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Herbert Lewis Hardwick
Cocoa Kid.JPG
Statistics
Real name Herbert Lewis Hardwick
Nickname(s) "Cocoa Kid"
Rated at Welterweight
Born May 2, 1914
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Died December 27, 1966 (aged 52)
Chicago, Illinois, US
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights 249
Wins 178
Wins by KO 48
Losses 58
Draws 11

Herbert Lewis Hardwick Arroyo (May 2, 1914 – December 27, 1966), also known as "Cocoa Kid", was a Puerto Rican boxer of African descent who fought primarily as a welterweight but also in the middleweight division. Hardwick won the World Colored Championships in both divisions. He was a member of boxing's "Black Murderers' Row" and fought the best boxers of his time. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012.

Early years

Hardwick was born in the City of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico to Maria Arroyo, a native of Puerto Rico, and Lewis Hardwick, an African American Merchant Marine. In 1913, his father was on leave and left the island without knowing that Maria was pregnant with his child. It was only upon his return several months later, that he found out that he was a father.

The Hardwick family moved to Atlanta, Georgia when he was still a child and his father renamed him "Herbert Lewis Hardwick." Tragedy struck the family when his father and the rest of the crew of the USS Cyclops disappeared during World War I. The loss of the ship and 306 crew and passengers without a trace sometime after March 4, 1918, remains the single largest loss of life in U.S. Naval history not directly involving combat. The cause of the ship's loss is unknown. Hardwick was only four years old.

Shortly thereafter, upon the death of his mother, Hardwick went to live with his maternal aunt Antonia Arroyo-Robinson. Mrs. Arroyo-Robinson raised Hardwick and he came to identify more with his Puerto Rican heritage.

Boxing career

Hardwick began to box in Atlanta when he was fourteen years old under the tutorship and management of Edward Allen Robinson (Antonia's husband). He fought for the first time as a professional at the age of fifteen, on May 27, 1929, at the Elks' Restaurant, in Atlanta, against a boxer who went under the name of "Kid Moon" and was victorious in that encounter.

In 1932, Connecticut State Senator Harry Durant was among those present at one of his fights in West Palm Beach. The Senator was impressed with Hardwick and sponsored his trip to New Haven where Hardwick began to fight under the name of the "Cocoa Kid." The name printed on his boxing license was that of "Louis Hardwick Arroyo." Hardwick used various names during his boxing career, besides using "Louis Arroyo," he would also fight under the name of "Louis Kid Cocoa". On April 4, 1932, he won his first fight in Connecticut, against a boxer named Joe Miller.

Black Murderers' Row

During his career in the late 1930s and early 1940s, Hardwick fought the top African-American fighters of the era in the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions. This group included, but was not limited to Charley Burley, Holman Williams, Jack Chase, Lloyd Marshall, Bert Lytell, Aaron Wade, and Eddie Booker. Hardwick fought Williams thirteen times, winning eight, losing three, and drawing in two.

The group came to be known as the "Black Murderers' Row" or Murderers' Row and was made up primarily of highly rated African-American boxing contenders in the 1940s, who competed around the Middleweight and Light Heavyweight divisions. Hardwick was the only Hispanic of African descent in the group. Renowned for their toughness and great boxing ability, they were feared throughout the boxing world and were the most avoided fighters of their generation. According to boxing pundit Jim Murray, the Murderers' Row was the most exclusive men's club the ring had ever known. They were so good and so feared that they had to have their own tournament. The term "murderers' row" was coined by writer Budd Schulberg, screenwriter of On the Waterfront.

Amongst the many boxers whom Hardwick fought and defeated during his career were Louis "Kid" Kaplan. The fight occurred on February 2, 1933, at the Arena in New Haven. Kaplan was a champion who held the World Featherweight title until 1927. On December 5, 1933, he faced Lou Ambers and lost the match.

From April through September 1940, Hardwick was the number one welterweight contender in the world. However Henry Armstrong, who held the World Welterweight Championship, refused to give him a title shot. On October 9, 1943, Hardwick made the cover of Knockout Magazine as "The Cocoa Kid."

World Colored Welterweight Championship

The World Colored Welterweight title was created in 1936. On July 26 of that year, Hardwick met Young Peter Jackson, the holder of the Pacific Coast and Mexican lightweight titles, at Heinemann Park in New Orleans, Louisiana in a 10-round title bout referred by Harry Wills, a three-time World Colored Heavyweight Champ. Hardwick won via a technical knock-out in the second round.

He made four defenses of the title. On September 22 of that year at the same venue, he defeated Jackie Elverillo on points in 10 rounds. On June 11, 1937, at the Coliseum Arena in New Orleans, Hardwick fought his old nemesis Holman Williams, prevailing in a close fight, winning a decision in the 12-rounder. Ring Magazine had donated a championship belt for the bout.

