Joe Knight (boxer)


Joe Knight, was an American light-heavyweight boxer and former NBA world champion in the division. Knight had a very brief reign as world light-heavyweight champion that lasted just one day, and without ever winning a world-title bout: the NBA awarded Knight the title on February 28th, 1933, and he lost the title in his first defense on March 1, 1933, to Bob Godwin. An extraordinarily formidable fighter for his day, Knight fought 164 bouts and was never stopped in any of his 19 losses.

Early life

Knight was born on January 15, 1909, in Cairo, Georgia. He turned pro in 1927 and knocked out "Battleship Sword" in the fall of that year, slowly building his reputation as a boxer.

Early career

On May 22, 1931, New York native Yale Okun became his fifth-round knockout victim in Miami. The final blow was a straight right to the jaw. Knight battered Okun with his left for four rounds before ending the bout in the fifth.
Knight gained revenge against Spike Webb in ten rounds in Miami on August 7, though knocked to the mat in the fourth. He had lost to Webb the previous month, taking a knockdown in the first.
Knight won an unpopular decision over Tony Cancela on January 7, 1932, in Miami. Cancela drilled staggering rights to the head of a groggy Knight in the closing round. Many ringside believed Cancela, the bout's consistent aggressor, should have earned the decision with a comfortable margin.
Don Petrin, who claimed a late foul, fell to Knight in a fourth-round knockout at Miami's Biscayne Arena on February 15, 1932. The bout had originally been scheduled for ten rounds.
Charley Belanger lost to Knight on May 23, 1932, in a ten-round split decision in Boston. Knight had a considerable lead in the first four rounds, but experienced an assortment of blows to the body in the remaining six. He closed strong in the final rounds scoring several times with lefts to the head. The decision was unpopular with the crowd who felt Belanger had gained a winning margin on points in the last six rounds.
On the first of July, 1932, Knight challenged Bob Godwin for the Southern light-heavyweight title at Daytona Beach, and received a ten-round draw decision. Godwin had formerly taken the title from Knight. Knight initially led, but slowed in the last two rounds before Godwin's relentless attack. The crowd appeared satisfied with the draw decision in the savage bout.
Knight faced George Courtney on September 19, 1932, winning at the end of the fifth from a technical knockout in Laurel, Maryland.
He decisively defeated reigning National Boxing Association light-heavyweight champion George Nichols in a non-title bout before 3,000 people in Charleston, South Carolina on October 17, 1932, by a ten-round decision. Knight charged into his opponent from the opening bell, and Nichols failed to take a round.
Chick Raines fell to Knight in a ten-round points decision on November 23, 1932, in Savannah.
Natie Brown lost in a fifth-round technical knockout to Knight on November 29, 1932, in Jacksonville, Florida. Brown was reported to have suffered a broken jaw and was unable to continue.
Knight defeated Owen Phelps on December 6, 1932, in a ten-round bout for the Southern Light Heavyweight Title in Alexandria, Virginia. Knight was given every round, and knocked Phelps to the mat for a no count in the fourth. Phelps was required to clinch, hold, and back away to endure Knight's attack.
Battling Bozo lost on February 13, 1933, in a ten-round points decision at Daytona Beach. Knight may have taken every round, but his opponent avoided a knockout with an effective defense.

Awarded the NBA Light-heavyweight Title

By late February of 1933, George Nichols had been stripped of his title by the NBA due to a lack of title defenses. Following a sixth-round stoppage over Eddie McCarthy on the 20th of February, the NBA awarded Knight the vacant light-heavyweight title eight days later.

Losing the Title to Bob Godwin

His championship reign would be short-lived, as Knight immediately lost the title the next day, dropping a ten-round decision to his old rival Bob Godwin. The two faced each other on March 1, 1933, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Throughout the fight, Godwin employed excellent blocking, and though he took many hard licks in the lengthy bout, he was the aggressor for the majority of the fight and dominated Knight in the infighting, particularly after Knight tired by mid-bout. Godwin took two of the first five rounds, with three even. Drawing on remarkable stamina, the 21-year old Godwin won the next four rounds, leaving the tenth even. Nevertheless, Godwin took a beating in the bout, with both eyes badly swollen by the end. It was reported as a primitive match requiring limited boxing skill or ring generalship. Knight won only two of the five meetings between him and Godwin. Thus ended Knight's only reign as champion.
Max Marek, the tenth ranked heavyweight in the world, fell to Knight in a ten-round points decision at Miami Beach on April 13, 1936. Though giving up fifteen pounds, Knight used his speed and experience to his advantage. The bout one of Knight's best displays of skill. In the third, he nearly staggered Marek with a left to the chin, but Marek fought back harder, and remained the aggressor throughout much of the bout, delivering a variety of solid punches. In a brutal bout, Knight closed well in the last three rounds, clipping two lefts to the chin of Marek in the tenth.
Knight beat Lou Scozza at the Biscayne Arena in Miami on June 12, 1933, in a ten-round points decision. Knight shelled Scozza with hard lefts and right for most of ten rounds. Though Scozza rallied in the ninth, he was unable to overcome the lead that Knight had piled up. Four thousand spectators watched the judges rule unanimously for Knight.
Joe Banovic lost to Knight in a ten-round points decision on August 8, 1933, in Laurel, Maryland. Banovic was down for a count of nine in the fifth, and eight in the sixth. He opened up in the final round, cutting Knight's face, but it was too late to take the lead in points.

