November 16 in a six-round newspaper decision of the New York Times. Burns was eight years older than Sharkey, but seemed a difficult opponent to defeat. On July 13, 1920, Sharkey lost to Burns in a twelve-round newspaper decision of the Philadelphia Record at the Outdoor Arena of the Armory in Jersey City, New Jersey. As a highly rated Bantamweight, Burns contended four times for the World Bantamweight Championship between 1912 and 1917.
On April 6, 1918, Sharkey defeated Joe Tuber at the National Athletic Club in Philadelphia in a six-round newspaper decision of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The bout was described as sensational and Sharkey was considered to have been in his best form with a clear advantage.
On March 24, 1919, Sharkey lost to Jackie "Kid" Wolfe in a ten-round newspaper decision of the Bridgeport Standard Telegram at the Grand Theater in Cleveland, Ohio.
On May 3, 1920, Sharkey lost to Jewish boxer Young Montreal, aka Morris Billingkoff, in a twelve-round points decision at Infantry Hall in Providence, Rhode Island. Young Montreal was a skilled opponent who was a contender for the World Bantamweight Championship for a ten-year period.

Championship fights

Sharkey first defeated Pete Herman in a six-round newspaper decision of two local newspapers at the National Athletic Club in Philadelphia on May 4, 1918. The victory over the reigning bantamweight champion was described as "a clean cut lacing", and several newspapers agreed Sharkey had the advantage in the bout. Due to a smaller house than expected, Sharkey was poorly compensated for his victory. Sharkey was described as the aggressor through most of the bout and able to stand punch for punch with the champion. On September 2, 1918, Sharkey again fared well against Herman in a non-title six-round match at the Olympia Club in Philadelphia although it ended in a no-decision and more newspapers gave the advantage to Herman. Sharkey was described as the aggressor and always forcing the pace, though more newspapers felt Herman deserved to win having better timed and more effective punches. The fight was close and Sharkey made Herman extend himself.

Championship

Sharkey briefly claimed the World Bantamweight Championship on August 15, 1919, in a ten-round newspaper decision against Herman in a no-decision bout in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, though the title was not unified at the time, and Sharkey won by a fairly close margin. Sharkey's claim was not recognized at the time, as he would have had to win by knockout or technical knockout to take the title, or to have won by the decision of a referee. Tt majority of newspaper reports gave Sharkey the edge. On September 15, 1919, Sharkey again had the edge over Herman in a World Bantamweight Championship match in Detroit, Michigan in a ten-round newspaper decision by the Detroit Free Press, though it was fairly close. According to one source, Sharkey was the aggressor, though Herman landed the more telling blows. On September 11, 1920, Sharkey again defeated Herman in a non-title, fifteen-round newspaper decision of the Chicago Tribune in East Chicago, Indiana, though Herman held the World Bantamweight Championship at the time. Sharkey claimed fouls in the fifth and seventh rounds which were not allowed by the referee. Sharkey was the aggressor throughout which earned him the advantage according to several newspapers. Sharkey's claim to the title was stripped on September 11, 1920.

Jimmy Wilde fight

On December 6, 1919, Sharkey defeated British champion Jimmy Wilde in a ten-round newspaper decision of the Milwaukee Journal before a crowd close to 8,000 at the Auditorium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sharkey was considered a decisive winner, taking eight of the ten rounds according to the newspapermen at ringside. Sharkey's blows were said to land more frequently and with greater force. Sharkey's win was at least a minor upset as Wilde led in the early betting 2 to 1. Sharkey's purse was $20,000 and he achieved notoriety that would help him command more for his future bouts. An exceptional opponent, Wilde would take the British and European Flyweight Championships in that year, and the World Flyweight Championship by 1920.

Charles Ledoux fight

On October 15, 1920, Sharkey defeated French boxer Charles Ledoux in a fifteen-round points decision at Madison Square Garden. In his career, Ledoux would take both the European and French bantamweight championships. Sharkey appeared to have a clear advantage in the first three rounds and Ledoux was very briefly down in the second.

Johnny Buff fight

On November 10, 1921, Sharkey lost to Johnny Buff in a fifteen-round World Bantamweight Championship by points decision at Madison Square Garden. In the close and exciting fight, Sharkey had five rounds, six went to Buff, and four were even. Both boxers took the lead at times, but Buff finished stronger. The Des Moines Register called it "as rousing a battle as ever you'd wish to see." Most newspapers gave the fight to Buff, who held the World Bantamweight title at the time. The New York Times gave Sharkey the seventh, eighth and ninth rounds, while Buff took eleven of the remaining rounds, with one even. The final rounds seemed to clearly belong to Buff. Sharkey had lost to Buff on January 15, 1920, in an eight-round newspaper decision of the Jersey Journal in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Johnny Dundee fight

