December 13: This Day in Boxing History – Bridging Eras

December 13: This Day in Boxing History – Bridging Eras

December 13 captures snapshots from different eras: a 20-round Australian lightweight bout fought under the touring model that once defined the sport; the birth of one of boxing’s most durable and technically gifted champions; and a multi-title showcase where Bernard Hopkins extended one of the most significant reigns in middleweight history. December 13 has quietly hosted stories that reflect boxing’s evolution across continents and generations.

Harry Stone vs. Pal Brown (Dec. 13, 1913)

American-born lightweight Harry Stone scored a 20-round points victory over Pal Brown at the Olympia Athletic Club in Newtown, Sydney, in a bout that reflected the global, barnstorming nature of early 20th-century boxing. Contemporary Australian newspaper accounts described the match as competitive throughout, with Brown landing “snappy” counters but unable to offset Stone’s steady pressure, footwork, and better overall command of the rounds. Stone was a well-traveled technician known in Australia as “Hop Harry” for his distinctive rhythm and movement.

Archie Moore — Born December 13, 1916

Archie Moore, born in Benoit, Mississippi, is widely regarded as one of the greatest light-heavyweights in boxing history and one of the sport’s most enduring figures. Nicknamed “The Ol’ Mongoose,” Moore compiled one of the longest and most accomplished careers ever recorded, fighting professionally from the mid-1930s into the mid-1960s. Known for his deceptive defensive craft, precision counterpunching, and exceptional ring intelligence, he held the world light-heavyweight championship from 1952 to 1962; still the longest reign in the division’s history. His résumé includes wins over Harold Johnson, Joey Maxim, and Yvon Durelle.

Moore’s career is also notable for his longevity and adaptability. He fought well into his late 40s, competing against multiple generations of champions, including heavyweight legends Rocky Marciano and a young Muhammad Ali. Outside the ring, Moore became an advocate for youth, launching community programs and promoting education, discipline, and anti-violence initiatives. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, his life remains a case study in perseverance, technical excellence, and the evolution of a fighter who refined his craft across three decades.

 2003 — Bernard Hopkins Unifies Middleweight Titles Against William Joppy

At Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, the middleweight division’s top titles were on the line as Hopkins, holder of the WBC, IBF, WBA (super), and The Ring belts, faced WBA (regular) champion William Joppy. Hopkins dominated the 12-round bout, winning by unanimous decision with wide scorecards (119–109, 119–109, 118–109) and landing a career-high 419 total punches, a CompuBox record for a middleweight at the time. The win extended Hopkins’s world-record tally of middleweight title defenses — reinforcing his reputation as one of the division’s most durable and technically consistent champions.

December 13 Highlights

December 13 highlights how boxing history is built not only on internationally celebrated nights but on the longevity, adaptability, and global reach of the sport. From Harry Stone’s 1913 victory in Sydney to Archie Moore’s birth in 1916, and Bernard Hopkins’s authoritative unification win in 2003, the day spans an entire century of stylistic change and competitive ambition. Each entry underscores a different facet of boxing, the journeyman era, the reign of a defensive master, and the modern championship structure.

INTERESTING FACTS:

Harry Stone vs. Pal Brown (Dec. 13, 1913)

Harry Stone (born Harry Seifstein) eventually fought more than 500 bouts over his lengthy career (although only a portion are formally documented).

Stone was an American boxer who relocated to Australia early in his career, embracing the international circuit of the time. He became a fixture of the Australasian boxing scene, illustrating how early-20th-century fighters often traveled widely to earn purses and reputation.

After his 1913 win over Brown, Stone went on to claim the Australian welterweight title in 1920.

Archie Moore (Born December 13, 1913)

Moore’s 132 career knockouts remain the record for most KOs by a professional boxer.

Moore’s pro career stretched nearly three decades (from 1935 to 1963), during which he competed from middleweight to occasional heavyweight bouts.

Throughout his career Moore dealt with serious health and injury issues (wrist tendon damage, ulcers, heart problems), yet continued to box and defend titles.

Outside the ring, Moore worked in film and later took on roles mentoring younger fighters, contributing to boxing’s legacy beyond his own fights.

Bernard Hopkins vs. William Joppy — “Night of the Undisputed” (Dec. 13, 2003)

The 2003 “Night of the Undisputed” event was promoted with multiple world titles on the line. It was one of the rare cards featuring several championship bouts in one night, a throwback to boxing’s earlier traditions.

At 38 years old, Hopkins was widely regarded as “past prime” heading into the fight, but his dominant performance challenged conventional expectations about age and athletic performance in boxing.

To comment on this story in the Fight Forum CLICK HERE