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Gorilla Jones

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gorilla Jones
Born
William Landon Jones

(1906-05-12)May 12, 1906
Memphis, Tennessee
DiedJanuary 4, 1982(1982-01-04) (aged 75)
Los Angeles, California
NationalityAmerican
Other namesGorilla
Statistics
Weight(s)Middleweight
Height5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Reach75 in (191 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights172
Wins109
Wins by KO66
Losses28
Draws17
No contests3

William Landon Jones (1906–1982) known as "Gorilla" Jones, was an American boxer who held the NBA Middleweight Boxing Championship of the World. Although he was nicknamed "Gorilla" for his exceptional reach, Jones is to be distinguished from the original "Gorilla Jones", who campaigned from 1913 to 1924 and held the World Colored Welterweight title. Jones was never knocked out. He had 52 knockouts out of his 101 wins, with over 141 total fights.[1] He was posthumously inducted into World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009.

Early life and career

[edit]

Jones was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on May 12, 1906. He dropped out of school and eventually started boxing at age 18.

Jones turned professional in 1923 with Stephen "Suey" Welch as manager and trained with Joe Stanley.[1]

Jack McVey fell to Jones on June 25, 1929, in a ten-round points decision at Boston's Braves Field before a substantial depression era crowd of 7,000. More of the fighting appeared to take place at long range, with Jones' right connecting most often, as his left was often blocked by McVey's glove. McVey's consistent aggressiveness appeared to turn the crowd in his favor, and he scored on occasion with a few left hooks to the head. The crowd booed the final decision in Jones' favor and resented his presentation of a championship belt from the Massachusetts Boxing Commission.[2]

He lost to Jewish boxer and reigning world welterweight champion Jackie Fields on October 21, 1929, in San Francisco before a crowd of 10,000. In an action-filled ten rounds, Jones took the early lead and rocked Fields several times with straight rights to the jaw, but Fields's stamina and aggressiveness wore Jones down in the closing rounds. Fields clearly took the ninth and tenth, and had a clear edge in five rounds, but could not defend against repeated rights from Jones throughout the bout.[3][4] In a match two months later on December 13, referee Joe O'Connor stopped the bout, complaining that Jones was not giving his "usual exhibition" and ordered the promoter to pay the purses for both fighters. The Boston Globe felt the fight was legitimate, however, and that Jones's long arms against Fields's desire to fight at close range made the boxers look as though they were trying to avoid coming to blows.[5]

World middleweight tournament, 1931

[edit]

On August 25, 1931, Jones defeated Tiger Thomas in a ten-round points decision in Milwaukee, in what several boxing historians would later consider a world middleweight championship bout. The bout, however, was only the first round in a tournament to determine the world middleweight champion to replace Mickey Walker.[6] Jones showed superior speed and took a strong points margin, despite a slow start in the first few rounds. He showed better speed and superior ring craft than his opponent.[7]

In the second round of the NBA middleweight tournament, Jones defeated Clyde Chastain in a sixth-round technical knockout on September 17, 1931. A cut above Chastain's eye caused by the lace of Jones' glove played no small part in the referee's decision to end the bout in the sixth. Jones had the advantage in three rounds, Chastain in only one, and one was even.[8]

In a ten-round points decision in Milwaukee, Jones defeated George Nichols on November 3, 1931, in the third round of the world middleweight tournament. Though Nichols was the aggressor throughout the early rounds, Jones' great defensive work kept him out of trouble. From the fourth to seventh, Jones acted as the aggressor building up a points lead. Nichols did little damage to Jones until the seventh, landed two strong blows to the body in the ninth, and continued his offensive in the tenth, but Jones' points margin was too great to overcome. Jones was able to coast through much of the eighth and ninth, though the tenth saw both boxers trying for a knockout. The crowd of 3,500 did not find the decision entirely to their liking.[9][10]

Taking the world middleweight championship, January 1932

[edit]

He won the National Boxing Association World Middleweight Title vacated by Mickey Walker with a technical knockout over Oddone Piazza on January 25, 1932, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The match was the final round of the championship tournament to decide the new world middleweight champion. With hard rights to the head and body in the third, Jones finished the series with two hard blows to the body and one to the head indicating he was close to ending the bout. In the sixth, Jones pounded Piazza with everything he had, when a solid right put Piazza on the canvas for a count of four. When he arose, he tried to cover up when Jones continued to pound at him, but the referee wisely stopped the bout.[11]

On March 31, 1932, Jones defeated powerful hitter, Chuck Burns in a third-round knockout in Akron, Ohio. Jones floored Burns three times in the third with a flock of lefts and rights, before sending him to the mat for the fourth and final time. Burns had not been knocked out in a previous bout. The first two rounds were slow as Jones assessed his opponent, but he came out roaring in the third.[12]

In a world middleweight title defense, Jones defeated Young Terry on April 26, 1932, in a twelve-round unanimous points decision before a partisan crowd of 7,000 rooting for Terry, at the Armory in Trenton, New Jersey. A right to the heart and a short left to the chin made Terry's knees nearly crumble in the eighth, but he avoided a knockout. Terry made Jones miss on occasion, but Jones dominated throughout the bout, took the offensive, and showed better ringcraft in the well fought bout.[13]

Losing the world middleweight championship, June 1932

[edit]

Jones lost the belt later that year on June 11 in Paris, to Frenchman Marcel Thil from an eleventh round disqualification. The New York Times wrote that Jones was losing on points when he was disqualified after having been warned for holding and hitting low. The crowd of 70,000 was the largest to attend a prize fight in Paris for years.[1][6]

On April 19, 1933, Jones fought a six-round no contest against Jewish boxer Ben Jeby, reigning world middlweight champion, before a crowd of 8,000 at Public Hall in Cleveland, Ohio. The referee stopped the bout because of a lack of effort from both fighters.[14]

Taking the American middleweight championship, January 1933

[edit]

Jones won the American Middleweight Championship in a seventh-round knockout against Sammy Slaughter on January 30, 1933, in Cleveland. The title was recognized by the National Boxing Association, but was a national and not a world title, as some reporters later claimed. In the second through sixth, Jones either gained a margin or coasted waiting to strike a telling blow against his opponent. In the fifth and sixth, Slaughter reached Jones' face with high overhand rights which affected the judges' scoring more than Jones. Finally in the sixth, Jones ended the bout with a right to the nose, and a hard right to the jaw, followed by a lighter side blow to the jaw that put Slaughter down for the count.[15]

Final attempt at world middleweight championship, January 1937

[edit]

On New Year's Day 1937, he took on Freddie Steele, the National Boxing Association World Middleweight and NYSAC World Middleweight Title holder, in a title match, but lost in a tenth round unanimous decision. Before a disappointing crowd of 4,000, Steele scored repeatedly with long lefts and right crosses to the head. After a left to the face, Steele dropped Jones in the third with a crushing right to the chin, but Jones was up quickly. From the fourth through the tenth, Steele was the aggressor and built a comfortable points margin. Steele was awarded all but one round from Jones, who took only the second.[16][17] Jones had previously lost to Steele on September 17, 1935, in a ten-round unanimous decision in Seattle.[6] On May 22, 1934, the two had fought a ten-round decision on points in Seattle.

