Petey Sarron


Petey Sarron was an American boxer who became a National Boxing Association (NBA) Featherweight Champion on May 11, 1936, defeating Freddie Miller at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2016.
Sarron was a member of the Olympic Team at flyweight in boxing for the United States during the 1924 Summer Olympics. Dave Evans and Jimmy Erwin worked as his managers and promoters. He was best known as a fast, elusive battler, with a windmill attack.
During his career he defeated such opponents as Benny Bass and Frankie Covelli. He lost his World Featherweight Championship to the gifted Henry Armstrong in a sixth-round knockout at Madison Square Garden.

Early life

Pete Sarron was born in Birmingham, Alabama on November 21, 1906. Sarron's parents were Syrians who emigrated to Alabama from Lebanon. Like many boxers of his era, he made an early living selling newspapers, beginning at age six. Early in life, he found Dave Evans at the Birmingham Boy's Club who mentored him in boxing, and helped manage his career. He would return the favor and support the club after becoming a successful boxer. After High School, he had ambitions to study law and become an attorney.

Amateur and early professional career

Sarron fought future World Flyweight Champion Fidel LaBarba at the age of eighteen in the May 1924 National AAU Flyweight Semi-final and Olympic Trials in Boston. Sarron's performance allowed him to become an alternate for the United States during the 1924 Summer Olympics. He would meet LaBarba again on April 22, 1932, before a crowd of 2,986 at Olympia Stadium in Detroit, losing the NBA World Featherweight elimination bout in a ten-round decision. The decision for LaBarba was not popular with the crowd, though he used a stinging left jab to sufficient effect to win the bout in the opinion of referee Slim McClelland. Sarron had trouble evading the jabs of LaBarba though he made a stronger finish in the last two rounds. LaBarba jabbed frequently with his long left, but tired somewhat in the last two rounds, when Sarron made a stand though his punches lacked the authority to do much damage.

Defeating former NBA Flyweight Champion Pinky Silverberg

On May 25, 1929, Sarron defeated Pinky Silverberg, in an important fifteen round points decision in Melbourne, Australia in the featherweight range at 120 pounds. Silverberg had formerly held the NBA World Flyweight Championship in 1927–8, but had been stripped of the title, and was fighting at the lower featherweight range of 120 with Sarron.
On January 23, 1934, Sarron, at the featherweight range of 128 pounds, met Frankie Covelli at Portner's Arena in Alexandria, Virginia, losing in a ten-round points decision. On March 8, 1935, however, he beat Covelli at the Coliseum in Coral Gables, Florida in a ten-round points decision. In 1940, Covelli would contend for the NBA World Featherweight Title in Washington D.C.
On June 29, 1934, Sarron defeated former British and Canadian World Lightweight Champion Al Foreman on June 29, 1934, at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C. Sarron had defeated one of his best known opponents in an early win, but it was to be the last professional bout for Foreman, the Jewish Canadian champion who retired to Montreal. Known for his boxing in the America, Foreman had served two years boxing for the US Army in 1924–26, and had been stationed in Virginia. He continued to fight in the States through 1927, and had fought in Washington D.C. on several previous occasions.
Sarron first met Benny Bass on August 27, 1934, at Griffith Stadium in Washington D.C., winning in a sixth round disqualification. Sarron had a small reach advantage of nearly two inches. He defeated Bass in the next bout on September 24, before 5,000 fans at the Arena in Philadelphia in a ten-round decision. Sarron, who was fouled in the seventh, came back to briefly drop Bass to the floor, and then gain more points in the eighth, reigning a series of blows on the former champion. Sarron took chances with Bass, acting as the aggressor from the start, and boxing a fast-paced bout. In December 1929 Bass had taken the World Jr. Lightweight Title.

Bouts with Freddie Miller, Feather Champ

On March 2, 1936, Sarron met Southpaw Freddie Miller at the Coliseum in Coral Gables, Florida losing in a fifteen-round decision. The Referee and one judge scored the fight for Miller with 6 rounds won, 3 tied, and 6 even. Two of the six rounds given to Miller were due to Sarron fouls.

Winning Featherweight Championship, 1936

On May 11, 1936, Sarron first took the National Boxing Association World Featherweight championship from Freddie Miller in a fifteen-round points decision at Griffith Stadium, an American League ball park, in Washington D. C. Before an impressive crowd of 23,000, Sarron swarmed over Miller, came up with an early lead in points, and nearly scored knockouts in the thirteen and fifteenth rounds. Sarron had previously lost to Miller three times. The new champion bobbed and weaved expertly, sometimes ducking close to the floor to avoid the blows of Miller, who seemed to have an advantage in the first four rounds. In the ninth through fifteenth, Sarron showed his strongest advantage. Sarron collected the relatively modest sum of $10,000 for his win.