Hardwick successfully defended his title against Black Canadian boxer Sonny Jones at the Valley Arena in Holyoke, Massachusetts on November 15, 1937, in a bout refereed by then former world heavyweight champion Jack Sharkey. Hardwick scored a technical knock out in the sixth round of their 15-round bout. He had devastated Jones in the third with a right to his jaw and with a right opened a cut over Sonny's left eye. Sharkey stopped the fight when Jones could barely see.

The ascension of Henry Armstrong as the world welterweight champ on May 31, 1938 (when he beat Barney Ross) seemingly made the title redundant (the World Colored Heavyweight Championship expired when Joe Louis became world heavyweight champ in 1937 and the World Colored Middleweight Championship became defunct for 10 years after Gorilla Jones lost the world middleweight title in 1932), but continued to be contested during Armstrong's reign.

Hardwick lost the title to Charley Burley on August 22, 1938, at Hickey Park in Millvale, Pennsylvania. Burley won a unanimous decision in the 15-round bout, knocking Hardwick to the canvas three times and defeating him decisively, taking his title. Burley never defended the title, probably out of a desire to get a title shot with Armstrong. To fill the vacant title, Hardwick and Holman Williams met in a rematch on January 11, 1940, at the Coliseum in Baltimore, Maryland.

Hardwick won a unanimous decision in their 15-round title bout, winning the title for a second time. Hardwick never defended his second title.

World Colored Middleweight Championship

Hardwick faced Holman Williams for his World Colored Middleweight Championship on January 15, 1943, at the Victory Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana. Hardwick took the title from Williams on points in the 12-round bout.

He never defended the title, which became extinct. Instead, he met Williams at New Orleans' Coliseum Arena on September 15, 1944, for the "Duration Middleweight World Title". This time, the result was a draw after 12 rounds. It was his second fight after being discharged from the U.S. Navy.

The Hardwick – Billy Smith controversy

In 1944, a controversy erupted between Hardwick and a boxer named "Oakland Billy Smith." When the fighters met on November 24, in the Civic Auditorium of San Francisco, California, the betting odds favored the Cocoa Kid over Smith by 2 to 1. When Hardwick was knocked down four times, referee Frankie Brown became suspicious and stopped the fight, declaring it a "no-contest." During an investigation carried out by the California Boxing Commission, Hardwick claimed his poor performance was due to personal anxiety about his "sick mother" (meaning his aunt Antonia). According to the Oakland Tribune, the commission felt that Hardwick threw the fight. In addition to withholding his earnings, the commission fined him $500, and suspended him from boxing for six months.

End of his boxing career

On September 17, 1945, Hardwick fought and lost to Archie Moore. He lost his last professional fight on August 24, 1948, against Bobby Mann at Ball Park in Trenton, New Jersey. In 1949, Sugar Ray Robinson entered into, and then broke, two agreements to fight against Hardwick.

That same year of 1949, Hardwick was Robinson's sparring partner at the welterweight king's training camp in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. Robinson was training for a fight with Steve Belloise and was at his peak. In one session, Hardwick landed a short overhand right to Robinson's chin and dropped him in the second round.

By the end of his boxing career, Hardwick had fought a total of 244 professional fights, of which he won 176 with 48 knockouts (KO). He lost 56 fights, 7 by way of KOs and 10 of his fights were classified as draws (ties). Among the Champions which he faced during his career were: Louis Kaplan, Johnny Jadick, Lou Ambers, Christopher "Battling" Battalino, Chalky Wright and Archie Moore. Of these he defeated Kaplan, Jadick and Wright in non-title fights.

Later years

After retiring from the ring in 1950, Hardwick found himself homeless and penniless in Chicago. Marguerite Winrou, his wife, divorced him and gained the custody of their children. According to the Naval Record Management Center in St. Louis, Missouri, Hardwick had served in the United States Navy during World War II. He was honorably discharged after being diagnosed with pugilistic dementia by military doctors. He kept his diagnosis a secret during his days as a boxer in order to continue boxing.

Due to his long and difficult boxing career, Hardwick suffered from pugilistic dementia in his last years. In 1955, he wrote to the Navy asking for a copy of his discharge papers which he claimed were stolen with his Social Security card and was later admitted to the Veterans Administration Hospital in North Chicago. He died there on December 27, 1966, and is buried in Wood National Cemetery, section 36a, row 11, site 3, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 2011, Hardwick was inducted to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012.

