Ike Williams

For the American football player, see Ike Williams (American football).
Ike Williams
Williams in 1972
Born
Isiah Williams

(1923-08-02)August 2, 1923
Brunswick, Georgia, U.S.
DiedSeptember 5, 1994(1994-09-05) (aged 71)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Statistics
Weight(s)Lightweight
Height5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Reach68 in (173 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights157; With the inclusion of newspaper decisions[1]
Wins128
Wins by KO61
Losses24
Draws5

Isiah "Ike" Williams (August 2, 1923 – September 5, 1994) was an American professional boxer. He was a lightweight world boxing champion.[2] He took the World Lightweight Championship in April 1945 and made eight successful defenses of the title against six different fighters prior to losing the championship to Jimmy Carter in 1951.[3] Williams was known for his great right hand, and was named to The Ring magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time as well as The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year for 1948.[4][5] Williams was The Ring magazine's Fighter of the Year for 1948, was inducted into The Ring Boxing Hall of Fame (disbanded in 1987), and was an inaugural 1990 inductee to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Early life

Williams was born in Brunswick, Georgia, on August 2, 1923. He did not turn professional until 1940 when he began boxing in Trenton, New Jersey. According to boxing lore, Williams worked as a newsboy after his family's move to Trenton, and first began boxing using his fists to defend the corner where he sold his papers.[5][6]

Professional career

During his career, Williams faced and defeated former lightweight champions Sammy Angott, Bob Montgomery, and Beau Jack.[4]

Taking the NBA World Lightweight Championship, April 1945

Williams was inducted into the U.S. Army after a close non-title win against the great lightweight Sammy Angott by ten-round decision at Shibe Park in Philadelphia on September 6, 1944, though he continued regular professional boxing during his service.[7]

Williams won the NBA World Lightweight Championship before a crowd of 35,000 by a second-round knockout of Juan Zurita in Mexico City on April 18, 1945.[4] Their first planned meeting in Philadelphia had been cancelled by the Pennsylvania Boxing Commission who recognized Bob Montgomery as the lightweight champion. Williams made a two fisted attack to the head of Zurita in the second which Zurita could not hold off, though he had made an effective defense in the first round. It was Zurita's first title defense. Shortly after Zurita was counted out, Williams' corner was crowded by fans, and several policeman were required to clear the ring before Williams could return to his dressing room.[8]

World Lightweight Title defense against Bob Montgomery, August 1947

In one of his most important title defenses, he achieved a knockout of black boxer Bob Montgomery, NYSAC Lightweight Champion, at Municipal Stadium in Philadelphia in six rounds on August 4, 1947, to become the undisputed World Lightweight Champion. Montgomery was down for a count of nine in the sixth before the bout was stopped. The victory also avenged a twelfth-round knockout loss to Montgomery from January 25, 1944.[4] At least one source had Williams with an edge in three of the rounds, with one to Montgomery, and one too close to call. The blow that sent Montgomery to the mat in the sixth was a right to the chin by the hard punching Williams. Montgomery rose after nine but continued to take punches and was up against the ropes, and sinking to the mat on his knees before the referee stopped the bout.[9]

World Lightweight Title defense against Jesse Flores, September 1948

On September 23, 1948, Williams successfully defended his Lightweight title against Jesse Flores winning in a tenth-round technical knockout at Yankee Stadium in New York's Bronx. Flores had been on the mat five times during the fight, down twice in the fifth and twice in the eighth. The final blows were a left hook and then a right that sent Flores to the mat 2:07 into the tenth round.[10]

World Lightweight Title defense against Enrique Bolanos, July 1949

On July 21, 1949, Williams defended his title against Enrique Bolanos winning in a fourth-round technical knockout before a crowd of near 19,000 at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles. Bolanos had been sent to the canvas twice before referee Jack Dempsey decided to end the bout 2:40 into the fourth round. Bolanos was knocked to the mat for a count of eight early in the fourth, and then after rising received a series of left and right hooks that sent him to his knees near William's corner. Bolanos' manager George Parnassus threw in the towel and referee Dempsey abruptly ended the bout causing the fight to be recorded as a technical knock out.[11]

World Lightweight Title defense against Freddy Dawson, December 1949

On December 5, 1949, Williams defeated Freddy Dawson in a close fifteen-round decision before 10,389 fans at Convention Hall in Philadelphia. He had defeated Dawson twice in previous meetings and led in the early betting. In the post-fight decision, the two judges gave him the decision by only one round, ruling that 8 rounds were won by him and 7 by Dawson. The referee, who was closer to the action, gave him 9 rounds to 6 for Dawson. There were no knockdowns in the bout, and according to one source only one hard solid punch, a hard left to Dawson's head in the fifth. Boxing reporters already were concerned about Williams' ability to make the lightweight limit prior to his bout with Dawson, an issue that would arise again in his bout with Jimmy Carter. There were several newspaper reports that wrote of Williams' fine for informing the press of a potential bribe of the judges he claimed he had heard about in a phone call. He was fined by the boxing commission for informing the press of the possible bribe before he had first informed the commission.[12]

On January 17, 1949, Williams first defeated Johhny Bratton by a comfortable margin in the Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in a ten-round decision before a satisfied crowd of 8,000 fans. Williams had taken a two-month lay-off from his fight schedule to help heal a broken hand. The judges scored 6-2 and 7-3 for Bratton, while the referee scored a closer 5-4-1 decision. Bratton put up a defense, and even stunned Williams momentarily in the eighth with a blow to the jaw, but lacked the skills at 21 to defeat Williams.[13] On January 20, 1950, before a crowd of 12,000 at Chicago Stadium, Williams won an eighth-round technical knockout against Bratton who was forced to leave the ring with a broken jaw. Bratton later claimed the injury took place in round three. Williams hammered his opponent particularly hard in the second and seventh rounds, and was comfortably ahead on points, losing only one of the eight rounds fought to Bratton. Bratton ended the bout by turning his back and signalling the referee to end the fight.[14] After returning to boxing, Bratton would briefly take the NBA World Welterweight Championship in March 1951, holding it only two months.