First defense of Feather Title

Sarron staged his first defense of the World Featherweight Title on July 22, 1936, winning a fifteen-round unanimous decision against Cuban southpaw Baby Manuel at the Sportatorium in Dallas, Texas. In Texas's first championship bout before a crowd of 4,5000, Sarron, though briefly down in the first, punched his way confidently through for the rest of the match and gained a commanding lead in points and a decisive victory.

Win over Laurie Stevens

Fighting as a lightweight, on January 16, 1937, Sarron defeated Laurie Stevens in a non-title fight at Wanderer's Stadium in Johannesburg in a twelfth-round knockout. Stevens had taken the South African Lightweight title in 1933 as well as the British Empire Lightweight Championship in January, 1936, only one year before his meeting with Sarron. Stevens was also a former British Olympic boxer.
Sarron challenged champion Freddie Miller again on July 31, 1937, in an important ten round non-title bout in Johannesburg, but lost the decision.

2nd defense Featherweight Title

Sarron and Miller fought a fierce rematch in an NBA World Featherweight Championship bout two months later on September 4, 1937, before a crowd of 25,000 in Johannesburg and Sarron won a majority decision. Sarron floored Miller twice for a decisive victory. Miller was floored for a count of seven in the sixth round from a left cross by Sarron. In the twelfth, Sarron scored a knockdown with a hard right for a count of three.

Loss of Feather Championship

Sarron lost his title to the exceptional black boxing champion Henry Armstrong in a sixth-round knockout on October 29, 1937, before a crowd of 11,847 at Madison Square Garden. Several sources reported it was Sarron's first knockout in twelve years of fighting. Sarron looked in control in the first, but by the second round had been staggered by the blows of Armstrong, who would have won the third but for a low blow dealt to Sarron. Sarron managed to remain even in the fourth but by the fifth was again badly staggered by a blow from Armstrong, who had no trouble ending the bout in the sixth with a left hook to the chin of Sarron who tried vainly to cover with his gloves. The following year the incomparable Armstrong took both the World Welterweight and World Lightweight Championships.
Sarron retired from boxing on July 17, 1939, after losing his last bout, a ten-round points decision against Sammy Angott at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Life after boxing

During his life, Sarron enjoyed reading golfing, and fishing, and had ambitions to become an attorney and study law. He was studious and articulate for a young man who chose boxing as a profession.
In late 1953, he became the Secretary of the Miami Boxing Commission. He married Patrinilla "Pat" Farah, who was also of Lebanese/Syrian descent. The couple had two boys, Peter and Ronald. Throughout his life, Sarron maintained a very close relationship with his family. During the 1960s, Sarron worked as an enforcement agent for the Florida Beverage Department, enforcing state and federal tobacco laws. He eventually retired in Miami and died there at age 87 on July 3, 1994.

Achievements and honors

Sarron was featured on the cover of the November 1936 The Ring magazine.
He was an inductee into the 2016 International Boxing Hall of Fame.