Professional boxing record

Professional record summary
249 fights 178 wins 58 losses
By knockout 48 7
By decision 130 50
By disqualification 0 1
Draws 11
No contests 2
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
249 Loss 178–58–11 (2) Bobby Mann PTS 8 Aug 24, 1948 Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
248 Win 178–57–11 (2) Ray Barnes KO 6 (10) Dec 17, 1947 Coliseum Annex, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
247 Win 177–57–11 (2) Julio Pedroso PTS 10 Oct 12, 1947 Palacio de Deportes, Havana, Cuba
246 Win 176–57–11 (2) Jose Garcia Alvarez KO 6 (10) Oct 4, 1947 Palacio de Deportes, Havana, Cuba
245 Loss 175–57–11 (2) Jose Garcia Alvarez DQ 2 (10) Sep 30, 1947 Palacio de Deportes, Havana, Cuba
244 Loss 175–56–11 (2) William Poli UD 8 Sep 2, 1947 MacArthur Stadium, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
243 Win 175–55–11 (2) Ellis Stewart UD 8 Aug 29, 1947 Open Air Arena, Leiperville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
242 Loss 174–55–11 (2) Pete Mead MD 10 Jul 21, 1947 Coney Island Velodrome, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
241 Draw 174–54–11 (2) Jerry Marshall PTS 8 Jul 7, 1947 Queensboro Arena, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
240 Loss 174–54–10 (2) Bert Lytell RTD 6 (10) May 18, 1947 Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
239 Loss 174–53–10 (2) Jimmy Sherrer TKO 4 (10) Apr 29, 1947 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
238 Win 174–52–10 (2) Bobby Richardson SD 10 Jan 31, 1947 Rainbo Arena, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
237 Win 173–52–10 (2) Lloyd Gibson PTS 6 Jan 27, 1947 Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
236 Draw 172–52–10 (2) O'Neill Bell PTS 10 Jan 10, 1947 Rainbo Arena, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
235 Loss 172–52–9 (2) Eddie O'Neill PTS 8 Dec 27, 1946 Rainbo Arena, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
234 Win 172–51–9 (2) Young Gene Buffalo PTS 8 Dec 5, 1946 Rainbo Arena, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
233 Loss 171–51–9 (2) Bert Lytell PTS 10 Jul 30, 1946 Sixto Escobar Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico
232 Win 171–50–9 (2) Mario Raul Ochoa PTS 10 Jul 16, 1946 Sixto Escobar Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico
231 Win 170–50–9 (2) Billy Morris UD 10 Apr 4, 1946 Fayette Street Garden, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
230 Loss 169–50–9 (2) Bert Lytell PTS 10 Mar 25, 1946 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
229 Win 169–49–9 (2) Cecil Hudson MD 10 Feb 7, 1946 Fayette Street Garden, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
228 Loss 168–49–9 (2) Archie Moore KO 8 (10) Sep 17, 1945 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
227 Loss 168–48–9 (2) George Henry UD 10 Aug 20, 1945 Century Stadium, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
226 Win 168–47–9 (2) Joe Carter SD 10 Jul 30, 1945 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
225 Win 167–47–9 (2) Joe Carter SD 10 Jul 9, 1945 Century Stadium, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
224 Win 166–47–9 (2) Joe Hyman PTS 10 May 23, 1945 Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
223 Loss 165–47–9 (2) Holman Williams UD 12 May 14, 1945 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
222 Win 165–46–9 (2) Joe Reddick TKO 6 (8) May 2, 1945 Armory, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
221 Loss 164–46–9 (2) Joe Carter PTS 10 Apr 20, 1945 Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
220 Win 164–45–9 (2) Holman Williams SD 10 Mar 26, 1945 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
219 Loss 163–45–9 (2) Johnny Carter PTS 10 Mar 19, 1945 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
218 Win 163–44–9 (2) Butch Lynch PTS 10 Feb 15, 1945 Masonic Hall, Highland Park, New Jersey, U.S.
217 Loss 162–44–9 (2) Joe Carter UD 10 Jan 29, 1945 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
216 NC 162–43–9 (2) Oakland Billy Smith NC 3 (10) Nov 24, 1944 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S. Cocoa Kid was knocked down four times,
but the referee declared it a no contest believing that he was faking
215 Loss 162–43–9 (1) Aaron Wade PTS 10 Nov 13, 1944 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
214 Win 162–42–9 (1) Jack Chase UD 10 Oct 20, 1944 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
213 Draw 161–42–9 (1) Holman Williams PTS 12 Sep 15, 1944 Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. For vacant duration middleweight title
212 Win 161–42–8 (1) Billy Campanelli TKO 1 (8) Aug 24, 1944 Fort Hamilton Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
211 Win 160–42–8 (1) Jimmy McDaniels UD 10 Oct 8, 1943 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
210 Win 159–42–8 (1) Anthony Jones PTS 10 Sep 24, 1943 Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
209 Win 158–42–8 (1) Verne Patterson TKO 7 (8) Sep 9, 1943 Fort Hamilton Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
208 Win 157–42–8 (1) Phil Norman PTS 10 Aug 30, 1943 Lido Sports Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
207 Loss 156–42–8 (1) Joe Carter PTS 10 Jul 12, 1943 Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
206 Loss 156–41–8 (1) George Kochan SD 10 Jun 7, 1943 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
205 Win 156–40–8 (1) Pete DeRuzza TKO 5 (8) May 24, 1943 Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