On August 9, 1937, Jones defeated former world welterweight champion Tommy Freeman in a ten-round points decision in Council Bluffs, Iowa.[6] In a slow feature bout, Jones took most of the offensive from the third round on.[18]

Jones lost to former middleweight champion Babe Risko on May 10, 1938, in a ten-round points decision in Akron, Ohio, before a modest crowd of 1,538. Jones was tagged repeatedly by Risko, a heavier boxer with a longer reach. Risko's left jab, which frequently led to following rights was a problem for Jones throughout the bout though he took a number of rounds in the close bout. Jones took quite a beating in the fifth, and performed his best in the seventh, though Risko had enough points to use his left jab for defense to coast a bit in the final two rounds.[19]

His last win was two years later on January 24, 1939, against Angelo Puglisi, a ten-round points decision in Seattle. After his last fight, a loss to Vern Earling on May 29, 1940, he retired from boxing.[6] Jones was already beginning to have mild vision problems from cataracts.[20]

Life and work after boxing

[edit]

Jones performed some training duties from the mid- to late 1940s until the 1970s, working with Milo Savage, Johnny Wells, Irish Bob Murphy, and later with Suey Welch's boxer Gil King during the early 1970s. Jones served in WWII. In the 1950s, he taught boxing at the Boys Club in Watts. After the war, he worked for Mae West, whom he had known since he was 22, becoming her boyfriend, chauffeur and bodyguard. West was his employer, friend and supporter until her death in 1980. Jones suffered from failing eyesight in his later years from diabetes.[21][22] He was also among many boxers who attended the funeral of Feab S. Williams (better known as "George Godfrey").[23]

Death

[edit]

Jones died from arteriosclerosis and diabetes at his home near McArthur Park on January 4, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 75.[1][24] He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery in East Los Angeles.[25]

Professional boxing record

[edit]

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[26] unless otherwise stated.

Official record

[edit]
172 fights 109 wins 28 losses
By knockout 66 0
By decision 43 22
By disqualification 0 6
Draws 17
No contests 3
Newspaper decisions/draws 15

