Ernie Schaaf
| Ernie Schaaf | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Ernie Schaaf |
| Nickname(s) | Frederick Ernest |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Nationality |
 American |
| Born |
September 27, 1908 Elizabeth, New Jersey |
| Died |
February 14, 1933 (aged 24) New York City |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 75 |
| Wins | 58 |
| Wins by KO | 23 |
| Losses | 14 |
| Draws | 2 |
| No contests | 5 |
Ernie Schaaf (September 27, 1908 in Elizabeth, NJ – February 14, 1933) was a professional boxer who was a heavyweight contender in the 1930s but died after a bout.
Career
Schaaf weighed 200-210 lbs in his prime which was average in that era. In the 1930s he went 2 wins, 1 loss with Tommy Loughran, easily outpointed two future heavyweight world champions in Max Baer in their first fight in 1930 and James J. Braddock in 1931. He also outpointed future title challengers Young Stribling and Tony Galento in 1932.
During the second fight with Baer in 1932, however, Schaaf was knocked senseless two seconds before the final bell, which saved him from an official knockout, Baer won on points. It took several minutes for him to be revived. Schaaf complained of headaches thereafter, and some observers believe that he suffered brain damage.
Six months later, Schaaf fought the huge (250 lbs+) Primo Carnera, and suffered a knockout loss in the 13th round of 15. He fell into a coma, and was rushed to the hospital to undergo surgery. He died on Valentines Day.
Record
Schaaf has an official record of 55–13–2 with 1 no contest and 4 no decisions, but the no-decision bouts are due to the scoring practices of the era. Newspaper reports indicate that he won 3 of those, and lost the other 1, giving him a final record of 58–14–2 with 1 no contest.