204 Win 155–40–8 (1) Al Gilbert TKO 2 (10) May 17, 1943 Arcadia, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
203 Win 154–40–8 (1) Bob Jacobs PTS 8 May 10, 1943 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
202 Win 153–40–8 (1) Deacon Johnny Brown UD 15 May 3, 1943 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
201 Draw 152–40–8 (1) Charley Burley PTS 10 Apr 19, 1943 Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
200 Win 152–40–7 (1) Henry Robinson PTS 8 Apr 9, 1943 Uline Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S.
199 Loss 151–40–7 (1) Earl Turner PTS 10 Jan 25, 1943 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
198 Win 151–39–7 (1) Holman Williams PTS 12 Jan 15, 1943 Victory Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. Won world colored middleweight title
197 Loss 150–39–7 (1) California Jackie Wilson SD 10 Dec 14, 1942 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
196 Win 150–38–7 (1) Syd Brown PTS 10 Nov 8, 1942 Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama
195 Win 149–38–7 (1) Dan Calcagno PTS 10 Oct 25, 1942 Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama
194 Win 148–38–7 (1) Fabio Hurtado KO 4 (10) Oct 11, 1942 Estadio Olimpico, Panama City, Panama
193 Win 147–38–7 (1) Johnny Jackson UD 10 Aug 31, 1942 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
192 Win 146–38–7 (1) Saverio Turiello UD 10 Aug 6, 1942 Century Stadium, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
191 Win 145–38–7 (1) Milo Theodorescu PTS 8 Jul 24, 1942 Randolph-Clowes Stadium, Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
190 Win 144–38–7 (1) Pete DeRuzza PTS 10 Jun 19, 1942 White City Stadium, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
189 Win 143–38–7 (1) Joe Legon PTS 10 May 2, 1942 Arena Cristal, Havana, Cuba
188 Win 142–38–7 (1) Bobby Britton TKO 6 (10) Apr 13, 1942 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
187 Win 141–38–7 (1) Holman Williams PTS 6 Mar 27, 1942 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
186 Win 140–38–7 (1) Holman Williams UD 15 Mar 2, 1942 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
185 Win 139–38–7 (1) Felix Morales PTS 8 Feb 26, 1942 Waltz Dream Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
184 Loss 138–38–7 (1) Holman Williams UD 12 Jan 19, 1942 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
183 Win 138–37–7 (1) Eddie Dolan TKO 3 (10) Jan 14, 1942 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. Won vacant Connecticut welterweight title
182 Draw 137–37–7 (1) Holman Williams SD 10 Dec 22, 1941 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
181 Win 137–37–6 (1) Slugger White UD 15 Dec 8, 1941 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
180 Win 136–37–6 (1) Pedro Tomez KO 4 (8) Nov 17, 1941 Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
179 Win 135–37–6 (1) Freddie Camuso PTS 10 Nov 13, 1941 Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
178 Win 134–37–6 (1) Bobby Britton PTS 10 Oct 1, 1941 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
177 Win 133–37–6 (1) Vinnie Vines PTS 10 Sep 8, 1941 Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
176 Loss 132–37–6 (1) Izzy Jannazzo PTS 10 Aug 5, 1941 Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
175 Win 132–36–6 (1) Manuel Villa II KO 4 (8) Jun 10, 1941 Queensboro Arena, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
174 Win 131–36–6 (1) Norman Rubio PTS 10 Jun 2, 1941 Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
173 Win 130–36–6 (1) Phil Furr UD 10 May 13, 1941 Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
172 Win 129–36–6 (1) Joe Sutka KO 10 (10) Apr 21, 1941 Turner's Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S.
171 Win 128–36–6 (1) Jerry Fiorello PTS 8 Apr 15, 1941 Broadway Arena, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
170 Win 127–36–6 (1) Andre Jessurun UD 10 Mar 31, 1941 Turner's Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S.
169 Win 126–36–6 (1) Tony Cisco UD 10 Mar 17, 1941 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
168 NC 125–36–6 (1) Kid Azteca NC 10 (10) Jan 11, 1941 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
167 Loss 125–36–6 Kid Azteca PTS 10 Jan 1, 1941 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
166 Loss 125–35–6 Jimmy Leto KO 3 (10) Nov 11, 1940 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
165 Loss 125–34–6 Izzy Jannazzo SD 15 Oct 14, 1940 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. For vacant Maryland world welterweight title
164 Loss 125–33–6 Georgie Abrams SD 10 Aug 12, 1940 Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
163 Win 125–32–6 Phil Furr UD 10 Jul 15, 1940 Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
162 Win 124–32–6 Jimmy Leto UD 10 Jul 8, 1940 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
161 Win 123–32–6 Frankie Britt TKO 7 (12) Jul 1, 1940 Donovan Field, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S. Won USA New England welterweight title
160 Win 122–32–6 Bill McDowell UD 10 Jun 19, 1940 Griffith Stadium, Washington, D.C., U.S.
159 Win 121–32–6 Johnny Barbara TKO 1 (10) Jun 13, 1940 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
158 Win 120–32–6 Billy White KO 2 (12) May 27, 1940 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
157 Win 119–32–6 Chalky Wright MD 10 Apr 29, 1940 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
156 Win 118–32–6 Billy White TKO 9 (12) Mar 25, 1940 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
155 Win 117–32–6 Tony Martin UD 10 Feb 19, 1940 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