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 Location Notes
172 Loss 109–28–17 (18) Vern Earling PTS 10 May 29, 1940 Kellogg, Idaho, U.S.
171 Win 109–27–17 (18) Angelo Puglisi PTS 10 Jan 4, 1939 Crystal Pool, Seattle, Washington, U.S.
170 Loss 108–27–17 (18) Alabama Kid UD 10 Jun 9, 1938 Memorial Hall, Dover, Ohio, U.S.
169 Loss 108–26–17 (18) Eddie Babe Risko PTS 10 May 10, 1938 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
168 Draw 108–25–17 (18) King Wyatt PTS 10 Apr 4, 1938 Shrine Auditorium, Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
167 Win 108–25–16 (18) Jack Moran PTS 10 Mar 31, 1938 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
166 Win 107–25–16 (18) Johnny Davis TKO 8 (10) Feb 16, 1938 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
165 Win 106–25–16 (18) Pedro Carsonia KO 2 (10) Jan 19, 1938 Columbia Gymnasium Arena, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
164 Win 105–25–16 (18) Frankie Hughes UD 10 Jan 12, 1938 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
163 Win 104–25–16 (18) Bob Turner UD 10 Dec 15, 1937 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
162 Loss 103–25–16 (18) Alabama Kid PTS 10 Nov 23, 1937 Springfield, Ohio, U.S. Billed as Negro middleweight world title fight
161 Win 103–24–16 (18) Andy Miller NWS 8 Oct 27, 1937 Auditorium, Sioux City, Iowa, U.S.
160 Win 103–24–16 (17) Vernon Nelson KO 3 (10) Sep 6, 1937 Oskaloosa, Iowa, U.S.
159 Win 102–24–16 (17) Tommy Freeman PTS 10 Aug 9, 1937 Broadway Baseball Park, Council Bluffs, Iowa, U.S.
158 Win 101–24–16 (17) Frankie Misko TKO 5 (10) Jul 7, 1937 Uptown Arena, Sioux City, Iowa, U.S.
157 Win 100–24–16 (17) Vernon Nelson KO 4 (10) Apr 13, 1937 Ak-sar-ben Coliseum, Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
156 Draw 99–24–16 (17) Frank Battaglia PTS 10 Jan 29, 1937 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
155 Loss 99–24–15 (17) Freddie Steele UD 10 Jan 1, 1937 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. For NBA and NYSAC middleweight titles
154 Win 99–23–15 (17) Mickey Bottone KO 1 (10) Dec 4, 1936 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
153 Draw 98–23–15 (17) Art Taylor PTS 10 Aug 5, 1936 Labor Temple, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
152 Win 98–23–14 (17) Tait Littman TKO 10 (10) Jan 27, 1936 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
151 Win 97–23–14 (17) Tait Littman KO 1 (10) Jan 1, 1936 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
150 Loss 96–23–14 (17) Freddie Steele UD 10 Sep 17, 1935 Civic Ice Arena, Seattle, Washington, U.S.
149 Loss 96–22–14 (17) Oscar Rankins PTS 10 Aug 21, 1934 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
148 Loss 96–21–14 (17) Emilio Martinez PTS 10 Jun 18, 1934 Denver, Colorado, U.S.
147 Draw 96–20–14 (17) Freddie Steele PTS 10 May 22, 1934 Civic Ice Arena, Seattle, Washington, U.S.
146 Loss 96–20–13 (17) Frank R. Weimer PTS 10 Feb 23, 1934 Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.
145 Win 96–19–13 (17) Tony Poloni PTS 10 Jan 16, 1934 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
144 Win 95–19–13 (17) Frankie Remus KO 6 (10) Dec 5, 1933 Crystal Pool, Seattle, Washington, U.S.
143 Win 94–19–13 (17) Eddie Murdock TKO 10 (10) Oct 27, 1933 Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.
142 Win 93–19–13 (17) Lou Bertman KO 2 (10) Oct 12, 1933 Madison Square Garden, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
141 Win 92–19–13 (17) Mike Payan PTS 10 Oct 6, 1933 Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.
140 Win 91–19–13 (17) Billy Papke Jr KO 8 (10) Sep 21, 1933 Pasadena Arena, Pasadena, California, U.S.
139 Win 90–19–13 (17) Johnny Romero KO 3 (10) Sep 15, 1933 Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.
138 Win 89–19–13 (17) Manuel Victoria TKO 7 (15) Sep 3, 1933 Foreign Club Arena, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
137 Draw 88–19–13 (17) Hal Hoxwood PTS 10 Aug 25, 1933 McCullough's Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
136 Draw 88–19–12 (17) Vearl Whitehead PTS 10 Aug 8, 1933 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
135 Loss 88–19–11 (17) Vearl Whitehead DQ 10 (10) Jul 28, 1933 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
134 Win 88–18–11 (17) Wesley Ketchell PTS 10 Jul 18, 1933 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
133 Win 87–18–11 (17) Babe Marino KO 10 (10) Jun 30, 1933 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
132 NC 86–18–11 (17) Ben Jeby NC 6 (12) Apr 19, 1933 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. The Cleveland Boxing Commissioners ordered Block to halt
the fight due to the lack of effort from both fighters
131 Win 86–18–11 (16) Willie Oster KO 3 (10) Feb 28, 1933 Convention Hall, Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
130 Win 85–18–11 (16) Rosy Baker PTS 10 Feb 21, 1933 Tomlinson Hall, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
129 Win 84–18–11 (16) Sammy Slaughter KO 7 (12) Jan 30, 1933 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. Won vacant American middleweight title
128 Win 83–18–11 (16) Young Stuhley KO 4 (10) Jan 13, 1933 Clinton, Iowa, U.S.
127 Draw 82–18–11 (16) Tommy Freeman PTS 10 Dec 26, 1932 Motor Square Garden, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
126 Win 82–18–10 (16) Willie Oster NWS 10 Dec 1, 1932 Coliseum, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
125 Win 82–18–10 (15) Jackie Purvis KO 3 (10) Nov 24, 1932 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
124 Win 81–18–10 (15) Johnny Peppe PTS 8 Oct 3, 1932 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
123 Win 80–18–10 (15) Kid Leonard NWS 10 Aug 29, 1932 Palmer School Arena, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
122 Win 80–18–10 (14) Jack December KO 2 (6) Aug 9, 1932 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
121 Loss 79–18–10 (14) Marcel Thil DQ 11 (15) Jun 11, 1932 Parc des Princes, Paris, Paris, France Lost NBA middleweight title;
For vacant IBU and The Ring middleweight titles
120 Win 79–17–10 (14) Young Terry PTS 12 Apr 26, 1932 Armory, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S. Retained NBA middleweight title