On July 6, 1922, Sharkey lost to Johnny Dundee in a fifteen-round points decision of a Junior Lightweight Championship bout at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn with an attendance of around 15,000. Sharkey was down briefly in the fourth and again in the fifteenth in what several boxing critics considered only a modest showing for Dundee. The New York Evening World wrote that Dundee was "losing his fighting fire", by allowing the bout to go fifteen rounds. The Evening World considered Dundee to have taken every round, though Sharkey made a strong showing in the early part of the fourth. The Evening World described the fighting as somewhat refrained though there was a stronger showing in the fourth and fourteenth rounds. Though Sharkey came out strong in the fourteenth with a blow to Dundee's jaw, Dundee answered and the close exchange was short lived, with both boxers fighting with more reserve through the fifteenth. The bout was quite exciting and Sharkey was said to excel at infighting having a reach advantage over Dundee. In the early betting, at least among New York newspapers like the New York Tribune, Dundee seemed a clear favorite. The fight was close according to some newspapers and pushed Dundee to his limits, though he won "by a shade". Sharkey never again competed for a world championship.
Fighting at 127 pounds as a junior lightweight, on June 19, 1923, Sharkey lost to Pete Zivic at Queensboro Stadium in Queens, New York in a twelve-round points decision. Zivic was a competent junior lightweight, but Sharkey's record included many losses after his loss to Johnny Dundee on July 6, 1922. Sharkey had nearly a six-pound weight advantage over Zivic though he lacked a few inches in reach.

Frankie Fasano fight and aftermath

On December 2, 1924, Sharkey lost on a second round disqualification against Frankie Fasano when he reportedly and uncharacteristically attacked the referee. He had claimed to be a victim of a foul which the referee disallowed. According to the New York Times, the event greatly disquieted the audience. After he struck referee Eddie Purdy in the jaw, his boxing license was revoked the following day and he did not box for the remainder of the year. He boxed in New York four months later in April 1925. On May 14, 1925, he lost again to Fasano in a ten-round points decision at Manhattan Casino in New York after being reinstated. He lost his momentum by the second round.

Retirement from boxing, 1926

Sharkey retired from boxing around May 1926, with a ten-round points decision loss to Young Mulligan in Norwalk, Connecticut. He had lost two prior bouts by newspaper decision since September 1925, as well as a third-round TKO to Jewish boxer Red Chapman on October 23, 1925. In September 1927, the talented Chapman would lose to Benny Bass in a close bout for the NBA World Featherweight Championship in Philadelphia.
Sharkey was twenty-eight years old when he retired from the ring. He died on March 1, 1970, at the age of 72.

Professional boxing record

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec, unless otherwise stated.