Final attempt at the world title

On February 5, 1934, Knight fought a fifteen-round draw before 20,000 in another world light-heavyweight title match against undisputed champion Maxie Rosenbloom. By that point, Rosenbloom was recognized by the NBA, the NYSAC, and The Ring. The referee and one judge scored the match as a dead heat, giving three rounds to both contestants, but Sam Roberts, the remaining judge gave the bout to Knight by the slimmest margin of one round. Rosenbloom employed his common but controversial habit of flicking and backhanding his opponent's face and body with an open glove. Whether this was a foul or fair determined whether the judges scored Knight or Rosenbloom the winner. Most ringside, however, felt Knight deserved the winning vote and the title.

Later Career

Knight lost to Tony Shucco, New England Light Heavyweight Champion, on May 11, 1934, before 3,358, in a close ten-round unanimous decision at Boston Garden. Knight appeared to have the better of the early bout, but Shucco rallied in the closing rounds. Through much of the bout, Shucco stood off at long range and flicked jabs at Knight's head to avoid his withering blows. One reporter gave Shucco only five rounds, Knight four, and one even.
Knight defeated Carl Knowles on June 8, 1934, in a tenth-round technical knockout in a brutal bout in Savannah. Knight used repeated left hooks with great effect, and waged a masterful defense, either blocking or ducking Knowles's best blows. Knowles mounted an offensive only in the early rounds.
Buck Everett fell to Knight in a ninth-round technical knockout in Miami on June 11, 1934. The referee stopped the hard fought battle to prevent further injury to Everett's badly cut left eye, and broken rib. Everett scored hard rights in the early rounds, and the final rounds featured fierce in-fighting with the boxers only inches apart. Bob Riley, Everett's manager, was informed in confidence by a Doctor the rib was likely broken after the fourth round, but the bout continued until Riley demanded it end.
Knight achieved a seventh-round technical knockout of Henry Firpo on June 28, 1934, in Washington. Firpo was down for a count of nine in the fourth, though he rallied in the fifth. The bout was stopped in the seventh when Knight had Firpo down twice.
Knight knocked out Clyde Chastain in six rounds on July 23, 1934, in Miami. Knight shot a stiff left to the midsection, followed by a hard right that left Chastain on the floor at the fifth round bell. Charging out at the opening of the sixth, Knight tagged Chastain with a left to the stomach for a count of nine. When Chastain arose, Knight instantly sent him to the mat for the final time.
In the fall of 1934, the National Boxing Association vacated Maxie Rosenbloom's light heavyweight title. The commissions for North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida named Joe Knight as World Champion. Nevertheless, their recognition held little weight, and the NBA title remained vacant until Bob Olin captured the title. He was featured on the cover of the September 1934 Ring Magazine.

Career decline and loss to Al Gainer

Winning a decisive seventh round technical knockout over Al Rodrigues on October 15, 1934, Knight showcased his powerful left. Both contestants fought cautiously in the first four rounds. In the fifth, Knight landed a heavy left to Rodrigues's stomach, then immediately dropped him for a count of nine with another to the jaw, bringing an end to the fifth. Rodrigues was down again in the sixth for a nine count. Dazed and beaten in the seventh, Rodrigues' seconds threw in the towel to end the bout.
Corn Griffin fell to Knight in a fourth round technical knockout on July 4, 1935. Both contestants continued to battle after the fourth round bell, and the referee immediately stopped the bout, concerning about bleeding from Griffin's eyes. Still concerned, the referee prevented Griffin from answering the fifth round bell.
Knight dropped a match to Southpaw and former middleweight champion Al McCoy in Montreal, Canada on September 5, 1935. The bout was for the Montreal Athletic Commission World Light Heavyweight Title, with McCoy winning in a fifteen round Unanimous Decision at Mount Royal Arena. McCoy took eight rounds, Knight three, and the rest were even.
Knight had a devastating loss to the gifted Al Gainer on June 1, 1936, in a ten-round points decision in Millvale, Pennsylvania. Gainer, who took every round, gave Knight a decisive beating. Gainer sent Knight to one knee in the third, and staggered him on several occasions. Beaten and exhausted, Knight remained strictly on defense after the fifth round. Though he would fight on for two more years, he tried to officially retire shortly after the bout.
Fellow Southpaw Melio Bettina won a decisive ten-round decision over Knight at Miami Beach on June 18, 1937. One reporter noted that Knight had won only three rounds and should consider retirement. Down for a no count in the sixth, Knight lost decisively on points in the last three rounds. Never a second-rate boxer, Bettina would contend twice for the NBA World Light Heavyweight championship two years later. Knight would take six months off, and take four more wins before retiring in 1938. In his final bout on April 19, 1938, Knight defeated Chet Gideon in a ten-round points decision in Orlando. Knight had Gideon down once in the ninth and once in the tenth.

Life after boxing

In retirement, Knight promoted fights in Georgia and Florida. He died on July 16, 1976, in Dekalb, Georgia.

