Kid Kaplan


Louis "'Kid" Kaplan, known as the Meridan Buzzsaw', was a professional boxer and a 1925 world featherweight champion.

Early life

Kaplan and his family emigrated to the United States from the Kyiv when he was five years old and settled in Meriden, Connecticut. While selling fruit for five cents a day, he began boxing as a teenager at the Lenox Athletic Club in Meriden, and turned professional in 1919.

Professional career

Kaplan began his boxing career in the Connecticut State circuit. At the time, Meriden was an epicenter of boxing in the Northeastern United States. Early in his career, Kaplan fought the popular local favorite and former New York State champion Charlie Pilkington. Though they never boxed a professional match together, their early rivalry and Pilkington's role as a mentor and sparring partner had much to do with launching Kaplan's very successful boxing career.
A busy fighter, he engaged in over 50 bouts in his first four years in the paid ranks. During one of his early fights in 1920, Kaplan knocked out opponent Sailor Cunningham within two minutes.
After winning against Hughie Hutchinson and Earl Baird in 1922, Kaplan gained significant popularity.
In 1923 he twice drew with rival Babe Herman before scoring a 10-round win over future world lightweight champ Jimmy Goodrich.

World featherweight champion, 1925

By late 1924, World Featherweight champion Johnny Dundee vacated his title and a tournament was arranged to determine a successor. "Kid" kayoed Angel Diaz in three rounds, outpointed Bobby Garcia over 10-rounds, and then halted Joe Lombardo in four rounds to advance to the finals. On January 2, 1925, he knocked out Danny Kramer in nine rounds at Madison Square Garden to become the new champion. His first two defenses were against the familiar Babe Herman in late 1925. Kaplan next decisioned Hall of Famer Billy Petrolle over 12 rounds in a non-title bout.
However, Kaplan's reign as champion was nearing its end. Despite standing 5 ft 4 in., he was experiencing difficulty making the featherweight limit and decided to relinquish the crown to campaign as a lightweight in 1927. As a 135-pounder, he scored wins over Jackie Fields, Johnny Jadick, Billy Wallace, Battling Battalino and Sammy Mandell among others. Amongst the wins were losses to Wallace and Hall of Famer Jimmy McLarnin. In 1933 he lost to Herbert "Cocoa Kid" Lewis Hardwick, and promptly retired from the ring with a 108-17-13D- 12 ND record.
Known as a rugged, pressing boxer who possessed tremendous stamina, the crowd-pleasing "Meriden Buzzsaw" died on October 26, 1970, in Norwich, Connecticut.

Halls of Fame

Kaplan was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.
Kaplan, who was Jewish, was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.

