Gorilla Jones
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.
| Gorilla Jones | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | William Landon Jones |
| Nickname(s) | Gorilla |
| Weight(s) | Middleweight |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Reach | 75 in (191 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | May 12, 1906 Memphis, Tennessee |
| Died | January 4, 1982 (aged 75) Los Angeles, California |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 172 |
| Wins | 109 |
| Wins by KO | 66 |
| Losses | 28 |
| Draws | 17 |
| No contests | 3 |
Early life and career
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
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
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
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
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
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 uanimous 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
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
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
All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[26] unless otherwise stated.
Official record
| 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
| 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
- ^ a b c d "William "Gorilla" Jones". Cyber Boxing Zone. 1910-05-04. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
- ^ "Fans Dislike Award to Gorilla Jones", Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts, pg. 9, 26 June 1929
- ^ "Jackie Fields Defeats Jones", St. Cloud Times, St. Cloud, Minnesota, pg. 12, 22 October 1929
- ^ "Fields Wins", The San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, California, pgs. 23, 25, 22 October 1929
- ^ "Fields and Jones Ordered From Ring", Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts, pg. 9, 14 December 1929
- ^ a b c d e "Gorilla Jones - Boxer". Boxrec.com. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
- ^ "Gorilla Wins First Battle", The Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, pg. 16, 26 August 1931
- ^ "Knocked Out By Clivelle in Fifth Round", Stevens Point Journal, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, pg. 6, 18 September 1931
- ^ "2 Advance to Semi-Finals in Ring Tourney", News-Record, Neenah, Wisconsin, pg. 5, 4 November 1931
- ^ "Italian, Negro, Win Elimination Bouts for Title", Chippewa Herald Telegram, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, pg. 7, 4 November 1931
- ^ Lyman, Winthrop, "Gorilla Jones Scores Technical Knockout", Wisconsin State Journal, pg. 15, 26 January 1932
- ^ Becker, Fred, J., "Gorilla Jones Knocks Out Chuck Burns", The Evening Independent, Massillon, Ohio, page 17, 1 April 1932
- ^ Schlemmer, James W., "Gorilla Retains Title, Outpoints Young Terry", The Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, pg. 16, 27 April 1932
- ^ "Cleveland Commish Witholds Purses of Ben Jeby And Jones", The Journal Times, Racine, Wisconsin, pg. 29, 20 April 1933
- ^ Schlemmer, James, "Jones Stops Slaughter in Seventh", The Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, pg. 22, 31 January 1933
- ^ Steele took all but one round in Weekes, William, "Steele Beats Gorilla Jones", Green Bay Gazette, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 2 January 1937
- ^ Dropped Jones in third in Weeks, William, "Steele Victor in Title Bout", The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Indiana, pg. 13, 2 January 1937
- ^ "Gorilla Jones Beats Freeman", Iowa City Press, Iowa City, Iowa, pg. 9, 10 August 1937
- ^ "New Yorker's Left Jab Upsetting to Akronite", The Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, pg. 16, 11 May 1938
- ^ "Memories of Gorilla Still Linger", The Akron Beacon Journal, Akron, Ohio, pg. 71, 19 January 1982
- ^ Mark J. Price. "Akron's king of rings - News". Ohio. Retrieved 2014-05-27.
- ^ Mark J. Price, journalist (9 June 2009). "Mae West: Gorilla Jones". Retrieved 2014-05-27.
- ^ "Black L.A. 1947: Heavyweight Fighter George Godfrey, 'The Black Shadow of Leiperville,' Dies at 50". 21 August 2018.
- ^ Morrison, Pat, "Gorilla Jones, Fighter and Gentleman", Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 25, 6 January 1982
- ^ Buried in Evergreen Cemetery, "The Southland", Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 47, 10 January 1982
- ^ "BoxRec: Login".
External links
- Boxing record for Gorilla Jones from BoxRec (registration required)