Loss of World Lightweight Title against Jimmy Carter, May 1951

He held on to the crown until May 25, 1951, when he was stopped by Jimmy Carter in a fourteenth-round technical knockout at New York's Madison Square Garden.[4] Williams had been sent to the canvas four times before the fight was called. Williams was down for a count of five and eight in the fifth. He was down for a count of four and then six in the fourteenth before the referee ended the fight. Williams believed that his trouble making weight had weakened him for the fight.[15]

Williams, for part of his career, was managed by Frank "Blinky" Palermo, who later was suspected of having ties to organized crime. According to Williams, he was blackballed by the boxing managers guild when he sought to manage himself. Palermo informed him he could resolve his problems with the guild, and Williams agreed to let Palermo manage him. Williams testified before the Kefauver Commission that Palermo did not arrange for him to throw any fights, but that he shorted him his share of his purses. Nevertheless, Williams did claim to have taken a dive against Chuck Davey, a much hyped contender for the welterweight crown.[4]

Testifying before Congress, 1961

In 1961 Williams testified before Congress on antitrust in boxing. In his testimony, Williams stated that all boxers are asked to take bribes and that he was boycotted as a result of trying to manage himself. He explained that he could not get a fight because he did not use a manager and that he could not book a fight until he found a manager from the manager's guild. He explained that he did not receive his share of his purse in two fights which included Jesse Flores in Yankee Stadium, for the lightweight title on September 23, 1948, and Beau Jack at Shibe Park in Philadelphia, on July 12, 1948, and September 23, 1948. In those fights the money owed him was $32,500 and $32,400. He testified he told the boxing association to temporarily hold on to the money for these two fights for tax purposes. Later when he asked for his money, he discovered that his shares of the profits had been taken by his manager, who claimed to have fallen on hard times and spent it. Williams still had to pay the taxes on his share of the profits, though he never received them.[16]

He further testified that his manager was offered $30,000 for him to throw a championship fight against Freddy Dawson in Philadelphia on December 5, 1949, though he declined. He testified that ten minutes before the fight he heard the judges being told if he did not win by a knock out that the fight would go to Dawson. Williams won the fight and told the media afterwards that he had heard a rumor that the fight would be fixed to go to Dawson by decision of the judges if he did not win by a knockout. Williams believed that the Judges upon hearing that he called the media decided to not fix the fight by giving an unfair decision to Dawson. Nonetheless, Williams was fined $500 for his comments to the media.[16]

Williams also recalled a fight against Kid Gavilán on January 28, 1949, at Madison Square Garden, in which he was offered $100,000 to throw the fight. Again, Ike Williams did not take the money, an action he regretted because he lost the fight even though a plurality of reporters in subsequent news stories that cover the fight believed he had won. This made Williams conclude that the judges may have also been influenced in this fight to vote for his opponent in the case of a points decision.

Williams also believed he lost his lightweight title in a bout with the boxer Jimmy Carter on May 25, 1951, in a bout where the judges were also influenced. He testified he was again offered to throw the fight, for a sum of $50,000. Again, Williams said he regretted not taking the money as he lost the fight in a similar fashion as before.

Williams testified he never took the money offered to him to fix fights because too many people were counting on him and that too many of his friends had bet their hard earned money on him.[16]

Death

Williams died on September 5, 1994, at his home in the Wilshire District of Los Angeles of natural causes.[17]

Professional boxing record

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[1] unless otherwise stated.

Official record

157 fights 126 wins 24 losses
By knockout 61 6
By decision 65 18
Draws 4
Newspaper decisions/draws 3