Miscellaneous

  • Brother of fellow boxer Israel "Izzy" Kaplan

    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 to the win/loss/draw column.
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRoundDateLocationNotes
164Loss107–22–13 Herbert Lewis HardwickPTS10Feb 20, 1933Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
163Win107–21–13 Eddie HolmesPTS10Oct 13, 1932Foot Guard Hall, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
162Loss106–21–13 Pancho VillaSD10Sep 9, 1932Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
161Win106–20–13 Frankie PetrollePTS8Aug 4, 1932Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
160Win105–20–13 Emil RossiPTS8Jul 19, 1932Queensboro Stadium, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
159Win104–20–13 Jackie PilkingtonPTS10Jun 29, 1932Hurley Stadium, East Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
158Loss103–20–13 Eddie RanKO1 Nov 20, 1931Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
157Win103–19–13 Harry DublinskyPTS8Nov 4, 1931Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
156Win102–19–13 Pancho VillaKO9 Oct 12, 1931Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
155Win101–19–13 Jackie PilkingtonPTS10Sep 8, 1931Capital Park Stadium, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.Won vacant New England lightweight title
154Win100–19–13 Sammy MandellPTS10Aug 24, 1931Hurley Stadium, East Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
153Win99–19–13 Tommy JarrettPTS10Jul 23, 1931Meadowbrook Arena, North Adams, Massachusetts, U.S.
152Win98–19–13 Ralph LennyPTS10Apr 20, 1931State Armory, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
151Win97–19–13 Billy LynchPTS10Apr 6, 1931Foot Guard Hall, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
150Win96–19–13 Buster BrownPTS10Mar 16, 1931104th Medical Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
149Win95–19–13 Tommy CrowleyTKO6 Mar 4, 1931Columbus Civic Center, Rochester, New York, U.S.
148Win94–19–13 Jack PortneyPTS10Feb 4, 1931Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
147Loss93–19–13 Justo SuárezPTS10Oct 17, 1930Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
146Win93–18–13 Christopher BattalinoPTS10Sep 24, 1930Hurley Stadium, East Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
145Win92–18–13 Jimmy O'BrienTKO9 Aug 9, 1930Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
144Win91–18–13 Maurice HoltzerPTS10Jun 30, 1930Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
143Win90–18–13 Tommy CrowleyPTS10Jun 19, 1930Lakewood Arena, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
142Win89–18–13 Joey MedillPTS10Jun 2, 1930Hurley Stadium, East Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
141Win88–18–13 Johnny FarrPTS10Mar 18, 1930Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
140Loss87–18–13 Jack PortneyPTS10Feb 24, 1930104th Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
139Win87–17–13 Andy CallahanPTS10Dec 13, 1929Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
138Win86–17–13 Emory CabanaPTS10Nov 19, 1929Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
137Win85–17–13 Eddie WolfeTKO8 Oct 30, 1929Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
136Loss84–17–13 Emory CabanaPTS10Sep 17, 1929Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
135Win84–16–13 Henri DewanckerTKO7 Sep 9, 1929Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
134Win83–16–13 Joe TrabonPTS10Aug 22, 1929Lakewood Arena, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
133Win82–16–13 Billy WallacePTS10May 10, 1929Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
132Win81–16–13 Joey MedillPTS10Apr 11, 1929Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
131Win80–16–13 Joe GlickPTS10Apr 2, 1929Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
130Loss79–16–13 Freddie MuellerDQ8 Feb 26, 1929Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.Kaplan was disqualified following a low blow
129Win79–15–13 Phil McGrawPTS10Feb 14, 1929State Armory, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
128Win78–15–13 Johnny JadickDQ7 Jan 11, 1929Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.Jadick was disqualified for persistent holding
127Win77–15–13 Ritchie KingPTS10Jan 1, 1929Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
126Win76–15–13 Bruce FlowersPTS10Oct 16, 1928Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
125Win75–15–13 Bert LambKO7 Sep 21, 1928Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
124Loss74–15–13 Manuel QuinteroPTS10Jul 2, 1928White City Stadium, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
123Loss74–14–13 Manuel QuinteroPTS10May 31, 1928Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
122Win74–13–13 Georgie DayPTS10May 8, 1928Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
121Win73–13–13 Joe TrabonPTS10Feb 27, 1928Edgerton Park Arena, Rochester, New York, U.S.
120Win72–13–13 Bobby MaysPTS10Feb 20, 1928Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
119Win71–13–13 Mike DundeePTS12Nov 1, 1927Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
118Loss70–13–13 Jimmy McLarninKO8 Oct 18, 1927Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
117Win70–12–13 Tommy CelloPTS10Oct 11, 1927St. Nicholas Arena, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
116Win69–12–13 Clicky ClarkTKO5 Sep 8, 1927Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
115Win68–12–13 Bruce FlowersPTS10Jun 29, 1927Queensboro Stadium, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
114Win67–12–13 Jackie FieldsPTS10Jun 15, 1927Polo Grounds, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
113Win66–12–13 Al ForemanPTS10May 9, 1927Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