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, timeDateLocationNotes
164Win124–19–18 Chet GideonPTS10Apr 19, 1938American Legion Arena, Orlando, Florida, US
163Win123–19–18 Pat McDuffPTS10Apr 8, 1938Legion Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, US
162Win122–19–18 Eddie BoylePTS10Mar 24, 1938Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
161Win121–19–18 Harold AndersonPTS10Mar 3, 1938Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
160Loss120–19–18 Melio BettinaPTS10Jun 18, 1937Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
159NC120–18–18 Patsy PerroniNC7 Mar 31, 1937Naval Armory, Detroit, Michigan, US
158Loss120–18–18 Texas Joe DundeePTS10Oct 12, 1936Lakeland, Florida, US
157Loss120–17–18 Al GainerPTS10Jun 1, 1936Hickey Park, Millvale, Pennsylvania, US
156Win120–16–18 Max MarekPTS10Apr 13, 1936Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
155Loss119–16–18 Bob GodwinUD10Apr 7, 1936Legion Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, US
154Win119–15–18 Dewey KimreyPTS10Mar 19, 1936Miami Stadium, Miami, Florida, US
153Win118–15–18 Buck EverettSD12Feb 3, 1936Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
152Draw117–15–18 Patsy PerroniPTS10Jan 17, 1936Coliseum, Coral Gables, Florida, US
151Win117–15–17 Wilson DunnPTS10Nov 28, 1935Daytona Beach, Florida, US
150Win116–15–17 George BlackburnTKO3 Nov 25, 1935Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
149Win115–15–17 Buck EverettPTS10Nov 14, 1935Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
148Win114–15–17 Carl KnowlesPTS10Oct 25, 1935Savannah, Georgia, US
147Win113–15–17 Salvatore RuggirelloTKO6 Sep 30, 1935Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
146Win112–15–17 Pepon GonzalesKO8 Sep 22, 1935Havana, Cuba
145Loss111–15–17 Al McCoyUD15Sep 5, 1935Mount Royal Arena, Montreal, Quebec, CanadaFor vacant world light heavyweight title
144Draw111–14–17 Buck EverettPTS10Aug 5, 1935Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
143Win111–14–16 Benny O'DellKO5 Jul 29, 1935Infantry School Arena, Fort Benning, Georgia, US
142Win110–14–16 Don 'Red' BarryPTS10Jul 25, 1935Savannah, Georgia, US
141Win109–14–16 Dutch WeimerPTS10Jul 23, 1935Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
140Win108–14–16 Corn GriffinRTD4 Jul 4, 1935Jacksonville Beach, Florida, US
139Win107–14–16 Mickey DuganKO5 Jul 1, 1935Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Georgia, US
138Win106–14–16 Charlie BaisdenPTS10Jun 27, 1935Moultrie, Georgia, US
137Win105–14–16 Tom TerryKO2 Jun 13, 1935Hahira, Georgia, US
136Win104–14–16 Paul MarquesPTS10Feb 19, 1935Legion Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, US
135Loss103–14–16 Tony ShuccoMD10Feb 11, 1935Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
134Draw103–13–16 Tony ShuccoPTS10Jan 28, 1935Municipal Stadium, Miami, Florida, US
133Win103–13–15 Eddie KarolakKO2 Jan 10, 1935Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
132Win102–13–15 Wilson DunnKO3 Oct 22, 1934City Auditorium, Galveston, Texas, US
131Win101–13–15 Al RodriguesTKO7 Oct 15, 1934Coliseum, Coral Gables, Florida, US
130Win100–13–15 Earl JohnsonTKO7 Oct 2, 1934Athens, Georgia, US
129Win99–13–15 Rosy RosalesPTS10Sep 28, 1934Carolina Arena, Asheville, North Carolina, US
128Win98–13–15 George PavlickPTS10Aug 2, 1934Savannah, Georgia, US
127Win97–13–15 Clyde ChastainKO6 Jul 23, 1934Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
126Win96–13–15 Leroy BrownUD10Jul 16, 1934Sullivan's Bowl, Charleston, South Carolina, USRetained Southern light heavyweight title
125Win95–13–15 Rosy RosalesPTS10Jul 6, 1934Atlanta, Georgia, US
124Win94–13–15 Henry FirpoTKO7 Jun 27, 1934American Legion Arena, Washington, DC, US
123Win93–13–15 Buck EverettTKO9 Jun 11, 1934Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
122Win92–13–15 Carl KnowlesTKO10 Jun 8, 1934Municipal Auditorium, Savannah, Georgia, US
121Win91–13–15 Tony CancelaUD10May 28, 1934Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
120Loss90–13–15 Tony ShuccoUD10May 11, 1934Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, US
119Win90–12–15 Tex LeavelleKO4 Apr 17, 1934Roanoke, Virginia, US
118Draw89–12–15 Buck EverettPTS10Apr 5, 1934Coliseum, Coral Gables, Florida, US
117Win89–12–14 Eddie HoughtonPTS10Mar 20, 1934Legion Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, US
116Win88–12–14 Les KennedyKO2 Mar 16, 1934Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
115Draw87–12–14 Maxie RosenbloomPTS15Feb 5, 1934Madison Square Garden Stadium, Miami, Florida, USFor NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring light heavyweight titles
