Anton Christoforidis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anton Christoforidis |
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Christoforidis with the NBA Light Heavyweight Championship
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| Statistics | |
| Real name | Antonios Christoforidis |
| Rated at | Light heavyweight |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Reach | 72 in (183 cm) |
| Nationality | Greek |
| Born | 26 May 1917 Mersin, Ottoman Empire |
| Died | 19 October 1985 (aged 68) Athens, Greece |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 76 |
| Wins | 53 |
| Wins by KO | 13 |
| Losses | 15 |
| Draws | 8 |
| No contests | 0 |
Anton Christoforidis (Greek: Αντώνιος Χριστοφορίδης; 26 May 1917 – 19 October 1985) was a famous Greek professional light heavyweight boxer. He made history in 1941. He won the NBA Light Heavyweight Championship. This made him the first Greek person to become a world boxing champion!
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Anton Christoforidis's Early Life
Anton Christoforidis was born in Mersin, which was part of the Ottoman Empire. He spent his first few years in a city called Smyrna. In 1922, when he was young, he became a refugee. He moved to Athens, Greece with his mother and two sisters. Sadly, his father and seven other family members died in Asia Minor.
Two years after arriving in Athens, his mother also passed away. Anton had a very difficult childhood. He worked in a hotel to help support himself. It was there that he realized he was very strong and didn't mind a good fight.
He started taking boxing lessons. Soon, he became the champion of Athens. He was only 16 years old at the time! After this success, he decided to move to Paris. There, he quickly became well-known in the boxing world. Anton even trained with other famous boxers, like Joey Maxim.
Anton Christoforidis's Boxing Career
Anton Christoforidis had most of his first fights in Europe. Many of these matches took place in France. From 1934 to 1939, he fought 46 times in Europe. Then, he moved to the United States.
His very first fight was in Athens, Greece. He won that match by knockout in the second round. His last fight in Europe was against a famous Canadian boxer named Lou Brouillard. Anton won that fight by points in April 1939.
Winning Greek and European Titles
On November 8, 1937, Anton won two titles in Greece. He became the Greek middleweight and Greek light heavyweight champion. He won both titles from Costas Vassis in Athens, Greece.
About a year later, on November 14, 1938, Anton won another big title. He defeated Bep van Klaveren in Rotterdam, Netherlands. This win made him the EBU (European) middleweight champion. Even Adolf Hitler was one of the people watching that fight!
Anton's first time defending his EBU title was in Paris, France. He was fighting Edouard Tenet. Anton was ahead on points, but he broke his left hand in the eleventh round. He had to finish the fight by defending himself. He ended up losing that match.
Moving to the United States
Anton made his first appearance in the United States on January 5, 1940. He fought at Madison Square Garden and won against Willie Pavlovich. After this, Anton settled down in Geneva, Ohio.
He then won eight fights in a row! This winning streak ended when he fought future Hall of Famer Jimmy Bivins. Anton lost that fight over 10 rounds. He later said he felt he should have won. In a rematch the next month, Anton won against Bivins. This was Jimmy Bivins's first loss in his career.
Becoming a World Champion
Because of his wins, especially against Jimmy Bivins, Anton earned a chance to fight for a world title. He fought Melio Bettina for the vacant National Boxing Association world light heavyweight title.
Anton won the light heavyweight championship on January 13, 1941. The fight was in Cleveland, Ohio. He defeated Melio Bettina in a 15-round match. It was a unanimous decision, meaning all the judges agreed Anton won. The crowd was very happy with the result.
The world light heavyweight title was open because Billy Conn had given it up. He moved to a heavier weight class to challenge heavyweight champion Joe Louis.
After winning the world title, Anton had two non-title wins. He beat Italo Colonello and Johnny 'Bandit' Romero. However, he then lost to Gus Lesnevich on May 22, 1941. Even though it wasn't a title fight, the NBA later gave the title to Lesnevich.
On January 12, 1942, Anton had his first knockout loss. He was defeated by a rising star named Ezzard Charles in Cincinnati, Ohio. Anton was knocked down twice before the fight was stopped.
Anton Christoforidis fought his last match on February 18, 1947, against Anton Raadik. He finished his boxing career with a record of 53 wins, 15 losses, and 8 draws. He had 13 wins by knockout.
Retirement and Legacy
After he stopped boxing in 1947, Anton Christoforidis ran a bar and restaurant. This business was in Geneva, Ohio, for several years. He really liked the Cleveland area.
In 1961, Anton and his wife got divorced. In 1968, he sold his businesses in Ohio. He then moved to Florida to enjoy his retirement.
In 1971, Anton took a long trip back to Greece. He planned to stay for 45 days, but he loved it so much that he stayed for 15 years! Anton was treated like a hero in Greece. He enjoyed spending time with famous people on golf courses. He also liked being able to wear short sleeves all year round.
Anton Christoforidis died suddenly from a heart attack on October 19, 1985. He was in his car in Athens, Greece, and was 67 years old. He will always be remembered for making history. He was the first Greek professional boxing world champion!