112Win65–12–13 Tony VaccarelliTKO8 May 2, 1927Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
111Win64–12–13 Johnny CeccoliPTS10Apr 4, 1927Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
110Win63–12–13 Jackie BradyPTS10Mar 28, 1927Convention Hall, Rochester, New York, U.S.
109Win62–12–13 Frankie FinkTKO8 Mar 18, 1927Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
108Win61–12–13 Lou PalusoPTS12Jan 17, 1927Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
107Win60–12–13 Paris CangeyKO4 Jan 10, 1927Convention Hall, Rochester, New York, U.S.
106Loss59–12–13 Billy WallaceKO5 Dec 2, 1926Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
105Win59–11–13 Tommy CelloPTS10Nov 5, 1926Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
104Win58–11–13 Tommy CelloPTS10Aug 3, 1926Queensboro Stadium, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
103Win57–11–13 Bobby GarciaTKO10 Jun 28, 1926Hurley Stadium, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.Retained NYSAC and The Ring featherweight titles
102Win56–11–13 Billy WhiteNWS10Jun 4, 1926Boyle's Thirty Acres, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
101Win56–11–13 Leo RoyKO7 Apr 21, 1926Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
100Win55–11–13 Mickey ChapinUD10Apr 12, 1926Town Hall, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
99Win54–11–13 Tommy HermanPTS12Mar 26, 1926104th Medical Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
98Draw53–11–13 Eddie WagnerPTS10Mar 8, 1926Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
97Win53–11–12 Billy PetrollePTS12Mar 1, 1926Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
96Win52–11–12 Billy MurphyPTS10Jan 25, 1926Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
95Win51–11–12 Babe HermanUD15Dec 18, 1925Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.Retained NYSAC and The Ring featherweight titles
94Draw50–11–12 Babe HermanPTS15Aug 27, 1925Brassco Park, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.Retained NYSAC and The Ring featherweight titles
93Win50–11–11 Billy KennedyNWS10Aug 5, 1925Bayonne Stadium, Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S.
92Win50–11–11 Frankie SchaefferNWS10Jun 26, 1925Aurora Bowl, Aurora, Illinois, U.S.
91Win50–11–11 Steve SullivanTKO5 May 22, 1925Brassco Park, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
90Win49–11–11 Ernie GoozemanNWS12Mar 28, 1925Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.
89Win49–11–11 Johnny FarrNWS12Mar 11, 1925Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
88Win49–11–11 Bud RidleyNWS12Feb 10, 1925Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
87Win49–11–11 Danny KramerTKO9 Jan 2, 1925Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.Won vacant NYSAC and inaugural The Ring featherweight titles
86Win48–11–11 Jose LombardoKO4 Dec 12, 1924Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
85Win47–11–11 Bobby GarciaPTS10Nov 21, 1924Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
84Win46–11–11 Angel DiazKO3 Oct 10, 1924Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
83Win45–11–11 Lou PalusoPTS12Sep 15, 1924Brassco Park, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
82Win44–11–11 Pal MoranDQ9 Aug 21, 1924Weiss Park, Hamden, Connecticut, U.S.Moran disqualified for "not trying"
81Win43–11–11 Bobby GarciaPTS12Jun 9, 1924Weiss Park, Hamden, Connecticut, U.S.
80Draw42–11–11 Cuddy DeMarcoPTS12Apr 24, 1924State Armory, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
79Draw42–11–10 Bobby GarciaPTS12Mar 20, 1924State Armory, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
78Win42–11–9 Cuddy DeMarcoPTS12Feb 21, 1924State Armory, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
77Win41–11–9 Eddie BradyUD12Feb 1, 1924Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
76Draw40–11–9 Cuddy DeMarcoPTS10Jan 7, 1924Motor Square Garden, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
75Win40–11–8 Allentown Johnny LeonardPTS12Dec 13, 1923State Armory, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
74Win39–11–8 Jimmy GoodrichPTS10Sep 28, 1923Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
73Win38–11–8 Tommy NobleTKO7 Aug 9, 1923Velodrome, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
72Draw37–11–8 Babe HermanPTS12Jul 3, 1923Weiss Park, Hamden, Connecticut, U.S.
71Draw37–11–7 Babe HermanPTS12Jun 12, 1923Queensboro Stadium, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
70Draw37–11–6 Babe HermanPTS8Jun 2, 1923Polo Grounds, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
69Win37–11–5 Danny FrushKO6 May 17, 1923Queensboro Stadium, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
68Win36–11–5 Harvey BrightPTS12Apr 16, 1923City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
67Loss35–11–5 Al ShubertPTS12Mar 14, 1923Foot Guard Hall, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
66Win35–10–5 Babe HermanPTS12Mar 8, 1923State Armory, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
65Win34–10–5 Mickey TraversPTS12Jan 15, 1923City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
64Loss33–10–5 Babe HermanPTS12Dec 18, 1922City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
63Win33–9–5 Steve SullivanUD12Nov 24, 1922Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
62Win32–9–5 Gene DelmontPTS12Nov 14, 1922Casino Hall, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
61Win31–9–5 Andy ChaneyPTS12Oct 20, 1922Weiss Park, Hamden, Connecticut, U.S.
60Win30–9–5 Johnny ShugruePTS12Sep 14, 1922Hanover Park, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
59Win29–9–5 Eddie WagnerPTS12Aug 10, 1922Hanover Park, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
58Win28–9–5 Earl BairdDQ8 Jun 29, 1922State Street Arena, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.Baird was disqualified for hitting low