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
156LossSammy AngottPTS10Jul 17, 1939Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
155Win101–22–12 Yucatán KidMD10Jun 15, 1939City Stadium, Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
154Win100–22–12 Wishy JonesNWS10Mar 30, 1939City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
153Win100–22–12 Yucatán KidPTS10Dec 16, 1938Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
152Win99–22–12 Mike GamierePTS10Dec 5, 1938Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
151Win98–22–12 Yucatán KidPTS15Oct 3, 1938Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
150Win97–22–12 Lou GevinsonPTS10May 20, 1938Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
149Win96–22–12 Joey GreenNWS10Apr 11, 1938American Legion Arena, Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
148Win96–22–12 Joey TemmesPTS10Mar 15, 1938Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
147Win95–22–12 Bobby BrittonPTS10Feb 15, 1938Coliseum, Coral Gables, Florida, U.S.
146Win94–22–12 Ray IngramPTS10Dec 20, 1937City Auditorium, Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
145Win93–22–12 Carl GugginoPTS10Dec 8, 1937Hippodrome, New York City, New York, U.S.
144Loss92–22–12 Henry ArmstrongKO6 Oct 29, 1937Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Lost NBA and The Ring featherweight titles;
For vacant NYSAC featherweight titles
143Win92–21–12 Teddy BraunPTS10Sep 9, 1937 Old Drill Hall, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
142Win91–21–12 Freddie MillerPTS12Sep 4, 1937 Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Retained NBA and The Ring featherweight titles
141Loss90–21–12 Freddie MillerPTS10Jul 31, 1937 Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
140Loss90–20–12 Harry MizlerDQ1 May 6, 1937 Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Sarron struck Mizler a low blow in the first round of a scheduled ten-rounder and was disqualified
139Loss90–19–12 Dave CrowleyDQ9 May 6, 1937Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, EnglandSarron DQ'd for hitting with an open glove after repeated warnings
138Win90–18–12 Harry MizlerPTS10Apr 15, 1937Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England
137Win89–18–12 Andy MartinKO5 Feb 27, 1937 Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
136Win88–18–12 Lawrence StevensKO12 Jan 16, 1937 Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
135Draw87–18–12 Nick CamarataPTS10Sep 14, 1936City Stadium, Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
134Win87–18–11 Jackie CarterPTS10Aug 26, 1936Idora Park, Youngstown, Ohio, U.S.
133Win86–18–11 Davey AbadPTS10Jul 31, 1936Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
132Win85–18–11 Baby ManuelUD15Jul 22, 1936Sportatorium, Dallas, Texas, U.S.Retained NBA and The Ring featherweight titles
131Win84–18–11 Bobby DeanKO5 Jul 7, 1936Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
130Win83–18–11 Lloyd PinePTS10Jun 23, 1936League Park, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
129Win82–18–11 Nick CamarataPTS10Jun 15, 1936Jai Alai Fronton, Arabi, Louisiana, U.S.
128Win81–18–11 Freddie MillerMD15May 11, 1936Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.Won NBA and The Ring featherweight titles
127Loss80–18–11 Freddie MillerPTS15Mar 2, 1936Coliseum, Coral Gables, Florida, U.S.For NBA and The Ring featherweight titles
126Win80–17–11 Carl GugginoPTS10Jan 16, 1936Miami Stadium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
125Draw79–17–11 Carl GugginoPTS10Dec 5, 1935Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
124Win79–17–10 Jimmy McNamaraPTS10Nov 28, 1935Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
123Win78–17–10 Andy MartinNWS10Nov 6, 1935City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
122Win78–17–10 California Joe RiversPTS10Sep 30, 1935Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
121Win77–17–10 Young ChocolateUD10Sep 14, 1935Rose Gardens Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica
120Win76–17–10 Joey TemmesPTS10Aug 12, 1935Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
119Win75–17–10 California Joe RiversPTS10Mar 25, 1935Auditorium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
118Win74–17–10 Frankie CovelliPTS10Mar 8, 1935Coliseum, Coral Gables, Florida, U.S.
117Win73–17–10 Baby ManuelPTS10Feb 25, 1935Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
116Win72–17–10 Patsy SeveroPTS10Feb 18, 1935Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
115Win71–17–10 California Joe RiversPTS10Jan 28, 1935Auditorium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
114Win70–17–10 Frankie WallacePTS10Oct 15, 1934Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
113Win69–17–10 Benny BassMD10Sep 24, 1934Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
112Win68–17–10 Benny BassDQ6 Aug 27, 1934Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
111Win67–17–10 Al ForemanSD10Jun 29, 1934Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
110Loss66–17–10 Lew FeldmanPTS8May 11, 1934Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
109Win66–16–10 Ray SchneiderPTS10Mar 27, 1934Duval County Armory, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
