Won National AAU championship at 145 pounds in 1914, representing The Cleveland Athletic Club. One of four Cleveland boxers to win titles that year. Their showing launched a highly successful era of amateur boxing in Cleveland.
Fought 118 bouts between 1914 and 1926. Briefly claimed the Middle weight title in a fight with Champion Johnny Wilson in 1921, but the outcome of bout was questioned by Cleveland Boxing Commission and in return match two months later he lost a 12-round verdict.
One of finest lightweights of the first decade of the 20th century. Among those he met in the ring were World Champion Willie Ritchie, English Champion Freddie Welsh and the renowned Packy McFarland.
One of great bantamweight fighters of World War 1 era. Faced four bantamweight champions in overweight matches, meeting Johnny Ertle in 1917, Joe Lynch in 1918, Pete Herman in 1919 and Kid Williams in 1921. Fought over 100 bouts.
World Lightheavyweight Champion from January 20, 1950, to December 17, 1952. Won title from Freddie Mills and surrendered it to Archie Moore. Fought 115 professional bouts between 1941 and 1959. He also held the American lightheavyweight title in 1949. Won Cleveland-Chicago-New York Golden Gloves Championship and National AAU title as amateur in 1940.
One of best bantamweight fighters of the 1920s, although never given the opportunity to fight for the title. His 12-round, no-decision fight with Bantamweight Champion Eddie “Cannibal” Martin at Cleveland Public Hall in 1925 has been hailed as one of the greatest fights ever staged in Cleveland. Late in his career he scored a notable victory knocking out youthful Benny Gershe.
Fought the best heavyweights of his era in a professional career that included 140 matches in a span from 1924 to 1940. Defeated such greats as Mickey Walker, Jack Sharkey, Max Schmeling and George Godfrey. Fought champions Gene Tunney and Max Baer. Had 39 knockouts in 59 amateur bouts between 1921 and 1923.
World Bantamweight champion from March 4, 1940, to September 24, 1940, winning title from Lou Salica, then losing it to him in a return match. Had 42 professional bouts between 1936 and 1943 after a successful amateur career.
World Featherweight Champion from February 22, 1912, until June 2, 1923. Won title from Abe Attell. Finally lost crown to Eugene Criqui. Inducted into Boxing Hall of Fame in 1960.
Member of the U.S. Olympic Team in 1948 and 1956, alternate in 1952. Gold medalist in long horse at 1955 Pan-American games, also winning two silver and three bronze medals in those games. National AAU champion in parallel bars, 1948, 1949 and 1951 and in side horse, 1956. Two-time NCAA all-around and parallel bars champion (1949 and 1950) at Kent State University. Also won NCAA championships in horizontal bars, 1950, and side horse, 1951. Coach of U.S. team in 1966 North American Championships at Montreal.