By Peter Silkov
Johnny Dundee, the ’Scotch Wop,’ is recognized by many as the first
great Italian-American boxer. He was one of the cleverest and most
durable fighters ever, with great stamina, footwork, and ring guile. In
a career lasting over 20 years, Dundee fought the best of his era, from
featherweight to lightweight. He would also be one of the busiest and
most prolific boxers of all time.
Born Giuseppe Carrora, on November 22, 1893, in Sciacca, Sicilia, Italy,
Dundee emigrated to America in 1898 with his family, and was eventually
naturalized in 1919.
Dundee’s professional career began in 1910,
and was soon facing name fighters. Dundee would face an amazing array
of top fighters, and it is a tribute to both his ability and
determination that he eventually forced his way to a world title shot,
after many years of being avoided. Some of the outstanding fighters
whom Dundee fought include Paddy Callahan, Charlie White, Joe Shugrue,
Johnny Kilbane, Freddie Welsh, Rocky Kansas, Matty Baldwin, George
‘Ko’ Chaney, Joe Mandot, Grover Hayes, Willie Richie, Mexican Joe
Rivers, Benny Leonard, Leach Cross, Ever Hammer, Lew Tendler, Jack
Bernstein, Sid Terris, Joe Glick, Tod Morgan, Tony Canzoneri, and Al
Foreman.
Dundee’s first shot at a world title came in 87th
contest, when on April 29, 1913, he challenged Johnny Kilbane for the
World Featherweight title, but was held to a draw.
He would
have to wait another 8 years before he got a second chance at a world
title. On November 18, 1921, in his 260th fight, he beat George ‘Ko’
Chaney on a 5th round disqualification, to win the World
Junior-lightweight championship. Dundee would defend this title 6
times, and on August 15, 1922, he added the New York State world
featherweight title to his collection, when he knocked out Danny Frush
in the 9th round. On July 26, 1923 Dundee gained recognition as
undisputed World Featherweight champion, when he out-pointed Eugene
Criqui.
On June 20, 1924, Dundee lost his World
Junior-lightweight title when he was out- pointed over 10 rounds by
Steve ‘Kid’ Sullivan. Two months later, Dundee vacated the world
featherweight title.
Dundee had one last shot at a world title
on October 24, 1927, when he challenged Tony Canzoneri for his old World
featherweight title, but was out-pointed over 15 rounds.
Johnny
Dundee carried on fighting until 1932, with his last contest being a 6
rounds point’ win over Mickey Greb, on December 5, 1932. It was
Dundee’s 333th contest.
Dundee’s final record, was
200(22koes)-59-31 (and 32 no decisions) There are different versions of
Dundee’s record , this is Nat Fleischer’s version of Dundee’s
professional record.
Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to
www.theboxingglove.com
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