Official record

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateAgeLocationNotes
148Loss19–26–13 Young MulliganPTS10May 25, 1926Armory, Norwalk, New Jersey, US
147Win19–25–13 Georgie SandersPTS8Feb 22, 1926Hot Springs, Arkansas, US
146Loss18–25–13 Giovanni SalernoNWS10Nov 6, 1925Floral Park Arena, North Bergen, New Jersey, US
145Loss18–25–13 Red ChapmanTKO3 Oct 23, 1925Lawrence, Massachusetts, US
144Loss18–24–13 Johnny KochanskyNWS10Sep 8, 1925Jersey City, New Jersey, US
14318–24–13 Petey MackND12Aug 3, 1925Jersey City, New Jersey, US
142Loss18–24–13 Harry LondonTKO4 Aug 1, 1925Hollywood Baseball Park, Long Branch, New Jersey, USSharkey fell out of the ring and could not continue
141Win18–23–13 Midget Mike MoranNWS10Jul 24, 1925Bayonne, Louisiana, US
14018–23–13 Pete SarmientoNC3 Jul 16, 1925Dexter Park Stadium, New Jersey, USRain came down so hard the canvas became
water-soaked and slippery and the bout had to be stopped
139Win18–23–13 Johnny CurtinNWS12Jul 6, 1925Oakland AA, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
138Draw18–23–13 Joe LynchPTS4Jul 2, 1925Polo Grounds, New York City, New York, US
137Loss18–23–12 Frankie FasanoPTS10May 13, 1925Manhattan Casino, New York City, New York, US
136Win18–22–12 Harry LondonPTS10Apr 29, 1925Manhattan Casino, New York City, New York, US
135Win17–22–12 Willie TuckerKO1 Apr 23, 1925Columbus Hall, Yonkers, New York, US
134Loss16–22–12 Eddie BowenNWS10Apr 1, 1925Barracks, Washington, DC, US
133Loss16–22–12 Frankie FasanoDQ2 Dec 2, 1924Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, USSharkey claimed a foul, but the referee disagreed.
Sharkey attacked him and was DQ'd.
132Win16–21–12 Willie DuffyPTS10Nov 13, 1924Columbus Hall, Yonkers, New York, US
131Loss15–21–12 Izzy CooperPTS6Oct 27, 1924Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, US
130Win15–20–12 Jack DaltonPTS8Mar 13, 1924Shreveport, Louisiana, US
129Loss14–20–12 Eddie McKennaTKO8 Feb 18, 1924Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, US
128Loss14–19–12 Jack LockhartKO1 Sep 26, 1923Arena, Seattle, Washington, US
127Loss14–18–12 George MarksPTS4Sep 18, 1923Arena, Vernon, California, US
126Loss14–17–12 Peter ZivicPTS12Jun 19, 1923Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, US
125Win14–16–12 Mickey BrownPTS12Jun 8, 1923Rink SC, New York City, New York, US
124Loss13–16–12 Johnny CurtinPTS8Jun 2, 1923Polo Grounds, New York City, New York, US
123Loss13–15–12 Charlie BeecherPTS8Apr 23, 1923Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, US
122Loss13–14–12 Johnny CurtinNWS12Jan 8, 19234th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
121Loss13–14–12 Tommy GerrardNWS12Jan 1, 1923Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, US
120Loss13–14–12 Sammy SiegerPTS12Jul 29, 1922Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, US
119Loss13–13–12 Johnny DundeeUD15Jul 6, 1922Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, USFor NYSAC super featherweight title
118Win13–12–12 Jack HausnerPTS12Jun 2, 1922Palace of Joy, New York City, New York, US
117Draw12–12–12 Vincent 'Pepper' MartinPTS12May 20, 1922Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, US
116Win12–12–11 Roy MoorePTS12May 9, 1922Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
115Win11–12–11 Harry LondonPTS12Apr 29, 1922Commonwealth Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
114Win10–12–11 Joe O'DonnellNWS8Apr 20, 1922Ice Palace, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
113Win10–12–11 Sammy NablePTS12Apr 11, 1922Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
112Win9–12–11 Willie SpencerPTS12Mar 28, 1922Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
111Loss8–12–11 Johnny BrownNWS10Mar 17, 1922N/APhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, USExact date and venue unknown
110Win8–12–11 Earl McArthurNWS10Feb 27, 1922Edgewater Garden, Sioux City, Iowa, US
109Loss8–12–11 Johnny BuffPTS15Nov 10, 1921Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, USFor NYSAC and NBA bantamweight titles
108Loss8–11–11 William VincentPTS8Oct 7, 1921Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
107Draw8–10–11 Sammy NablePTS12Sep 26, 1921Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, US
106Win8–10–10 Roy MooreNWS10Sep 9, 1921Twin Cities AC, East Chicago, Indiana, US
105Draw8–10–10 Cowboy Eddie AndersonPTS12Aug 26, 1921Palace of Joy, New York City, New York, US
104Draw8–10–9 Joe BurmanPTS10Jun 21, 1921Boxing Drome, New York City, New York, US