108Win65–16–10 Bucky BurtonPTS12Mar 12, 1934Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
107Loss64–16–10 Bucky BurtonSD10Feb 19, 1934Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
106Loss64–15–10 Freddie MillerPTS10Feb 7, 1934Music Hall Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
105Loss64–14–10 Frankie CovelliPTS10Jan 23, 1934Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
104Win64–13–10 Bucky BurtonPTS10Dec 11, 1933Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
103Win63–13–10 Varias MillingPTS10Nov 28, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
102Loss62–13–10 Freddie MillerUD10Nov 1, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
101Win62–12–10 Eddie BurlPTS10Oct 17, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
100Win61–12–10 Mickey GenaroPTS10Sep 20, 1933Twin City Arena, Laurel, Maryland, U.S.
99Draw60–12–10 Eddie BurlPTS10Aug 15, 1933Twin City Arena, Laurel, Maryland, U.S.
98Loss60–12–9 Eddie BurlPTS10Jul 18, 1933Twin City Arena, Laurel, Maryland, U.S.
97Win60–11–9 Johnny FarrPTS8Jun 6, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
96Win59–11–9 Johnny DattoNWS10Jun 1, 1933City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
95Win59–11–9 Johnny DattoTKO1 May 12, 1933Northside Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
94Draw58–11–9 Tommy PaulPTS10May 9, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
93Draw58–11–8 Tommy PaulMD8Apr 25, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
92Win58–11–7 Miki GelbPTS8Mar 28, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
91Win57–11–7 Benny SchwartzKO7 Mar 7, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
90Win56–11–7 Frankie DeAngeloTKO7 Feb 14, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
89Draw55–11–7 Charley Van ReedonPTS10Jan 25, 1933Duval County Armory, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
88Loss55–11–6 Harry SankeyPTS10Apr 29, 1932Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
87Loss55–10–6 Fidel LaBarbaPTS10Apr 22, 1932Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
86Win55–9–6 Chico CisnerosPTS10Mar 24, 1932Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
85Draw54–9–6 Chico CisnerosPTS10Feb 25, 1932Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
84Win54–9–5 Charley Van ReedonKO1 Feb 11, 1932Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
83Win53–9–5 Mickey GenaroUD10Jan 19, 1932Duval County Armory, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
82Win52–9–5 Gilbert CastilloPTS10Nov 26, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
81Win51–9–5 Charley Van ReedonPTS10Nov 17, 1931Armory, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
80Win50–9–5 Midget Mike O'DowdTKO3 Nov 9, 1931City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
79Win49–9–5 Eddie BurlPTS10Nov 4, 1931Armory, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
78Win48–9–5 Gilbert CastilloPTS10Jul 24, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
77Win47–9–5 Gilbert CastilloPTS10Jul 10, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
76Draw46–9–5 Midget Mike O'DowdPTS8Jul 4, 1931American Legion Stadium, Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
75Win46–9–4 Babe RuthPTS10Jun 11, 1931American Legion Stadium, Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
74Win45–9–4 Davey AbadNWS10Jun 8, 1931City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
73Win45–9–4 Mickey GenaroNWS10Apr 27, 1931City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
72Win45–9–4 Tony LetoKO4 Mar 16, 1931City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
71Win44–9–4 Emil PalusoNWS10Feb 2, 1931City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
70Win44–9–4 Johnnie LeckiePTS15Aug 5, 1930Opera House, Palmerston North, New Zealand
69Win43–9–4 Sammy ShackPTS15Jun 21, 1930 Kensington Drill Hall, Dunedin, New Zealand
68Loss42–9–4 Tommy DonovanPTS15May 3, 1930 Speedway Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand
67Loss42–8–4 Tommy DonovanPTS15Mar 29, 1930 Kilbirnie Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
66Loss42–7–4 Tommy DonovanDQ7 Mar 15, 1930Western Park, New Plymouth, New Zealand
65Win42–6–4 Johnnie LeckiePTS15Feb 4, 1930 Town Hall, Wellington, New Zealand
64Win41–6–4 Johnnie LeckiePTS15Jan 1, 1930 Municipal Theatre, Napier, New Zealand
63Win40–6–4 Billy GrimeTKO14 Dec 27, 1929 Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand
62Win39–6–4 Billy GrimeTKO14 Dec 17, 1929 Town Hall, Wellington, New Zealand
61Win38–6–4 Jack JonesTKO11 Dec 2, 1929 Town Hall, Wellington, New Zealand
60Win37–6–4 Billy GrimePTS15Nov 8, 1929Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
59Win36–6–4 Billy GrimeRTD9 Oct 12, 1929 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
58Loss35–6–4 Billy GrimePTS15Sep 7, 1929 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
57Draw35–5–4 Dick CorbettPTS15Aug 14, 1929Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
56Win35–5–3 Johnnie LeckieKO13 Jul 27, 1929 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
55Win34–5–3 Young SikiPTS15Jul 20, 1929 West Melbourne Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