119 Win 78–17–10 (14) Bud Saltis PTS 10 Apr 7, 1932 Columbus Community Club, Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.
118 Win 77–17–10 (14) Chuck Burns KO 3 (10) Mar 31, 1932 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
117 Loss 76–17–10 (14) Frankie O'Brien DQ 8 (10) Mar 14, 1932 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
116 Win 76–16–10 (14) Oddone Piazza TKO 6 (10) Jan 25, 1932 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. Won vacant NBA middleweight title
115 Win 75–16–10 (14) Henry Firpo SD 10 Dec 11, 1931 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
114 Win 74–16–10 (14) Frankie O'Brien PTS 10 Nov 19, 1931 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
113 Win 73–16–10 (14) George Nichols PTS 10 Nov 3, 1931 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
112 Win 72–16–10 (14) Johnny Roberts KO 3 (10) Oct 21, 1931 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
111 Win 71–16–10 (14) Clyde Chastain TKO 6 (10) Sep 17, 1931 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
110 Win 70–16–10 (14) Tiger Thomas PTS 10 Aug 25, 1931 Borchert Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
109 Loss 69–16–10 (14) Thomas Lawless PTS 10 May 25, 1931 Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
108 Win 69–15–10 (14) Ham Jenkins NWS 10 Apr 28, 1931 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
107 Win 69–15–10 (13) Paul Pirrone PTS 10 Apr 14, 1931 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
106 Win 68–15–10 (13) Buddy Gorman PTS 10 Mar 11, 1931 Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
105 Win 67–15–10 (13) Herman Ratzlaff UD 10 Feb 17, 1931 Auditorium, Portland, Oregon, U.S.
104 Win 66–15–10 (13) Frank Rowsey TKO 8 (10) Feb 6, 1931 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
103 Win 65–15–10 (13) Mike Hector PTS 10 Jan 30, 1931 Stockton, California, U.S.
102 Draw 64–15–10 (13) Chick Devlin PTS 10 Jan 23, 1931 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
101 Win 64–15–9 (13) Young Johnny Burns TKO 7 (10) Jan 13, 1931 Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
100 Win 63–15–9 (13) Clyde Chastain KO 4 (10) Dec 26, 1930 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
99 Loss 62–15–9 (13) Jackie Brady PTS 10 Nov 28, 1930 Carney Auditorium, Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
98 Win 62–14–9 (13) Meyer Lichtenstein SD 10 Nov 10, 1930 Convention Hall, Rochester, New York, U.S.
97 Loss 61–14–9 (13) Harry Smith PTS 10 Oct 23, 1930 Olympia Boxing Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
96 Win 61–13–9 (13) Cowboy Jack Willis NWS 10 Sep 15, 1930 Canton Auditorium, Canton, Ohio, U.S.
95 NC 61–13–9 (12) Harry Smith NC 9 (12) Sep 4, 1930 Queensboro Stadium, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. Billed for the colored middleweight championship of the world
94 Win 61–13–9 (11) Ham Jenkins PTS 10 Aug 15, 1930 Denver, Colorado, U.S.
93 Draw 60–13–9 (11) Manuel Quintero PTS 10 Aug 8, 1930 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
92 Win 60–13–8 (11) Thomas Lawless KO 9 (10) Jul 18, 1930 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
91 Win 59–13–8 (11) Vincent Forgione PTS 10 Jun 25, 1930 Taylor Bowl, Newburgh Heights, Ohio, U.S.
90 Win 58–13–8 (11) Henry Goldberg PTS 10 Jun 2, 1930 Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
89 Win 57–13–8 (11) Vincent Forgione PTS 10 May 26, 1930 Meyers Bowl, North Braddock, Pennsylvania, U.S.
88 Loss 56–13–8 (11) Thomas Lawless PTS 10 May 12, 1930 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
87 Loss 56–12–8 (11) Tiger Roy Williams PTS 12 Apr 22, 1930 Memorial Hall, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
86 Win 56–11–8 (11) Gene Cardi TKO 7 (10) Apr 14, 1930 Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
85 Win 55–11–8 (11) Jock Malone NWS 10 Mar 17, 1930 Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
84 Win 55–11–8 (10) Meyer Grace TKO 3 (10) Mar 14, 1930 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
83 Win 54–11–8 (10) Wesley Ketchell PTS 10 Feb 14, 1930 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
82 Draw 53–11–8 (10) Eddie Roberts PTS 10 Feb 7, 1930 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
81 Win 53–11–7 (10) Izzy Grove KO 7 (10) Jan 27, 1930 St. Nicholas Arena, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
80 Win 52–11–7 (10) Floyd Hybert TKO 3 (10) Jan 17, 1930 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
79 Win 51–11–7 (10) Billy Angelo PTS 10 Jan 1, 1930 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
78 NC 50–11–7 (10) Jackie Fields NC 7 (10) Dec 13, 1929 Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
77 Win 50–11–7 (9) Nick Testo KO 6 (10) Dec 4, 1929 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
76 Loss 49–11–7 (9) Jackie Fields PTS 10 Oct 21, 1929 State Armory, San Francisco, California, U.S.
75 Win 49–10–7 (9) Jackie Horner KO 2 (10) Oct 9, 1929 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
74 Win 48–10–7 (9) Fred Mahan KO 6 (10) Aug 20, 1929 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
73 Win 47–10–7 (9) Pete Meyers TKO 5 (10) Aug 12, 1929 State Armory, San Francisco, California, U.S.
72 Win 46–10–7 (9) Jack Lewis KO 3 (8) Jul 29, 1929 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
71 Loss 45–10–7 (9) Thomas Lawless PTS 12 Jul 16, 1929 Taylor Bowl, Newburgh Heights, Ohio, U.S.
70 Win 45–9–7 (9) Jack McVey PTS 10 Jun 25, 1929 Braves Field, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
69 Win 44–9–7 (9) Al Mello TKO 6 (10) Jun 3, 1929 Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
68 Win 43–9–7 (9) Izzy Grove TKO 6 (10) May 17, 1929 Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
67 Win 42–9–7 (9) Al Mello PTS 10 May 3, 1929 Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
66 Draw 41–9–7 (9) Tommy Freeman PTS 12 Apr 9, 1929 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
65 Win 41–9–6 (9) George Fifield KO 1 (?) Apr 2, 1929 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
64 Win 40–9–6 (9) Joe Zelinski KO 5 (10) Mar 11, 1929 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
63 Loss 39–9–6 (9) Nick Testo DQ 5 (10) Feb 25, 1929 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
