Battling Levinsky
Encyclopedia
Barney Williams was light heavyweight
boxing champion of the world from 1916 to 1920.
Battling Levinsky fought 37 times in 1914 — 9 times in the month of January alone. In January 1915, he began the year with two 10-round bouts on New Year’s Day — 1 each in Brooklyn
, New York City and 12 round bout in Waterbury, Connecticut
.
After two title-match losses to light heavyweight champion Jack Dillon
, (April 1914 and April 1916), Levinsky wrested the crown from Dillon on October 24, 1916. Fifty-nine bouts later, almost four years to the day, he lost his championship to France’s Georges Carpentier.
In an era when boxing titles changed hands only because of a knockout — non-KO championship fights were labeled “no decision” — Levinsky fought all comers, including heavyweight champions to-be Gene Tunney
and Jack Dempsey
(losing both matches). Levinsky loved to fight, although his claim to having fought as many as 500 bouts is impossible to substantiate.
His official professional record: 287 bouts – won 192 (34 KOs), lost 52, drew 34, 9 no-decisions.
In his early career, Levinsky was managed by Fred Douglas (1910–11) and Jack Hanlon (1911–13). Al Lippe managed him in his comeback, 1926–1929.
He died on February 12, 1949 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
.
. Levinsky, who was Jewish, was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame
in 1982.
Light heavyweight
In boxing, the light heavyweight is a weight division above 168 pounds [12 Stone or 76.204 kilograms] and up to 175 pounds [12.5 stone or 79.38 kilograms]), falling between super middleweight and cruiserweight...
boxing champion of the world from 1916 to 1920.
Boxing career
Battling Levinsky began his boxing career under the name Barney Williams. However, he received little attention until he took on a manager named “Dumb” Dan Morgan in 1913, who changed Barney’s name and his boxing fortunes.Battling Levinsky fought 37 times in 1914 — 9 times in the month of January alone. In January 1915, he began the year with two 10-round bouts on New Year’s Day — 1 each in Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
, New York City and 12 round bout in Waterbury, Connecticut
Waterbury, Connecticut
Waterbury is a city in New Haven County, Connecticut, on the Naugatuck River, 33 miles southwest of Hartford and 77 miles northeast of New York City...
.
After two title-match losses to light heavyweight champion Jack Dillon
Jack Dillon
Ernest Cutler Price was light heavyweight boxing champion of the world.-Personal:...
, (April 1914 and April 1916), Levinsky wrested the crown from Dillon on October 24, 1916. Fifty-nine bouts later, almost four years to the day, he lost his championship to France’s Georges Carpentier.
In an era when boxing titles changed hands only because of a knockout — non-KO championship fights were labeled “no decision” — Levinsky fought all comers, including heavyweight champions to-be Gene Tunney
Gene Tunney
James Joseph "Gene" Tunney was the world heavyweight boxing champion from 1926-1928 who defeated Jack Dempsey twice, first in 1926 and then in 1927. Tunney's successful title defense against Dempsey is one of the most famous bouts in boxing history and is known as The Long Count Fight...
and Jack Dempsey
Jack Dempsey
William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey was an American boxer who held the world heavyweight title from 1919 to 1926. Dempsey's aggressive style and exceptional punching power made him one of the most popular boxers in history. Many of his fights set financial and attendance records, including the first...
(losing both matches). Levinsky loved to fight, although his claim to having fought as many as 500 bouts is impossible to substantiate.
His official professional record: 287 bouts – won 192 (34 KOs), lost 52, drew 34, 9 no-decisions.
In his early career, Levinsky was managed by Fred Douglas (1910–11) and Jack Hanlon (1911–13). Al Lippe managed him in his comeback, 1926–1929.
He died on February 12, 1949 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
.
Legacy
Levinsky was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of FameInternational Boxing Hall of Fame
The modern International Boxing Hall of Fame is located in Canastota, New York, United States, within driving distance from the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown and the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta...
. Levinsky, who was Jewish, was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame
International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame
The International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame was opened July 7, 1981, in Netanya, Israel. It honors Jewish athletes and their accomplishments from anywhere around the world....
in 1982.