103Draw8–10–8 Willie SpencerPTS12Jun 10, 1921Palace of Joy, New York City, New York, US
102Win8–10–7 Midget SmithPTS12May 2, 1921Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
101Win7–10–7 Benny CosterPTS15Apr 26, 1921Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
100Loss6–10–7 Midget SmithSD15Apr 7, 1921Manhattan Casino, New York City, New York, US
99Draw6–9–7 Midget SmithPTS10Mar 21, 1921Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
98Loss6–9–6 Roy MooreTKO11 Dec 29, 1920Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
97Loss6–8–6 Joe LynchKO15, 0:43Dec 2, 1920Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
96Win6–7–6 Charles LedouxPTS15Oct 15, 1920Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
95Draw5–7–6 Joe BurmanNWS10Oct 9, 1920East Chicago, Indiana, US
94Draw5–7–6 Joe LynchPTS15Sep 28, 1920Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
93Win5–7–5 Pete HermanNWS10Sep 11, 1920Oswego Arena, East Chicago, Indiana, US
92Draw5–7–5 Terry MartinPTS12Aug 3, 1920Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US
91Loss5–7–4 Frankie BurnsNWS12Jul 13, 1920Armory AA, Outdoor Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
90Loss5–7–4 Dick LoadmanNWS10Jun 1, 1920Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
89Loss5–7–4 Young MontrealPTS12May 3, 1920Infantry Hall, Providence, Rhode Island, US
88Draw5–6–4 Chip DavisNWS10May 1, 1920Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, US
87Draw5–6–4 Abe FriedmanPTS12Apr 27, 1920Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US
86Win5–6–3 Lew AngeloNWS8Mar 22, 1920Grand Theatre, Trenton, New Jersey, US
85Win5–6–3 Roy MooreNWS10Mar 3, 1920Roller Palace Rink, Detroit, Michigan, US
84Win5–6–3 Jimmy ConwayKO1 Feb 26, 1920Crescent Rink, Lowell, Massachusetts, US
83Loss4–6–3 Memphis Pal MooreNWS12Feb 23, 1920Portland, Maine, US
82Win4–6–3 William VincentNWS10Jan 21, 1920Detroit, Michigan, US
81Loss4–6–3 Johnny BuffNWS8Jan 15, 1920Grand View Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
80Win4–6–3 Patsy WallaceNWS6Jan 5, 1920Olympia AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
79Win4–6–3 Marty CollinsNWS10Dec 29, 1919Grand Opera House, Syracuse, New York, US
78Win4–6–3 Patsy JohnsonNWS8Dec 22, 19191st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, US
77Win4–6–3 Jimmy WildeNWS10Dec 6, 1919Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
76Loss4–6–3 Kid ReganNWS8Oct 28, 1919Saint Louis, Missouri, US
75Win4–6–3 Kid ReganNWS8Oct 14, 1919Saint Louis, Missouri, US
74Win4–6–3 Sammy MarinoNWS10Oct 10, 1919Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
73Win4–6–3 Pete HermanNWS10Sep 15, 1919Roller Palace Rink, Detroit, Michigan, USWorld bantamweight title at stake;
72Win4–6–3 William VincentNWS10Sep 1, 1919Detroit, Michigan, US
71Win4–6–3 Pete HermanNWS10Aug 15, 1919Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USWorld bantamweight title at stake;
70Win4–6–3 Patsy JohnsonNWS10Jul 14, 1919Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
69Win4–6–3 Joe BurmanNWS10Jun 16, 1919Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
68Win4–6–3 Memphis Pal MooreNWS10Jun 4, 1919John Wagner's Arena, Racine, Wisconsin, US
67Win4–6–3 Abe FriedmanNWS6May 19, 1919Olympia AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
66Win4–6–3 Frankie MasonNWS8May 7, 1919Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, US
65Win4–6–3 Chalky WimlerNWS6Apr 14, 1919Duquesne Gardens, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US
64Loss4–6–3 Jack 'Kid' WolfeNWS10Mar 24, 1919Grand Theater, Cleveland, Ohio, US
63Win4–6–3 Patsy JohnsonNWS8Mar 19, 1919McGuigan's Arena, Harrison, New Jersey, US
62Loss4–6–3 Patsy JohnsonNWS?Mar 10, 1919Harrison AC, Trenton, New Jersey, US
61Draw4–6–3 Joe BurmanNWS8Jan 27, 1919Grand Theatre, Trenton, New Jersey, US
60Win4–6–3 Young Eddie WagondNWS6Dec 21, 1918National AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
59Draw4–6–3 Dick LoadmanPTS12Dec 20, 1918Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
58Win4–6–2 Harold FareseNWS8Dec 17, 1918Broad AC, Newark, New Jersey, US
57Loss4–6–2 Patsy JohnsonNWS8Dec 16, 1918Trenton, New Jersey, US
56Loss4–6–2 Harold FareseNWS8Dec 9, 1918McGuigan's Arena, Harrison, New Jersey, US
55Win4–6–2 Young Terry McGovernNWS6Dec 6, 1918Cambria AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
54Win4–6–2 Eddie WimlerNWS6Dec 2, 1918Olympia AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
53Loss4–6–2 Frankie BurnsNWS6Nov 16, 1918Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