62 Loss 39–8–6 (9) Thomas Lawless PTS 10 Feb 18, 1929 Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, U.S.
61 Win 39–7–6 (9) Jack Murphy KO 4 (6) Feb 15, 1929 Carney Auditorium, Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
60 Win 38–7–6 (9) Arthur Schaekels PTS 10 Jan 14, 1929 Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
59 Win 37–7–6 (9) Arthur Schaekels KO 1 (10) Jan 8, 1929 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
58 Draw 36–7–6 (9) Tony Vaccarelli PTS 10 Dec 28, 1928 Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
57 Win 36–7–5 (9) Pal Silvers PTS 8 Nov 16, 1928 Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
56 Win 35–7–5 (9) Jimmy Finley NWS 10 Nov 2, 1928 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
55 Win 35–7–5 (8) Thomas Lawless PTS 10 Oct 19, 1928 Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
54 Win 34–7–5 (8) Billy Leonard KO 1 (10) Oct 5, 1928 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
53 Win 33–7–5 (8) Heavy Andrews PTS 10 Sep 28, 1928 Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
52 Win 32–7–5 (8) Bobby LaSalle SD 10 Sep 18, 1928 Taylor Bowl, Newburgh Heights, Ohio, U.S.
51 Win 31–7–5 (8) Tommy Freeman SD 10 Aug 15, 1928 Taylor Bowl, Newburgh Heights, Ohio, U.S.
50 Loss 30–7–5 (8) Sergeant Sammy Baker UD 10 Jul 17, 1928 Olympic Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
49 Win 30–6–5 (8) Billy Alger NWS 10 Jun 25, 1928 Armory, Akron, U.S.
48 Win 30–6–5 (7) Lowell Bobby Brown TKO 2 (10) Jun 13, 1928 Olympic Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
47 Win 29–6–5 (7) Ben Spivey TKO 6 (10) May 28, 1928 Company A Armory, Marietta, Ohio, U.S.
46 Loss 28–6–5 (7) Lowell Bobby Brown PTS 8 May 14, 1928 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
45 Win 28–5–5 (7) Mickey Fedor TKO 7 (8) May 7, 1928 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
44 Win 27–5–5 (7) Harry Williams TKO 4 (6) Apr 26, 1928 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
43 Win 26–5–5 (7) Buck McMillan TKO 3 (8) Apr 12, 1928 Canton, Ohio, U.S.
42 Win 25–5–5 (7) Ben Spivey KO 4 (?) Apr 9, 1928 Marietta, Ohio, U.S.
41 Win 24–5–5 (7) Joe Feldman KO 1 (6) Mar 19, 1928 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
40 Win 23–5–5 (7) Allen Beatty NWS 6 Mar 16, 1928 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
39 Win 23–5–5 (6) Sailor Dan Maxwell KO 4 (?) Mar 1, 1928 Canton, Ohio, U.S.
38 Win 22–5–5 (6) Hank Graham KO 1 (6) Feb 29, 1928 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
37 Win 21–5–5 (6) Black Fitzsimmons KO 3 (?) Feb 23, 1928 Barberton, Ohio, U.S.
36 Win 20–5–5 (6) Al Jackson PTS 6 Feb 13, 1928 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
35 Loss 19–5–5 (6) Young Saylor NWS 12 Jan 26, 1928 Auditorium, Marietta, Ohio, U.S.
34 Win 19–5–5 (5) Arvin Spence TKO 2 (4) Jan 17, 1928 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
33 Win 18–5–5 (5) George Moore KO 5 (?) Jan 2, 1928 Akron, Ohio, U.S.
32 Win 17–5–5 (5) Paul Wanzo KO 3 (3) Dec 27, 1927 Marietta, Ohio, U.S.
31 Win 16–5–5 (5) Polish Wonder TKO 3 (3) Dec 27, 1927 Marietta, Ohio, U.S.
30 Win 15–5–5 (5) Jeff Baulknight PTS 6 Dec 7, 1927 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
29 Win 14–5–5 (5) Gunner Johnson NWS 6 Sep 19, 1927 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
28 Win 14–5–5 (4) Marvin Morrison NWS 10 May 26, 1927 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
27 Win 14–5–5 (3) Marvin Morrison NWS 10 May 3, 1927 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
26 Win 14–5–5 (2) Sam Bruce PTS 8 Apr 7, 1927 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
25 Win 13–5–5 (2) Cyclone Williams PTS 8 Jan 31, 1927 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
24 Win 12–5–5 (2) Kid Roux PTS 8 Dec 13, 1926 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
23 Win 11–5–5 (2) Cyclone Williams PTS 8 Nov 28, 1926 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
22 Win 10–5–5 (2) Kid Roux NWS 8 Oct 22, 1926 Greenville Stadium, Greenville, Mississippi, U.S.
21 Win 10–5–5 (1) Cyclone Williams KO 4 (8) Oct 4, 1926 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
20 Win 9–5–5 (1) Young Sharkey TKO 7 (8) Sep 17, 1926 Greenville Stadium, Greenville, Mississippi, U.S.
19 Draw 8–5–5 (1) Kid Roux PTS 8 Jul 26, 1926 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
18 Win 8–5–4 (1) Kid Lucius TKO 3 (8) Apr 19, 1926 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
17 Win 7–5–4 (1) Billy Cannon KO 2 (8) Feb 1, 1926 Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
16 Draw 6–5–4 (1) Kid Roux PTS 8 Jan 11, 1926 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
15 Win 6–5–3 (1) Kid Bruce PTS 8 Nov 16, 1925 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
14 Loss 5–5–3 (1) Harry Bettin PTS 8 Nov 10, 1925 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
13 Loss 5–4–3 (1) Kid Sharkey DQ 3 (8) Nov 3, 1925 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
12 Draw 5–3–3 (1) Kid Roux PTS 8 Jul 13, 1925 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
11 Draw 5–3–2 (1) Kid Bruce PTS 8 May 18, 1925 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
10 Win 5–3–1 (1) George Dixon TKO 6 (8) May 4, 1925 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
9 Win 4–3–1 (1) Joe Walcott KO 1 (8) Apr 6, 1925 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
8 Loss 3–3–1 (1) Clyde Edmundsen NWS 10 Mar 16, 1925 Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
7 Win 3–3–1 George Dixon KO 2 (8) Feb 9, 1925 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
6 Loss 2–3–1 Sam Bruce PTS 8 Dec 1, 1924 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
5 Win 2–2–1 Fast Black KO 3 (6) Nov 10, 1924 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
4 Loss 1–2–1 George Dixon DQ 3 (8) Nov 3, 1924 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
3 Win 1–1–1 Fast Black PTS 8 Sep 22, 1924 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
2 Draw 0–1–1 Kid Bruce PTS 8 Sep 15, 1924 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
1 Loss 0–1 Sam Bruce PTS 8 Aug 11, 1924 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.