54Loss33–5–3 Johnnie LeckiePTS15Jun 22, 1929 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
53Win33–4–3 Pinky SilverbergPTS15May 25, 1929 West Melbourne Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
52Win32–4–3 Charlie GlassonKO5 May 11, 1929 West Melbourne Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
51Loss31–4–3 Mickey GillPTS10Mar 6, 1929Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
50Win31–3–3 Johnny EricksonNWS6Jan 18, 1929Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
49Win31–3–3 Emil PalusoNWS10Dec 3, 1928Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
48Win31–3–3 Jimmy McDermottPTS10Nov 1, 1928American Legion Stadium, Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
47Win30–3–3 Harry ForbesPTS10Oct 18, 1928American Legion Stadium, Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
46Win29–3–3 Benny SchwartzNWS10Oct 9, 1928City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
45Loss29–3–3 Emil PalusoPTS10Sep 21, 1928Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
44Win29–2–3 Kid PanchoPTS12Sep 7, 1928Market Square Garden, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
43Win28–2–3 Mike SansonePTS10Aug 23, 1928American Legion Stadium, Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
42Win27–2–3 Mike SansonePTS10Aug 2, 1928American Legion Stadium, Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
41Win26–2–3 Kid PanchoPTS10Jul 9, 1928Market Square Garden, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
40Win25–2–3 Joe LucasNWS10Jun 4, 1928Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
39Win25–2–3 Quina LeeKO8 May 21, 1928Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
38Win24–2–3 Mickey GillPTS8Apr 9, 1928Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
37Win23–2–3 Joe LucasPTS10Apr 3, 1928Savannah, Georgia, U.S.
36Win22–2–3 Jackie DaleyNWS10Mar 26, 1928Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
35Win22–2–3 Pinky MayNWS10Feb 27, 1928Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
34Win22–2–3 Dudley StadlerTKO6 Feb 19, 1928Hi-Way Park, Gretna, Louisiana, U.S.
33Draw21–2–3 Pinky MayPTS10Jan 26, 1928Savannah, Georgia, U.S.
32Win21–2–2 Steve StetsonKO2 Jan 16, 1928City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
31Win20–2–2 Bobby BinckleyPTS10Dec 15, 1927Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
30Win19–2–2 Johnny FranksPTS8Nov 28, 1927Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
29Win18–2–2 Steve StetsonNWS10Nov 21, 1927Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
28Win18–2–2 Leroy DouganPTS8Oct 31, 1927Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
27Win17–2–2 Memphis Pal MoorePTS8Oct 17, 1927Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
26Win16–2–2 Bud HarrisKO4 Oct 3, 1927Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
25Win15–2–2 Tony LetoDQ3 Sep 12, 1927Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S. Leto was disqualified for punching low
24Win14–2–2 Tony LetoPTS10Aug 22, 1927Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
23Win13–2–2 Benny ReganNWS10Aug 4, 1927Stalllworth Casino, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, U.S.
22Win13–2–2 Memphis Pal MooreNWS10Aug 1, 1927Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
21Win13–2–2 Leroy DouganNWS10Jul 18, 1927Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
20Win13–2–2 Benny ReganPTS10Jul 4, 1927Ponce de Leon Ballpark, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
19Win12–2–2 Benny ReganPTS10May 16, 1927Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
18Win11–2–2 Bud HarrisPTS10Apr 25, 1927Masonic Temple, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
17Win10–2–2 Leroy JordanKO3 Apr 11, 1927Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
16Win9–2–2 Tommy WilliamsPTS6Apr 2, 1927Race Track Arena, Pompano Beach, Florida, U.S.
15Win8–2–2 Happy AthertonMD10Mar 18, 1927Legion Arena, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S.
14Draw7–2–2 Tony LetoPTS10Dec 23, 1926 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
13Win7–2–1 Johnny MoorePTS10Dec 9, 1926 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
12Win6–2–1 Harry AllenPTS10Oct 28, 1926 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
11Loss5–2–1 Genaro PinoPTS10Sep 9, 1926 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
10Draw5–1–1 Genaro PinoPTS10Aug 26, 1926 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
9Win5–1 Mutt GriffinNWS10Jul 29, 1926 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
8Draw4–1 Mickey GillNWS10Nov 23, 1925 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
7Loss4–1 Mickey GillNWS10Nov 2, 1925 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
6Win4–1 Battling Dick BowdenKO1 Oct 26, 1925 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
5Loss3–1 Red KeenanDQ6 Sep 7, 1925 Biscayne Stadium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
4Win3–0 Billy CecilNWS8Feb 13, 1925 Stansanco A.C., Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
3Win3–0Red BurkePTS10Dec 3, 1924 Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
2Win2–0Dude GustinPTS8Dec 2, 1924 Gulf State Steel YMCA, Gadsden, Alabama, U.S.
1Win1–0Red BurkePTS10Oct 20, 1924 Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.