11487–12–13 Eddie McCarthyNC1 Nov 11, 1933Municipal Stadium, Orlando, Florida, US
113Win87–12–13 George NicholsPTS8Nov 3, 1933Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
112Win86–12–13 Bob GodwinTKO5 Oct 16, 1933Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, US
111Win85–12–13 Frankie WinePTS10Sep 22, 1933Rome, Georgia, US
110Loss84–12–13 Bob GodwinSD10Aug 30, 1933Twin City Arena, Laurel, Maryland, US
109Win84–11–13 Joe BanovicPTS10Aug 8, 1933Twin City Arena, Laurel, Maryland, US
108Win83–11–13 Battling BozoNWS10Jun 28, 1933City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, US
107Win83–11–13Lou ScozzaPTS10Jun 12, 1933Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, US
106Win82–11–13Tiger LemonsTKO9 May 15, 1933Sullivan's Bowl, Charleston, Georgia, US
105Win81–11–13Battling BozoUD10Apr 17, 1933Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, US
104Win80–11–13Wild Bill CoxPTS10Apr 3, 1933City Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, US
103Win79–11–13Eric LawsonPTS10Mar 14, 1933Legion Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, US
102Win78–11–13Tex WallacePTS10Mar 9, 1933Waycross, Georgia, US
101Loss77–11–13Bob GodwinPTS10Mar 1, 1933Legion Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, USLost NBA light heavyweight title
100Win77–10–13Eddie McCarthyRTD6 Feb 20, 1933Lakeland, Florida, US
99Win76–10–13Irving AshkenazyTKO3 Feb 15, 1933Leesburg, Florida, US
98Win75–10–13Battling BozoPTS10Feb 13, 1933Daytona Beach, Florida, US
97Win74–10–13Romeo LeMonPTS10Jan 13, 1933Daytona Beach, Florida, US
96Win73–10–13Russ RowseyMD10Dec 29, 1932Coliseum, Orlando, Florida, US
95Win72–10–13Owen PhelpsPTS10Dec 6, 1932Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, USRetained Southern light heavyweight title
94Win71–10–13Charley ArthursTKO6 Dec 2, 1932Daytona Beach, Florida, US
93Win70–10–13Natie BrownTKO5 Nov 29, 1932Jacksonville, Florida, US
92Win69–10–13Chick RainesPTS10Nov 23, 1932Savannah, Georgia, US
91Win68–10–13Cracker SmithTKO2, 3:00Nov 11, 1932American Legion Arena, Tallahassee, Florida, US
90Win67–10–13Pietro CorriPTS10Nov 9, 1932Daytona Beach, Florida, US
89Win66–10–13George NicholsUD10Oct 17, 1932Sullivan's Bowl, Charleston, South Carolina, US
88Win65–10–13George CourtneyKO5 Sep 19, 1932Twin City Arena, Laurel, Maryland, US
87Win64–10–13Bob TowKO4 Sep 7, 1932Twin City Arena, Laurel, Maryland, US
86Win63–10–13Eric LawsonKO4 Aug 16, 1932Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, US
85Win62–10–13Terry RobertsTKO1 Aug 5, 1932Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
84Win61–10–13Bob GodwinPTS10Jul 1, 1932Daytona Beach, Florida, USWon Southern light heavyweight title
83Win60–10–13Eric LawsonKO9 Jun 20, 1932Roanoke, Virginia, US
82Win59–10–13Willie OsterPTS10Jun 6, 1932Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, US
81Win58–10–13Charley BelangerSD10May 23, 1932Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, US
80Win57–10–13Maxie RosenbloomPTS10Mar 18, 1932Daytona Beach, Florida, US
79Win56–10–13Don PetrinKO5 Feb 15, 1932Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, US
78Loss55–10–13Bob GodwinMD10Jan 20, 1932Madison Square Garden Stadium, Miami, Florida, USLost Southern light heavyweight title
77Win55–9–13Tony CancelaPTS10Jan 7, 1932Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
76Win54–9–13Joe FinazzoKO4 Dec 18, 1931Legion Arena, Lake Worth, Florida, US
75Win53–9–13Don 'Red' BarryPTS10Dec 3, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
74Draw52–9–13Cyclone SmithPTS10Nov 20, 1931Savannah, Georgia, US
73Win52–9–12Jake DenningPTS10Nov 10, 1931Jacksonville, Florida, US
72Win51–9–12Jack BerryKO2 Oct 23, 1931Johnson Hagood Stadium, Charleston, South Carolina, US
71Win50–9–12Leslie BeardKO1 Oct 9, 1931Marianna, Florida, US
70Win49–9–12Monroe PorterKO1 Oct 5, 1931Lakeland, Florida, US
69Win48–9–12Carl KnowlesTKO8, 1:00Aug 20, 1931Savannah, Georgia, US
68Win47–9–12Spike WebbPTS10Aug 7, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
67Win46–9–12Corn GriffinPTS10Jul 7, 1931Doughboy Stadium, Fort Benning, Georgia, US
66Loss45–9–12Spike WebbPTS10Jul 3, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
65Win45–8–12Bobby EvansKO5 Jun 12, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
64Win44–8–12Yale OkunKO5 May 22, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
63Win43–8–12Kid BomberoKO4 May 15, 1931Waycross, Georgia, US
62Win42–8–12Bob GodwinKO8 Apr 30, 1931Daytona Beach, Florida, USWon Southern light heavyweight title