Unofficial record

[edit]
172 fights 122 wins 30 losses
By knockout 66 0
By decision 56 24
By disqualification 0 6
Draws 17
No contests 3

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

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
172 Loss 122–30–17 (3) Vern Earling PTS 10 May 29, 1940 Kellogg, Idaho, U.S.
171 Win 122–29–17 (3) Angelo Puglisi PTS 10 Jan 4, 1939 Crystal Pool, Seattle, Washington, U.S.
170 Loss 121–29–17 (3) Alabama Kid UD 10 Jun 9, 1938 Memorial Hall, Dover, Ohio, U.S.
169 Loss 121–28–17 (3) Eddie Babe Risko PTS 10 May 10, 1938 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
168 Draw 121–27–17 (3) King Wyatt PTS 10 Apr 4, 1938 Shrine Auditorium, Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
167 Win 121–27–16 (3) Jack Moran PTS 10 Mar 31, 1938 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
166 Win 120–27–16 (3) Johnny Davis TKO 8 (10) Feb 16, 1938 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
165 Win 119–27–16 (3) Pedro Carsonia KO 2 (10) Jan 19, 1938 Columbia Gymnasium Arena, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
164 Win 118–27–16 (3) Frankie Hughes UD 10 Jan 12, 1938 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
163 Win 117–27–16 (3) Bob Turner UD 10 Dec 15, 1937 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
162 Loss 116–27–16 (3) Alabama Kid PTS 10 Nov 23, 1937 Springfield, Ohio, U.S. Billed as Negro middleweight world title fight
161 Win 116–26–16 (3) Andy Miller NWS 8 Oct 27, 1937 Auditorium, Sioux City, Iowa, U.S.
160 Win 115–26–16 (3) Vernon Nelson KO 3 (10) Sep 6, 1937 Oskaloosa, Iowa, U.S.
159 Win 114–26–16 (3) Tommy Freeman PTS 10 Aug 9, 1937 Broadway Baseball Park, Council Bluffs, Iowa, U.S.
158 Win 113–26–16 (3) Frankie Misko TKO 5 (10) Jul 7, 1937 Uptown Arena, Sioux City, Iowa, U.S.
157 Win 112–26–16 (3) Vernon Nelson KO 4 (10) Apr 13, 1937 Ak-sar-ben Coliseum, Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
156 Draw 111–26–16 (3) Frank Battaglia PTS 10 Jan 29, 1937 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
155 Loss 111–26–15 (3) Freddie Steele UD 10 Jan 1, 1937 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. For NBA and NYSAC middleweight titles
154 Win 111–25–15 (3) Mickey Bottone KO 1 (10) Dec 4, 1936 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
153 Draw 110–25–15 (3) Art Taylor PTS 10 Aug 5, 1936 Labor Temple, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
152 Win 110–25–14 (3) Tait Littman TKO 10 (10) Jan 27, 1936 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
151 Win 109–25–14 (3) Tait Littman KO 1 (10) Jan 1, 1936 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
150 Loss 108–25–14 (3) Freddie Steele UD 10 Sep 17, 1935 Civic Ice Arena, Seattle, Washington, U.S.
149 Loss 108–24–14 (3) Oscar Rankins PTS 10 Aug 21, 1934 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
148 Loss 108–23–14 (3) Emilio Martinez PTS 10 Jun 18, 1934 Denver, Colorado, U.S.
147 Draw 108–22–14 (3) Freddie Steele PTS 10 May 22, 1934 Civic Ice Arena, Seattle, Washington, U.S.
146 Loss 108–22–13 (3) Frank R. Weimer PTS 10 Feb 23, 1934 Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.
145 Win 108–21–13 (3) Tony Poloni PTS 10 Jan 16, 1934 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
144 Win 107–21–13 (3) Frankie Remus KO 6 (10) Dec 5, 1933 Crystal Pool, Seattle, Washington, U.S.
143 Win 106–21–13 (3) Eddie Murdock TKO 10 (10) Oct 27, 1933 Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.
142 Win 105–21–13 (3) Lou Bertman KO 2 (10) Oct 12, 1933 Madison Square Garden, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
141 Win 104–21–13 (3) Mike Payan PTS 10 Oct 6, 1933 Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.
140 Win 103–21–13 (3) Billy Papke Jr KO 8 (10) Sep 21, 1933 Pasadena Arena, Pasadena, California, U.S.
139 Win 102–21–13 (3) Johnny Romero KO 3 (10) Sep 15, 1933 Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.
138 Win 101–21–13 (3) Manuel Victoria TKO 7 (15) Sep 3, 1933 Foreign Club Arena, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
137 Draw 100–21–13 (3) Hal Hoxwood PTS 10 Aug 25, 1933 McCullough's Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
136 Draw 100–21–12 (3) Vearl Whitehead PTS 10 Aug 8, 1933 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
135 Loss 100–21–11 (3) Vearl Whitehead DQ 10 (10) Jul 28, 1933 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
134 Win 100–20–11 (3) Wesley Ketchell PTS 10 Jul 18, 1933 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
133 Win 99–20–11 (3) Babe Marino KO 10 (10) Jun 30, 1933 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
132 NC 98–20–11 (3) Ben Jeby NC 6 (12) Apr 19, 1933 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. The Cleveland Boxing Commissioners ordered Block to halt
the fight due to the lack of effort from both fighters
131 Win 98–20–11 (2) Willie Oster KO 3 (10) Feb 28, 1933 Convention Hall, Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
130 Win 97–20–11 (2) Rosy Baker PTS 10 Feb 21, 1933 Tomlinson Hall, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
129 Win 96–20–11 (2) Sammy Slaughter KO 7 (12) Jan 30, 1933 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. Won vacant American middleweight title
128 Win 95–20–11 (2) Young Stuhley KO 4 (10) Jan 13, 1933 Clinton, Iowa, U.S.
127 Draw 94–20–11 (2) Tommy Freeman PTS 10 Dec 26, 1932 Motor Square Garden, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
126 Win 94–20–10 (2) Willie Oster NWS 10 Dec 1, 1932 Coliseum, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
125 Win 93–20–10 (2) Jackie Purvis KO 3 (10) Nov 24, 1932 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
124 Win 92–20–10 (2) Johnny Peppe PTS 8 Oct 3, 1932 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
123 Win 91–20–10 (2) Kid Leonard NWS 10 Aug 29, 1932 Palmer School Arena, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
122 Win 90–20–10 (2) Jack December KO 2 (6) Aug 9, 1932 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
121 Loss 89–20–10 (2) Marcel Thil DQ 11 (15) Jun 11, 1932 Parc des Princes, Paris, Paris, France Lost NBA middleweight title;
For vacant IBU and The Ring middleweight titles
120 Win 89–19–10 (2) Young Terry PTS 12 Apr 26, 1932 Armory, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S. Retained NBA middleweight title
119 Win 88–19–10 (2) Bud Saltis PTS 10 Apr 7, 1932 Columbus Community Club, Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.
118 Win 87–19–10 (2) Chuck Burns KO 3 (10) Mar 31, 1932 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
117 Loss 86–19–10 (2) Frankie O'Brien DQ 8 (10) Mar 14, 1932 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
116 Win 86–18–10 (2) Oddone Piazza TKO 6 (10) Jan 25, 1932 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. Won vacant NBA middleweight title
115 Win 85–18–10 (2) Henry Firpo SD 10 Dec 11, 1931 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
114 Win 84–18–10 (2) Frankie O'Brien PTS 10 Nov 19, 1931 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
113 Win 83–18–10 (2) George Nichols PTS 10 Nov 3, 1931 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
112 Win 82–18–10 (2) Johnny Roberts KO 3 (10) Oct 21, 1931 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
