Paul Berlenbach

Paul Berlenbach (February 18, 1901 – September 30, 1985), nicknamed the Astoria Assassin was the world light heavyweight boxing champion in 1925 and 1926. Known for his punching power, he took the crown from Mike McTigue, until July 16, 1926, when he was defeated by his nemesis Jack Delaney. The Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer rated him as the #10 best light heavyweight of all time. Berlenbach was inducted into the Ring Magazine Hall of Fame in 1971 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001.[1]

Paul Berlenbach
Statistics
Real namePaul Berlenbach
Nickname(s)Astoria Assassin
Weight(s)Light Heavyweight
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Reach72 in (183 cm)
NationalityAmerican
Born(1901-02-18)February 18, 1901
New York, New York, United States
DiedSeptember 30, 1985(1985-09-30) (aged 84)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights51
Wins40
Wins by KO33
Losses8
Draws3
No contests1

Career

Prior to his professional boxing career, Berlenbach had been a champion at amateur wrestling and amateur boxing, both at middleweight.[2] His record as an amateur boxer was 21-0 with 21 knockouts.[3] He made the United States Olympic wrestling team in 1920, but was injured and did not participate.[4]

World light heavyweight champion

Berlenbach scored a 10th-round TKO over former champion Battling Siki to earn a title shot against champion Mike McTigue. Berlenbach defeated McTigue with a unanimous decision to become light-heavyweight champion.[5]

In his first title defense against Tony "Young" Marullo, the bout was stopped in the 9th round and declared no contest. "(Referee) Lewis was convinced the boxers were pulling their punches. I agreed with Lewis that the bout should be declared 'no contest,'" inspector Platt Adams of the New Jersey Boxing Commission said after the fight.[6] Adams cleared both boxers though, when examination revealed that Berlenbach had broken a bone in his hand.[7]

Berlenbach stopped Jimmy Slattery in his second defense. Next was Jack Delaney, the only fighter who had previously defeated him. After being knocked down in the 4th round, Berlenbach rallied and won on a split decision, with one judge calling the fight a draw.[8]

Against heavyweight Johnny Risko he suffered a surprise loss. A rematch was requested by both fighters, but the request was denied by the New York boxing commission, citing desire for the champion to fight opponents in his own division.[9]

Young Stribling, who had fought Berlenbach to a draw two years before, and also owned a victory over Risko, was given a shot at the light-heavyweight title. Berlenbach won the rematch decisively.[10]

Jack Delaney defeated Paul Berlenbach for the light-heavyweight championship on July 16, 1926 in front of 41,000 spectators. After the victory Delaney said Berlenbach had "the hardest left hand punch I ever took." Berlenbach, "I was never in serious trouble, but I could not land my lefts effectively."[11]

Late career

"If Berlenbach wants a return bout, he'll get it," Jack Delaney said after his championship win.[12] Instead of seeking a rematch with Delaney for the light-heavyweight title, Paul Berlenbach moved to heavyweight.[13] In his first match at heavyweight he fought Mike McTigue, who Berlenbach had taken the light-heavyweight title from. McTigue won in the 4th round. Berlenbach announced his retirement afterward.[14] However he would return to the ring 5 months later back at light-heavyweight.

After a string of victories at light-heavyweight. He fought the middleweight champion Mickey Walker in a non-title match. Walker won on points, knocked Berlenbach down in the 4th. Berlenbach's 11 pound advantage did not seem to matter.[15]

He fought Jack Delaney for a 4th time, this time in front of only 6,000. Berlenbach was knocked down 3 times before the fight was stopped in the 6th round.[16]

After a match with veteran Larry Estridge in 1928 both boxers had their boxing licenses rescinded.[17] Berlenbach had won in 8 rounds. According to sportswriter James P. Dawson, the fight "proved conclusively to all those in attendance that their days of real boxing are at an end."[18]

In 1929 Paul Berlenbach began a brief career as a professional wrestler.[19]

After multiple unsuccessful returns to the ring in 1931 and again in 1933, Berlenbach finally retired for good.