61Win41–8–12Eric LawsonPTS15Apr 16, 1931Daytona Beach, Florida, US
60Loss40–8–12Bob GodwinPTS10Apr 9, 1931Daytona Beach, Florida, US
59Draw40–7–12Eric LawsonPTS10Mar 6, 1931American Legion Arena, Tallahassee, Florida, US
58Draw40–7–11Whitey GorslinePTS6Feb 25, 1931Madison Square Garden Stadium, Miami, Florida, US
57Win40–7–10Phil WhitleyKO3 Feb 19, 1931Armory, Daytona Beach, Florida, US
56Win39–7–10Bill ThalerPTS10Feb 3, 1931Legion Armory, Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
55Win38–7–10Bobby MarriottKO2 Jan 26, 1931Legion Arena, Lakeland, Florida, US
54Loss37–7–10Eric LawsonPTS8Jan 2, 1931Oasis, Portsmouth, Virginia, US
53Win37–6–10Jack O'HaraKO4 Dec 22, 1930Elks Club, Quincy, Florida, US
52Win36–6–10Cyclone SmithTKO6 Nov 7, 1930Savannah, Georgia, US
51Win35–6–10Russ RowseyKO4 Nov 3, 1930Roanoke, Virginia, US
50Draw34–6–10Kid WilliamsPTS10Oct 10, 1930Waycross, Georgia, US
49Win34–6–9Russ RowseyPTS10Sep 30, 1930Roanoke, Virginia, USSecond fight in one day
48Draw33–6–9Eric LawsonPTS10Sep 30, 1930Roanoke, Virginia, US
47Loss33–6–8Billy SchwartzPTS10Sep 15, 1930Roanoke, Virginia, US
46Draw33–5–8Bob GodwinPTS10Aug 22, 1930Waycross, Georgia, US
45Win33–5–7Bob TowPTS10Aug 5, 1930City Gymnasium, Atlanta, Georgia, US
44Win32–5–7Willie PtomeyKO2 Jul 8, 1930Knoxville, Tennessee, US
43Loss31–5–7Ernesto SaguesPTS10May 30, 1930Waycross A.C. Gymnasium, Waycross, Georgia, US
42Draw31–4–7Corn GriffinPTS8May 13, 1930Fort Benning Arena, Fort Benning, Georgia, US
41Win31–4–6Lockjaw PikeKO2 Apr 18, 1930Sterchi Park Arena, Knoxville, Tennessee, US
40Win30–4–6Corn GriffinPTS8Apr 17, 1930Chattanooga, Tennessee, US
39Win29–4–6Lew CarpenterKO4 Mar 28, 1930Jaycee Gymnasium, Waycross, Georgia, US
38Draw28–4–6Cyclone SmithPTS10Mar 25, 1930Fort Benning Arena, Fort Benning, Georgia, US
37Draw28–4–5Joe KingPTS10Mar 17, 1930Quincy, Florida, US
36Win28–4–4Gus PapstTKO1 Mar 14, 1930Jaycee Gymnasium, Waycross, Georgia, US
35Win27–4–4Cyclone SmithPTS10Mar 7, 1930Tobacco Warehouse, Cairo, Georgia, US
34Win26–4–4Chief WilburPTS10Jan 24, 1930Benjamin Field Arena, Tampa, Florida, US
33Loss25–4–4Raul RojasPTS10Jan 7, 1930Waterfront Park, Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
32Win25–3–4Jackie BakerPTS10Dec 23, 1929Copeland Park Pavilion, Cairo, Georgia, US
31Win24–3–4Johnny WilliamsKO2 Nov 11, 1929Centennial Field, Tallahassee, Florida, US
30Win23–3–4OK ThomasKO3 Sep 24, 1929Tobacco Warehouse, Cairo, Georgia, US
29Win22–3–4Glenn ChanceyPTS10Sep 19, 1929Centennial Field, Tallahassee, Florida, US
28Win21–3–4Brady O'HaraPTS10Aug 27, 1929Tobacco Warehouse, Cairo, Georgia, US
27Win20–3–4Spike KellyTKO4 Aug 15, 1929Centennial Field, Tallahassee, Florida, US
26Win19–3–4Kid BomberoKO5 Aug 13, 1929Tobacco Warehouse, Cairo, Georgia, US
25Draw18–3–4Brady O'HaraPTS10Jul 18, 1929Centennial Field, Tallahassee, Florida, US
24Loss18–3–3Glenn ChanceyPTS10Jul 2, 1929Jacksonville, Florida, US
23Loss18–2–3Brady O'HaraPTS10Apr 30, 1929Jacksonville, Florida, US
22Draw18–1–3Glenn ChanceyPTS10Apr 23, 1929Waterfront Park, Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
21Win18–1–2Tony DiazKO5 Apr 16, 1929Jacksonville, Florida, US
20Loss17–1–2Glenn ChanceyPTS10Feb 6, 1929Tinker Field, Orlando, Florida, US
19Win17–0–2Glenn ChanceyKO3 Feb 1, 1929Burgoyne Isle, Daytona Beach, Florida, US
18Draw16–0–2Glenn ChanceyPTS10Dec 11, 1928Jacksonville, Florida, US
17Win16–0–1Judge HorningKO1 Dec 4, 1928Jacksonville, Florida, US
16Win15–0–1Cowboy BooneKO2 Oct 5, 1928Bainbridge, Georgia, US
15Win14–0–1Red HancockPTS10Sep 27, 1928Eagle Sporting Arena, Tallahassee, Florida, US
14Draw13–0–1Red HancockPTS10Aug 29, 1928Waycross, Georgia, US
13Win13–0Kenneth KinseyKO5 Aug 2, 1928Tobacco Warehouse, Cairo, Georgia, US
12Win12–0Kenneth KinseyKO2 Jun 22, 1928Panacea Springs, Florida, US
11Win11–0Jimmy GordonKO2 Jun 19, 1928Quitman, Georgia, US
10Win10–0Hollis ColleyKO3 Apr 19, 1928Stadium, Thomasville, Georgia, US
9Win9–0Jack CurtisKO2 Apr 6, 1928Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, US
8Win8–0Tom O'RourkePTS10Mar 23, 1928Ringside Club, Atlanta, Georgia, US
7Win7–0Harold GatesPTS6Mar 16, 1928Ringside Club, Atlanta, Georgia, US
6Win6–0Jim FarrellTKO4 Mar 9, 1928Ringside Club, Atlanta, Georgia, US
5Win5–0Wingo RobinsonTKO6 Feb 21, 1928Ringside Club, Atlanta, Georgia, US
4Win4–0Wood PacePTS6Feb 14, 1928Ringside Club, Atlanta, Georgia, US
3Win3–0Connie GeorgeTKO2 Jan 6, 1928Grand Theater, Thomasville, Georgia, US
2Win2–0Battleship SwordKO? Nov 10, 1927Tobacco Warehouse, Cairo, Georgia, US
1Win1–0Battleship SwordKO3 Oct 13, 1927Copeland Park Pavilion, Cairo, Georgia, US