52Draw4–6–2 Dick LoadmanNWS10Sep 17, 1918Bison Stadium, Buffalo, New York, US
51Loss4–6–2 Pete HermanNWS6Sep 2, 1918Olympia AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
50Loss4–6–2 Memphis Pal MooreNWS8Aug 5, 1918Armory AA, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
49Win4–6–2 Harvey CrosbyDQ1 Jul 29, 1918Armory AA Outdoor Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
48Loss3–6–2 Harvey CrosbyNWS8Jul 4, 19184th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
47Loss3–6–2 Al ShubertPTS12Jun 24, 1918New Bedford, Massachusetts, US
46Draw3–5–2 Frankie BurnsNWS6Jun 20, 1918Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
45Loss3–5–2 Pete HermanNWS6May 4, 1918National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
44Win3–5–2 Joe TuberNWS6Apr 6, 1918National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
43Loss3–5–2 Kid WilliamsPTS12Apr 1, 1918Lyric Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
42Loss3–4–2 Frankie BurnsNWS10Feb 21, 1918Town Hall, Scranton, Pennsylvania, US
41Loss3–4–2 Memphis Pal MoorePTS10Feb 18, 1918Lyric Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
40Draw3–3–2 Joey LeonardNWS10Jan 1, 1918Town Hall, Scranton, Pennsylvania, US
39Draw3–3–2 Andy ChaneyPTS15Dec 26, 1917Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
38Draw3–3–1 Steve FlessnerPTS10Dec 12, 1917Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
37Win3–3 Freddie HaeflingNWS10Nov 26, 1917Coliseum A.C., Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, US
36Loss3–3 Memphis Pal MooreNWS10Oct 30, 1917German Hall, Albany, New York, US
35Loss3–3 Frankie BurnsNWS10Oct 15, 1917Auditorium, Albany, New York, US
34Loss3–3 Memphis Pal MooreNWS10Aug 20, 1917Convention Hall, Saratoga, New York, US
33Loss3–3 Kid WilliamsNWS6Jul 27, 1917Oriole Park, Baltimore, Maryland, US
32Loss3–3 Joe BurmanNWS10Jun 19, 1917Pioneer SC, New York City, New York, US
31Draw3–3 William VincentNWS10May 29, 1917National SC, Albany, New York, US
30Draw3–3 William VincentNWS10May 15, 1917German Hall, Albany, New York, US
29Win3–3 Frankie DalyNWS10Apr 14, 1917Fairmont SC, New York City, New York, US
28Win3–3 Johnny SolzbergNWS10Apr 5, 1917Harlem SC, New York City, New York, US
27Loss3–3 Joe LynchNWS10Feb 27, 1917Pioneer SC, New York City, New York, US
26Loss3–3 Frankie BurnsNWS10Feb 9, 1917Harlem SC, New York City, New York, US
25Draw3–3 Johnny CoulonNWS10Feb 5, 1917Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
24Loss3–3 Mickey DunnNWS10Jan 5, 1917Harlem SC, New York City, New York, US
23Win3–3 Bobby HubonNWS10Jan 1, 1917Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
22Win3–3 Gardner BrooksNWS10Dec 12, 1916Hunter Point SC, New York City, New York, US
21Loss3–3 Frankie BurnsNWS10Nov 27, 1916Pioneer SC, New York City, New York, US
20Loss3–3 Memphis Pal MooreNWS10Nov 25, 1916Fairmont AC, New York City, New York, US
19Win3–3 Bobby HubonNWS10Nov 14, 1916Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
18Loss3–3 Frankie BrittNWS10Nov 10, 1916Marieville Gardens, North Providence, Rhode Island, US
17Loss3–3 Joe LynchNWS10Sep 26, 1916Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
16Loss3–3 Young Zulu KidKO5 Jun 2, 1916Vanderbilt AC, New York City, New York, US
15Win3–2 Jack SaylesNWS10May 24, 1916Stadium AC, New York City, New York, US
14Win3–2 Johnny TaylorNWS10May 12, 1916Brown's Gym AA, New York City, New York, US
13Loss3–2 Freddie HaeflingNWS10Mar 27, 1916Majestic Theatre, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, US
12Win3–2 Johnny FisseNWS10Mar 25, 1916Fairmont AC, New York City, New York, US
11Win3–2 Abe FriedmanNWS10Feb 28, 1916Majestic Theatre, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, US
10Loss3–2 Abe FriedmanNWS10Feb 21, 1916Olympia Boxing Club, New York City, New York, US
9Win3–2 Freddie HaeflingPTS10Jan 28, 1916Majestic Theater, Waterbury, Connecticut, US
8Win2–2 Eddie GormanDQ2 Jan 17, 1916Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, US
7Loss1–2 Johnny EggersKO3Jan 14, 1916Vanderbilt AC, New York City, New York, US
6Loss1–1 Teddy JacobsNWS10Nov 12, 1915Long Acre AA, New York City, New York, US
5Loss1–1 Jack DiamondTKO2 Mar 16, 1915Brown's Gym AA, New York City, New York, US
4Draw1–0 Young BennyNWS10Jan 16, 1915Brown's Gym, New York City, New York, US
3Win1–0 Buddy FaulkesPTS12Nov 26, 1914Hanna Armory, New Britain, Connecticut, US
2Loss0–0 Frankie DalyNWS10Oct 5, 1914Olympic
1Loss0–0 Percy Young AubreyNWS10May 23, 1914Brown's Gym AA, New York City, New York, US

