Joe Dundee


Salvatore Lazzara, better known by his boxing alias Joe Dundee, was an American boxer. He was the brother of Middleweight Champion Vince Dundee. During his career, he was recognized as the Undisputed World Welterweight Champion from 1927 to 1929. Dundee's managers included Max Waxman, and Charles Johnston, and his trainer was Heinie Blaustein.

Early life

Dundee was born Salvatore Lazzara in Palermo, Sicily, Italy on August 16, 1903. He was tutored at St. Mary's Industrial School in Baltimore, where his family moved when he was a young boy.

Career

Dundee began professional boxing in 1919 in Baltimore, In an important early career loss, Dundee was disqualified in a match with former world bantamweight champion Kid Williams on September 4, 1922, in Baltimore, Maryland. Williams was leading by a large margin when the bout was called, excelling in the infighting, and landing nearly every blow imaginable against Dundee. Nearly a month later, Dundee married Johanna Kozojet at St. Wenceslaus Church.
One of his most noteworthy bouts was a ten round draw by decision with Lew Tendler before 10,000 on July 16, 1925, at Pennsylvania's Shibe Park. In a close and furiously fought bout in the rain, Dundee caught Tendler off balance in the ninth with a left hook, and he fell briefly to his hands. Dundee frequently fought on offense against Tendler, staggering him at times with a stunning right. The skilled ring veteran Tendler was forced to clinch at times.
Tommy Freeman fell to Dundee on March 1, 1926, in a fifth round technical knockout at Madison Square Garden, furthering Dundee's rise to the top of the welterweight ranks.
He defeated Jewish Brooklyn-based boxer George Levine in a ten round points decision at Madison Square Garden on May 8, 1926. The fight was action packed from the beginning, though there were no knockdowns. Levine scored well and kept Dundee at a distance with a left jab in the first four rounds, while Dundee went to the body in the fifth with his right and wore down his opponent in the remaining rounds. Reporters recognized Dundee as a top two contender for the welterweight title and Self Defense magazine rated Levine in the top ten for welterweights that year.
Dundee decisively defeated former world welterweight champion Mickey Walker on June 24, 1926, in an eighth round technical knockout before 15,000 at New York's Madison Square Garden. Walker was battered throughout the bout, and was able to lead the only in the first, which he may have won on points. Dundee aimed frequently at an injured eye, which Walker had gotten in training prior to the match. The referee stopped the bout 2:53 into the eighth when bleeding from Walker's injured eye and the battering he had taken made it impossible for him to continue. The win against Walker spotlighted Dundee's ascension to the top ranks of welterweight contenders.
In an important early career win, Dundee defeated Jack Zivic in a ten round points decision on October 15, 1926, before a crowd of 12,000 at Madison Square Garden. Dundee was given seven rounds, with two to Zivic, and one even. Dundee boxed carefully against a well known opponent, delivering hard rights to the body, and left hooks to the jaw. He fought through the frequent clinches of Zivic, and fought in close when necessary on the breaks.
Eddie Roberts fell to Dundee in a decisive ten round unanimous decision on January 14, 1927, before a crowd of 18,000 at Madison Square Garden. Roberts took frequent blows to the body that exhausted him, and helped give Dundee an edge. Dundee was down briefly in the fourth from a right cross and may have been close to a knockout, but recovered and fought back gamely in the remaining rounds. The Associated Press gave Dundee eight rounds and Roberts two. In a previous match on December 4, 1926, Dundee lost in a first round technical knockout to Roberts after he was floored four times in the first.