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Age Location Notes
157 Win 126–24–4 (3) Beau Jack RTD 8 (10) Aug 12, 1955 32 years, 10 days Bell Auditorium, Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
156 Draw 125–24–4 (3) Beau Jack PTS 10 Apr 9, 1955 31 years, 250 days Bell Auditorium, Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
155 Loss 125–24–3 (3) Rafael Lastre UD 10 Jul 2, 1954 30 years, 334 days Estadio Tropical, Havana, Cuba
154 Loss 125–23–3 (3) Jed Black UD 10 Nov 9, 1953 30 years, 99 days Coliseum, Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
153 Win 125–22–3 (3) Dom Zimbardo TKO 2 (8) Sep 17, 1953 30 years, 46 days Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
152 Loss 124–22–3 (3) Georgie Johnson TKO 8 (10) Jun 8, 1953 29 years, 310 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
151 Win 124–21–3 (3) Billy Andy UD 10 May 9, 1953 29 years, 280 days Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
150 Win 123–21–3 (3) Billy Andy PTS 10 Apr 20, 1953 29 years, 261 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
149 Win 122–21–3 (3) Vic Cardell UD 10 Mar 28, 1953 29 years, 238 days Metropolitan Opera House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
148 Win 121–21–3 (3) Claude Hammond PTS 10 Mar 9, 1953 29 years, 219 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
147 Loss 120–21–3 (3) Carmen Basilio UD 10 Jan 12, 1953 29 years, 163 days War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
146 Win 120–20–3 (3) Pat Manzi TKO 7 (10) Nov 24, 1952 29 years, 114 days War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
145 Loss 119–20–3 (3) Chuck Davey TKO 5 (10) Mar 26, 1952 28 years, 237 days Chicago Stadium, Chicago, U.S.
144 Win 119–19–3 (3) Johnny Cunningham KO 5 (10) Mar 17, 1952 28 years, 228 days Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
143 Loss 118–19–3 (3) Gil Turner TKO 10 (10) Sep 10, 1951 28 years, 39 days Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
142 Loss 118–18–3 (3) Don Williams PTS 10 Aug 2, 1951 28 years, 0 days Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
141 Loss 118–17–3 (3) Jimmy Carter TKO 14 (15) May 25, 1951 27 years, 296 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Lost NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
140 Win 118–16–3 (3) Fitzie Pruden UD 10 Apr 11, 1951 27 years, 252 days Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
139 Win 117–16–3 (3) Beau Jack SD 10 Mar 5, 1951 27 years, 215 days Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
138 Loss 116–16–3 (3) Joe Miceli UD 10 Feb 19, 1951 27 years, 201 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
137 Win 116–15–3 (3) Vic Cardell RTD 8 (10) Jan 31, 1951 27 years, 182 days Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
136 Win 115–15–3 (3) Ralph Zannelli KO 5 (10) Jan 22, 1951 27 years, 173 days Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
135 Win 114–15–3 (3) José María Gatica KO 1 (10) Jan 5, 1951 27 years, 156 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
134 Win 113–15–3 (3) Rudy Cruz UD 10 Dec 18, 1950 27 years, 138 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
133 Win 112–15–3 (3) Dave Marsh RTD 8 (10) Dec 12, 1950 27 years, 132 days Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
132 Win 111–15–3 (3) Joe Miceli SD 10 Nov 23, 1950 27 years, 113 days Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
131 Loss 110–15–3 (3) Joe Miceli UD 10 Oct 2, 1950 27 years, 61 days Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
130 Win 110–14–3 (3) Charley Salas SD 10 Sep 26, 1950 27 years, 55 days Griffith Stadium, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.
129 Loss 109–14–3 (3) Charley Salas UD 10 Aug 7, 1950 27 years, 5 days Griffith Stadium, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.
128 Loss 109–13–3 (3) George Costner UD 10 Jul 12, 1950 26 years, 344 days Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
127 Win 109–12–3 (3) Lester Felton UD 10 Jun 2, 1950 26 years, 304 days Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
126 Win 108–12–3 (3) John L Davis SD 10 Feb 27, 1950 26 years, 209 days Civic Auditorium, Seattle, Washington, U.S.
125 Win 107–12–3 (3) Sonny Boy West KO 8 (10) Feb 17, 1950 26 years, 199 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
124 Win 106–12–3 (3) Johnny Bratton TKO 8 (10) Jan 20, 1950 26 years, 171 days Valley Forge General Hospital, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
123 Win 105–12–3 (3) Jimmy Taylor UD 6 Dec 20, 1949 26 years, 140 days Valley Forge General Hospital, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
122 Win 104–12–3 (3) Freddie Dawson UD 15 Dec 5, 1949 26 years, 125 days Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
121 Win 103–12–3 (3) Jean Walzack UD 10 Nov 14, 1949 26 years, 104 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
120 Win 102–12–3 (3) Al Mobley PTS 10 Oct 24, 1949 26 years, 83 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
119 Win 101–12–3 (3) Doug Ratford UD 10 Sep 30, 1949 26 years, 59 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
118 Win 100–12–3 (3) Benny Walker UD 10 Aug 3, 1949 26 years, 1 day Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
117 Win 99–12–3 (3) Enrique Bolanos TKO 4 (15) Jul 21, 1949 25 years, 353 days Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
116 Win 98–12–3 (3) Irvin Steen UD 10 Jun 21, 1949 25 years, 323 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
115 Win 97–12–3 (3) Vince Turpin TKO 6 (10) Apr 22, 1949 25 years, 263 days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
114 Loss 96–12–3 (3) Kid Gavilán UD 10 Apr 1, 1949 25 years, 242 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
113 Loss 96–11–3 (3) Kid Gavilán MD 10 Jan 28, 1949 25 years, 210 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
112 Win 96–10–3 (3) Johnny Bratton UD 10 Jan 17, 1949 25 years, 168 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
111 Win 95–10–3 (3) Billy Nixon TKO 4 (8) Nov 18, 1948 25 years, 108 days Metropolitan Opera House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
110 Win 94–10–3 (3) Buddy Garcia TKO 1 (10) Nov 8, 1948 25 years, 98 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
109 Win 93–10–3 (3) Jesse Flores TKO 10 (15) Sep 23, 1948 25 years, 52 days Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
108 Win 92–10–3 (3) Beau Jack TKO 6 (15) Jul 12, 1948 24 years, 345 days Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
107 Win 91–10–3 (3) Enrique Bolanos SD 15 May 25, 1948 24 years, 297 days Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