Unofficial record

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRoundDateAgeLocationNotes
148Loss59–64–23 Young MulliganPTS10May 25, 1926Armory, Norwalk, New Jersey, US
147Win59–63–23 Georgie SandersPTS8Feb 22, 1926Hot Springs, Arkansas, US
146Loss58–63–23 Giovanni SalernoNWS10Nov 6, 1925Floral Park Arena, North Bergen, New Jersey, US
145Loss58–62–23 Red ChapmanTKO3 Oct 23, 1925Lawrence, Massachusetts, US
144Loss58–61–23 Johnny KochanskyNWS10Sep 8, 1925Jersey City, New Jersey, US
14358–60–23 Petey MackND12Aug 3, 1925Jersey City, New Jersey, US
142Loss58–60–23 Harry LondonTKO4 Aug 1, 1925Hollywood Baseball Park, Long Branch, New Jersey, USSharkey fell out of the ring and could not continue
141Win58–59–23 Midget Mike MoranNWS10Jul 24, 1925Bayonne, Louisiana, US
14057–59–23 Pete SarmientoNC3 Jul 16, 1925Dexter Park Stadium, New Jersey, USRain came down so hard the canvas became
water-soaked and slippery and the bout had to be stopped
139Win57–59–23Johnny CurtinNWS12Jul 6, 1925Oakland AA, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
138Draw56–59–23Joe LynchPTS4Jul 2, 1925Polo Grounds, New York City, New York, US
137Loss56–59–22Frankie FasanoPTS10May 13, 1925Manhattan Casino, New York City, New York, US
136Win56–58–22Harry LondonPTS10Apr 29, 1925Manhattan Casino, New York City, New York, US
135Win55–58–22Willie TuckerKO1 Apr 23, 1925Columbus Hall, Yonkers, New York, US
134Loss54–58–22Eddie BowenNWS10Apr 1, 1925Barracks, Washington, DC, US
133Loss54–57–22Frankie FasanoDQ2 Dec 2, 1924Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, USSharkey claimed a foul, but the referee disagreed.
Sharkey attacked him and was DQ'd.
132Win53–57–22Willie DuffyPTS10Nov 13, 1924Columbus Hall, Yonkers, New York, US
131Loss52–57–22Izzy CooperPTS6Oct 27, 1924Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, US
130Win52–56–22Jack DaltonPTS8Mar 13, 1924Shreveport, Louisiana, US
129Loss51–56–22Eddie McKennaTKO8 Feb 18, 1924Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, US
128Loss51–55–22Jack LockhartKO1 Sep 26, 1923Arena, Seattle, Washington, US
127Loss51–54–22George MarksPTS4Sep 18, 1923Arena, Vernon, California, US
126Loss51–53–22Peter ZivicPTS12Jun 19, 1923Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, US
125Win51–52–22Mickey BrownPTS12Jun 8, 1923Rink SC, New York City, New York, US
124Loss50–52–22Johnny CurtinPTS8Jun 2, 1923Polo Grounds, New York City, New York, US
123Loss50–51–22Charlie BeecherPTS8Apr 23, 1923Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, US
122Loss50–50–22Johnny CurtinNWS12Jan 8, 19234th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
121Loss50–49–22Tommy GerrardNWS12Jan 1, 1923Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, US
120Loss50–48–22Sammy SiegerPTS12Jul 29, 1922Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, US
119Loss50–47–22Johnny DundeeUD15Jul 6, 1922Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, USFor NYSAC super featherweight title
118Win50–46–22Jack HausnerPTS12Jun 2, 1922Palace of Joy, New York City, New York, US
117Draw49–46–22Vincent 'Pepper' MartinPTS12May 20, 1922Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, US
116Win49–46–21Roy MoorePTS12May 9, 1922Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
115Win48–46–21Harry LondonPTS12Apr 29, 1922Commonwealth Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
114Win47–46–21Joe O'DonnellNWS8Apr 20, 1922Ice Palace, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
113Win46–46–21Sammy NablePTS12Apr 11, 1922Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
112Win45–46–21Willie SpencerPTS12Mar 28, 1922Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
111Loss44–46–21Johnny BrownNWS10Mar 17, 1922N/APhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, USExact date and venue unknown
110Win44–45–21Earl McArthurNWS10Feb 27, 1922Edgewater Garden, Sioux City, Iowa, US
109Loss43–45–21Johnny BuffPTS15Nov 10, 1921Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, USFor NYSAC and NBA bantamweight titles
108Loss43–44–21William VincentPTS8Oct 7, 1921Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
107Draw43–43–21Sammy NablePTS12Sep 26, 1921Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, US
106Win43–43–20Roy MooreNWS10Sep 9, 1921Twin Cities AC, East Chicago, Indiana, US
105Draw42–43–20Cowboy Eddie AndersonPTS12Aug 26, 1921Palace of Joy, New York City, New York, US
104Draw42–43–19Joe BurmanPTS10Jun 21, 1921Boxing Drome, New York City, New York, US
103Draw42–43–18Willie SpencerPTS12Jun 10, 1921Palace of Joy, New York City, New York, US