Taking the world welterweight title, June, 1927

Dundee defeated Pete Latzo for the world welterweight title on June 3, 1927, at New York's Polo Grounds, winning in a fifteen round majority decision before one of his largest audiences, an impressive crowd of 30,000. In a fairly decisive win, the Associated Press gave Dundee ten of the fifteen rounds, building his largest points margin in the later rounds. Latzo started strong, looking best in the first, second, fourth, and twelfth, but took brutal body punishment, particularly to the kidneys, through much of the bout. By the tenth, gaining confidence and sensing victory, Dundee went to Latzo's head as well as his body with greater frequency. Several reporters attributed Latzo's lack of endurance in the later rounds to his difficulty making the 147 pound welterweight limit.
Dundee fought a peculiar bout with former world light welterweight champion Pinky Mitchell on August 11, 1927, in Milwaukee that was declared a No Contest, and discontinued in the sixth round for stalling. The Wisconsin Boxing Commission barred both boxers from competing in their state until January 1, 1928. Though warned against the continuous holding and clinching for five rounds, both competitors persisted until the referee ended the contest before a booing crowd of 5,000. What little fighting there was appeared to leave the fighters on even terms.
Dundee lost to future welterweight champion Jack Thompson on August 30, 1928, in a second round technical knockout at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Though the first appeared even, in the second, Dundee was down first for a count of nine from a right cross, and again for a nine count from a flurry of punches before the referee stopped the bout. Thompson would have taken the title due to the knockout, but for a weight discrepancy during the weigh-in, which removed the bout from title contention.

Loss of the world welterweight title, July, 1929

On March 21, 1929, Dundee was stripped of his NBA world welterweight title for refusing to fight top contenders Jack Thompson or Jackie Fields. He was not considered to have fully lost the title until his bout with Jackie Fields.
Image:Jackie Fields LOC.jpg|upright=.7|right|thumb|Jackie Fields
On July 25, 1929, Dundee faced Jackie Fields before a crowd of 25,000 in a unifying match for the welterweight championship in Detroit, and a chance to reclaim his title. Fields was awarded the fight in the second round after Dundee, having been knocked down four times, delivered a foul blow while still down which left put fields down on the mat in pain, and incapable of continuing the fight. Dundee claimed that the foul was unintentional but some boxing historians has since speculated otherwise, even considering it part of a fix. Fields stated he believed Dundee, but noted that it was the only bout he had ever won on a foul. The win gave Fields unified recognition as world welterweight champion.

Taking the Mexican welterweight title, October, 1929

Dundee defeated Bert Colima on October 13, 1929, for the Mexican welterweight title in a ten round points decision in Mexico City before an exceptional crowd of 20,000. Dundee was down for a count of nine in the second, and Colima was down twice in the sixth, once for a count of eight. Dundee dominated the later rounds, but could not find a knockout punch.
In one of his last career fights on May 28, 1930, Dundee decisively defeated British lightweight champion Harry Mason in a ten round points decision at Madison Square Garden before a modest crowd of 5,000. Though Dundee appeared close to being knocked out in the first round, he rallied in the remaining rounds to gain the decision from Mason.
After retiring from boxing around 1931, Dundee worked as a bartender in Baltimore in a tavern in which he had partial ownership.
Dundee was inducted into the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame in 1959. He died on March 31, 1982, at Manor Care Townson Nursing Home in Baltimore, and was buried in The Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. He left a wife, Johanna, and three sons.