106 Win 90–10–3 (3) Rudy Cruz UD 10 May 5, 1948 24 years, 277 days Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
105 Win 89–10–3 (3) Kid Gavilán UD 10 Feb 27, 1948 24 years, 209 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
104 Win 88–10–3 (3) Livio Minelli UD 10 Feb 9, 1948 24 years, 191 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
103 Win 87–10–3 (3) Freddie Dawson MD 10 Jan 26, 1948 24 years, 177 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
102 Win 86–10–3 (3) Doug Carter PTS 10 Jan 13, 1948 24 years, 164 days 114th Infantry Armory, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
101 Win 85–10–3 (3) Tony Pellone UD 10 Dec 12, 1947 24 years, 132 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
100 Win 84–10–3 (3) Talmadge Bussey TKO 9 (10) Oct 10, 1947 24 years, 69 days Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
99 Win 83–10–3 (3) Doll Rafferty KO 4 (10) Sep 29, 1947 24 years, 58 days Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
98 Win 82–10–3 (3) Bob Montgomery TKO 6 (15) Aug 4, 1947 24 years, 2 days Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Retained NBA lightweight title;
Won NYSAC and vacant The Ring lightweight titles
97 Win 81–10–3 (3) Tippy Larkin KO 4 (10) Jun 20, 1947 23 years, 322 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
96 Win 80–10–3 (3) Juste Fontaine TKO 4 (10) May 26, 1947 23 years, 267 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
95 Win 79–10–3 (3) Ralph Zannelli UD 10 May 9, 1947 23 years, 280 days Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
94 Win 78–10–3 (3) Willie Russell UD 10 Apr 25, 1947 23 years, 266 days Fairgrounds Coliseum, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
93 Win 77–10–3 (3) Frankie Conti TKO 7 (10) Apr 14, 1947 23 years, 255 days Little Palestra, Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
92 Loss 76–10–3 (3) Gene Burton UD 10 Jan 27, 1947 23 years, 178 days Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
91 Win 76–9–3 (3) Ronnie James KO 9 (15) Sep 4, 1946 23 years, 33 days Ninian Park, Cardiff, Wales Retained NBA lightweight title
90 Win 75–9–3 (3) Ivan Christie KO 2 (10) Aug 6, 1946 23 years, 4 days Crystal Arena, Norwalk, Connecticut, U.S.
89 Win 74–9–3 (3) Bobby Ruffin TKO 5 (10) Jun 12, 1946 22 years, 314 days Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, U.S.
88 Win 73–9–3 (3) Enrique Bolanos TKO 8 (15) Apr 30, 1946 22 years, 271 days Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained NBA lightweight title
87 Win 72–9–3 (3) Eddie Giosa RTD 1 (10) Apr 8, 1946 22 years, 249 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
86 Win 71–9–3 (3) Eddie Giosa RTD 4 (10) Mar 11, 1946 22 years, 221 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
85 Win 70–9–3 (3) Ace Miller UD 10 Feb 22, 1946 22 years, 204 days Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
84 Win 69–9–3 (3) Cleo Shans PTS 10 Feb 14, 1946 22 years, 196 days Armory, Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
83 Draw 68–9–3 (3) Freddie Dawson MD 10 Jan 28, 1946 22 years, 179 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
82 Win 68–9–2 (3) Johnny Bratton PTS 10 Jan 20, 1946 22 years, 171 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
81 Win 67–9–2 (3) Charlie "Petey" Smith PTS 10 Jan 8, 1946 22 years, 159 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
80 Draw 66–9–2 (3) Wesley Mouzon MD 10 Nov 26, 1945 22 years, 116 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
79 Loss 66–9–1 (3) Sammy Angott TKO 6 (10) Sep 19, 1945 22 years, 48 days Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
78 Win 66–8–1 (3) Nick Moran UD 10 Sep 7, 1945 22 years, 36 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
77 Win 65–8–1 (3) Gene Burton UD 10 Aug 28, 1945 22 years, 26 days Arena Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
76 Win 64–8–1 (3) Charlie "Petey" Smith PTS 10 Aug 14, 1945 22 years, 12 days Roosevelt Stadium, Union City, New Jersey, U.S.
75 Loss 63–8–1 (3) Willie Joyce SD 10 Jun 8, 1945 21 years, 310 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
74 Win 63–7–1 (3) Juan Zurita TKO 2 (15) Apr 18, 1945 21 years, 259 days El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Won NBA lightweight title
73 Win 62–7–1 (3) Dorsey Lay KO 3 (10) Mar 26, 1945 21 years, 236 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
72 Loss 61–7–1 (3) Willie Joyce UD 12 Mar 2, 1945 21 years, 212 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
71 Win 61–6–1 (3) Maxie Berger KO 4 (10) Jan 22, 1945 21 years, 173 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
70 Win 60–6–1 (3) Willie Joyce UD 12 Jan 8, 1945 21 years, 159 days Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
69 Win 59–6–1 (3) Dave Castilloux TKO 5 (10) Dec 11, 1944 21 years, 131 days Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
68 Win 58–6–1 (3) Lulu Costantino UD 10 Dec 5, 1944 21 years, 125 days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
67 Loss 57–6–1 (3) Willie Joyce SD 10 Nov 13, 1944 21 years, 103 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
66 Win 57–5–1 (3) Ruby Garcia TKO 7 (10) Nov 2, 1944 21 years, 92 days Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
65 Win 56–5–1 (3) Johnny Green KO 2 (10) Oct 18, 1944 21 years, 77 days Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
64 Win 55–5–1 (3) Freddie Dawson KO 4 (10) Sep 19, 1944 21 years, 48 days Arena, Pennsylvania, U.S.
63 Win 54–5–1 (3) Sammy Angott SD 10 Sep 6, 1944 21 years, 35 days Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
62 Win 53–5–1 (3) Jimmy Hatcher UD 10 Aug 29, 1944 21 years, 27 days Griffith Stadium, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.
61 Win 52–5–1 (3) Julie Kogon UD 10 Jul 20, 1944 20 years, 353 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
60 Win 51–5–1 (3) Joey Pirrone KO 1 (10) Jul 10, 1944 20 years, 343 days Arena Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
59 Win 50–5–1 (3) Cleo Shans TKO 10 (10) Jun 23, 1944 20 years, 326 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
58 Win 49–5–1 (3) Sammy Angott SD 10 Jun 6, 1944 20 years, 309 days Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
57 Win 48–5–1 (3) Slugger White UD 10 May 16, 1944 20 years, 288 days Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
56 Win 47–5–1 (3) Mike Delia KO 1 (10) Apr 17, 1944 20 years, 259 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
55 Win 46–5–1 (3) Leroy Saunders KO 5 (10) Apr 10, 1944 20 years, 282 days Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
54 Win 45–5–1 (3) Joey Peralta TKO 9 (10) Mar 27, 1944 20 years, 238 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