Unofficial record

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRoundDateLocationNotes
164Win125–19–18 Chet GideonPTS10Apr 19, 1938American Legion Arena, Orlando, Florida, US
163Win124–19–18 Pat McDuffPTS10Apr 8, 1938Legion Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, US
162Win123–19–18 Eddie BoylePTS10Mar 24, 1938Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
161Win122–19–18 Harold AndersonPTS10Mar 3, 1938Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
160Loss121–19–18 Melio BettinaPTS10Jun 18, 1937Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
159NC121–18–18 Patsy PerroniNC7 Mar 31, 1937Naval Armory, Detroit, Michigan, US
158Loss121–18–18 Texas Joe DundeePTS10Oct 12, 1936Lakeland, Florida, US
157Loss121–17–18 Al GainerPTS10Jun 1, 1936Hickey Park, Millvale, Pennsylvania, US
156Win121–16–18 Max MarekPTS10Apr 13, 1936Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
155Loss120–16–18 Bob GodwinUD10Apr 7, 1936Legion Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, US
154Win120–15–18 Dewey KimreyPTS10Mar 19, 1936Miami Stadium, Miami, Florida, US
153Win119–15–18 Buck EverettSD12Feb 3, 1936Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
152Draw118–15–18 Patsy PerroniPTS10Jan 17, 1936Coliseum, Coral Gables, Florida, US
151Win118–15–17 Wilson DunnPTS10Nov 28, 1935Daytona Beach, Florida, US
150Win117–15–17 George BlackburnTKO3 Nov 25, 1935Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
149Win116–15–17 Buck EverettPTS10Nov 14, 1935Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
148Win115–15–17 Carl KnowlesPTS10Oct 25, 1935Savannah, Georgia, US
147Win114–15–17 Salvatore RuggirelloTKO6 Sep 30, 1935Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
146Win113–15–17 Pepon GonzalesKO8 Sep 22, 1935Havana, Cuba
145Loss112–15–17 Al McCoyUD15Sep 5, 1935Mount Royal Arena, Montreal, Quebec, CanadaFor vacant world light heavyweight title
144Draw112–14–17 Buck EverettPTS10Aug 5, 1935Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
143Win112–14–16 Benny O'DellKO5 Jul 29, 1935Infantry School Arena, Fort Benning, Georgia, US
142Win111–14–16 Don 'Red' BarryPTS10Jul 25, 1935Savannah, Georgia, US
141Win110–14–16 Dutch WeimerPTS10Jul 23, 1935Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
140Win109–14–16 Corn GriffinRTD4 Jul 4, 1935Jacksonville Beach, Florida, US
139Win108–14–16 Mickey DuganKO5 Jul 1, 1935Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Georgia, US
138Win107–14–16 Charlie BaisdenPTS10Jun 27, 1935Moultrie, Georgia, US
137Win106–14–16 Tom TerryKO2 Jun 13, 1935Hahira, Georgia, US
136Win105–14–16 Paul MarquesPTS10Feb 19, 1935Legion Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, US
135Loss104–14–16 Tony ShuccoMD10Feb 11, 1935Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
134Draw104–13–16 Tony ShuccoPTS10Jan 28, 1935Municipal Stadium, Miami, Florida, US
133Win104–13–15 Eddie KarolakKO2 Jan 10, 1935Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, US
132Win103–13–15 Wilson DunnKO3 Oct 22, 1934City Auditorium, Galveston, Texas, US
131Win102–13–15 Al RodriguesTKO7 Oct 15, 1934Coliseum, Coral Gables, Florida, US
130Win101–13–15 Earl JohnsonTKO7 Oct 2, 1934Athens, Georgia, US
129Win100–13–15 Rosy RosalesPTS10Sep 28, 1934Carolina Arena, Asheville, North Carolina, US
128Win99–13–15 George PavlickPTS10Aug 2, 1934Savannah, Georgia, US
127Win98–13–15 Clyde ChastainKO6 Jul 23, 1934Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
126Win97–13–15 Leroy BrownUD10Jul 16, 1934Sullivan's Bowl, Charleston, South Carolina, USRetained Southern light heavyweight title
125Win96–13–15 Rosy RosalesPTS10Jul 6, 1934Atlanta, Georgia, US
124Win95–13–15 Henry FirpoTKO7 Jun 27, 1934American Legion Arena, Washington, DC, US
123Win94–13–15 Buck EverettTKO9 Jun 11, 1934Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
122Win93–13–15 Carl KnowlesTKO10 Jun 8, 1934Municipal Auditorium, Savannah, Georgia, US
121Win92–13–15 Tony CancelaUD10May 28, 1934Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
120Loss91–13–15 Tony ShuccoUD10May 11, 1934Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, US
119Win91–12–15 Tex LeavelleKO4 Apr 17, 1934Roanoke, Virginia, US
118Draw90–12–15 Buck EverettPTS10Apr 5, 1934Coliseum, Coral Gables, Florida, US
117Win90–12–14 Eddie HoughtonPTS10Mar 20, 1934Legion Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, US
116Win89–12–14 Les KennedyKO2 Mar 16, 1934Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
115Draw88–12–14 Maxie RosenbloomPTS15Feb 5, 1934Madison Square Garden Stadium, Miami, Florida, USFor NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring light heavyweight titles