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.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRoundDateLocationNotes
129Loss85–22–11 Ignacio AraKO1 Feb 28, 1931 Arena Cristal, Havana, Cuba
128Win85–21–11 Meyer LichtensteinPTS10Feb 16, 1931 104th Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
127Loss84–21–11 Pete SuskyKO3 Oct 3, 1930 Watres Armory, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
126Loss84–20–11 Ben JebyPTS8Sep 11, 1930 Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S.
125Draw84–19–11 Buck McTiernanPTS10Aug 11, 1930 Meyers Bowl, North Braddock, Pennsylvania, U.S.
124Win84–19–10 Harry MasonPTS10May 28, 1930 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
123Win83–19–10 Charlie RosenPTS6May 3, 1930 Ridgewood Grove, New York City, New York, U.S.
122Loss82–19–10 Thomas LawlessUD10Apr 14, 1930 Convention Hall, Rochester, New York, U.S.
121Loss82–18–10 Ted GoodrichTKO2 Mar 18, 1930 Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
120Win82–17–10 Joe TrippePTS10Mar 3, 1930 Convention Hall, Rochester, New York, U.S.
119Loss81–17–10 Paulie WalkerPTS10Feb 3, 1930 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
118Win81–16–10 Billy AngeloPTS10Nov 4, 1929 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
117Win80–16–10 Bert ColimaPTS10Oct 13, 1929 El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Won Mexico welterweight title
116Loss79–16–10 Jackie FieldsDQ2 Jul 25, 1929State Fairgrounds Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Lost NYSAC and The Ring welterweight titles;
For NBA welterweight title
115Win79–15–10 Billy AlgerTKO9 Jun 17, 1929Meyers Bowl, North Braddock, Pennsylvania, U.S.
114Win78–15–10 Young KetchellUD10May 9, 1929Elam A.C., Elam, Pennsylvania, U.S.
113Loss77–15–10 Al MelloPTS10Apr 12, 1929Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
112Loss77–14–10 Al MelloPTS10Jan 25, 1929Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
111Win77–13–10 Johnny RobertsPTS10Jan 14, 1929Baesman Hall, Portsmouth, Ohio, U.S.
110Win76–13–10 Walcott LangfordPTS10Oct 22, 1928 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
109Draw75–13–10 Jimmy FinleyMD10Sep 28, 1928 Benjamin Field Arena, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
108Win75–13–9 Johnny RobertsPTS10Sep 17, 1928Auditorium, Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
107Loss74–13–9 Jack ThompsonTKO2 Aug 30, 1928Comiskey Park, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
106Win74–12–9 Hilario MartínezTKO8 Jul 7, 1928 Plaza de Toros Monumental, Barcelona, Cataluña, Spain
10573–12–9 Georgie LevineNC9 May 17, 1928Olympia Stadium, Detroit, U.S.
104Win73–12–9 Billy DrakoTKO3 Apr 26, 1928Coliseum, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
103Win72–12–9 Jim MoranKO9 Apr 20, 1928Benjamin Field Arena, Tampa, Florida, U.S.
102Win71–12–9 Clyde HullTKO8 Feb 13, 1928Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
101Win70–12–9 Joe SimonichPTS10Jan 23, 1928Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
100Win69–12–9 Jean MangeotTKO9 Jan 16, 1928Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
99Win68–12–9 Joe RenoNWS10Jan 9, 1928Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
98Win68–12–9 Meyer GraceNWS10Dec 9, 1927Tomlinson Hall, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
97Loss68–12–9 Johnny IndrisanoPTS10Sep 22, 1927Braves Field, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
9668–11–9 Pinky MitchellNC6 Aug 11, 1927Borchert Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. The action resulted from this bout which was halted by the referee because of continued stalling
95Win68–11–9 Billy DrakoNWS10Jul 13, 1927Redland Field, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles at stake;
94Win68–11–9 Pete LatzoMD15Jun 3, 1927Polo Grounds, New York City, New York, U.S. Won NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring welterweight titles
93Win67–11–9 Billy DrakoPTS10May 11, 1927Annapolis, Maryland, U.S.
92Win66–11–9 Johnny MendelsohnTKO4 May 2, 1927Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
91Win65–11–9 Eddie RobertsUD10Jan 14, 1927Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
90Loss64–11–9 Eddie RobertsTKO1 Dec 4, 1926Recreation Park, San Francisco, California, U.S.
89Win64–10–9 Jack ZivicPTS10Oct 15, 1926Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
