San Francisco born Andre Ward
#1 WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP JIM CORBETT
San Francisco, CA– The best fighter born and raised in the City by the Bay was James J. Corbett. Also known as Gentleman Jim, his career spanned from 1886 to 1903, while his hold on the World heavyweight championship began in 1892 and ended in 1897. With a final record of 12-4-4, with 5 KOs, Jim is ranked # 19 of all time in the International Boxing Research Organization. When he stopped champion John L. Sullivan (35-0-2) in 21 rounds on September 9, 1892 in New Orleans, LA, it was the first heavyweight title fight fought under the Marques of Queensbury rules with gloves.
CORBETT BEAT THE UNBEATABLE JOHN L, Some of Gentleman Jims highlights involved his winning in 27 rounds over Joe Choynski. The fight was held on a barge in Benicia, CA in 1889. Corbett also had a 61-round No Contest with Peter Jackson (41-1-3) in a fight that started at 9:28 PM and ended at 1:33 AM in May 1891. Ahead on points, Corbett was stopped in the 23rd round of a World heavyweight title fight by Jim Jeffries in 1900. Jim would fight Charley Kid McCoy (69-5-9) before rematching Jeffries three years later. Jim was 39 years old and lost via KO 10 in his final ring appearance on August 14, 1903. He died at 66 years of age in 1933.
THE LITTLE HEBREW COMES IN AT #2
Abe The Little Hebrew Attell fought from 1900 to 1917. Abe held the World featherweight title from 1901 to 1912, defending the title 19 times. He had 162 fights, going 123-18-21 as a professional. Fought a total of 26-15 round fights and had a slew of 20 and 25 rounders. Went 20 rounds at the tender age of 17. Became embroiled in the 1919 Chicago Black Sox scandal. Ranked #4 at featherweight by IBRO.
APOSTOLI FOUGHT IN ROUND RING!
Known as the Fighting Bell Boy, Fred Apostolis middleweight career spanned from 1934 to 1948. He was the 1933 San Francisco Golden Gloves champion, and AAU National champion in 1934, the year Joe Louis took the light heavyweight AAU title. Fred Captured the World middleweight belt with a TKO 8 over Young Corbett III (116-11-20) in 1938. Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year 1943. Retired at 61-10-1, with 31 KOs. Faced 11 World champions a total of 17 times! Moving up to 175 lbs., Fred would lose two razor close fights with Billy Conn, and had Conn down in the first fight. Billy said later that Fred was the best all around fighter he ever fought. Ring Magazines Nat Fleisher said Freddie was the best body puncher he ever saw! Ive been told that Freddie faced Al Citrino in a round (not square) ring. Deceased in 1973 at the age of 60.
#4 ON STANLEYS LIST IS WILLIE RITCHIE
Lightweight Willie Ritchie performed from 1907 to 1927, compiling a record of 36-9-14 with 8 KOs. Having fought many newspaper fights or bouts that were not scored, he defeated Ad Wolgast (57-7-11) in 1912 to capture the lightweight (133 lbs. then) with a DQ in Colma, CA. Two years later, with the lightweight limit at 135 lbs., Willie again beat Wolgast, this time with a UD 10. Faced five World champions, including a win over all time great Benny Leonard (120-15-10) in 1919. Fought for the welterweight title vs. Ted Kid Lewis (141-12-9) in 1915 and lost in ten on points. Passed in 1975 at the age of 84. Spent decades with the California Athletic Commission as an Inspector after his retirement.
SAN FRANCISCOS BEST BANTAMWEIGHT!
Tony Olivera fought professionally from 1937 to 1947. After winning his first 38 fights, Tony would go on to win the bantamweight title in 1945 after Manuel Ortiz had been called by the Army. Fought four World champs, beating three including Ortiz. Professionally, Tony went 81-28-14 with 34 KOs. Born in 1918, Tony passed a few years ago.
Stan Smith
Note: Mr. Smith is a native San Franciscan, boxing historian, member of the Northern California Veterans Boxers Assn. and former head of the Building and Trades Council of San Francisco. Comments regarding his work can be left below.
GREATEST BOXERS OF SAN FRANCISCO