102Win42–43–17Midget SmithPTS12May 2, 1921Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
101Win41–43–17Benny CosterPTS15Apr 26, 1921Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
100Loss40–43–17Midget SmithSD15Apr 7, 1921Manhattan Casino, New York City, New York, US
99Draw40–42–17Midget SmithPTS10Mar 21, 1921Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
98Loss40–42–16Roy MooreTKO11 Dec 29, 1920Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
97Loss40–41–16Joe LynchKO15, 0:43Dec 2, 1920Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
96Win40–40–16Charles LedouxPTS15Oct 15, 1920Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
95Draw39–40–16Joe BurmanNWS10Oct 9, 1920East Chicago, Indiana, US
94Draw39–40–15Joe LynchPTS15Sep 28, 1920Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
93Win39–40–14Pete HermanNWS10Sep 11, 1920Oswego Arena, East Chicago, Indiana, US
92Draw38–40–14Terry MartinPTS12Aug 3, 1920Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US
91Loss38–40–13Frankie BurnsNWS12Jul 13, 1920Armory AA, Outdoor Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
90Loss38–39–13Dick LoadmanNWS10Jun 1, 1920Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
89Loss38–38–13Young MontrealPTS12May 3, 1920Infantry Hall, Providence, Rhode Island, US
88Draw38–37–13Chip DavisNWS10May 1, 1920Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, US
87Draw38–37–12Abe FriedmanPTS12Apr 27, 1920Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US
86Win38–37–11Lew AngeloNWS8Mar 22, 1920Grand Theatre, Trenton, New Jersey, US
85Win37–37–11Roy MooreNWS10Mar 3, 1920Roller Palace Rink, Detroit, Michigan, US
84Win36–37–11Jimmy ConwayKO1 Feb 26, 1920Crescent Rink, Lowell, Massachusetts, US
83Loss35–37–11Memphis Pal MooreNWS12Feb 23, 1920Portland, Maine, US
82Win35–36–11William VincentNWS10Jan 21, 1920Detroit, Michigan, US
81Loss34–36–11Johnny BuffNWS8Jan 15, 1920Grand View Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
80Win34–35–11Patsy WallaceNWS6Jan 5, 1920Olympia AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
79Win33–35–11Marty CollinsNWS10Dec 29, 1919Grand Opera House, Syracuse, New York, US
78Win32–35–11Patsy JohnsonNWS8Dec 22, 19191st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, US
77Win31–35–11Jimmy WildeNWS10Dec 6, 1919Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
76Loss30–35–11Kid ReganNWS8Oct 28, 1919Saint Louis, Missouri, US
75Win30–34–11Kid ReganNWS8Oct 14, 1919Saint Louis, Missouri, US
74Win29–34–11Sammy MarinoNWS10Oct 10, 1919Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
73Win28–34–11Pete HermanNWS10Sep 15, 1919Roller Palace Rink, Detroit, Michigan, USWorld bantamweight title at stake;
72Win27–34–11William VincentNWS10Sep 1, 1919Detroit, Michigan, US
71Win26–34–11Pete HermanNWS10Aug 15, 1919Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USWorld bantamweight title at stake;
70Win25–34–11Patsy JohnsonNWS10Jul 14, 1919Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
69Win24–34–11Joe BurmanNWS10Jun 16, 1919Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
68Win23–34–11Memphis Pal MooreNWS10Jun 4, 1919John Wagner's Arena, Racine, Wisconsin, US
67Win22–34–11Abe FriedmanNWS6May 19, 1919Olympia AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
66Win21–34–11Frankie MasonNWS8May 7, 1919Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, US
65Win20–34–11Chalky WimlerNWS6Apr 14, 1919Duquesne Gardens, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US
64Loss19–34–11Jack 'Kid' WolfeNWS10Mar 24, 1919Grand Theater, Cleveland, Ohio, US
63Win19–33–11Patsy JohnsonNWS8Mar 19, 1919McGuigan's Arena, Harrison, New Jersey, US
62Loss18–33–11Patsy JohnsonNWS?Mar 10, 1919Harrison AC, Trenton, New Jersey, US
61Draw18–32–11Joe BurmanNWS8Jan 27, 1919Grand Theatre, Trenton, New Jersey, US
60Win18–32–10Young Eddie WagondNWS6Dec 21, 1918National AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
59Draw17–32–10Dick LoadmanPTS12Dec 20, 1918Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
58Win17–32–9Harold FareseNWS8Dec 17, 1918Broad AC, Newark, New Jersey, US
57Loss16–32–9Patsy JohnsonNWS8Dec 16, 1918Trenton, New Jersey, US
56Loss16–31–9Harold FareseNWS8Dec 9, 1918McGuigan's Arena, Harrison, New Jersey, US
55Win16–30–9Young Terry McGovernNWS6Dec 6, 1918Cambria AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
54Win15–30–9Eddie WimlerNWS6Dec 2, 1918Olympia AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
53Loss14–30–9Frankie BurnsNWS6Nov 16, 1918Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