Unofficial record

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRoundDateLocationNotes
156LossSammy AngottPTS10Jul 17, 1939Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
155Win119–23–13Yucatán KidMD10Jun 15, 1939City Stadium, Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
154Win118–23–13Wishy JonesNWS10Mar 30, 1939City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
153Win117–23–13Yucatán KidPTS10Dec 16, 1938Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
152Win116–23–13Mike GamierePTS10Dec 5, 1938Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
151Win115–23–13Yucatán KidPTS15Oct 3, 1938Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
150Win114–23–13Lou GevinsonPTS10May 20, 1938Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
149Win113–23–13Joey GreenNWS10Apr 11, 1938American Legion Arena, Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
148Win112–23–13Joey TemmesPTS10Mar 15, 1938Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
147Win111–23–13Bobby BrittonPTS10Feb 15, 1938Coliseum, Coral Gables, Florida, U.S.
146Win110–23–13Ray IngramPTS10Dec 20, 1937City Auditorium, Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
145Win109–23–13Carl GugginoPTS10Dec 8, 1937Hippodrome, New York City, New York, U.S.
144Loss108–23–13Henry ArmstrongKO6 Oct 29, 1937Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Lost NBA and The Ring featherweight titles;
For vacant NYSAC featherweight titles
143Win108–22–13Teddy BraunPTS10Sep 9, 1937 Old Drill Hall, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
142Win107–22–13Freddie MillerPTS12Sep 4, 1937 Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Retained NBA and The Ring featherweight titles
141Loss106–22–13Freddie MillerPTS10Jul 31, 1937 Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
140Loss106–21–13Harry MizlerDQ1 May 6, 1937 Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Sarron struck Mizler a low blow in the first round of a scheduled ten-rounder and was disqualified
139Loss106–20–13Dave CrowleyDQ9 May 6, 1937Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, EnglandSarron DQ'd for hitting with an open glove after repeated warnings
138Win106–19–13Harry MizlerPTS10Apr 15, 1937Harringay Arena, Harringay, London, England
137Win105–19–13Andy MartinKO5 Feb 27, 1937 Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
136Win104–19–13Lawrence StevensKO12 Jan 16, 1937 Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
135Draw103–19–13Nick CamarataPTS10Sep 14, 1936City Stadium, Richmond, Virginia, U.S.
134Win103–19–12Jackie CarterPTS10Aug 26, 1936Idora Park, Youngstown, Ohio, U.S.
133Win102–19–12Davey AbadPTS10Jul 31, 1936Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
132Win101–19–12Baby ManuelUD15Jul 22, 1936Sportatorium, Dallas, Texas, U.S.Retained NBA and The Ring featherweight titles
131Win100–19–12Bobby DeanKO5 Jul 7, 1936Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
130Win99–19–12Lloyd PinePTS10Jun 23, 1936League Park, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
129Win98–19–12Nick CamarataPTS10Jun 15, 1936Jai Alai Fronton, Arabi, Louisiana, U.S.
128Win97–19–12Freddie MillerMD15May 11, 1936Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.Won NBA and The Ring featherweight titles
127Loss96–19–12Freddie MillerPTS15Mar 2, 1936Coliseum, Coral Gables, Florida, U.S.For NBA and The Ring featherweight titles
126Win96–18–12Carl GugginoPTS10Jan 16, 1936Miami Stadium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
125Draw95–18–12Carl GugginoPTS10Dec 5, 1935Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
124Win95–18–11Jimmy McNamaraPTS10Nov 28, 1935Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
123Win94–18–11Andy MartinNWS10Nov 6, 1935City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
122Win93–18–11California Joe RiversPTS10Sep 30, 1935Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
121Win92–18–11Young ChocolateUD10Sep 14, 1935Rose Gardens Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica
120Win91–18–11Joey TemmesPTS10Aug 12, 1935Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
119Win90–18–11California Joe RiversPTS10Mar 25, 1935Auditorium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
118Win89–18–11Frankie CovelliPTS10Mar 8, 1935Coliseum, Coral Gables, Florida, U.S.
117Win88–18–11Baby ManuelPTS10Feb 25, 1935Beach Arena, Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
116Win87–18–11Patsy SeveroPTS10Feb 18, 1935Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
115Win86–18–11California Joe RiversPTS10Jan 28, 1935Auditorium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
114Win85–18–11Frankie WallacePTS10Oct 15, 1934Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
113Win84–18–11Benny BassMD10Sep 24, 1934Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
112Win83–18–11Benny BassDQ6 Aug 27, 1934Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
111Win82–18–11Al ForemanSD10Jun 29, 1934Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
110Loss81–18–11Lew FeldmanPTS8May 11, 1934Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
109Win81–17–11Ray SchneiderPTS10Mar 27, 1934Duval County Armory, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
