Freddie Miller (boxer)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Freddie Miller | |
| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Real name | Freddie Miller |
| Nickname | |
| Weight | Bantamweight |
| Nationality | American |
| Birth date | April 3, 1911 |
| Birth place | Cincinnati, OH |
| Death date | May 8, 1962 |
| Style | Southpaw |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 251 |
| Wins | 209 |
| Wins by KO | 45 |
| Losses | 31 |
| Draws | 7 |
| No contests | 1 |
Freddie Miller was one of the very best Featherweight boxers of the 1930s, and was named to Ring Magazine's list of the 80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years.
Miller turned pro in 1927 and in 1931 took on World Featherweight Title holder Battling Battalino, but lost a decision. In 1932, in a rematch with Battalino for the National Boxing Association World Featherweight and World Featherweight Titles, their bout ended in a no contest.
During the fight, the crowd of 2,000 booed the fighters throughout when there was little action during the first two rounds. The friendship between the two impeded the competitiveness of the bout and Miller came out of his corner in the third and sent Battalino down with what Referee Lou Bauman termed a "light" blow to the chin. When the champion got to his feet, Miller sent him down again for about fifteen seconds but Bauman saw no reason to count, lifted Bat to his feet, and ordered him to fight. When Bat offered no defense, Bauman stopped the fight at the direction of the Cincinnati Boxing Commission, turned his back on the fighters and left the ring. Although Battalino was counted out after he fell from the phantom punch in the third round, the NBA and New York State Athletic Commission ruled the bout a No Contest [1]. The Commission also announced that all ticket-holders would get their money back. Battalino was shorn of recognition by the NBA as champion when he weighed in over the 126-pound limit. Since he weighed 129¾, however, it ruled the fight could be held and Miller declared champion if he won. But the "no contest" ruling left the title vacant. Battalino was indefinitely suspended by the Boxing Commission and fined $5,000 for the "fiasco".
In 1933 Miller officially won the National Boxing Association World Featherweight Title by beating Jimmy Paul. Miller defended the title 12 times before losing to Petey Sarron in 1936. In 1937 he rematched Sarron, but lost a decision. Miller never challenged for a major title again, and retired in 1940.