52Draw14–29–9Dick LoadmanNWS10Sep 17, 1918Bison Stadium, Buffalo, New York, US
51Loss14–29–8Pete HermanNWS6Sep 2, 1918Olympia AC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
50Loss14–28–8Memphis Pal MooreNWS8Aug 5, 1918Armory AA, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
49Win14–27–8Harvey CrosbyDQ1 Jul 29, 1918Armory AA Outdoor Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
48Loss13–27–8Harvey CrosbyNWS8Jul 4, 19184th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, US
47Loss13–26–8Al ShubertPTS12Jun 24, 1918New Bedford, Massachusetts, US
46Draw13–25–8Frankie BurnsNWS6Jun 20, 1918Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
45Loss13–25–7Pete HermanNWS6May 4, 1918National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
44Win13–24–7Joe TuberNWS6Apr 6, 1918National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
43Loss12–24–7Kid WilliamsPTS12Apr 1, 1918Lyric Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
42Loss12–23–7Frankie BurnsNWS10Feb 21, 1918Town Hall, Scranton, Pennsylvania, US
41Loss12–22–7Memphis Pal MoorePTS10Feb 18, 1918Lyric Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
40Draw12–21–7Joey LeonardNWS10Jan 1, 1918Town Hall, Scranton, Pennsylvania, US
39Draw12–21–6Andy ChaneyPTS15Dec 26, 1917Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
38Draw12–21–5Steve FlessnerPTS10Dec 12, 1917Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
37Win12–21–4Freddie HaeflingNWS10Nov 26, 1917Coliseum A.C., Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, US
36Loss12–20–4Memphis Pal MooreNWS10Oct 30, 1917German Hall, Albany, New York, US
35Loss12–19–4Frankie BurnsNWS10Oct 15, 1917Auditorium, Albany, New York, US
34Loss12–18–4Memphis Pal MooreNWS10Aug 20, 1917Convention Hall, Saratoga, New York, US
33Loss12–17–4Kid WilliamsNWS6Jul 27, 1917Oriole Park, Baltimore, Maryland, US
32Loss12–16–4Joe BurmanNWS10Jun 19, 1917Pioneer SC, New York City, New York, US
31Draw12–15–4William VincentNWS10May 29, 1917National SC, Albany, New York, US
30Draw12–15–3William VincentNWS10May 15, 1917German Hall, Albany, New York, US
29Win12–15–2Frankie DalyNWS10Apr 14, 1917Fairmont SC, New York City, New York, US
28Win11–15–2Johnny SolzbergNWS10Apr 5, 1917Harlem SC, New York City, New York, US
27Loss10–15–2Joe LynchNWS10Feb 27, 1917Pioneer SC, New York City, New York, US
26Loss10–14–2Frankie BurnsNWS10Feb 9, 1917Harlem SC, New York City, New York, US
25Draw10–13–2Johnny CoulonNWS10Feb 5, 1917Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
24Loss10–13–1Mickey DunnNWS10Jan 5, 1917Harlem SC, New York City, New York, US
23Win10–12–1Bobby HubonNWS10Jan 1, 1917Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
22Win9–12–1Gardner BrooksNWS10Dec 12, 1916Hunter Point SC, New York City, New York, US
21Loss8–12–1Frankie BurnsNWS10Nov 27, 1916Pioneer SC, New York City, New York, US
20Loss8–11–1Memphis Pal MooreNWS10Nov 25, 1916Fairmont AC, New York City, New York, US
19Win8–10–1Bobby HubonNWS10Nov 14, 1916Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
18Loss7–10–1Frankie BrittNWS10Nov 10, 1916Marieville Gardens, North Providence, Rhode Island, US
17Loss7–9–1Joe LynchNWS10Sep 26, 1916Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
16Loss7–8–1Young Zulu KidKO5 Jun 2, 1916Vanderbilt AC, New York City, New York, US
15Win7–7–1Jack SaylesNWS10May 24, 1916Stadium AC, New York City, New York, US
14Win6–7–1Johnny TaylorNWS10May 12, 1916Brown's Gym AA, New York City, New York, US
13Loss5–7–1Freddie HaeflingNWS10Mar 27, 1916Majestic Theatre, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, US
12Win5–6–1Johnny FisseNWS10Mar 25, 1916Fairmont AC, New York City, New York, US
11Win4–6–1Abe FriedmanNWS10Feb 28, 1916Majestic Theatre, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, US
10Loss3–6–1Abe FriedmanNWS10Feb 21, 1916Olympia Boxing Club, New York City, New York, US
9Win3–5–1Freddie HaeflingPTS10Jan 28, 1916Majestic Theater, Waterbury, Connecticut, US
8Win2–5–1Eddie GormanDQ2 Jan 17, 1916Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, US
7Loss1–5–1Johnny EggersKO3Jan 14, 1916Vanderbilt AC, New York City, New York, US
6Loss1–4–1Teddy JacobsNWS10Nov 12, 1915Long Acre AA, New York City, New York, US
5Loss1–3–1Jack DiamondTKO2 Mar 16, 1915Brown's Gym AA, New York City, New York, US
4Draw1–2–1Young BennyNWS10Jan 16, 1915Brown's Gym, New York City, New York, US
3Win1–2Buddy FaulkesPTS12Nov 26, 1914Hanna Armory, New Britain, Connecticut, US
2Loss0–2Frankie DalyNWS10Oct 5, 1914Olympic
1Loss0–1Percy Young AubreyNWS10May 23, 1914Brown's Gym AA, New York City, New York, US