George Godfrey (boxer, born 1897) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids George Godfrey |
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| Statistics | |
| Real name | Feab Smith Williams |
| Nickname(s) | The Leiperville Shadow |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Reach | 79.5 in (202 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | January 25, 1897 Mobile, Alabama |
| Died | August 13, 1947 (aged 50) Los Angeles, California |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 124 |
| Wins | 97 |
| Wins by KO | 79 |
| Losses | 21 |
| Draws | 2 |
George Godfrey (II), also known as The Leiperville Shadow, was the ring name of Feab Smith Williams. He was a heavyweight boxer from Alabama, born on January 25, 1897, who fought from 1919 to 1937. He chose his name to honor an earlier famous Black Canadian boxer, George "Old Chocolate" Godfrey.
During Godfrey's time, there was a "color bar" in professional boxing. This meant that white boxing champions often refused to fight Black boxers for the main world title. Because of this, a special "World Colored Heavyweight Championship" was created. The first George Godfrey was the fourth person to hold this title, and the second George Godfrey (Feab Smith Williams) was the 20th. Even after Jack Johnson became the first Black world heavyweight champion in 1908, the color bar still affected many Black boxers.
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George Godfrey's Boxing Career
George Godfrey was a very tall and strong boxer, standing 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) tall. He usually weighed between 220 and 260 pounds (100 to 118 kg).
Early Challenges
Godfrey fought the famous boxing legend Sam Langford three times. Even though Godfrey was much bigger than Langford (who was 5 feet 8 inches tall), Langford managed to knock him out in two of their three fights in 1920 and 1921. Their first fight in 1920 ended in a draw.
Godfrey also faced other top boxers. He lost to future champion Jack Sharkey in 1926 and to Johnny Risko in 1928. However, he did win against Paolino Uzcudun in 1928.
Winning the Colored Heavyweight Title
Godfrey won the World Colored Heavyweight Championship twice.
He first won it on November 8, 1926, in Buffalo, New York. He defeated Larry Gains by a technical knockout (TKO) in the sixth round. Godfrey successfully defended this title three times. However, Larry Gains won it back on August 15, 1928, when Godfrey was disqualified.
Godfrey won the title again on August 24, 1931, in Toronto, Canada. This time, he knocked out Seal Harris in the second round. He defended the title three more times before losing it to Obidiah "Obie" Walker in 1933.
International Boxing Union Title
Later in his career, George Godfrey traveled to Europe. There, he won the International Boxing Union (IBU) World Heavyweight title. The IBU was a boxing organization that recognized its own world champion.
On October 2, 1935, Godfrey fought Pierre Charles of Belgium in Brussels. Godfrey won the fight after 15 rounds by decision, meaning the judges thought he won more rounds. This made him the IBU's world heavyweight champion.
Movie Appearances
Besides boxing, George Godfrey also had a short career in movies. He appeared in five films between 1926 and 1937. His most famous role was as the cook in the 1926 film Old Ironsides. His last movie was Big City in 1937, where he played himself alongside actor Spencer Tracy.
Death and Honors
George Godfrey passed away on August 13, 1947, at the age of 50. Many famous boxers attended his funeral, including former heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey.
Godfrey received several honors after his death:
- In 2003, Ring magazine, a well-known boxing publication, included him on their list of the 100 greatest punchers of all time.
- In 2007, he was chosen to be part of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, which is a very high honor for boxers.