53 Win 44–5–1 (3) Leo Francis PTS 8 Mar 13, 1944 20 years, 224 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
52 Win 43–5–1 (3) Ellis Phillips KO 1 (10) Feb 28, 1944 20 years, 210 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
51 Loss 42–5–1 (3) Bob Montgomery KO 12 (12) Jan 25, 1944 20 years, 176 days Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
50 Win 42–4–1 (3) Mayon Padlo UD 10 Dec 13, 1943 20 years, 133 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
49 Win 41–4–1 (3) Willie Cheatum PTS 8 Nov 29, 1943 20 years, 119 days Stanley Arena, New Britain, Connecticut, U.S.
48 Win 40–4–1 (3) Johnny Hutchinson KO 3 (10) Nov 8, 1943 20 years, 98 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
47 Win 39–4–1 (3) Gene Johnson PTS 10 Oct 29, 1943 20 years, 88 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
46 Win 38–4–1 (3) Eddie Perry KO 2 (10) Oct 22, 1943 20 years, 81 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
45 Win 37–4–1 (3) Lefty LaChance KO 4 (10) Oct 1, 1943 20 years, 60 days Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
44 Win 36–4–1 (3) Jerry Moore PTS 10 Sep 13, 1943 20 years, 42 days Century Stadium, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
43 Win 35–4–1 (3) Johnny Bellus PTS 10 Aug 31, 1943 20 years, 29 days Auditorium Outdoor Arena, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
42 Win 34–4–1 (3) Tommy Jessup TKO 5 (10) Aug 24, 1943 20 years, 22 days Auditorium Outdoor Arena, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
41 Win 33–4–1 (3) Jimmy Hatcher TKO 6 (10) Jul 19, 1943 19 years, 351 days Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
40 Win 32–4–1 (3) Ray Brown PTS 10 May 17, 1943 19 years, 288 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
39 Win 31–4–1 (3) Lefty LaChance UD 8 May 7, 1943 19 years, 278 days Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
38 Win 30–4–1 (3) Joe Genovese TKO 4 (8) Apr 21, 1943 19 years, 262 days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
37 Win 29–4–1 (3) Ruby Garcia UD 8 Apr 5, 1943 19 years, 246 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
36 Win 28–4–1 (3) Rudy Giscombe TKO 3 (6) Apr 2, 1943 19 years, 243 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
35 Win 27–4–1 (3) Bill Speary TKO 2 (10) Mar 8, 1943 19 years, 218 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
34 Win 26–4–1 (3) Bobby McQuillar KO 3 (6) Feb 23, 1943 19 years, 205 days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
33 Win 25–4–1 (3) Sammy Daniels KO 2 (6) Feb 22, 1943 19 years, 204 days Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
32 Win 24–4–1 (3) Jerry Moore PTS 6 Jan 29, 1943 19 years, 180 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
31 Win 23–4–1 (3) Sammy Daniels PTS 6 Dec 21, 1942 19 years, 141 days Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
30 Win 22–4–1 (3) Bobby Gunther PTS 8 Dec 7, 1942 19 years, 127 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
29 Win 21–4–1 (3) Gene Burton KO 4 (6) Oct 10, 1942 19 years, 69 days Westchester County Center, White Plains, New York, U.S.
28 Win 20–4–1 (3) Charley "Dixie" Davis PTS 8 Sep 10, 1942 19 years, 39 days Twin City Bowl, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
27 Win 19–4–1 (3) Ruby Garcia PTS 8 Aug 13, 1942 19 years, 11 days Waltz Dream Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
26 Win 18–4–1 (3) Tony Maglione KO 3 (10) Jul 29, 1942 18 years, 361 days Dunn Field, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
25 Win 17–4–1 (3) Ivan Christie KO 5 (6) Jun 29, 1942 18 years, 331 days Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
24 Win 16–4–1 (3) George "Dusty" Brown TKO 3 (6) Jun 15, 1942 18 years, 317 days St. Ann's Open Air Arena, Bristol, Pennsylvania, U.S.
23 Win 15–4–1 (3) Abie Kaufman PTS 8 May 7, 1942 18 years, 278 days Waltz Dream Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
22 Win 14–4–1 (3) Willie Roache PTS 8 Apr 24, 1942 18 years, 265 days Raritan Auditorium, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
21 Win 13–4–1 (3) Angelo Pantellas TKO 5 (8) Apr 9, 1942 18 years, 250 days Waltz Dream Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
20 Win 12–4–1 (3) Pedro Firpo PTS 8 Mar 26, 1942 18 years, 236 days Waltz Dream Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
19 Win 11–4–1 (3) Eddie Dowl PTS 6 Jan 16, 1942 18 years, 167 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
18 Win 10–4–1 (3) Eddie Dowl PTS 6 Dec 16, 1941 18 years, 136 days Raritan Auditorium, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
17 Win 9–4–1 (3) Vince Delia PTS 6 Nov 3, 1941 18 years, 93 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
16 Draw 8–4–1 (3) Benny Williams NWS 6 Oct 27, 1941 18 years, 86 days Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
15 Loss 8–4–1 (2) Freddie Archer PTS 8 Oct 1, 1941 18 years, 60 days Raritan Auditorium, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
14 Win 8–3–1 (2) Hugh Civatte TKO 3 (6) Apr 14, 1941 17 years, 255 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
13 Win 7–3–1 (2) Johnny Rudolph PTS 6 Apr 9, 1941 17 years, 250 days Raritan Auditorium, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
12 Win 6–3–1 (2) Joe Genovese PTS 5 Mar 19, 1941 17 years, 229 days Raritan Auditorium, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
11 Loss 5–3–1 (2) Joey Zodda PTS 6 Mar 5, 1941 17 years, 215 days Raritan Auditorium, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
10 Win 5–2–1 (2) Carl Zullo TKO 2 (6) Feb 19, 1941 17 years, 201 days Raritan Auditorium, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
9 Win 4–2–1 (2) Tommy Fontana PTS 8 Jan 6, 1941 17 years, 157 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
8 Loss 3–2–1 (2) Tony Maglione PTS 8 Nov 11, 1940 17 years, 101 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
7 Win 3–1–1 (2) Pete Kelly KO 2 (6) Sep 30, 1940 17 years, 59 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
6 Win 2–1–1 (2) Joe Romero TKO 2 (8) Jul 19, 1940 16 years, 352 days Morris County Arena, Mount Freedom, New Jersey, U.S.
5 Win 1–1–1 (2) Billy Hildebrand TKO 6 (8) Jun 14, 1940 16 years, 317 days Morris County Arena, Mount Freedom, New Jersey, U.S.
4 Loss 0–1–1 (2) Billy Hildebrand PTS 6 May 10, 1940 16 years, 282 days Morristown, New Jersey, U.S.
3 Draw 0–0–1 (2) Patsy Gall PTS 6 Apr 1, 1940 16 years, 243 days Feeley Hall, Hazleton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
2 Win 0–0 (2) Leroy Born NWS 4 Mar 29, 1940 16 years, 240 days Masonic Hall, Highland Park, New Jersey, U.S.
1 Win 0–0 (1) Carmine Fotti NWS 4 Mar 15, 1940 16 years, 226 days Masonic Hall, Highland Park, New Jersey, U.S.

