Bob Scanlon (boxer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bob Scanlon |
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Scanlon in 1919.
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| Statistics | |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | February 7, 1886 Mobile, Alabama |
| Died | Unknown |
| Boxing record | |
| Wins | 59 |
| Wins by KO | 20 |
| Losses | 54 |
| Draws | 13 |
Bob Scanlon (born February 7, 1886) was an American boxer. He fought in over 125 boxing matches. He also served in the French Army for three years. This was during World War I.
Bob Scanlon was born in Mobile, Alabama. His birth name was Benjamin Lewis. He later changed it to Bob Scanlon. He became a successful boxer in Europe. Most of his fights happened in England or France. He lived in Paris for much of his life. He was one of the first Americans to join the French Foreign Legion. This happened when World War I began.
Becoming a Boxer: Bob Scanlon's Early Life
When Bob Scanlon was 16, he traveled to Mexico. There, he worked as a cowboy. Soon after, he sailed to England. He then tried to move to Canada. He couldn't get a direct ticket. Instead, he joined a ship's crew. He spent two years at sea. Then he returned to the United Kingdom.
Scanlon started training as a boxer in Cardiff, Wales. He had no boxing experience before this. His very first fight was on August 15, 1904. He continued to box for almost 20 years. He won 59 matches, lost 54, and had 13 draws.
Bob Scanlon also worked as a sparring partner. A sparring partner helps a boxer practice. He sparred with famous boxers like Jack Johnson. Later, he also sparred with Battling Siki. While living in London, Scanlon met another American boxer. His name was Eugene Bullard. They became good friends. This was because they had similar backgrounds.
Bob Scanlon's Service in World War I
In June 1914, Bob Scanlon was in Paris. He was part of Jack Johnson's team. They were there for a boxing match. When World War I started, Scanlon stayed in Paris. He joined the French Foreign Legion in August. He was one of about 10 African Americans who joined then. His friend Eugene Bullard also joined.
Scanlon and Bullard later moved to a different army unit. This was the 170th French Infantry Regiment. While in the Legion, Scanlon became friends with a poet. His name was Alan Seeger.
One story says Scanlon loved flying. It claims he built an airplane. This was when he lived in London. A newspaper also claimed something amazing. It said Scanlon was the first African American. He supposedly shot down a plane. This was while he flew as a gunner. He flew with a pilot named Norman Prince.
Scanlon himself said he was hurt. This happened at the Battle of Verdun in 1916. He spent 18 months getting better. After that, he left the army. Newspapers in 1918 said he wanted to keep fighting. He was very brave and dedicated to his service.
What Happened After the War?
After World War I, Bob Scanlon stayed in Paris. He continued to have more boxing matches. He also worked as a sparring partner again. This time, it was for Battling Siki.
The rest of Bob Scanlon's life is not known. We do not know when or where he passed away.
