Freddie Steele
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Freddie Steele Middleweight Champion of the World (December 18, 1912–August 1984) was born Frederick Earle Burgett in Tacoma, Washington. Steele is a much underrated middleweight champion nicknamed the Tacoma Assassin.
A good boxer and a hard hitter, Steele lost only two fights during his first ten years in the ring. Among those he defeated during his career were Ceferino Garcia, Ralph Chong, Leonard Bennett, Joe Glick, Bucky Lawless, Andy Divodi, "Baby" Joe Gans, Vince Dundee, William "Gorilla" Jones, Swede Berglund, Young Stuhley, Meyer Grace, Henry Firpo, Eddie "Babe" Risko, Jackie Aldare, Gus Lesnevich, Paul Pirrone, Frank Battaglia, Ken Overlin, Carmen Barth, and Solly Krieger.
He fought two memorable bouts with Fred Apostoli, winning the first, but suffering a TKO in a non-title match. He lost the middleweight crown to Al Hostak in his next to last fight. His final record included 125 wins (60 KOs), 5 losses, 11 draws and 1 No Contest.
Freedy Steele was also known for his footwork, and waist-down shots of his footwork can be seen in the film "Gentleman Jim," starring Errol Flynn.
Preceded by: Eddie (Babe) Risko |
NBA Middleweight Champion 11 Jul 1936– 26 Jul 1938 |
Succeeded by: Al Hostak |
Preceded by: Eddie (Babe) Risko |
NYSAC World Middleweight Champion 26 Jul 1938– Feb 1938 Recognition withdrawn |
Succeeded by: Fred Apostoli |