Unofficial record

156 fights 128 wins 24 losses
By knockout 61 6
By decision 67 18
Draws 4

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Age Location Notes
157 Win 128–24–5 Beau Jack RTD 8 (10) Aug 12, 1955 32 years, 10 days Bell Auditorium, Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
156 Draw 127–24–5 Beau Jack PTS 10 Apr 9, 1955 31 years, 250 days Bell Auditorium, Augusta, Georgia, U.S.
155 Loss 127–24–4 Rafael Lastre UD 10 Jul 2, 1954 30 years, 334 days Estadio Tropical, Havana, Cuba
154 Loss 127–23–4 Jed Black UD 10 Nov 9, 1953 30 years, 99 days Coliseum, Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
153 Win 127–22–4 Dom Zimbardo TKO 2 (8) Sep 17, 1953 30 years, 46 days Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
152 Loss 126–22–4 Georgie Johnson TKO 8 (10) Jun 8, 1953 29 years, 310 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
151 Win 126–21–4 Billy Andy UD 10 May 9, 1953 29 years, 280 days Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
150 Win 125–21–4 Billy Andy PTS 10 Apr 20, 1953 29 years, 261 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
149 Win 124–21–4 Vic Cardell UD 10 Mar 28, 1953 29 years, 238 days Metropolitan Opera House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
148 Win 123–21–4 Claude Hammond PTS 10 Mar 9, 1953 29 years, 219 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
147 Loss 122–21–4 Carmen Basilio UD 10 Jan 12, 1953 29 years, 163 days War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
146 Win 122–20–4 Pat Manzi TKO 7 (10) Nov 24, 1952 29 years, 114 days War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
145 Loss 121–20–4 Chuck Davey TKO 5 (10) Mar 26, 1952 28 years, 237 days Chicago Stadium, Chicago, U.S.
144 Win 121–19–4 Johnny Cunningham KO 5 (10) Mar 17, 1952 28 years, 228 days Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
143 Loss 120–19–4 Gil Turner TKO 10 (10) Sep 10, 1951 28 years, 39 days Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
142 Loss 120–18–4 Don Williams PTS 10 Aug 2, 1951 28 years, 0 days Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
141 Loss 120–17–4 Jimmy Carter TKO 14 (15) May 25, 1951 27 years, 296 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Lost NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
140 Win 120–16–4 Fitzie Pruden UD 10 Apr 11, 1951 27 years, 252 days Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
139 Win 119–16–4 Beau Jack SD 10 Mar 5, 1951 27 years, 215 days Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
138 Loss 118–16–4 Joe Miceli UD 10 Feb 19, 1951 27 years, 201 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
137 Win 118–15–4 Vic Cardell RTD 8 (10) Jan 31, 1951 27 years, 182 days Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
136 Win 117–15–4 Ralph Zannelli KO 5 (10) Jan 22, 1951 27 years, 173 days Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
135 Win 116–15–4 José María Gatica KO 1 (10) Jan 5, 1951 27 years, 156 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
134 Win 115–15–4 Rudy Cruz UD 10 Dec 18, 1950 27 years, 138 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
133 Win 114–15–4 Dave Marsh RTD 8 (10) Dec 12, 1950 27 years, 132 days Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
132 Win 113–15–4 Joe Miceli SD 10 Nov 23, 1950 27 years, 113 days Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
131 Loss 112–15–4 Joe Miceli UD 10 Oct 2, 1950 27 years, 61 days Arena, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
130 Win 112–14–4 Charley Salas SD 10 Sep 26, 1950 27 years, 55 days Griffith Stadium, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.
129 Loss 111–14–4 Charley Salas UD 10 Aug 7, 1950 27 years, 5 days Griffith Stadium, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.
128 Loss 111–13–4 George Costner UD 10 Jul 12, 1950 26 years, 344 days Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
127 Win 111–12–4 Lester Felton UD 10 Jun 2, 1950 26 years, 304 days Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
126 Win 110–12–4 John L Davis SD 10 Feb 27, 1950 26 years, 209 days Civic Auditorium, Seattle, Washington, U.S.
125 Win 109–12–4 Sonny Boy West KO 8 (10) Feb 17, 1950 26 years, 199 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
124 Win 108–12–4 Johnny Bratton TKO 8 (10) Jan 20, 1950 26 years, 171 days Valley Forge General Hospital, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
123 Win 107–12–4 Jimmy Taylor UD 6 Dec 20, 1949 26 years, 140 days Valley Forge General Hospital, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
122 Win 106–12–4 Freddie Dawson UD 15 Dec 5, 1949 26 years, 125 days Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
121 Win 105–12–4 Jean Walzack UD 10 Nov 14, 1949 26 years, 104 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
120 Win 104–12–4 Al Mobley PTS 10 Oct 24, 1949 26 years, 83 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
119 Win 103–12–4 Doug Ratford UD 10 Sep 30, 1949 26 years, 59 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
118 Win 102–12–4 Benny Walker UD 10 Aug 3, 1949 26 years, 1 day Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
117 Win 101–12–4 Enrique Bolanos TKO 4 (15) Jul 21, 1949 25 years, 353 days Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
116 Win 100–12–4 Irvin Steen UD 10 Jun 21, 1949 25 years, 323 days Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
115 Win 99–12–4 Vince Turpin TKO 6 (10) Apr 22, 1949 25 years, 263 days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
114 Loss 98–12–4 Kid Gavilán UD 10 Apr 1, 1949 25 years, 242 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
113 Loss 98–11–4 Kid Gavilán MD 10 Jan 28, 1949 25 years, 210 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
112 Win 98–10–4 Johnny Bratton UD 10 Jan 17, 1949 25 years, 168 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
111 Win 97–10–4 Billy Nixon TKO 4 (8) Nov 18, 1948 25 years, 108 days Metropolitan Opera House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
110 Win 96–10–4 Buddy Garcia TKO 1 (10) Nov 8, 1948 25 years, 98 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
109 Win 95–10–4 Jesse Flores TKO 10 (15) Sep 23, 1948 25 years, 52 days Yankee Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
108 Win 94–10–4 Beau Jack TKO 6 (15) Jul 12, 1948 24 years, 345 days Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
107 Win 93–10–4 Enrique Bolanos SD 15 May 25, 1948 24 years, 297 days Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring lightweight titles
106 Win 92–10–4 Rudy Cruz UD 10 May 5, 1948 24 years, 277 days Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
105 Win 91–10–4 Kid Gavilán UD 10 Feb 27, 1948 24 years, 209 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
104 Win 90–10–4 Livio Minelli UD 10 Feb 9, 1948 24 years, 191 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
103 Win 89–10–4 Freddie Dawson MD 10 Jan 26, 1948 24 years, 177 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
102 Win 88–10–4 Doug Carter PTS 10 Jan 13, 1948 24 years, 164 days 114th Infantry Armory, Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
101 Win 87–10–4 Tony Pellone UD 10 Dec 12, 1947 24 years, 132 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
100 Win 86–10–4 Talmadge Bussey TKO 9 (10) Oct 10, 1947 24 years, 69 days Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
99 Win 85–10–4 Doll Rafferty KO 4 (10) Sep 29, 1947 24 years, 58 days Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
98 Win 84–10–4 Bob Montgomery TKO 6 (15) Aug 4, 1947 24 years, 2 days Municipal Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Retained NBA lightweight title;
Won NYSAC and vacant The Ring lightweight titles
97 Win 83–10–4 Tippy Larkin KO 4 (10) Jun 20, 1947 23 years, 322 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
96 Win 82–10–4 Juste Fontaine TKO 4 (10) May 26, 1947 23 years, 267 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
95 Win 81–10–4 Ralph Zannelli UD 10 May 9, 1947 23 years, 280 days Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
94 Win 80–10–4 Willie Russell UD 10 Apr 25, 1947 23 years, 266 days Fairgrounds Coliseum, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
93 Win 79–10–4 Frankie Conti TKO 7 (10) Apr 14, 1947 23 years, 255 days Little Palestra, Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
92 Loss 78–10–4 Gene Burton UD 10 Jan 27, 1947 23 years, 178 days Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
91 Win 78–9–4 Ronnie James KO 9 (15) Sep 4, 1946 23 years, 33 days Ninian Park, Cardiff, Wales Retained NBA lightweight title
90 Win 77–9–4 Ivan Christie KO 2 (10) Aug 6, 1946 23 years, 4 days Crystal Arena, Norwalk, Connecticut, U.S.
89 Win 76–9–4 Bobby Ruffin TKO 5 (10) Jun 12, 1946 22 years, 314 days Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, U.S.
88 Win 75–9–4 Enrique Bolanos TKO 8 (15) Apr 30, 1946 22 years, 271 days Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained NBA lightweight title
87 Win 74–9–4 Eddie Giosa RTD 1 (10) Apr 8, 1946 22 years, 249 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
86 Win 73–9–4 Eddie Giosa RTD 4 (10) Mar 11, 1946 22 years, 221 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
85 Win 72–9–4 Ace Miller UD 10 Feb 22, 1946 22 years, 204 days Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
84 Win 71–9–4 Cleo Shans PTS 10 Feb 14, 1946 22 years, 196 days Armory, Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
83 Draw 70–9–4 Freddie Dawson MD 10 Jan 28, 1946 22 years, 179 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
82 Win 70–9–3 Johnny Bratton PTS 10 Jan 20, 1946 22 years, 171 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
81 Win 69–9–3 Charlie "Petey" Smith PTS 10 Jan 8, 1946 22 years, 159 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
