Professional Boxing Record of Moha
The career of Moha represents a fascinating era of early 20th-century pugilism, characterized by a high volume of fights and the transition between official and unofficial scoring methods. Spanning from 1906 to 1922, Moha's journey took him through the boxing hubs of Milwaukee and New York City, where he faced some of the most formidable opponents of his time.
In the early 1900s, boxing records were often split between official results and newspaper decisions (NWS)—outcomes determined by ringside reporters when official judges were not present or permitted. This distinction creates two different perspectives on Moha's career legacy: a conservative official record and a more expansive unofficial one.
Key Facts
- Total Fights: 80 bouts contested between 1906 and 1922.
- Official Record: 14 wins, 9 losses, and 3 draws (with 54 newspaper decisions).
- Unofficial Record: 42 wins, 27 losses, and 11 draws.
- Peak Achievement: Held the NYSAC light heavyweight title.
- Notable Opponents: Faced legendary fighters including Harry Greb and Jack Dillon.
- Career Span: Began fighting at age 16 and retired at age 32.
Career Analysis and Title Bouts
Moha's career was marked by significant peaks, most notably his involvement with the NYSAC (New York State Athletic Commission) light heavyweight title. He made a strong claim to the title on February 17, 1913, by defeating Cyclone Johnny Thompson.
During his championship tenure, Moha successfully defended the title against Freddie Hicks (January 1, 1914) and Jack Fitzgerald (January 7, 1914). However, his reign ended on June 15, 1914, when he lost a points decision to Jack Dillon, who also held a claim to the world light heavyweight title.
The Rivalry with Harry Greb
One of the most challenging stretches of Moha's career involved multiple encounters with Harry Greb. Between 1915 and 1920, Moha faced Greb five times, suffering losses in each encounter. These fights, often ending in newspaper decisions or points, highlighted the gap between Moha and the elite tier of the division during the latter part of his career.
Early Career and Development
Moha entered the professional ring as a teenager in November 1906, securing a knockout victory over Henry Beckwith at age 16. His early years were spent primarily in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he built a foundation of experience fighting local opponents like Joe Gregg and Mickey Riley.
Boxing Record Summary
| Metric | Official Record (BoxRec) | Unofficial Record |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fights | 80 | 80 |
| Wins | 14 | 42 |
| Losses | 9 | 27 |
| Draws | 3 | 11 |
| Wins by KO | 8 | 8 |
| Losses by KO/TKO | 2 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Moha's official and unofficial records?
The official record only counts bouts with formally recognized judges. The unofficial record includes newspaper decisions, which were common in that era and were determined by the press rather than official scorers.
Which title did Moha hold during his career?
Moha held the NYSAC light heavyweight title, which he claimed in February 1913 after defeating Cyclone Johnny Thompson.
Who was Moha's most frequent high-profile opponent?
Harry Greb was one of his most frequent and difficult opponents, with Moha facing him five times between 1915 and 1920.
Where did most of Moha's fights take place?
The majority of his bouts occurred in the United States, specifically in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (at venues like the Empress Theater and Shubert Theater) and New York City.
How did Moha's professional career end?
Moha's recorded career ended in June 1922 with a loss via newspaper decision to Jeff Smith at the Empress Theater in Milwaukee.