111 Win 81–18–10 (2) Clyde Chastain TKO 6 (10) Sep 17, 1931 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
110 Win 80–18–10 (2) Tiger Thomas PTS 10 Aug 25, 1931 Borchert Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
109 Loss 79–18–10 (2) Thomas Lawless PTS 10 May 25, 1931 Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
108 Win 79–17–10 (2) Ham Jenkins NWS 10 Apr 28, 1931 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
107 Win 78–17–10 (2) Paul Pirrone PTS 10 Apr 14, 1931 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
106 Win 77–17–10 (2) Buddy Gorman PTS 10 Mar 11, 1931 Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
105 Win 76–17–10 (2) Herman Ratzlaff UD 10 Feb 17, 1931 Auditorium, Portland, Oregon, U.S.
104 Win 75–17–10 (2) Frank Rowsey TKO 8 (10) Feb 6, 1931 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
103 Win 74–17–10 (2) Mike Hector PTS 10 Jan 30, 1931 Stockton, California, U.S.
102 Draw 73–17–10 (2) Chick Devlin PTS 10 Jan 23, 1931 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
101 Win 73–17–9 (2) Young Johnny Burns TKO 7 (10) Jan 13, 1931 Auditorium, Oakland, California, U.S.
100 Win 72–17–9 (2) Clyde Chastain KO 4 (10) Dec 26, 1930 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
99 Loss 71–17–9 (2) Jackie Brady PTS 10 Nov 28, 1930 Carney Auditorium, Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
98 Win 71–16–9 (2) Meyer Lichtenstein SD 10 Nov 10, 1930 Convention Hall, Rochester, New York, U.S.
97 Loss 70–16–9 (2) Harry Smith PTS 10 Oct 23, 1930 Olympia Boxing Club, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
96 Win 70–15–9 (2) Cowboy Jack Willis NWS 10 Sep 15, 1930 Canton Auditorium, Canton, Ohio, U.S.
95 NC 69–15–9 (2) Harry Smith NC 9 (12) Sep 4, 1930 Queensboro Stadium, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. Billed for the colored middleweight championship of the world
94 Win 69–15–9 (1) Ham Jenkins PTS 10 Aug 15, 1930 Denver, Colorado, U.S.
93 Draw 68–15–9 (1) Manuel Quintero PTS 10 Aug 8, 1930 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
92 Win 68–15–8 (1) Thomas Lawless KO 9 (10) Jul 18, 1930 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
91 Win 67–15–8 (1) Vincent Forgione PTS 10 Jun 25, 1930 Taylor Bowl, Newburgh Heights, Ohio, U.S.
90 Win 66–15–8 (1) Henry Goldberg PTS 10 Jun 2, 1930 Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
89 Win 65–15–8 (1) Vincent Forgione PTS 10 May 26, 1930 Meyers Bowl, North Braddock, Pennsylvania, U.S.
88 Loss 64–15–8 (1) Thomas Lawless PTS 10 May 12, 1930 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
87 Loss 64–14–8 (1) Tiger Roy Williams PTS 12 Apr 22, 1930 Memorial Hall, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
86 Win 64–13–8 (1) Gene Cardi TKO 7 (10) Apr 14, 1930 Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
85 Win 63–13–8 (1) Jock Malone NWS 10 Mar 17, 1930 Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
84 Win 62–13–8 (1) Meyer Grace TKO 3 (10) Mar 14, 1930 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
83 Win 61–13–8 (1) Wesley Ketchell PTS 10 Feb 14, 1930 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
82 Draw 60–13–8 (1) Eddie Roberts PTS 10 Feb 7, 1930 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
81 Win 60–13–7 (1) Izzy Grove KO 7 (10) Jan 27, 1930 St. Nicholas Arena, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
80 Win 59–13–7 (1) Floyd Hybert TKO 3 (10) Jan 17, 1930 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
79 Win 58–13–7 (1) Billy Angelo PTS 10 Jan 1, 1930 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
78 NC 57–13–7 (1) Jackie Fields NC 7 (10) Dec 13, 1929 Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
77 Win 57–13–7 Nick Testo KO 6 (10) Dec 4, 1929 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
76 Loss 56–13–7 Jackie Fields PTS 10 Oct 21, 1929 State Armory, San Francisco, California, U.S.
75 Win 56–12–7 Jackie Horner KO 2 (10) Oct 9, 1929 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
74 Win 55–12–7 Fred Mahan KO 6 (10) Aug 20, 1929 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
73 Win 54–12–7 Pete Meyers TKO 5 (10) Aug 12, 1929 State Armory, San Francisco, California, U.S.
72 Win 53–12–7 Jack Lewis KO 3 (8) Jul 29, 1929 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
71 Loss 52–12–7 Thomas Lawless PTS 12 Jul 16, 1929 Taylor Bowl, Newburgh Heights, Ohio, U.S.
70 Win 52–11–7 Jack McVey PTS 10 Jun 25, 1929 Braves Field, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
69 Win 51–11–7 Al Mello TKO 6 (10) Jun 3, 1929 Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
68 Win 50–11–7 Izzy Grove TKO 6 (10) May 17, 1929 Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
67 Win 49–11–7 Al Mello PTS 10 May 3, 1929 Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
66 Draw 48–11–7 Tommy Freeman PTS 12 Apr 9, 1929 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
65 Win 48–11–6 George Fifield KO 1 (?) Apr 2, 1929 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
64 Win 47–11–6 Joe Zelinski KO 5 (10) Mar 11, 1929 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
63 Loss 46–11–6 Nick Testo DQ 5 (10) Feb 25, 1929 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
62 Loss 46–10–6 Thomas Lawless PTS 10 Feb 18, 1929 Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, U.S.
61 Win 46–9–6 Jack Murphy KO 4 (6) Feb 15, 1929 Carney Auditorium, Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
60 Win 45–9–6 Arthur Schaekels PTS 10 Jan 14, 1929 Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
59 Win 44–9–6 Arthur Schaekels KO 1 (10) Jan 8, 1929 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
58 Draw 43–9–6 Tony Vaccarelli PTS 10 Dec 28, 1928 Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
57 Win 43–9–5 Pal Silvers PTS 8 Nov 16, 1928 Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
56 Win 42–9–5 Jimmy Finley NWS 10 Nov 2, 1928 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
55 Win 41–9–5 Thomas Lawless PTS 10 Oct 19, 1928 Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
54 Win 40–9–5 Billy Leonard KO 1 (10) Oct 5, 1928 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
53 Win 39–9–5 Heavy Andrews PTS 10 Sep 28, 1928 Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
52 Win 38–9–5 Bobby LaSalle SD 10 Sep 18, 1928 Taylor Bowl, Newburgh Heights, Ohio, U.S.
51 Win 37–9–5 Tommy Freeman SD 10 Aug 15, 1928 Taylor Bowl, Newburgh Heights, Ohio, U.S.
50 Loss 36–9–5 Sergeant Sammy Baker UD 10 Jul 17, 1928 Olympic Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
49 Win 36–8–5 Billy Alger NWS 10 Jun 25, 1928 Armory, Akron, U.S.
48 Win 35–8–5 Lowell Bobby Brown TKO 2 (10) Jun 13, 1928 Olympic Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
47 Win 34–8–5 Ben Spivey TKO 6 (10) May 28, 1928 Company A Armory, Marietta, Ohio, U.S.
46 Loss 33–8–5 Lowell Bobby Brown PTS 8 May 14, 1928 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
45 Win 33–7–5 Mickey Fedor TKO 7 (8) May 7, 1928 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
44 Win 32–7–5 Harry Williams TKO 4 (6) Apr 26, 1928 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
43 Win 31–7–5 Buck McMillan TKO 3 (8) Apr 12, 1928 Canton, Ohio, U.S.
42 Win 30–7–5 Ben Spivey KO 4 (?) Apr 9, 1928 Marietta, Ohio, U.S.