80 Draw 68–9–3 Wesley Mouzon MD 10 Nov 26, 1945 22 years, 116 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
79 Loss 68–9–2 Sammy Angott TKO 6 (10) Sep 19, 1945 22 years, 48 days Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
78 Win 68–8–2 Nick Moran UD 10 Sep 7, 1945 22 years, 36 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
77 Win 67–8–2 Gene Burton UD 10 Aug 28, 1945 22 years, 26 days Arena Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
76 Win 66–8–2 Charlie "Petey" Smith PTS 10 Aug 14, 1945 22 years, 12 days Roosevelt Stadium, Union City, New Jersey, U.S.
75 Loss 65–8–2 Willie Joyce SD 10 Jun 8, 1945 21 years, 310 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
74 Win 65–7–2 Juan Zurita TKO 2 (15) Apr 18, 1945 21 years, 259 days El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Won NBA lightweight title
73 Win 64–7–2 Dorsey Lay KO 3 (10) Mar 26, 1945 21 years, 236 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
72 Loss 63–7–2 Willie Joyce UD 12 Mar 2, 1945 21 years, 212 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
71 Win 63–6–2 Maxie Berger KO 4 (10) Jan 22, 1945 21 years, 173 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
70 Win 62–6–2 Willie Joyce UD 12 Jan 8, 1945 21 years, 159 days Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
69 Win 61–6–2 Dave Castilloux TKO 5 (10) Dec 11, 1944 21 years, 131 days Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
68 Win 60–6–2 Lulu Costantino UD 10 Dec 5, 1944 21 years, 125 days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
67 Loss 59–6–2 Willie Joyce SD 10 Nov 13, 1944 21 years, 103 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
66 Win 59–5–2 Ruby Garcia TKO 7 (10) Nov 2, 1944 21 years, 92 days Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
65 Win 58–5–2 Johnny Green KO 2 (10) Oct 18, 1944 21 years, 77 days Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
64 Win 57–5–2 Freddie Dawson KO 4 (10) Sep 19, 1944 21 years, 48 days Arena, Pennsylvania, U.S.
63 Win 56–5–2 Sammy Angott SD 10 Sep 6, 1944 21 years, 35 days Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
62 Win 55–5–2 Jimmy Hatcher UD 10 Aug 29, 1944 21 years, 27 days Griffith Stadium, Washington, District of Columbia, U.S.
61 Win 54–5–2 Julie Kogon UD 10 Jul 20, 1944 20 years, 353 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
60 Win 53–5–2 Joey Pirrone KO 1 (10) Jul 10, 1944 20 years, 343 days Arena Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
59 Win 52–5–2 Cleo Shans TKO 10 (10) Jun 23, 1944 20 years, 326 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
58 Win 51–5–2 Sammy Angott SD 10 Jun 6, 1944 20 years, 309 days Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
57 Win 50–5–2 Slugger White UD 10 May 16, 1944 20 years, 288 days Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
56 Win 49–5–2 Mike Delia KO 1 (10) Apr 17, 1944 20 years, 259 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
55 Win 48–5–2 Leroy Saunders KO 5 (10) Apr 10, 1944 20 years, 282 days Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
54 Win 47–5–2 Joey Peralta TKO 9 (10) Mar 27, 1944 20 years, 238 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
53 Win 46–5–2 Leo Francis PTS 8 Mar 13, 1944 20 years, 224 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
52 Win 45–5–2 Ellis Phillips KO 1 (10) Feb 28, 1944 20 years, 210 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
51 Loss 44–5–2 Bob Montgomery KO 12 (12) Jan 25, 1944 20 years, 176 days Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
50 Win 44–4–2 Mayon Padlo UD 10 Dec 13, 1943 20 years, 133 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
49 Win 43–4–2 Willie Cheatum PTS 8 Nov 29, 1943 20 years, 119 days Stanley Arena, New Britain, Connecticut, U.S.
48 Win 42–4–2 Johnny Hutchinson KO 3 (10) Nov 8, 1943 20 years, 98 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
47 Win 41–4–2 Gene Johnson PTS 10 Oct 29, 1943 20 years, 88 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
46 Win 40–4–2 Eddie Perry KO 2 (10) Oct 22, 1943 20 years, 81 days Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
45 Win 39–4–2 Lefty LaChance KO 4 (10) Oct 1, 1943 20 years, 60 days Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
44 Win 38–4–2 Jerry Moore PTS 10 Sep 13, 1943 20 years, 42 days Century Stadium, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
43 Win 37–4–2 Johnny Bellus PTS 10 Aug 31, 1943 20 years, 29 days Auditorium Outdoor Arena, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
42 Win 36–4–2 Tommy Jessup TKO 5 (10) Aug 24, 1943 20 years, 22 days Auditorium Outdoor Arena, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
41 Win 35–4–2 Jimmy Hatcher TKO 6 (10) Jul 19, 1943 19 years, 351 days Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
40 Win 34–4–2 Ray Brown PTS 10 May 17, 1943 19 years, 288 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
39 Win 33–4–2 Lefty LaChance UD 8 May 7, 1943 19 years, 278 days Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
38 Win 32–4–2 Joe Genovese TKO 4 (8) Apr 21, 1943 19 years, 262 days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
37 Win 31–4–2 Ruby Garcia UD 8 Apr 5, 1943 19 years, 246 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
36 Win 30–4–2 Rudy Giscombe TKO 3 (6) Apr 2, 1943 19 years, 243 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
35 Win 29–4–2 Bill Speary TKO 2 (10) Mar 8, 1943 19 years, 218 days Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
34 Win 28–4–2 Bobby McQuillar KO 3 (6) Feb 23, 1943 19 years, 205 days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
33 Win 27–4–2 Sammy Daniels KO 2 (6) Feb 22, 1943 19 years, 204 days Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
32 Win 26–4–2 Jerry Moore PTS 6 Jan 29, 1943 19 years, 180 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
31 Win 25–4–2 Sammy Daniels PTS 6 Dec 21, 1942 19 years, 141 days Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
30 Win 24–4–2 Bobby Gunther PTS 8 Dec 7, 1942 19 years, 127 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
29 Win 23–4–2 Gene Burton KO 4 (6) Oct 10, 1942 19 years, 69 days Westchester County Center, White Plains, New York, U.S.
28 Win 22–4–2 Charley "Dixie" Davis PTS 8 Sep 10, 1942 19 years, 39 days Twin City Bowl, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
27 Win 21–4–2 Ruby Garcia PTS 8 Aug 13, 1942 19 years, 11 days Waltz Dream Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
26 Win 20–4–2 Tony Maglione KO 3 (10) Jul 29, 1942 18 years, 361 days Dunn Field, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
25 Win 19–4–2 Ivan Christie KO 5 (6) Jun 29, 1942 18 years, 331 days Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
24 Win 18–4–2 George "Dusty" Brown TKO 3 (6) Jun 15, 1942 18 years, 317 days St. Ann's Open Air Arena, Bristol, Pennsylvania, U.S.
23 Win 17–4–2 Abie Kaufman PTS 8 May 7, 1942 18 years, 278 days Waltz Dream Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
22 Win 16–4–2 Willie Roache PTS 8 Apr 24, 1942 18 years, 265 days Raritan Auditorium, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
21 Win 15–4–2 Angelo Pantellas TKO 5 (8) Apr 9, 1942 18 years, 250 days Waltz Dream Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
20 Win 14–4–2 Pedro Firpo PTS 8 Mar 26, 1942 18 years, 236 days Waltz Dream Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
19 Win 13–4–2 Eddie Dowl PTS 6 Jan 16, 1942 18 years, 167 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
18 Win 12–4–2 Eddie Dowl PTS 6 Dec 16, 1941 18 years, 136 days Raritan Auditorium, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
17 Win 11–4–2 Vince Delia PTS 6 Nov 3, 1941 18 years, 93 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
16 Draw 10–4–2 Benny Williams NWS 6 Oct 27, 1941 18 years, 86 days Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
15 Loss 10–4–1 Freddie Archer PTS 8 Oct 1, 1941 18 years, 60 days Raritan Auditorium, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
14 Win 10–3–1 Hugh Civatte TKO 3 (6) Apr 14, 1941 17 years, 255 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
13 Win 9–3–1 Johnny Rudolph PTS 6 Apr 9, 1941 17 years, 250 days Raritan Auditorium, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
12 Win 8–3–1 Joe Genovese PTS 5 Mar 19, 1941 17 years, 229 days Raritan Auditorium, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
11 Loss 7–3–1 Joey Zodda PTS 6 Mar 5, 1941 17 years, 215 days Raritan Auditorium, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
10 Win 7–2–1 Carl Zullo TKO 2 (6) Feb 19, 1941 17 years, 201 days Raritan Auditorium, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, U.S.
9 Win 6–2–1 Tommy Fontana PTS 8 Jan 6, 1941 17 years, 157 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
8 Loss 5–2–1 Tony Maglione PTS 8 Nov 11, 1940 17 years, 101 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
7 Win 5–1–1 Pete Kelly KO 2 (6) Sep 30, 1940 17 years, 59 days Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
6 Win 4–1–1 Joe Romero TKO 2 (8) Jul 19, 1940 16 years, 352 days Morris County Arena, Mount Freedom, New Jersey, U.S.
5 Win 3–1–1 Billy Hildebrand TKO 6 (8) Jun 14, 1940 16 years, 317 days Morris County Arena, Mount Freedom, New Jersey, U.S.
4 Loss 2–1–1 Billy Hildebrand PTS 6 May 10, 1940 16 years, 282 days Morristown, New Jersey, U.S.
3 Draw 2–0–1 Patsy Gall PTS 6 Apr 1, 1940 16 years, 243 days Feeley Hall, Hazleton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Leroy Born NWS 4 Mar 29, 1940 16 years, 240 days Masonic Hall, Highland Park, New Jersey, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Carmine Fotti NWS 4 Mar 15, 1940 16 years, 226 days Masonic Hall, Highland Park, New Jersey, U.S.