11488–12–13 Eddie McCarthyNC1 Nov 11, 1933Municipal Stadium, Orlando, Florida, US
113Win88–12–13George NicholsPTS8Nov 3, 1933Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
112Win87–12–13Bob GodwinTKO5 Oct 16, 1933Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, US
111Win86–12–13Frankie WinePTS10Sep 22, 1933Rome, Georgia, US
110Loss85–12–13Bob GodwinSD10Aug 30, 1933Twin City Arena, Laurel, Maryland, US
109Win85–11–13Joe BanovicPTS10Aug 8, 1933Twin City Arena, Laurel, Maryland, US
108Win84–11–13Battling BozoNWS10Jun 28, 1933City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, US
107Win83–11–13Lou ScozzaPTS10Jun 12, 1933Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, US
106Win82–11–13Tiger LemonsTKO9 May 15, 1933Sullivan's Bowl, Charleston, Georgia, US
105Win81–11–13Battling BozoUD10Apr 17, 1933Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, US
104Win80–11–13Wild Bill CoxPTS10Apr 3, 1933City Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, US
103Win79–11–13Eric LawsonPTS10Mar 14, 1933Legion Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, US
102Win78–11–13Tex WallacePTS10Mar 9, 1933Waycross, Georgia, US
101Loss77–11–13Bob GodwinPTS10Mar 1, 1933Legion Arena, West Palm Beach, Florida, USLost NBA light heavyweight title
100Win77–10–13Eddie McCarthyRTD6 Feb 20, 1933Lakeland, Florida, US
99Win76–10–13Irving AshkenazyTKO3 Feb 15, 1933Leesburg, Florida, US
98Win75–10–13Battling BozoPTS10Feb 13, 1933Daytona Beach, Florida, US
97Win74–10–13Romeo LeMonPTS10Jan 13, 1933Daytona Beach, Florida, US
96Win73–10–13Russ RowseyMD10Dec 29, 1932Coliseum, Orlando, Florida, US
95Win72–10–13Owen PhelpsPTS10Dec 6, 1932Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, USRetained Southern light heavyweight title
94Win71–10–13Charley ArthursTKO6 Dec 2, 1932Daytona Beach, Florida, US
93Win70–10–13Natie BrownTKO5 Nov 29, 1932Jacksonville, Florida, US
92Win69–10–13Chick RainesPTS10Nov 23, 1932Savannah, Georgia, US
91Win68–10–13Cracker SmithTKO2, 3:00Nov 11, 1932American Legion Arena, Tallahassee, Florida, US
90Win67–10–13Pietro CorriPTS10Nov 9, 1932Daytona Beach, Florida, US
89Win66–10–13George NicholsUD10Oct 17, 1932Sullivan's Bowl, Charleston, South Carolina, US
88Win65–10–13George CourtneyKO5 Sep 19, 1932Twin City Arena, Laurel, Maryland, US
87Win64–10–13Bob TowKO4 Sep 7, 1932Twin City Arena, Laurel, Maryland, US
86Win63–10–13Eric LawsonKO4 Aug 16, 1932Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, US
85Win62–10–13Terry RobertsTKO1 Aug 5, 1932Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
84Win61–10–13Bob GodwinPTS10Jul 1, 1932Daytona Beach, Florida, USWon Southern light heavyweight title
83Win60–10–13Eric LawsonKO9 Jun 20, 1932Roanoke, Virginia, US
82Win59–10–13Willie OsterPTS10Jun 6, 1932Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, US
81Win58–10–13Charley BelangerSD10May 23, 1932Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, US
80Win57–10–13Maxie RosenbloomPTS10Mar 18, 1932Daytona Beach, Florida, US
79Win56–10–13Don PetrinKO5 Feb 15, 1932Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, US
78Loss55–10–13Bob GodwinMD10Jan 20, 1932Madison Square Garden Stadium, Miami, Florida, USLost Southern light heavyweight title
77Win55–9–13Tony CancelaPTS10Jan 7, 1932Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
76Win54–9–13Joe FinazzoKO4 Dec 18, 1931Legion Arena, Lake Worth, Florida, US
75Win53–9–13Don 'Red' BarryPTS10Dec 3, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
74Draw52–9–13Cyclone SmithPTS10Nov 20, 1931Savannah, Georgia, US
73Win52–9–12Jake DenningPTS10Nov 10, 1931Jacksonville, Florida, US
72Win51–9–12Jack BerryKO2 Oct 23, 1931Johnson Hagood Stadium, Charleston, South Carolina, US
71Win50–9–12Leslie BeardKO1 Oct 9, 1931Marianna, Florida, US
70Win49–9–12Monroe PorterKO1 Oct 5, 1931Lakeland, Florida, US
69Win48–9–12Carl KnowlesTKO8, 1:00Aug 20, 1931Savannah, Georgia, US
68Win47–9–12Spike WebbPTS10Aug 7, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
67Win46–9–12Corn GriffinPTS10Jul 7, 1931Doughboy Stadium, Fort Benning, Georgia, US
66Loss45–9–12Spike WebbPTS10Jul 3, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
65Win45–8–12Bobby EvansKO5 Jun 12, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
64Win44–8–12Yale OkunKO5 May 22, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, US
63Win43–8–12Kid BomberoKO4 May 15, 1931Waycross, Georgia, US
62Win42–8–12Bob GodwinKO8 Apr 30, 1931Daytona Beach, Florida, USWon Southern light heavyweight title