41 Win 29–7–5 Joe Feldman KO 1 (6) Mar 19, 1928 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
40 Win 28–7–5 Allen Beatty NWS 6 Mar 16, 1928 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
39 Win 27–7–5 Sailor Dan Maxwell KO 4 (?) Mar 1, 1928 Canton, Ohio, U.S.
38 Win 26–7–5 Hank Graham KO 1 (6) Feb 29, 1928 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
37 Win 25–7–5 Black Fitzsimmons KO 3 (?) Feb 23, 1928 Barberton, Ohio, U.S.
36 Win 24–7–5 Al Jackson PTS 6 Feb 13, 1928 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
35 Loss 23–7–5 Young Saylor NWS 12 Jan 26, 1928 Auditorium, Marietta, Ohio, U.S.
34 Win 23–6–5 Arvin Spence TKO 2 (4) Jan 17, 1928 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
33 Win 22–6–5 George Moore KO 5 (?) Jan 2, 1928 Akron, Ohio, U.S.
32 Win 21–6–5 Paul Wanzo KO 3 (3) Dec 27, 1927 Marietta, Ohio, U.S.
31 Win 20–6–5 Polish Wonder TKO 3 (3) Dec 27, 1927 Marietta, Ohio, U.S.
30 Win 19–6–5 Jeff Baulknight PTS 6 Dec 7, 1927 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
29 Win 18–6–5 Gunner Johnson NWS 6 Sep 19, 1927 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
28 Win 17–6–5 Marvin Morrison NWS 10 May 26, 1927 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
27 Win 16–6–5 Marvin Morrison NWS 10 May 3, 1927 Armory, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
26 Win 15–6–5 Sam Bruce PTS 8 Apr 7, 1927 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
25 Win 14–6–5 Cyclone Williams PTS 8 Jan 31, 1927 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
24 Win 13–6–5 Kid Roux PTS 8 Dec 13, 1926 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
23 Win 12–6–5 Cyclone Williams PTS 8 Nov 28, 1926 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
22 Win 11–6–5 Kid Roux NWS 8 Oct 22, 1926 Greenville Stadium, Greenville, Mississippi, U.S.
21 Win 10–6–5 Cyclone Williams KO 4 (8) Oct 4, 1926 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
20 Win 9–6–5 Young Sharkey TKO 7 (8) Sep 17, 1926 Greenville Stadium, Greenville, Mississippi, U.S.
19 Draw 8–6–5 Kid Roux PTS 8 Jul 26, 1926 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
18 Win 8–6–4 Kid Lucius TKO 3 (8) Apr 19, 1926 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
17 Win 7–6–4 Billy Cannon KO 2 (8) Feb 1, 1926 Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
16 Draw 6–6–4 Kid Roux PTS 8 Jan 11, 1926 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
15 Win 6–6–3 Kid Bruce PTS 8 Nov 16, 1925 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
14 Loss 5–6–3 Harry Bettin PTS 8 Nov 10, 1925 Memphis Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
13 Loss 5–5–3 Kid Sharkey DQ 3 (8) Nov 3, 1925 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
12 Draw 5–4–3 Kid Roux PTS 8 Jul 13, 1925 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
11 Draw 5–4–2 Kid Bruce PTS 8 May 18, 1925 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
10 Win 5–4–1 George Dixon TKO 6 (8) May 4, 1925 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
9 Win 4–4–1 Joe Walcott KO 1 (8) Apr 6, 1925 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
8 Loss 3–4–1 Clyde Edmundsen NWS 10 Mar 16, 1925 Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
7 Win 3–3–1 George Dixon KO 2 (8) Feb 9, 1925 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
6 Loss 2–3–1 Sam Bruce PTS 8 Dec 1, 1924 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
5 Win 2–2–1 Fast Black KO 3 (6) Nov 10, 1924 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
4 Loss 1–2–1 George Dixon DQ 3 (8) Nov 3, 1924 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
3 Win 1–1–1 Fast Black PTS 8 Sep 22, 1924 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
2 Draw 0–1–1 Kid Bruce PTS 8 Sep 15, 1924 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
1 Loss 0–1 Sam Bruce PTS 8 Aug 11, 1924 Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "William "Gorilla" Jones". Cyber Boxing Zone. 1910-05-04. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
  2. ^ "Fans Dislike Award to Gorilla Jones", Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts, pg. 9, 26 June 1929
  3. ^ "Jackie Fields Defeats Jones", St. Cloud Times, St. Cloud, Minnesota, pg. 12, 22 October 1929
  4. ^ "Fields Wins", The San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, California, pgs. 23, 25, 22 October 1929
  5. ^ "Fields and Jones Ordered From Ring", Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts, pg. 9, 14 December 1929
  6. ^ a b c d e "Gorilla Jones - Boxer". Boxrec.com. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
  7. ^ "Gorilla Wins First Battle", The Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, pg. 16, 26 August 1931
  8. ^ "Knocked Out By Clivelle in Fifth Round", Stevens Point Journal, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, pg. 6, 18 September 1931
  9. ^ "2 Advance to Semi-Finals in Ring Tourney", News-Record, Neenah, Wisconsin, pg. 5, 4 November 1931
  10. ^ "Italian, Negro, Win Elimination Bouts for Title", Chippewa Herald Telegram, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, pg. 7, 4 November 1931
  11. ^ Lyman, Winthrop, "Gorilla Jones Scores Technical Knockout", Wisconsin State Journal, pg. 15, 26 January 1932
  12. ^ Becker, Fred, J., "Gorilla Jones Knocks Out Chuck Burns", The Evening Independent, Massillon, Ohio, page 17, 1 April 1932
  13. ^ Schlemmer, James W., "Gorilla Retains Title, Outpoints Young Terry", The Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, pg. 16, 27 April 1932
  14. ^ "Cleveland Commish Witholds Purses of Ben Jeby And Jones", The Journal Times, Racine, Wisconsin, pg. 29, 20 April 1933
  15. ^ Schlemmer, James, "Jones Stops Slaughter in Seventh", The Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, pg. 22, 31 January 1933
  16. ^ Steele took all but one round in Weekes, William, "Steele Beats Gorilla Jones", Green Bay Gazette, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 2 January 1937
  17. ^ Dropped Jones in third in Weeks, William, "Steele Victor in Title Bout", The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Indiana, pg. 13, 2 January 1937
  18. ^ "Gorilla Jones Beats Freeman", Iowa City Press, Iowa City, Iowa, pg. 9, 10 August 1937
  19. ^ "New Yorker's Left Jab Upsetting to Akronite", The Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, pg. 16, 11 May 1938
  20. ^ "Memories of Gorilla Still Linger", The Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, pg. 71, 19 January 1982
  21. ^ Mark J. Price. "Akron's king of rings - News". Ohio. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
  22. ^ Mark J. Price, journalist (9 June 2009). "Mae West: Gorilla Jones". Retrieved 2014-05-27.
  23. ^ "Black L.A. 1947: Heavyweight Fighter George Godfrey, 'The Black Shadow of Leiperville,' Dies at 50". 21 August 2018.
  24. ^ Morrison, Pat, "Gorilla Jones, Fighter and Gentleman", Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 25, 6 January 1982
  25. ^ Buried in Evergreen Cemetery, "The Southland", Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 47, 10 January 1982
  26. ^ "BoxRec: Login".
[edit]
Achievements
Preceded by
Mickey Walker, vacated
 NBA World Middleweight Champion
January 25, 1932 – June 11, 1932 		Succeeded by
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