Benny Leonard
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Benny Leonard (April 17, 1896—April 18, 1947), born Benjamin Leiner, was an American boxer and one of the greatest lightweight fighters of all time and was named as number 8 on Ring Magazine's list of the 80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years.
Contents |
[edit] Biography
The "Ghetto Wizard" as he was known was born and raised in the Jewish ghetto, which was then located in the lower east side of Manhattan, New York City.
Leonard was known for his speed, excellent boxing technique and ability to think fast on his feet. He also was a hard hitter, who scored 69 KOs out of his 157 wins. Leonard was defeated 11 times and was held to s draw on 5 occasions. As was common in the era in which he fought, Leonard engaged in several no decision matches, and is believed to have fought 213 bouts.
[edit] Professional Career
Leonard also challenged welterweight champion Jack Britton for his title on June 26, 1922. In a suspicious ending, Leonard appeared to be winning the fight when he knocked Britton down in the 13th round. Then, in a totally uncharacteristic and unexpected move, Leonard proceeded to hit Britton when his opponent was down on one knee. The referee promptly disqualified Leonard.
Leonard is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest lightweights who ever lived. In its September 2001 issue, The Ring magazine ranked Leonard number two in its list of the greatest lightweights of all time.
[edit] Retirement and Comeback
Leonard retired from boxing in 1924 as the reigning world's lightweight champion. Unfortunately, he lost his considerable fortune in the stock market crash of 1929, and embarked on an ill-advised comeback in 1931. Although described as pudgy and slow, the balding Leonard won 23 fights, albeit against nondescript opposition, before meeting a championship caliber fighter. On October 7, 1932 his career ended when he was TKOed in 6 rounds by future champion Jimmy McLarnin.
[edit] Life after Boxing
After his boxing career was over, Leonard was a front man for NHL owner Bill Dwyer of the New York Americans, who had secretly purchased the Pittsburgh Pirates of that league. Leonard was supposed to appear as if he owned the team. The team suffered both at the gate and on the ice. The team moved to Philadelphia for 1930-31 and then folded. Later, Leonard became a popular boxing referee. After refereeing the first six bouts of the April 18, 1947 card at the St. Nicholas Arena, New York, Leonard was stricken with a massive heart attack and died in the ring.