154 Win 116–32–6 Holman Williams UD 15 Jan 11, 1940 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Won vacant world colored welterweight title
153 Win 115–32–6 Tommy Bland PTS 10 Dec 7, 1939 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
152 Win 114–32–6 Mike DeStefano PTS 10 Dec 1, 1939 Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
151 Win 113–32–6 Carl Dell SD 10 Oct 16, 1939 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
150 Win 112–32–6 Kenny LaSalle PTS 10 Oct 9, 1939 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
149 Win 111–32–6 Wicky Harkins MD 8 Oct 2, 1939 Maple Grove Field House, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.
148 Win 110–32–6 Buster Carroll UD 10 Aug 3, 1939 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
147 Win 109–32–6 Steve Mamakos UD 10 Jul 20, 1939 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
146 Loss 108–32–6 Tony Martin PTS 10 Jul 3, 1939 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
145 Win 108–31–6 Bobby Masters TKO 3 (10) Jun 15, 1939 Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
144 Loss 107–31–6 Mike Kaplan SD 10 May 12, 1939 Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
143 Win 107–30–6 Sigi Lander RTD 1 (10) Mar 30, 1939 Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
142 Draw 106–30–6 Mike Kaplan PTS 10 Mar 24, 1939 Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
141 Win 106–30–5 Eddie Booker PTS 10 Mar 9, 1939 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
140 Win 105–30–5 Freddie Camuso UD 10 Feb 22, 1939 Bristol Arena, New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S.
139 Win 104–30–5 Buster Carroll PTS 10 Feb 16, 1939 Mechanics Building, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
138 Loss 103–30–5 Frankie Britt SD 12 Jan 26, 1939 Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S. Lost USA New England welterweight title
137 Win 103–29–5 Eddie Cerda PTS 10 Oct 1, 1938 Rockland Palace, New York City, New York, U.S.
136 Win 102–29–5 George Martin UD 15 Sep 9, 1938 Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Retained USA New England welterweight title
135 Win 101–29–5 Howell King PTS 10 Aug 31, 1938 Naval Armory, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
134 Loss 100–29–5 Charley Burley UD 15 Aug 22, 1938 Hickey Park, Millvale, Pennsylvania, U.S. Lost world colored welterweight title
133 Loss 100–28–5 Johnny Jackson TKO 10 (10) Aug 4, 1938 City Park Baseball Field, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
132 Win 100–27–5 Tommy Bland PTS 10 Jul 16, 1938 Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
131 Loss 99–27–5 Paulie Walker SD 10 May 2, 1938 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
130 Win 99–26–5 Vince De Angelo PTS 10 Feb 28, 1938 Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
129 Win 98–26–5 Gordon Wallace UD 10 Feb 21, 1938 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
128 Loss 97–26–5 Michele Palermo UD 10 Jan 31, 1938 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
127 Win 97–25–5 Teddy Loder SD 10 Dec 6, 1937 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
126 Win 96–25–5 Sonny Jones TKO 6 (15) Nov 15, 1937 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. Retained world colored welterweight title
125 Loss 95–25–5 Saverio Turiello UD 10 Sep 20, 1937 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
124 Loss 95–24–5 Saverio Turiello UD 10 Aug 16, 1937 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
123 Win 95–23–5 Johnny Lucas TKO 8 (15) Jul 26, 1937 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
122 Win 94–23–5 Willie Eley PTS 10 Jul 17, 1937 Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
121 Win 93–23–5 Werther Arcelli KO 2 (10) Jul 12, 1937 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
120 Win 92–23–5 Holman Williams PTS 15 Jun 11, 1937 Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. Retained world colored welterweight title
119 Loss 91–23–5 Johnny Lucas SD 12 Jun 7, 1937 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
118 Win 91–22–5 Johnny Lucas SD 12 May 3, 1937 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
117 Win 90–22–5 Andre Jessurun KO 11 (12) Apr 5, 1937 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
116 Win 89–22–5 Tommy Jones PTS 10 Mar 22, 1937 Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
115 Loss 88–22–5 Holman Williams PTS 12 Mar 12, 1937 Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
114 Win 88–21–5 Jack Portney TKO 12 (15) Mar 1, 1937 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
113 Win 87–21–5 Paulie Walker PTS 8 Dec 16, 1936 Hippodrome, New York City, New York, U.S.
112 Win 86–21–5 Casper LaRosa UD 10 Nov 30, 1936 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
111 Win 85–21–5 Jack Portney SD 10 Nov 9, 1936 Carlin's Park, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
110 Win 84–21–5 Bobby Orr TKO 4 (10) Oct 14, 1936 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
109 Win 83–21–5 Jackie Elverrillo PTS 10 Sep 22, 1936 Heinemann Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. Retained world colored welterweight title
108 Win 82–21–5 Jack Portney PTS 10 Aug 7, 1936 Newfield Park, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
107 Win 81–21–5 Young Peter Jackson TKO 2 (10) Jul 26, 1936 Heinemann Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. Won vacant world colored welterweight title
106 Win 80–21–5 Vince De Angelo PTS 10 Jun 29, 1936 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