88Win63–10–9 Joe BasharaNWS6Sep 15, 1926Airport, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
87Win63–10–9 Eddie BurnbrookKO3 Sep 9, 1926Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
86Win62–10–9 Mickey WalkerTKO8 Jun 24, 1926Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
85Win61–10–9 Willie HarmonPTS10May 28, 1926Coney Island Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S.
84Win60–10–9 Georgie LevinePTS10May 7, 1926Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
83Win59–10–9 Tommy FreemanTKO5 Mar 1, 1926Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
82Win58–10–9 Jimmy JonesPTS10Feb 12, 1926Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
81Win57–10–9 Joe SimonichPTS10Jan 29, 1926Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
80Win56–10–9 Jack McVeyPTS10Jan 15, 1926Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
79Win55–10–9 Harry DudleyNWS15Dec 7, 1925Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
78Win55–10–9 KO LeonardKO3 Dec 5, 1925Adelphia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
77Win54–10–9 Pep O'BrienPTS12Oct 12, 1925104th Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
76Win53–10–9 Pinky MitchellSD10Sep 24, 1925Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
75Win52–10–9 Luis VicentiniUD12Aug 17, 1925Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S.
74Win51–10–9 Nate GoldmanTKO3 Aug 10, 1925Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
73Draw50–10–9 Lew TendlerPTS10Jul 16, 1925Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
72Draw50–10–8 Alex HartPTS12Apr 27, 1925104th Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
71Win50–10–7 Sid BarbarianPTS12Mar 16, 1925104th Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
70Loss49–10–7 Charlie O'ConnellPTS10Feb 25, 1925Manhattan Casino, New York City, New York, U.S.
69Win49–9–7 Sailor FriedmanUD10Feb 11, 1925108th Field Artillery Armory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
68Win48–9–7 Cuddy DeMarcoPTS10Feb 2, 1925104th Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
67Win47–9–7 Nate GoldmanKO4 Jan 19, 1925Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
66Win46–9–7 Johnny MoselyUD10Dec 25, 1924108th Field Artillery Armory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
65Draw45–9–7 Alex HartPTS15Dec 8, 1924104th Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
64Win45–9–6 Sailor FriedmanNWS12Nov 11, 1924Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
63Win45–9–6 Joe TiplitzDQ7 Nov 5, 1924Folly Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
62Win44–9–6 Red Cap WilsonKO9 Oct 1, 1924Folly Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
61Win43–9–6 Bud ChristianoPTS10Aug 26, 1924Shetzline Ballpark, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
60Draw42–9–6 Joe TiplitzPTS10Aug 4, 1924Shetzline Ballpark, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
59Win42–9–5 Pedro CampoPTS12Jul 3, 1924Sportland Heights Arena, Berwyn, Maryland, U.S.
58Win41–9–5 Johnny ClintonPTS12Jun 27, 1924Arena, Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
57Win40–9–5 Sailor FriedmanPTS12Jun 13, 1924Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
56Loss39–9–5 Jack RappaportNWS12May 8, 1924Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
55Win39–9–5 Johnny DonnellyKO4 Apr 30, 1924Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
54Win38–9–5 Andy ChaneyPTS12Apr 2, 1924Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
53Loss37–9–5 Alex HartUD12Mar 12, 1924Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
52Win37–8–5 Pedro CampoPTS10Feb 25, 1924Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
51Win36–8–5 Billy AngeloTKO8 Jan 16, 1924Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
50Win35–8–5 Ted MarchantUD10Jan 8, 1924Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
49Win34–8–5 Ted MarchantPTS12Dec 19, 1923Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
48Win33–8–5 Joe WellingPTS12Nov 21, 1923Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
47Win32–8–5 Ever HammerPTS12Nov 1, 1923Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
46Win31–8–5 Jack DarcyKO2 Oct 3, 1923Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
45Win30–8–5 Jack ZivicPTS12Sep 12, 1923Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
