Billy Miske
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| William Arthur Miske | |
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| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Real name | William Arthur Miske |
| Nickname(s) | Billy |
| Rated at | Varied |
| Nationality | American |
| Birth date | April 12, 1894 |
| Birth place | St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Death date | January 1, 1924 (aged 29) |
| Stance | Speed |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 103 |
| Wins | 72 |
| Wins by KO | 33 |
| Losses | 15 |
| Draws | 14 |
Billy Miske, alias The Saint Paul Thunderbolt (April 12, 1894 - January 1, 1924), was a professional boxer from Saint Paul, Minnesota. [1]
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[edit] Professional Boxing Career
An American of German descent, Billy stood at 6'0" and over the course of his career weighed between 158 and 190lbs. He was managed by John Pearl "J.P" Smith (1913-18) and Jack Reddy (1918-23).
Miske was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. He began his career as a middleweight. During the course of his career, he competed successfully as a light-heavyweight and heavyweight, defeating many well known fighters. On September 6, 1920, Miske lost to Jack Dempsey in the third round of a fight to decide the World Heavyweight Boxing title. It was the first heavyweight title match to be broadcast on radio, and it was the first and only time Billy Miske was ever knocked out.
[edit] Illness
Miske fought his last bout against Bill Brennan, whom he met on November 7, 1923. At this point in his life, Miske knew he didn't have much time left before his kidneys gave out (doctors had told him he had only months to live). Due to his family's economic situation, however, Miske decided he had to step into the ring one more time. His health entirely prevented him from training for the fight, however, and Miske was unable to even get out of his rocking chair until fight night. Amazingly, though, Miske knocked Brennan out in the fourth round. Miske went on to die of kidney failure less than 2 months later.
[edit] Death
Miske died in St. Paul, Minnesota of Bright's Disease on January 1.
[edit] Legacy
Miske's enduring legacy is that of an underappreciated fighter. It is argued that Miske deserved, but never received, title matches against Jack Dillon, Battling Levinsky and Georges Carpentier. His two recorded losses are against two champions, Jack Dempsey and Kid Norfolk, while his list of defeated opponents boasts some of the most storied names in boxing history. Miske's final professional record was 72-15-14 with 33 wins by knockout. [2]