He retired from boxing with a record of 40 wins (33 KOs), 8 losses, and 3 draws. He was named #93 on the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time. Upon his retirement, he owned and operated Paul Berlenbach's Ringside Restaurant in Sound Beach, New York in the 1950s.

Professional boxing record
52 fights 40 wins 8 losses
By knockout 34 3
By decision 6 4
By disqualification 0 1
Draws 3
Newspaper decisions/draws 1

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
54 Loss 40–8–3 (3) Carl Knowles PTS 10 Sep 28, 1933 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
53 NC 40–7–3 (3) Ray Lopez NC 2 (?) Sep 14, 1931 Saint Albans, Vermont, U.S. The bout was declared NC after Lopez had been floored three times by relatively light punches.
52 Loss 40–7–3 (2) Herman Weiner DQ 1 (5) Jul 22, 1931 Twin City Arena, Laurel, Maryland, U.S. Berlenbach DQ'd for going down without a blow being struck.
51 Win 40–6–3 (2) Jerry Garfield TKO 4 (6) Jul 9, 1931 Fort Hamilton Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
50 Win 39–6–3 (2) Billy Henderson TKO 1 (4) Apr 13, 1931 Prospect Hall, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
49 Win 38–6–3 (2) Eddie Clark KO 3 (4) Mar 31, 1931 Broadway Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
48 Win 37–6–3 (2) Larry Estridge KO 8 (?) May 22, 1928 Queensboro Stadium, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
47 Win 36–6–3 (2) Floyd Shimalla KO 1 (?) May 12, 1928 Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
46 Loss 35–6–3 (2) Jack Delaney TKO 6 (10) Dec 9, 1927 Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
45 Loss 35–5–3 (2) Mickey Walker PTS 10 Nov 25, 1927 Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
44 Draw 35–4–3 (2) Joe Lohman PTS 10 Oct 13, 1927 Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
43 Win 35–4–2 (2) Bob Lawson KO 7 (?) Jul 28, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
42 Win 34–4–2 (2) Bing Conley PTS 10 Jul 18, 1927 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
41 Win 33–4–2 (2) Gus Berger TKO 4 (10) Jul 9, 1927 Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
40 Win 32–4–2 (2) Charley Rammell TKO 1 (10) Jun 27, 1927 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
39 Loss 31–4–2 (2) Mike McTigue TKO 4 (10) Jan 28, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
38 Win 31–3–2 (2) Francis Charles TKO 1 (10) Aug 20, 1926 Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
37 Loss 30–3–2 (2) Jack Delaney UD 15 Jul 16, 1926 Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Lost NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring light-heavyweight titles
36 Win 30–2–2 (2) Young Stribling UD 15 Jun 10, 1926 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring light-heavyweight titles
35 Win 29–2–2 (2) Ray Neuman PTS 10 Apr 5, 1926 Foot Guard Hall, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
34 Loss 28–2–2 (2) Johnny Risko PTS 10 Mar 19, 1926 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
33 Win 28–1–2 (2) Jack Delaney PTS 15 Dec 11, 1925 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring light-heavyweight titles
32 Win 27–1–2 (2) Emilio Solomon TKO 9 (10) Oct 12, 1925 Polo Grounds, New York City, New York, U.S.
31 Win 26–1–2 (2) Jimmy Slattery TKO 11 (15) Sep 11, 1925 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring light-heavyweight titles