44Win29–8–5 Mel CooganPTS12Aug 30, 1923Sportland Heights Arena, Berwyn, Maryland, U.S.
43Win28–8–5 Roddy MacDonaldPTS12Jul 19, 1923Sportland Heights Arena, Berwyn, Maryland, U.S.
42Win27–8–5 Andy BowenPTS10Jul 4, 1923Barracks, Washington, D.C., U.S.
41Win26–8–5 Nate IsaacmanNWS10May 29, 1923Peerless A.C., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
40Draw26–8–5 Johnny RenoPTS10May 10, 1923Sportland Heights Arena, Berwyn, Maryland, U.S.
39Win26–8–4 Pedro CampoPTS12Apr 11, 1923Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
38Loss25–8–4 Len MahoneyPTS15Feb 5, 19234th Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
37Win25–7–4 Bobby RobideauPTS6Jan 3, 1923Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
36Win24–7–4 Harry RicePTS6Dec 6, 1922Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
35Win23–7–4 Matty BrooksPTS6Nov 22, 1922Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
34Win22–7–4 Andy TuckerPTS10Oct 24, 1922Strand Theater, Richmond, Maryland, U.S.
33Loss21–7–4 Kid WilliamsDQ10 Sep 4, 19224th Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
32Win21–6–4 Harry RicePTS8Jul 24, 1922Maryland Ball Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
31Win20–6–4 Nate IsaacmanPTS6Jun 1, 1922Folly Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
30Loss19–6–4 Andy ChaneyTKO8 Apr 18, 1922Playhouse, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
29Win19–5–4 Freddie JacksUD12Mar 14, 1922Richmond Market Armory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
28Win18–5–4 Tommy ClearyPTS12Feb 13, 19224th Medical Regiment Amory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
27Loss17–5–4 Freddie JacksPTS12Jan 12, 19224th Medical Regiment Amory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
26Win17–4–4 Len MahoneyPTS12Dec 5, 19214th Medical Regiment Amory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
25Win16–4–4 Ralph BradyPTS12Nov 21, 19214th Medical Regiment Amory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
24Win15–4–4 Harry RicePTS8Oct 26, 1921Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
23Win14–4–4 Jack HymanKO5 Oct 12, 1921Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
22Win13–4–4 Speedy LawrenceKO4 Aug 1, 1921Hopewell, Virginia, U.S.
21Win12–4–4 Danny DuarteKO9 Jun 2, 1921Columbus Hall, Yonkers, New York, U.S.
20Loss11–4–4 Len MahoneyPTS12Feb 5, 19214th Medical Regiment Amory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
19Draw11–3–4 Eddie WagnerPTS8Jan 14, 19214th Medical Regiment Amory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
18Win11–3–3 Lew HeywoodPTS6Dec 29, 1920Folly Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
17Win10–3–3 Chick KansasPTS6Dec 22, 1920Folly Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
16Draw9–3–3 Andy SmithNWS10Oct 27, 1920Auditorium, Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S.
15Win9–3–3Battling LeonardPTS8Oct 1, 19205th Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
14Win8–3–3Mike ErtlePTS8Aug 13, 1920Oriole Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
13Win7–3–3Goldie AhearnPTS8Jun 28, 1920Oriole Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
12Draw6–3–3Battling MorganPTS8Apr 30, 1920Colonial Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
11Draw6–3–2Goldie AhearnPTS6Apr 16, 1920Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
10Loss6–3–1Battling MorganPTS6Apr 5, 1920Colonial Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
9Win6–2–1Young KilbaneTKO3 Feb 13, 1920Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
8Win5–2–1Kid RichmondPTS6Feb 7, 1920Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
7Win4–2–1Georgie LewisTKO3 Jan 23, 1920Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
6Win3–2–1Young KilbaneKO2 Dec 26, 1919Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
5Draw2–2–1Charles BarberPTS4Nov 14, 1919Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
4Win2–2Joe CasnerKO2 Jul 4, 1919National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
3Win1–2Red TendlerKO2 Jun 2, 1919Gayety Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
2Loss0–2Red TendlerPTS4May 9, 1919 Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
1Loss0–1Little Jeff SmithPTS4Mar 14, 1919 Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.