World Titles

Achievements
Preceded by NBA lightweight champion
April 18, 1945 - May 25, 1951 		Succeeded by
Preceded by NYSAC lightweight champion
August 04, 1947 - May 25, 1951
Vacant
Title last held by
Sammy Angott 		The Ring lightweight champion
August 04, 1947 - May 25, 1951

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Ike Williams". BoxRec. Archived from the original on February 26, 2020. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
  2. ^ "Ike Williams - Boxer, 71". The New York Times. 1994-09-07. Retrieved 2016-10-06.
  3. ^ "Ike Williams, p. 784" (pdf). The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book. International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Ike Williams". BoxRec. Retrieved 8 December 2016.His trainers included Jimmy Wilson and Jesse Goss. His manager for much of his career was Frank "Blinky" Palermo, who was later strongly suspected of having ties to organized crime.
  5. ^ a b "Ike Williams". BoxRec. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  6. ^ "Bull Ring Battle Draws 35,000 in Mexico City", The Independent Record, Helena, Montana, pg. 8, 19 April 1945
  7. ^ "Ike Williams Again Defeats Angott on Split", The News Journal, Wilmington, Delaware, pg. 27, 7 September 1944
  8. ^ The fight drew 35,000 in "Bull Ring Battle Draws 35,000 in Mexico City", The Independent Record, Helena, Montana, pg. 8, 19 April 1945
  9. ^ Cuddy, Jack, "Ike Williams Stops Bob Montgomery to Win Lightweight Mit Title", The Ogden Standard-Examiner, Ogden, Utah, pg. 10, 5 August 1947
  10. ^ Holmes, Tommy, "Senior Flores Met Up With a Champ", The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, pg. 16, 24 September 1948
  11. ^ Crowd was near 19,000 in "Williams Seeks Bigger Game After Knocking Out Bolanos to Retain Lightweight Title", St. Louis Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri, pg. 31, 22 July 1949
  12. ^ "Williams Retains Crown Despite Warning of Fix", The Gazette and Daily, York, Pennsylvania, pg. 29, 6 December 1949
  13. ^ "Ringchamp Winner Over Negro Boxer", Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, pg. 15, 18 January 1949
  14. ^ "Contract of Loser Just Sold", St. Louis Post-Dispatch, pg 6. 21 January 1950
  15. ^ Rose, Murray, "Ike Williams is Defeated by Unknown", The News Paladium, Benton Harbor, Michigan, pg. 6, 26 May 1951
  16. ^ a b c From Ike Williams, "Testimony," in U.S. Congress, Senate Judiciary Committee, Professional Boxing: Hearings Before Subcommittee on Antitrust and Monopoly, 86th Cong., 2d sess., pursuant to S. Res. 238, December 5–14, 1960 (Washington, D.C., Government Printing Office, 1961), 664–71.
  17. ^ "Ex-champ Ike Williams Dies at 71", Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pg. 61, 7 September 1994