105 Win 79–21–5 Werther Arcelli PTS 12 Jun 19, 1936 Meadowbrook Arena, North Adams, Massachusetts, U.S. Retained USA New England welterweight title
104 Loss 78–21–5 Andre Jessurun UD 10 Jun 1, 1936 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
103 Win 78–20–5 Holman Williams PTS 10 Apr 17, 1936 Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
102 Win 77–20–5 Werther Arcelli PTS 10 Apr 2, 1936 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
101 Win 76–20–5 Holman Williams MD 10 Mar 13, 1936 Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
100 Win 75–20–5 Darcey White PTS 10 Feb 28, 1936 Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
99 Win 74–20–5 Wesley Farrell PTS 10 Feb 21, 1936 Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
98 Win 73–20–5 Tiger Joe Randall PTS 10 Jan 31, 1936 Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
97 Win 72–20–5 Joe Pennino PTS 10 Jan 6, 1936 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
96 Win 71–20–5 Frankie Cinque SD 10 Dec 9, 1935 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
95 Loss 70–20–5 Andre Jessurun UD 10 Nov 25, 1935 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
94 Win 70–19–5 Tommy Mollis PTS 10 Nov 14, 1935 New Albert Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
93 Draw 69–19–5 Harvey Massey SD 10 Nov 1, 1935 Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
92 Win 69–19–4 Wesley Farrell PTS 10 Oct 18, 1935 Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
91 Win 68–19–4 Andy Callahan TKO 10 (12) Sep 9, 1935 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S. Retained USA New England welterweight title
90 Win 67–19–4 Casper LaRosa PTS 8 Aug 31, 1935 Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
89 Win 66–19–4 Davey Grande UD 10 Aug 1, 1935 Meadowbrook Arena, North Adams, Massachusetts, U.S.
88 Win 65–19–4 Paul Canamare PTS 8 Jul 12, 1935 Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
87 Win 64–19–4 Harry Carlton PTS 10 Jun 28, 1935 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
86 Win 63–19–4 Werther Arcelli UD 10 Jun 13, 1935 Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
85 Win 62–19–4 Frankie Britt PTS 10 May 27, 1935 Arena, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Won USA New England welterweight title;
Won vacant USA New England middleweight title
84 Win 61–19–4 Johnny Graycar TKO 4 (10) May 13, 1935 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
83 Loss 60–19–4 Jimmy Leto PTS 10 Apr 26, 1935 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
82 Win 60–18–4 Ray Napolitano UD 8 Mar 22, 1935 Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
81 Win 59–18–4 Ray Napolitano PTS 8 Feb 28, 1935 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
80 Loss 58–18–4 Kid Azteca PTS 10 Jan 26, 1935 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
79 Draw 58–17–4 Kid Azteca PTS 10 Jan 19, 1935 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
78 Win 58–17–3 Elmer Bezenah PTS 6 Dec 3, 1934 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
77 Win 57–17–3 Petey Mike PTS 10 Nov 22, 1934 Kanter's Auditorium, Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
76 Loss 56–17–3 Christopher Battalino RTD 6 (10) Oct 23, 1934 Foot Guard Hall, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
75 Loss 56–16–3 Michele Palermo PTS 10 Sep 27, 1934 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
74 Win 56–15–3 Carmen Roman PTS 10 Aug 21, 1934 St. Michael's Arena, Pawcatuck, Connecticut, U.S.
73 Loss 55–15–3 Frankie Britt PTS 10 Aug 16, 1934 Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
72 Win 55–14–3 Gaston LeCadre SD 8 Aug 6, 1934 Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
71 Win 54–14–3 Morrie Sherman PTS 6 Jul 17, 1934 Coney Island Velodrome, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
70 Win 53–14–3 Steve Halaiko PTS 8 Jul 9, 1934 Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
69 Win 52–14–3 Danny Devlin UD 10 Jun 18, 1934 Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
68 Win 51–14–3 Steve Halaiko UD 10 Jun 11, 1934 Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
67 Win 50–14–3 Billy Bridges TKO 4 (8) Jun 7, 1934 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
66 Win 49–14–3 Eddie Holmes UD 10 May 28, 1934 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
65 Win 48–14–3 Frankie Bruno PTS 6 May 26, 1934 Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
64 Win 47–14–3 Johnny Lucas PTS 10 Apr 30, 1934 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
63 Win 46–14–3 Sailor Randall PTS 10 Apr 20, 1934 Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S.
62 Win 45–14–3 Andy DiVodi PTS 10 Apr 12, 1934 Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
61 Loss 44–14–3 Joey Ferrando PTS 10 Apr 9, 1934 Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
60 Win 44–13–3 Pancho Villa SD 10 Mar 16, 1934 Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
59 Win 43–13–3 Joey Bazzone PTS 10 Feb 26, 1934 Palisades Rink, McKeesport, Pennsylvania, U.S.
58 Loss 42–13–3 Ray Napolitano SD 6 Feb 24, 1934 Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
57 Win 42–12–3 Tony Catalano TKO 2 (8) Feb 15, 1934 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
56 Win 41–12–3 Eddie Marks TKO 3 (8) Feb 8, 1934 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
55 Loss 40–12–3 Jackie Davis PTS 8 Jan 18, 1934 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
