Professional Boxer. He was the Lightweight Champion of the World from 1910 to 1912, winning the title from Battling Nelson on February 22, 1910, in Point Richmond, California, stopping Nelson in 40 rounds. This was considered one of the most brutal fights in the history of boxing. In 1912 the "Michigan Wildcat" lost the championship belt to Willie Ritchie. He was considered one of the wealthiest fighters of his time and had made over three hundred thousand dollars in the ring. In today's dollars would be close to forty million dollars. He owned vast real estate holdings in California and in Michigan, yet he died penniless. He was declared incompetent by courts in 1917 with guardship given to his estate. He was committed to different mental institutions from 1917 until his death at Camarillo Mental Institute in California on April of 1955. It is believed that he suffered from battered brain syndrome from his many fights.
Professional Boxer. He was the Lightweight Champion of the World from 1910 to 1912, winning the title from Battling Nelson on February 22, 1910, in Point Richmond, California, stopping Nelson in 40 rounds. This was considered one of the most brutal fights in the history of boxing. In 1912 the "Michigan Wildcat" lost the championship belt to Willie Ritchie. He was considered one of the wealthiest fighters of his time and had made over three hundred thousand dollars in the ring. In today's dollars would be close to forty million dollars. He owned vast real estate holdings in California and in Michigan, yet he died penniless. He was declared incompetent by courts in 1917 with guardship given to his estate. He was committed to different mental institutions from 1917 until his death at Camarillo Mental Institute in California on April of 1955. It is believed that he suffered from battered brain syndrome from his many fights.
Bio by: Frank Stallone
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"EX-LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION"
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