108Win80–17–11Bucky BurtonPTS12Mar 12, 1934Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
107Loss79–17–11Bucky BurtonSD10Feb 19, 1934Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
106Loss79–16–11Freddie MillerPTS10Feb 7, 1934Music Hall Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
105Loss79–15–11Frankie CovelliPTS10Jan 23, 1934Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
104Win79–14–11Bucky BurtonPTS10Dec 11, 1933Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
103Win78–14–11Varias MillingPTS10Nov 28, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
102Loss77–14–11Freddie MillerUD10Nov 1, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
101Win77–13–11Eddie BurlPTS10Oct 17, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
100Win76–13–11Mickey GenaroPTS10Sep 20, 1933Twin City Arena, Laurel, Maryland, U.S.
99Draw75–13–11Eddie BurlPTS10Aug 15, 1933Twin City Arena, Laurel, Maryland, U.S.
98Loss75–13–10Eddie BurlPTS10Jul 18, 1933Twin City Arena, Laurel, Maryland, U.S.
97Win75–12–10Johnny FarrPTS8Jun 6, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
96Win74–12–10Johnny DattoNWS10Jun 1, 1933City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
95Win73–12–10Johnny DattoTKO1 May 12, 1933Northside Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
94Draw72–12–10Tommy PaulPTS10May 9, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
93Draw72–12–9Tommy PaulMD8Apr 25, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
92Win72–12–8Miki GelbPTS8Mar 28, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
91Win71–12–8Benny SchwartzKO7 Mar 7, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
90Win70–12–8Frankie DeAngeloTKO7 Feb 14, 1933Portner's Arena, Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
89Draw69–12–8Charley Van ReedonPTS10Jan 25, 1933Duval County Armory, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
88Loss69–12–7Harry SankeyPTS10Apr 29, 1932Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
87Loss69–11–7Fidel LaBarbaPTS10Apr 22, 1932Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
86Win69–10–7Chico CisnerosPTS10Mar 24, 1932Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
85Draw68–10–7Chico CisnerosPTS10Feb 25, 1932Biscayne Arena, Miami, Florida, U.S.
84Win68–10–6Charley Van ReedonKO1 Feb 11, 1932Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
83Win67–10–6Mickey GenaroUD10Jan 19, 1932Duval County Armory, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
82Win66–10–6Gilbert CastilloPTS10Nov 26, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
81Win65–10–6Charley Van ReedonPTS10Nov 17, 1931Armory, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
80Win64–10–6Midget Mike O'DowdTKO3 Nov 9, 1931City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
79Win63–10–6Eddie BurlPTS10Nov 4, 1931Armory, Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
78Win62–10–6Gilbert CastilloPTS10Jul 24, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
77Win61–10–6Gilbert CastilloPTS10Jul 10, 1931Cinderella Ballroom, Miami, Florida, U.S.
76Draw60–10–6Midget Mike O'DowdPTS8Jul 4, 1931American Legion Stadium, Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
75Win60–10–5Babe RuthPTS10Jun 11, 1931American Legion Stadium, Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
74Win59–10–5Davey AbadNWS10Jun 8, 1931City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
73Win58–10–5Mickey GenaroNWS10Apr 27, 1931City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
72Win57–10–5Tony LetoKO4 Mar 16, 1931City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
71Win56–10–5Emil PalusoNWS10Feb 2, 1931City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
70Win55–10–5Johnnie LeckiePTS15Aug 5, 1930Opera House, Palmerston North, New Zealand
69Win54–10–5Sammy ShackPTS15Jun 21, 1930 Kensington Drill Hall, Dunedin, New Zealand
68Loss53–10–5Tommy DonovanPTS15May 3, 1930 Speedway Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand
67Loss53–9–5Tommy DonovanPTS15Mar 29, 1930 Kilbirnie Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
66Loss53–8–5Tommy DonovanDQ7 Mar 15, 1930Western Park, New Plymouth, New Zealand
65Win53–7–5Johnnie LeckiePTS15Feb 4, 1930 Town Hall, Wellington, New Zealand
64Win52–7–5Johnnie LeckiePTS15Jan 1, 1930 Municipal Theatre, Napier, New Zealand
63Win51–7–5Billy GrimeTKO14 Dec 27, 1929 Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand
62Win50–7–5Billy GrimeTKO14 Dec 17, 1929 Town Hall, Wellington, New Zealand
61Win49–7–5Jack JonesTKO11 Dec 2, 1929 Town Hall, Wellington, New Zealand
60Win48–7–5Billy GrimePTS15Nov 8, 1929Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
59Win47–7–5Billy GrimeRTD9 Oct 12, 1929 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
58Loss46–7–5Billy GrimePTS15Sep 7, 1929 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
57Draw46–6–5Dick CorbettPTS15Aug 14, 1929Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
56Win46–6–4Johnnie LeckieKO13 Jul 27, 1929 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
55Win45–6–4Young SikiPTS15Jul 20, 1929 West Melbourne Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