30 NC 25–1–2 (2) Tony Marullo NC 9 (15) Jul 13, 1925 Dreamland Park, Newark, New Jersey, U.S. NBA, NYSAC, and The Ring light-heavyweight titles at stake;
Both men were disqualified for "not trying"
29 Win 25–1–2 (1) Mike McTigue UD 15 May 30, 1925 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S. Won NBA and NYSAC, and The Ring light-heavyweight titles
28 Win 24–1–2 (1) Battling Siki TKO 10 (12) Mar 13, 1925 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
27 Win 23–1–2 (1) Frankie Maguire TKO 5 (10) Feb 9, 1925 108th Field Artillery Armory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
26 Win 22–1–2 (1) Tony Marullo PTS 12 Jan 30, 1925 108th Field Artillery Armory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
25 Win 21–1–2 (1) Rocky Smith TKO 4 (10) Jan 14, 1925 108th Field Artillery Armory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
24 Win 20–1–2 (1) Larry Estridge TKO 2 (?) Dec 26, 1924 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
23 Win 19–1–2 (1) Tom Burns KO 5 (10) Dec 5, 1924 Arena Gardens, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
22 Win 18–1–2 (1) Johnny Gill NWS 10 Oct 1, 1924 Boyle's Thirty Acres, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
21 Win 18–1–2 Jack Reddick KO 8 (?) Sep 19, 1924 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
20 Draw 17–1–2 Young Stribling PTS 6 Aug 27, 1924 Velodrome, New York, U.S.
19 Win 17–1–1 Hambone Kelly KO 4 (10) Aug 15, 1924 Braves Field, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
18 Draw 16–1–1 Augie Ratner PTS 8 Jul 24, 1924 Polo Grounds, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
17 Win 16–1 Frank Carpenter TKO 7 (10) Jul 7, 1924 Queensboro Stadium, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
16 Win 15–1 KO Jaffe TKO 7 (10) Jun 20, 1924 Henderson's Bowl, Brooklyn New York City, New York, U.S.
15 Win 14–1 Chief Halbran TKO 3 (10) Jun 16, 1924 Bralls Arena, Freeport, New York U.S.
14 Win 13–1 Harold Abbott TKO 4 (10) Apr 29, 1924 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
13 Win 12–1 Jack Stone TKO 5 (12) Apr 7, 1924 1st Regiment Armory, Newark, U.S.
12 Win 11–1 Harry Krohn KO 4 (10) Mar 31, 1924 1st Regiment Armory, Newark, U.S.
11 Loss 10–1 Jack Delaney KO 4 (12) Mar 14, 1924 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Jimmy Darcy TKO 3 (12) Mar 3, 1924 Broadway Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Young Fisher KO 6 (?) Feb 28, 1924 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Pat Walsh TKO 1 (?) Feb 15, 1924 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Frank Carbone TKO 6 (8) Jan 28, 1924 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Lew Chester KO 2 (6) Jan 18, 1924 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Billy Ryan KO 1 (?) Jan 10, 1924 102nd Medical Regiment Armory, New York, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 KO Jaffre KO 7 (?) Jan 2, 1924 Lenox A.C., New York, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Jerome Baird KO 1 (8) Dec 13, 1923 102nd Medical Regiment Armory, New York, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Charles Hoffman KO 1 (8) Nov 29, 1923 102nd Medical Regiment Armory, New York, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Jimmy Roberts KO 1 (8) Oct 4, 1923 102nd Medical Regiment Armory, New York, U.S.