57Loss27–9–5 Eddie WagnerPTS12Jun 9, 1922City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
56Win27–8–5 Earl BairdPTS12May 29, 1922State Street Arena, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
55Win26–8–5 Johnny LissePTS12May 13, 1922City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
54Win25–8–5 Johnny WilliamsNWS12Apr 18, 1922Portland, Maine, U.S.
53Win25–8–5 Dick RussellPTS10Apr 10, 1922Casino A.C., Lynn, Massachusetts, U.S.
52Win24–8–5 Hughie HutchinsonPTS12Apr 1, 1922City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
51Win23–8–5 Artie RoseTKO2 Mar 20, 1922City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
50Win22–8–5 Knockout Al WagnerPTS8Mar 13, 1922Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
49Draw21–8–5 Jackie CoburnPTS6Mar 6, 1922Broadway Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
48Draw21–8–4 Mickey TraversPTS12Mar 2, 1922Music Hall, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
47Draw21–8–3 Hughie HutchinsonPTS12Feb 25, 1922City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
46Win21–8–2 Dick RussellRTD2 Feb 13, 1922Casino Hall, Lynn, Massachusetts, U.S.
45Win20–8–2 Jimmy DwyerPTS12Nov 29, 1921City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
44Win19–8–2 Freddie JacksPTS12Nov 19, 1921City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
43Win18–8–2 Dutch BrandtPTS12Oct 31, 1921Church Street Auditorium, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
42Win17–8–2 Al ShubertPTS12Oct 24, 1921Church Street Auditorium, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
41Win16–8–2 Billy DeFoeDQ5 Oct 10, 1921City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.DeFoe was disqualified for hitting low
40Win15–8–2 Pete McDonaldPTS12Sep 23, 1921City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
39Win14–8–2 Billy MurphyPTS12Sep 2, 1921City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
38Win13–8–2 Kid LewisPTS12Aug 19, 1921City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
37Win12–8–2 Sammy WaltzPTS12Jul 1, 1921City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
36Win11–8–2 Jack CunninghamTKO1 Jun 9, 1921Church Street Auditorium, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
35Win10–8–2 Romeo RochePTS10May 14, 1921Grand Theatre, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
34Win9–8–2 Joe CurrieNWS8Apr 7, 1921Armory, Wallingford, Connecticut, U.S.
33Win9–8–2 Terry O'ConnorDQ5 Mar 31, 1921Church Street Auditorium, Hartford, Massachusetts, U.S.O'Connor disqualified for excessive holding
32Loss8–8–2 Romeo RochePTS10Mar 11, 1921City Hall, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
31Loss8–7–2 Romeo RochePTS10Feb 25, 1921City Hall, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
30Win8–6–2 Johnny WilliamsNWS8Feb 21, 1921Church Street Auditorium, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
29Loss8–6–2 Jimmy DwyerPTS8Feb 3, 1921Foot Guard Hall, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
28Loss8–5–2 Mickey TraversPTS10Dec 27, 1920Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
27Loss8–4–2 Johnny ShugruePTS12Dec 11, 1920Phoenix Arena, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
26Draw8–3–2 Irish Kid WilliamsPTS8Dec 4, 1920Phoenix Arena, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
25Win8–3–1 Artie O'LearyTKO6 Nov 12, 1920Trades Council Hall, Wallingford, Connecticut, U.S.
24Win7–3–1 Joe HallPTS8Nov 6, 1920City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
236–3–1 Mickey TraversNC5 Aug 17, 1920Majestic Roof Garden, Norwich, Connecticut, U.S.
22Draw6–3–1 Mickey TraversPTS8Aug 14, 1920Hanover Park, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
21Win6–3 Johnny GrayKO10 Jun 18, 1920New Atlas A.C., Chicopee, Massachusetts, U.S.
20Win5–3 Jimmy FarrenPTS10Jun 10, 1920Casino A.C., Lynn, Massachusetts, U.S.
19Draw4–3 George ProtoNWS6May 29, 1920Phoenix Arena, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
18Loss4–3 Mickey TraversPTS6Apr 29, 1920Auditorium, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
17Loss4–2 Mickey TraversPTS10Apr 13, 1920Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
16Win4–1 Battling GreenTKO7 Mar 29, 1920City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
15Win3–1 George SmithTKO3 Mar 4, 1920Music Hall, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
14Draw2–1 Eddie FordNWS8Feb 21, 1920City Hall Auditorium, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
13Win2–1 Johnny RomanoNWS6Jan 22, 1920Bandeck's Hall, New Britain, Connecticut, U.S.
12Win2–1 Battling HarrisNWS6Dec 27, 1919Phoenix Arena, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
11Win2–1 George HeborTKO4 Dec 18, 1919Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
10Win1–1 Frankie MackNWS6Dec 1, 1919Crown Theater, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
9Win1–1 Terry O'ConnorNWS6Oct 30, 1919Middletown A.C., Middletown, Connecticut, U.S.
8ND1–1 Kid BlackND6Oct 20, 19194th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.Precise date of bout unknown at this time
7ND1–1 Tommy SheaND6 Oct 15, 1919Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.Precise date of bout unknown at this time
6ND1–1 Happy GormanND6Sep 2, 1919Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.Precise date of bout unknown at this time
51–1 Young DempseyND4Sep 1, 19194th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.Precise date of bout unknown at this time
4Draw1–1 Battling LewisNWS6Nov 18, 1918Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
3Loss1–1 George ProtoPTS6Apr 29, 1918Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
2Win1–0 Frankie MackNWS4Mar 21, 1918Lenox Hall, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.
1Win1–0Young RoccoKO1 Mar 7, 1918Lenox Hall, Meriden, Connecticut, U.S.