54 Win 40–11–3 Joey Bazzone PTS 10 Jan 7, 1934 Johnstown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
53 Loss 39–11–3 Lou Ambers PTS 10 Dec 5, 1933 Rhode Island Auditorium, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
52 Draw 39–10–3 Joe Ghnouly PTS 6 Nov 24, 1933 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
51 Win 39–10–2 Victor Lotti TKO 3 (10) Sep 26, 1933 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
50 Loss 38–10–2 Wesley Ramey UD 10 Aug 31, 1933 Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
49 Win 38–9–2 Eddie Shapiro PTS 10 Aug 26, 1933 Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
48 Win 37–9–2 Young Joe Firpo PTS 10 Aug 14, 1933 Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
47 Loss 36–9–2 Steve Halaiko PTS 10 Jul 31, 1933 White City Stadium, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
46 Win 36–8–2 Paolo Villa KO 3 (8) Jul 22, 1933 Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
45 Win 35–8–2 George Goldberg TKO 4 (10) Jul 13, 1933 Meadowbrook Arena, North Adams, Massachusetts, U.S.
44 Win 34–8–2 Jimmy O'Brien TKO 6 (10) Jul 8, 1933 Walnut Beach Stadium, Milford, Connecticut, U.S.
43 Loss 33–8–2 Steve Halaiko UD 10 Jun 19, 1933 Heywood Arena, West Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
42 Win 33–7–2 Eddie Conley TKO 5 (10) Jun 9, 1933 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
41 Win 32–7–2 Frankie Carlton KO 2 (10) May 22, 1933 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
40 Loss 31–7–2 Jimmy Leto UD 10 May 8, 1933 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
39 Win 31–6–2 Johnny Jadick PTS 10 Apr 17, 1933 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
38 Loss 30–6–2 Billy Bridges PTS 10 Apr 7, 1933 Columbus Hall, Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.
37 Win 30–5–2 Lou Saunders TKO 2 (10) Mar 28, 1933 Columbus Hall, Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.
36 Win 29–5–2 Miki Gelb TKO 8 (10) Mar 20, 1933 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
35 Win 28–5–2 Louis Kid Kaplan PTS 10 Feb 20, 1933 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
34 Loss 27–5–2 Harry Carlton PTS 10 Feb 2, 1933 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
33 Win 27–4–2 Pancho Villa PTS 10 Jan 12, 1933 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
32 Win 26–4–2 Harry Alexanian PTS 8 Dec 15, 1932 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
31 Win 25–4–2 Patsy Rubinetti PTS 8 Dec 2, 1932 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
30 Win 24–4–2 Eddie Conley PTS 6 Nov 17, 1932 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
29 Win 23–4–2 Mickey Paul TKO 3 (8) Nov 14, 1932 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
28 Win 22–4–2 Baby Bear KO 2 (5) Oct 24, 1932 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
27 Win 21–4–2 Abe Schulman PTS 8 Sep 19, 1932 Valley Arena, Holyoke, Massachusetts, U.S.
26 Win 20–4–2 Tommy Jarrett PTS 5 Sep 1, 1932 White City Stadium, West Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
25 Loss 19–4–2 Pete Herman KO 3 (6) Aug 2, 1932 Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
24 Win 19–3–2 Pete Herman PTS 6 Jul 26, 1932 Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
23 Win 18–3–2 Baby Jack Renault PTS 10 Jul 21, 1932 Meadowbrook Arena, North Adams, Massachusetts, U.S.
22 Win 17–3–2 Rene Peloquin TKO 6 (8) Jun 29, 1932 Hurley Stadium, East Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
21 Win 16–3–2 Tommy Jarrett KO 5 (10) Jun 23, 1932 Thames Arena, New London, Connecticut, U.S.
20 Loss 15–3–2 Harry Alexanian PTS 8 Jun 14, 1932 Armory, Willimantic, Connecticut, U.S.
19 Win 15–2–2 Wildman Firpo PTS 6 Jun 3, 1932 Thames Arena, New London, Connecticut, U.S.
18 Win 14–2–2 Al Gauthier PTS 6 May 20, 1932 Thames Arena, New London, Connecticut, U.S.
17 Win 13–2–2 Walter Sharp TKO 3 (6) Apr 29, 1932 Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
16 Win 12–2–2 Joe Miller PTS 6 Apr 15, 1932 Red Men's Hall, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
15 Loss 11–2–2 Kid LaGula PTS 8 Feb 9, 1932 Miami, Florida, U.S.
14 Win 11–1–2 Young Harry Wills TKO 2 (10) Feb 5, 1932 Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
13 Win 10–1–2 Battling McCoy KO 10 (10) Dec 10, 1931 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
12 Win 9–1–2 Kid LaGula PTS 10 Sep 9, 1931 Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
11 Win 8–1–2 Kid Tiller PTS ? Aug 31, 1931 Roby's Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
10 Draw 7–1–2 Cowboy Kid PTS 10 Apr 24, 1931 Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
9 Win 7–1–1 Patent Leather Kid PTS 10 Oct 12, 1930 Probably in Florida, U.S. Exact date and location unknown
8 Loss 6–1–1 Gus De Sagon PTS 10 Oct 5, 1930 Riverside Stadium, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
7 Win 6–0–1 Ramon Bordelies PTS 8 Sep 17, 1930 Probably in Puerto Rico Exact date and location unknown
6 Win 5–0–1 Pedro Benitez PTS 10 Aug 31, 1930 Riverside Stadium, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
5 Draw 4–0–1 Baby Bear PTS 6 Jun 17, 1930 Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Battling Sells PTS ? May 23, 1930 81 Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Dynamite Adams PTS 6 Apr 28, 1930 Municipal Auditorium, Macon, Georgia, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 B W Jackson KO 3 (6) Jun 21, 1929 Elks' Rest, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Kid Moon PTS 8 May 27, 1929 Elks' Rest, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Flag of Puerto Rico.svg