54Loss44–6–4Johnnie LeckiePTS15Jun 22, 1929 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
53Win44–5–4Pinky SilverbergPTS15May 25, 1929 West Melbourne Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
52Win43–5–4Charlie GlassonKO5 May 11, 1929 West Melbourne Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
51Loss42–5–4Mickey GillPTS10Mar 6, 1929Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
50Win42–4–4Johnny EricksonNWS6Jan 18, 1929Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
49Win41–4–4Emil PalusoNWS10Dec 3, 1928Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
48Win40–4–4Jimmy McDermottPTS10Nov 1, 1928American Legion Stadium, Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
47Win39–4–4Harry ForbesPTS10Oct 18, 1928American Legion Stadium, Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
46Win38–4–4Benny SchwartzNWS10Oct 9, 1928City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
45Loss37–4–4Emil PalusoPTS10Sep 21, 1928Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
44Win37–3–4Kid PanchoPTS12Sep 7, 1928Market Square Garden, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
43Win36–3–4Mike SansonePTS10Aug 23, 1928American Legion Stadium, Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
42Win35–3–4Mike SansonePTS10Aug 2, 1928American Legion Stadium, Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S.
41Win34–3–4Kid PanchoPTS10Jul 9, 1928Market Square Garden, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
40Win33–3–4Joe LucasNWS10Jun 4, 1928Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
39Win32–3–4Quina LeeKO8 May 21, 1928Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
38Win31–3–4Mickey GillPTS8Apr 9, 1928Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
37Win30–3–4Joe LucasPTS10Apr 3, 1928Savannah, Georgia, U.S.
36Win29–3–4Jackie DaleyNWS10Mar 26, 1928Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
35Win28–3–4Pinky MayNWS10Feb 27, 1928Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
34Win27–3–4Dudley StadlerTKO6 Feb 19, 1928Hi-Way Park, Gretna, Louisiana, U.S.
33Draw26–3–4Pinky MayPTS10Jan 26, 1928Savannah, Georgia, U.S.
32Win26–3–3Steve StetsonKO2 Jan 16, 1928City Auditorium, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
31Win25–3–3Bobby BinckleyPTS10Dec 15, 1927Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
30Win24–3–3Johnny FranksPTS8Nov 28, 1927Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
29Win23–3–3Steve StetsonNWS10Nov 21, 1927Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
28Win22–3–3Leroy DouganPTS8Oct 31, 1927Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
27Win21–3–3Memphis Pal MoorePTS8Oct 17, 1927Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
26Win20–3–3Bud HarrisKO4 Oct 3, 1927Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
25Win19–3–3Tony LetoDQ3 Sep 12, 1927Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S. Leto was disqualified for punching low
24Win18–3–3Tony LetoPTS10Aug 22, 1927Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
23Win17–3–3Benny ReganNWS10Aug 4, 1927Stalllworth Casino, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, U.S.
22Win16–3–3Memphis Pal MooreNWS10Aug 1, 1927Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
21Win15–3–3Leroy DouganNWS10Jul 18, 1927Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
20Win14–3–3Benny ReganPTS10Jul 4, 1927Ponce de Leon Ballpark, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
19Win13–3–3Benny ReganPTS10May 16, 1927Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
18Win12–3–3Bud HarrisPTS10Apr 25, 1927Masonic Temple, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
17Win11–3–3Leroy JordanKO3 Apr 11, 1927Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
16Win10–3–3Tommy WilliamsPTS6Apr 2, 1927Race Track Arena, Pompano Beach, Florida, U.S.
15Win9–3–3Happy AthertonMD10Mar 18, 1927Legion Arena, Lake Worth, Florida, U.S.
14Draw8–3–3Tony LetoPTS10Dec 23, 1926 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
13Win8–3–2Johnny MoorePTS10Dec 9, 1926 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
12Win7–3–2Harry AllenPTS10Oct 28, 1926 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
11Loss6–3–2Genaro PinoPTS10Sep 9, 1926 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
10Draw6–2–2Genaro PinoPTS10Aug 26, 1926 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
9Win6–2–1Mutt GriffinNWS10Jul 29, 1926 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
8Draw5–2–1Mickey GillNWS10Nov 23, 1925 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
7Loss5–2Mickey GillNWS10Nov 2, 1925 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
6Win5–1Battling Dick BowdenKO1 Oct 26, 1925 Miami Field, Miami, Florida, U.S.
5Loss4–1Red KeenanDQ6 Sep 7, 1925 Biscayne Stadium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
4Win4–0Billy CecilNWS8Feb 13, 1925 Stansanco A.C., Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
3Win3–0Red BurkePTS10Dec 3, 1924 Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
2Win2–0Dude GustinPTS8Dec 2, 1924 Gulf State Steel YMCA, Gadsden, Alabama, U.S.
1Win1–0Red BurkePTS10Oct 20, 1924 Birmingham A.C., Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.