Professional Boxing Record: A Legacy of the Ring
The history of professional boxing is often told through the numbers. For a fighter of this era, a career spanning over a decade and crossing international borders, the record serves as a map of their ascent, their peak, and their eventual decline. Based on data from BoxRec, this record details a storied career characterized by high-stakes matchups and the pursuit of championship gold.
In the early days of the sport, records were often fragmented. This is why historians distinguish between the official record and the unofficial record. The official count excludes newspaper decisions—bouts where no official judge's score was recorded—treating them as "no decision" (ND) bouts. When these are included, the win-loss column shifts slightly, providing a broader view of the fighter's activity.
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Key Facts
- Total Fights: 86 professional bouts.
- Official Record: 57 wins, 14 losses, and 6 draws.
- Knockout Power: 39 of the 57 official wins were achieved by knockout (KO).
- Major Achievement: Won the inaugural world light-heavyweight title on August 29, 1899.
- International Reach: Competed in the United States, Canada, and Australia.
- Notable Victory: Secured a knockout win against Jack Johnson on February 25, 1901.
Career Breakdown and Statistics
The fighter's career was marked by a high percentage of decisive finishes. Out of 57 official wins, 39 were knockouts, while 15 were decided by points and 3 by disqualification. Conversely, the 14 official losses included 10 knockouts and 4 decisions.
The career trajectory saw a significant peak around 1899. After a series of battles in the mid-1890s, the fighter reached the pinnacle of the sport by defeating Australian Jim Ryan in a 20-round points victory to claim the first-ever world light-heavyweight title.
| Category | Official Record | Unofficial Record (Incl. Newspaper Decisions) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fights | 86 | 86 |
| Wins | 57 | 59 |
| Losses | 14 | 17 |
| Draws | 6 | 6 |
| Wins by KO | 39 | 39 |
| Losses by KO | 10 | 10 |
| No Contests / ND | 9 | 4 |
Notable Career Milestones
The Path to the World Title
The journey to the world championship involved rigorous competition across North America. A pivotal moment occurred on August 29, 1899, when the fighter defeated Australian Jim Ryan via points over 20 rounds to become the inaugural world light-heavyweight champion. This title was later defended successfully against Jim Hall in September 1899.
International Campaigns
The fighter's career was not limited to the U.S. In 1890 and 1891, they campaigned in Australia, fighting in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. These bouts included attempts at the Australian heavyweight title, facing opponents like Joe Goddard.
High-Profile Matchups
Throughout their career, the fighter faced several legendary figures of the era. This includes a knockout victory over the future heavyweight champion Jack Johnson in 1901 and a hard-fought draw against James J. Jeffries in November 1897.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the official and unofficial record?
The official record follows strict guidelines where newspaper decisions (NWS) are regarded as "no decision" bouts and are not counted as wins, losses, or draws. The unofficial record includes these newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw columns to provide a more comprehensive look at the fighter's total activity.
When did the fighter win the world light-heavyweight title?
The fighter won the inaugural world light-heavyweight title on August 29, 1899, by defeating Australian Jim Ryan via a points decision after 20 rounds.
How many of the fighter's wins were by knockout?
Out of the 57 official wins, 39 were achieved by knockout, demonstrating significant punching power throughout their career.
Did the fighter compete outside of the United States?
Yes, the fighter competed extensively in Australia (including Sydney and Melbourne) and also fought in Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada.
Who was one of the most notable opponents the fighter defeated?
One of the most significant victories was a third-round knockout of Jack Johnson on February 25, 1901.