Johnny Miler
Johnny Miler (August 10, 1910 – June 17, 1976), born John Miletich, was a professional boxer who competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics in the light-heavyweight class for the United States.[1]
| Johnny Miler | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statistics | ||||||||||||
| Real name | John Miletich | |||||||||||
| Weight(s) | Light heavyweight Heavyweight | |||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | |||||||||||
| Nationality | American | |||||||||||
| Born | August 10, 1910 Hocking, Iowa, United States | |||||||||||
| Died | June 17, 1976 (aged 65) Iowa City, Iowa, United States | |||||||||||
| Boxing record | ||||||||||||
| Total fights | 31 | |||||||||||
| Wins | 12 | |||||||||||
| Wins by KO | 7 | |||||||||||
| Losses | 12 | |||||||||||
| Draws | 3 | |||||||||||
| No contests | 4 | |||||||||||
Medal record
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In late 1932 or early 1933, Miler defeated future heavyweight champion Joe Louis in an amateur bout.[2] Other notable fights included three professional bouts against "Slapsie" Maxie Rosenbloom that ended in two losses and a no decision,[3] and a four round exhibition bout against Max Baer in 1934.[4]
Miler quit professional boxing in 1938. He is the great-uncle of UFC Hall of Fame mixed martial artist Pat Miletich.[4]
Early life
Born John Miletich to Croatian immigrant parents in Hocking, Iowa, a vanished coal mining town just south of Albia, Miler farmed and worked the local coal mines. He supplemented his income by accepting the challenges of traveling carnival strongmen, defeating them in wrestling or boxing matches. He moved to Detroit in 1930.
Boxing
Joe Louis
Miler defeated Louis in three rounds in what was Louis' first organized boxing match, sending Louis to the mat seven times.[4]
1932 Summer Olympics
Despite evidence that Miler had boxed professionally,[2] he won the 1932 Olympic trials in San Francisco and represented the United States in Los Angeles in the light-heavyweight class. Miler lost to William Murphy of Ireland on points in the first match.
Professional boxing
Miler 'officially' debuted professionally as a light-heavyweight on January 12, 1933, against Leon Jasinski in Grand Rapids, Michigan, winning the bout on points. He went on to compile a 12 win (7 by knockout) – 12 loss – 3 draw record over the next 5+1⁄2 years.
After boxing
Miler eventually joined the Navy then returned to Albia, joining the police force. Miler died on June 17, 1976, in Iowa City, Iowa.
References
- "Johnny Miler". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 2020-04-18.
- "Johnny Miler". BoxRec.
- "Johnny Miler". BoxRec.
- "A Name to Remember: Miletichs among Fighting's Great Even in 1930s". Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus. 22 September 2012. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
Further reading
- Bak, Richard (2011), Detroitland: A Collection of Movers, Shakers, Lost Souls, and History Makers from Detroit's Past, Painted Turtle, ISBN 0814334997