Bob Montgomery (boxer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bob Montgomery
Montgomery winning the world title in 1943
Statistics
Real name	Bob Montgomery
Nickname(s)	Bobcat
Rated at	Lightweight
Height	5 ft 7.5 in (1.71 m)
Reach	70 in (178 cm)
Nationality	American
Born	(1919-02-10)February 10, 1919 Sumter, South Carolina, US
Died	August 25, 1998(1998-08-25) (aged 79) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	97
Wins	75
Wins by KO	37
Losses	19
Draws	3

Bob Montgomery (born February 10, 1919 – died August 25, 1998) was an amazing American lightweight boxer. He became the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) World Lightweight Champion not once, but twice! He first won the title in May 1943 and then again in March 1944.

Early Life and Boxing Start

Bob Montgomery was born in Sumter, South Carolina. In 1934, during a tough time called the Great Depression, he moved to Philadelphia. He found a job pulling clothes out of big washing machines at a laundry.

But Bob had another passion: boxing! He started training at a gym in Philadelphia nicknamed the "Slaughterhouse." He was so good that he didn't lose any of his first 23 fights! His record was 22 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw. He even won the Pennsylvania State Lightweight Title in 1939.

In 1940, Bob had a tough fight against Lew Jenkins and lost by decision. Fun fact: Bob Montgomery was the uncle of the famous Motown singer, Tammi Terrell!

Bob Montgomery's Boxing Journey

Bob Montgomery had many exciting fights throughout his career. He often faced the same opponents multiple times.

• He beat Julie Kogon three times in different cities.
• He also fought Sammy Angott and Maxie Shapiro, winning some and losing some.

Winning the World Lightweight Title (First Time)

On May 21, 1943, Bob Montgomery faced Beau Jack for the Lightweight Championship of the World. This was a huge fight in New York!

Beau Jack started strong, but Bob quickly took control. Bob landed powerful punches, especially a strong straight right hand. He even knocked Beau Jack down briefly in the eleventh round. Bob won the fight by a unanimous decision, becoming the new World Lightweight Champion!

Later that year, in October 1943, Bob knocked out Petey Scalzo in the sixth round.

Losing and Reclaiming the Title

Bob Montgomery lost his title back to Beau Jack in November 1943. It was a very close fight, but Jack won by decision.

However, Bob didn't give up! In January 1944, he had a big win, knocking out the strong boxer Ike Williams in the twelfth round. Ike Williams would later become a world champion himself.

Bob then faced a quick knockout loss to Al "Bummy" Davis in February 1944.

Winning the World Lightweight Title (Second Time)

Just a month later, on March 3, 1944, Bob Montgomery got his chance to fight Beau Jack again for the title. This time, Bob won by a split decision in a very tough fight! He was once again the NYSAC World Lightweight Champion.

Soon after, Bob joined the US Army. He continued to box while serving his country.

Defending His Title in 1946

After returning from the Army, Bob successfully defended his title twice in 1946:

• He knocked out Allie Stoltz in the thirteenth round in June.
• He also knocked out Wesley Mouzon in the eighth round in November. This was a big win because Mouzon had knocked him out in a non-title fight just a few months before!

Losing the World Lightweight Title (Final Time)

On August 4, 1947, Bob Montgomery lost his World Lightweight Title for the last time. He was defeated by Ike Williams in the sixth round. Ike Williams was younger and very strong, which made it a tough fight for Bob.

Life After Boxing

After his amazing boxing career, Bob Montgomery became a promoter, helping other boxers. His incredible achievements were recognized when he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995.

Bob Montgomery passed away on August 25, 1998, in Pennsylvania. He is remembered as a true champion in the world of boxing.

Boxing Achievements and Honors

See also

• International Boxing Hall of Fame