61Win41–8–12Eric LawsonPTS15Apr 16, 1931Daytona Beach, Florida, US
60Loss40–8–12Bob GodwinPTS10Apr 9, 1931Daytona Beach, Florida, US
59Draw40–7–12Eric LawsonPTS10Mar 6, 1931American Legion Arena, Tallahassee, Florida, US
58Draw40–7–11Whitey GorslinePTS6Feb 25, 1931Madison Square Garden Stadium, Miami, Florida, US
57Win40–7–10Phil WhitleyKO3 Feb 19, 1931Armory, Daytona Beach, Florida, US
56Win39–7–10Bill ThalerPTS10Feb 3, 1931Legion Armory, Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
55Win38–7–10Bobby MarriottKO2 Jan 26, 1931Legion Arena, Lakeland, Florida, US
54Loss37–7–10Eric LawsonPTS8Jan 2, 1931Oasis, Portsmouth, Virginia, US
53Win37–6–10Jack O'HaraKO4 Dec 22, 1930Elks Club, Quincy, Florida, US
52Win36–6–10Cyclone SmithTKO6 Nov 7, 1930Savannah, Georgia, US
51Win35–6–10Russ RowseyKO4 Nov 3, 1930Roanoke, Virginia, US
50Draw34–6–10Kid WilliamsPTS10Oct 10, 1930Waycross, Georgia, US
49Win34–6–9Russ RowseyPTS10Sep 30, 1930Roanoke, Virginia, USSecond fight in one day
48Draw33–6–9Eric LawsonPTS10Sep 30, 1930Roanoke, Virginia, US
47Loss33–6–8Billy SchwartzPTS10Sep 15, 1930Roanoke, Virginia, US
46Draw33–5–8Bob GodwinPTS10Aug 22, 1930Waycross, Georgia, US
45Win33–5–7Bob TowPTS10Aug 5, 1930City Gymnasium, Atlanta, Georgia, US
44Win32–5–7Willie PtomeyKO2 Jul 8, 1930Knoxville, Tennessee, US
43Loss31–5–7Ernesto SaguesPTS10May 30, 1930Waycross A.C. Gymnasium, Waycross, Georgia, US
42Draw31–4–7Corn GriffinPTS8May 13, 1930Fort Benning Arena, Fort Benning, Georgia, US
41Win31–4–6Lockjaw PikeKO2 Apr 18, 1930Sterchi Park Arena, Knoxville, Tennessee, US
40Win30–4–6Corn GriffinPTS8Apr 17, 1930Chattanooga, Tennessee, US
39Win29–4–6Lew CarpenterKO4 Mar 28, 1930Jaycee Gymnasium, Waycross, Georgia, US
38Draw28–4–6Cyclone SmithPTS10Mar 25, 1930Fort Benning Arena, Fort Benning, Georgia, US
37Draw28–4–5Joe KingPTS10Mar 17, 1930Quincy, Florida, US
36Win28–4–4Gus PapstTKO1 Mar 14, 1930Jaycee Gymnasium, Waycross, Georgia, US
35Win27–4–4Cyclone SmithPTS10Mar 7, 1930Tobacco Warehouse, Cairo, Georgia, US
34Win26–4–4Chief WilburPTS10Jan 24, 1930Benjamin Field Arena, Tampa, Florida, US
33Loss25–4–4Raul RojasPTS10Jan 7, 1930Waterfront Park, Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
32Win25–3–4Jackie BakerPTS10Dec 23, 1929Copeland Park Pavilion, Cairo, Georgia, US
31Win24–3–4Johnny WilliamsKO2 Nov 11, 1929Centennial Field, Tallahassee, Florida, US
30Win23–3–4OK ThomasKO3 Sep 24, 1929Tobacco Warehouse, Cairo, Georgia, US
29Win22–3–4Glenn ChanceyPTS10Sep 19, 1929Centennial Field, Tallahassee, Florida, US
28Win21–3–4Brady O'HaraPTS10Aug 27, 1929Tobacco Warehouse, Cairo, Georgia, US
27Win20–3–4Spike KellyTKO4 Aug 15, 1929Centennial Field, Tallahassee, Florida, US
26Win19–3–4Kid BomberoKO5 Aug 13, 1929Tobacco Warehouse, Cairo, Georgia, US
25Draw18–3–4Brady O'HaraPTS10Jul 18, 1929Centennial Field, Tallahassee, Florida, US
24Loss18–3–3Glenn ChanceyPTS10Jul 2, 1929Jacksonville, Florida, US
23Loss18–2–3Brady O'HaraPTS10Apr 30, 1929Jacksonville, Florida, US
22Draw18–1–3Glenn ChanceyPTS10Apr 23, 1929Waterfront Park, Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
21Win18–1–2Tony DiazKO5 Apr 16, 1929Jacksonville, Florida, US
20Loss17–1–2Glenn ChanceyPTS10Feb 6, 1929Tinker Field, Orlando, Florida, US
19Win17–0–2Glenn ChanceyKO3 Feb 1, 1929Burgoyne Isle, Daytona Beach, Florida, US
18Draw16–0–2Glenn ChanceyPTS10Dec 11, 1928Jacksonville, Florida, US
17Win16–0–1Judge HorningKO1 Dec 4, 1928Jacksonville, Florida, US
16Win15–0–1Cowboy BooneKO2 Oct 5, 1928Bainbridge, Georgia, US
15Win14–0–1Red HancockPTS10Sep 27, 1928Eagle Sporting Arena, Tallahassee, Florida, US
14Draw13–0–1Red HancockPTS10Aug 29, 1928Waycross, Georgia, US
13Win13–0Kenneth KinseyKO5 Aug 2, 1928Tobacco Warehouse, Cairo, Georgia, US
12Win12–0Kenneth KinseyKO2 Jun 22, 1928Panacea Springs, Florida, US
11Win11–0Jimmy GordonKO2 Jun 19, 1928Quitman, Georgia, US
10Win10–0Hollis ColleyKO3 Apr 19, 1928Stadium, Thomasville, Georgia, US
9Win9–0Jack CurtisKO2 Apr 6, 1928Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, US
8Win8–0Tom O'RourkePTS10Mar 23, 1928Ringside Club, Atlanta, Georgia, US
7Win7–0Harold GatesPTS6Mar 16, 1928Ringside Club, Atlanta, Georgia, US
6Win6–0Jim FarrellTKO4 Mar 9, 1928Ringside Club, Atlanta, Georgia, US
5Win5–0Wingo RobinsonTKO6 Feb 21, 1928Ringside Club, Atlanta, Georgia, US
4Win4–0Wood PacePTS6Feb 14, 1928Ringside Club, Atlanta, Georgia, US
3Win3–0Connie GeorgeTKO2 Jan 6, 1928Grand Theater, Thomasville, Georgia, US
2Win2–0Battleship SwordKO? Nov 10, 1927Tobacco Warehouse, Cairo, Georgia, US
1Win1–0Battleship SwordKO3 Oct 13, 1927Copeland Park Pavilion, Cairo, Georgia, US