George Chaney

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George "KO" Chaney (b. 1893, d. December 20, 1958) was a hard punching featherweight and lightweight who fought from 1910 to 1928. Chaney was born George Henry Chaney in Baltimore, Md.to Irish-American parents. In his time he was known as the "knockout king of Fistiana" He compiled a life time record in boxing of 127 wins (93 by KO), 28 losses and 5 draws. He also engaged in several No Decision bouts.

[edit] Personal

Chaney is the brother of fellow boxer Joe Chaney.

Upon retiring, he held the record for most knockouts with 102, which was later broken by Young Strebling.

Boxing Illustrated Ranked him #4 all time for pound for pound punchers

[edit] Professional Career

Chaney, despite being a terrific puncher, was afflicted with a glass jaw which often was his downfall against top ranked opponents. Nevertheless, he fought many of the top lightweights and featherweights from his era, including Johnny Dundee, Willie Ritchie, Rocky Kansas, Lew Tendler and Abe Attell. Chaney was selected for the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time. Several of his victims suffered broken ankles.

Chaney was afforded three opportunities to win a world title. On September 4, 1916 he challenged world featherweight champion Johnny Kilbane for his crown. Kilbane Koed Chaney in round 3. His last title opportunity came when he sought to capture the newly created world junior lightweight title on November 18, 1921. Chaney met Johnny Dundee, but lost when he was disqualified in the fifth round.

His bout with Rocky Kansas at old Oriole Park in 1920 was judged the most brutal and bloody bout ever held in Baltimore