See also

References
  1. Cyber Boxing Encyclopedia - Paul Berlenbach CyberBoxingZone.com Retrieved on 2014-04-30
  2. "VILLA HURT, GENARO TO MEET TREMAINE: Commission Physician Examines Filipino's Sprained Ankle and Approves Withdrawal". The New York Times. 29 November 1923. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  3. "BERLENBACH IN HARD BOUT Former Amateur Middleweight Champion to Meet Frank Carbone Tomorrow at Garden". The New York Times. 27 January 1924. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  4. "Paul Berlenbach". Cyber Boxing Zone. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  5. Dawson, James P. (31 May 1925). "BERLENBACH TAKES TITLE FROM M'TIGUE: 45,000 See Astoria Boxer Win World's Light-Heavyweight Crown at Milk Fund Show". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  6. "BERLENBACH BOUT HALTED BY REFEREE: Lewis Orders Champion and Marullo From Newark Ring in 9th for Not Fighting. 12,000 FANS JEER BOXERS Inspector Adams Supports Action and Has Money of Both Fighters Held Up". The New York Times. 14 July 1925. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  7. "BERLENBACH HURT HAND IN NEWARK: Inspector Adams Clears Champion and Marullo on Receiving Physician's Report". The New York Times. 15 July 1925. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  8. Dawson, James P. (13 December 1925). "PAUL BERLENBACH MAY NOW BOX GREB: Rickard Makes Proposal for Match to Manager of Victor Over Delaney. BOUT RECEIPTS $162,970 Berlenbach Received $55,000 and Delaney $18,500 -- One Judge Voted Contest Draw. PAUL BERLENBACH MAY NOW BOX GREB". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  9. Dawson, James P (24 March 1926). "RISKO RETURN BOUT OPPOSED BY BOARD: Commission Tells McMahon It Wants Berlenbach to Box in His Own Division. JOE GLICK IS SUSPENDED His Manager, Alberts, and La Fay Also Set Down -- McGraw III, Pioneer Show Postponed". The New York Times.
  10. Dawson, James P. (11 June 1926). "BERLENBACH VICTOR; RETAINS HIS TITLE: 50,000 See Light Heavyweight Champion Beat Stribling in 15 Rounds at Stadium. TRIUMPH IS DECISIVE ONE Berlenbach's Powerful Blows Wear Down Rival After the Third Round. GEORGIAN HARD PRESSED Resorts to Clinches to Save Himself From Knockout". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  11. Dawson, James P. (17 July 1926). "DELANEY SUPERIOR IN 12 OF 15 ROUNDS: He Overcomes Berlenbach's Strength and Weight to Win Light-Heavyweight Title. EX-CHAMPION GAME TO END Stings His Rival but Is Outboxed and Outgeneraled by the Bridgeport Fighter. KNOCKOUT ATTEMPT VAIN Heavier Opponent Even Avoids Knockdown and Delaney Campaigns Coolly for Decision". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  12. Dawson, James P. (18 July 1926). "BERLENBACH PLANS HEAVYWEIGHT DRIVE: Manager Hickey Insists Ex-Champion Will Not Retire, but Will Fight in Next Class. BERLENBACH DEMURS A BIT Wants Another Chance at Delaney, Though He Has Trouble Making 175 Limit". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  13. "Berlenbach Now Weighs 184". The New York Times. 9 November 1926. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  14. "BERLENBACH QUITS RING FOR BUSINESS: Former World's Light-Heavyweight Champion Announces He Will Enter Lumber Trade. EARNED $250,000 FIGHTING Became One of Boxing's Most Picturesque Figures After Starting as Wrestler". The New York Times. 8 February 1927. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  15. "WALKER IS VICTOR OVER BERLENBACH: Gets Verdict After 10 Savage Rounds Before Crowd of 9,000 in Chicago. PAUL FLOORED IN FOURTH Dropped With Left Hook, but Survives the Round and Fights Gamely to the End". The New York Times. 26 November 1927. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  16. "BERLENBACH LOSES TO DELANEY IN 6TH: Is Knocked Out in Scheduled Ten-Round Bout Before 6,000 in Chicago. DROPPED TWICE IN THIRD Left to Stomach Puts Paul Down for Count of 9, Then Right to Jaw Upsets Him". The New York Times. 10 December 1927. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  17. "BERLENBACH FACES RING DISBARMENT: Estridge Also to Be Reported to Commission as Physically Unfit for Further Boxing". The New York Times. 24 May 1928. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  18. Dawson, James P. (23 May 1928). "Berlenbach Stops Estridge in the Eighth". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
  19. "Berlenbach to Make Debut As Pro Wrestler on Monday". The New York Times. 18 April 1929. Retrieved 5 October 2023.
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