December 16: This Day in Boxing History – Titles, Triumphs and Turning Points

December 16: This Day in Boxing History – Titles, Triumphs and Turning Points

December 16 has repeatedly served as a stage for memorable bouts, championship victories, and career-defining moments across boxing’s long history. From Madison Square Garden in the 1920s to high-profile televised cards in the 21st century, the date has highlighted fighters’ resilience, tactical brilliance, and knockout power. Across eras, champions have unified belts, reclaimed titles, and cemented their legacies.

Tod Morgan vs. Joe Glick (1927)

Tod Morgan (pictured above) defended his World Junior Lightweight Championship against Joe Glick at Madison Square Garden. The bout ended controversially in the 14th round when Glick was disqualified for a low blow after knocking Morgan down earlier. Approximately 9,000 fans witnessed the drama.

Corporal Izzy Schwartz vs. Newsboy Brown (1927)

Also at Madison Square Garden, Corporal Izzy Schwartz (pictured above), a decorated U.S. Army veteran, captured the New York State Athletic Commission Flyweight Championship by outpointing Newsboy Brown over 15 rounds. Schwartz’s speed and tactical skill secured a unanimous decision against a younger, agile opponent, demonstrating both his personal discipline and the depth of talent in the lighter weight divisions during the 1920s.

Eric Seelig vs. Paul Pirrone (1935)

Middleweight contender Eric Seelig faced Paul Pirrone in a 10 round contest. Despite fracturing a hand during the fight, Seelig won a unanimous decision, maintaining a top-ten world ranking. The bout remains a noted example of perseverance and tactical skill in boxing’s early competitive middleweight ranks.

Joe Louis vs. Al McCoy (1940)

Heavyweight legend Joe Louis defended his world championship against former titleholder Al McCoy in Boston. Louis delivered a sixth-round knockout, continuing a reign that had already established him as one of boxing’s most dominant figures. The victory reinforced his status as a established champion during a turbulent historical period.

Dick Tiger vs. José Torres (1966)

Dick Tiger, already a multiple-division champion, faced José Torres, a former Olympic silver medalist and previous world champion, at Madison Square Garden. Tiger won a 15-round unanimous decision to reclaim the world light heavyweight title. The fight highlighted Tiger’s disciplined pressure and tactical skill.

Mike Tyson vs. Buster Mathis Jr. (1995)

Mike Tyson faced undefeated contender Buster Mathis Jr. in Philadelphia. Tyson scored a third-round knockout, marking a significant comeback after earlier career disruptions. The bout reinforced Tyson’s power and drawing ability while reminding fans of his prominence in the heavyweight division during the mid-1990s.

Julio César Martínez vs. Angelino Cordova (2023)

Julio César “Rey” Martínez defended his WBC flyweight championship against Venezuelan challenger Angelino Cordova in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Martínez retained the title with a decisive performance, marking his seventh successful defense and solidifying his position as one of the top flyweights of his generation.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs. Sunny Edwards (2023)

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez became a unified flyweight champion by defeating Sunny Edwards via ninth-round technical knockout in Glendale, Arizona. Rodriguez, a 23-year-old American southpaw, steadily outworked the previously unbeaten British champion before landing the decisive overhand left and body shot that prompted Edwards’s corner to stop the fight. The victory ended Edwards’s undefeated run and marked a career-defining moment for Rodriguez, giving him both the IBF and WBO flyweight titles.

Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs. Shadasia Green (2023)

In Orlando, Florida, Franchon Crews-Dezurn reclaimed the WBC female super middleweight title by outpointing Shadasia Green over ten rounds. Crews-Dezurn, a former undisputed champion, used experience and consistent pressure to control the fight against the previously unbeaten Green. Judges scored the bout unanimously in her favor, marking her return to the top of the division and reinforcing her status as one of women’s boxing’s most resilient champions.

December 16

From the early 20th century to the present, December 16 has repeatedly produced significant moments in boxing history. Fighters have unified titles, reclaimed championships, and displayed resilience against formidable opponents. Whether in Madison Square Garden in the 1920s, a Philadelphia comeback in 1995, or modern world title bouts in 2023, December 16 continues to serve as a stage for memorable performances and historical milestones in boxing.

INTERESTING FACTS:

Tod Morgan vs. Joe Glick (1927)

Morgan fought over 200 professional bouts, reflecting the high activity level typical for early 20th-century boxers.

Before becoming world champion, Morgan held the Pacific Coast featherweight title, defending it successfully prior to moving on to world honors.

Joe Glick had a history of bouts ending in disqualification for low blows, adding context to the controversial ending against Morgan

Corporal Izzy Schwartz vs. Newsboy Brown (1927)

Schwartz earned the nickname “Corporal” for his U.S. Army service, which influenced his disciplined boxing style.

He was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1998, decades after retiring.

Joe Louis vs. Al McCoy (1940)

Louis’s victory was part of a streak of 25 consecutive title defenses, a heavyweight record.

The fight reinforced Louis’s dominance during a period of both athletic and geopolitical significance, with global tensions rising on the eve of World War II.

His combination of power and ring control exemplified why he was considered one of boxing’s all-time greats.

Dick Tiger vs. José Torres (1966)

Tiger was known for exceptional conditioning and ability to adapt to various styles.

Victory over Torres made Tiger a two-division world champion, at a time when moving across weight classes was rare.

This fight reflected the increasing internationalization of boxing, with African and Latin American champions gaining prominence.

Tiger and Torres would rematch in May of ’67, resulting in Tiger retaining his title via a narrow split decision. The controversial result sparked a riot in the heavily Puerto Rican crowd, with fans throwing bottles, chairs and other debris into the ring.

Julio César “Rey” Martínez vs. Angelino Cordova (2023)

Martínez had held the title since 2019, making this fight part of one of the longest modern reigns in the flyweight division.

Franchon Crews-Dezurn vs. Shadasia Green (2023)

This bout is part of a broader trend of women’s championship fights gaining visibility on major boxing cards.

Crews-Dezurn’s victory illustrates the expansion of competitive depth in women’s boxing, particularly in the super middleweight division.

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