Puerto Ricans in the International Boxing Hall of Fame
Number Name Year inducted Notes
1 Carlos Ortíz 1991 World Jr. Welterweight Champion 1959 June 12- 1960, September 1, WBA Lightweight Champion 1962 Apr 21 – 1965 Apr 10, WBC Lightweight Champion 1963 Apr 7 – 1965 Apr 10, WBC Lightweight Champion 1965 Nov 13 – 1968 Jun 29.
2 Wilfred Benítez 1994 The youngest world champion in boxing history. WBA Light Welterweight Champion 1976 Mar 6 – 1977, WBC Welterweight Champion 1979 Jan 14 – 1979 Nov 30, WBC Light Middleweight Champion.
3 Wilfredo Gómez 1995 WBC Super Bantamweight Champion 1977 May 21 – 1983, WBC Featherweight Champion 1984 Mar 31 – 1984 Dec 8, WBA Super Featherweight Champion 1985 May 19 – 1986 May 24.
4 José "Chegui" Torres 1997 Won a silver medal in the junior middleweight at the 1956 Olympic Games. Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion 1965 Mar 30 – 1966 Dec 16
5 Sixto Escobar 2002 Puerto Rico's first boxing champion. World Bantamweight Champion 15 Nov 1935– 23 Sep 1937, World Bantamweight Champion 20 Feb 1938– Oct 1939
6 Edwin Rosario 2006 Ranks #36 on the list of "100 Greatest Punchers of All Time." according to Ring Magazine. WBC Lightweight Champion 1983 May 1 – 1984 Nov 3, WBA Lightweight Champion 1986 Sep 26 – 1987 Nov 21, WBA Lightweight Champion 199 Jul 9 – 1990 Apr 4, WBA Light Welterweight Champion 1991 Jun 14 – 1992 Apr 10.
7 Pedro Montañez 2007 92 wins out of 103 fights. Never held a title.
8 Joe Cortez 2011 The first Puerto Rican boxing referee to be inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame
9 Herbert "Cocoa Kid" Hardwick 2012 Member of boxing's "Black Murderers' Row". World Colored Welterweight Championship - June 11, 1937 to August 22, 1938; World Colored Middleweight Championship - January 11, 1940 until the title went extinct in the 1940s; World Colored Middleweight Championship - January 15, 1943 until the title went extinct in the 1940s
10 Félix "Tito" Trinidad 2014 Captured the IBF welterweight crown in his 20th pro bout. Won the WBA light middleweight title from David Reid in March 2000 and later that year unified titles with a 12th-round knockout against IBF champ Fernando Vargas. In 2001 became a three-division champion.
11 Héctor "Macho" Camacho 2016 First boxer to be recognized as a septuple champion in history (counting championships from minor sanctioning bodies). WBC Super Featherweight Championship - August 7, 1983 – 1984, WBC Lightweight Championship - August 10, 1985 – 1987, WBO Light Welterweight Champion - March 6, 1989 – February 23, 1991, WBO Light Welterweight Champion - May 18, 1991–1992.
12 Mario Rivera Martino 2019 First Puerto Rican boxing sports writer to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He served Puerto Rican boxing for more than 50 years as a writer and eventual commissioner.
13 Miguel Cotto 2022 He is a multiple-time world champion, and the first Puerto Rican boxer to win world titles in four weight classes, from light welterweight to middleweight. In 2007 and 2009,

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See also

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Herbert Lewis Hardwick Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.