Solly
Smith was born Solomon Garcia Smith, on March (precise date unknown)
1871, in Los Angeles, California. A clever and rugged boxer, Smith
fought many of the top fighters of the 1890s, from bantamweight to
lightweight, including, Dal Hawkins, George Siddons, Johnny Van
Heest, Oscar Gardner, Johnny Griffin, George Dixon, Young Griffo,
George ‘Kid’ Lavigne, Frank Erne, Torpedo Billy Murphy, Eddie
Santry, Dave Sullivan, Joe Bernstein, and Kid McFadden.
After
beginning his fighting career in 1888, Smith soon established himself
as one of the top fighters at bantam and featherweight. He made his
first challenge for the World featherweight title on September 25,
1893, but was stopped by George Dixon in 7 rounds. Four years later
however, Smith gained revenge over Dixon, when on October 4, 1897, he
outpointed Dixon over 20 rounds, to win the world featherweight
title.
Smith’s
reign last until September 26, 1898, when he was stopped in 5 rounds
by Dave Sullivan, after breaking his arm. In his next fight, 5
months later, Sullivan was knocked out in 6 round by Oscar Gardner,
in their fight for the featherweight championship of America. Solly
Smith fought on for another fine years but was on the downslide as he
went 1-7-6 in his last 14 contests.
Solly’s
last fight was a 3rd
round knockout defeat to Billy Snailham, on August 26, 1904. Solly
Smith’s final career record was (27-14-19, 18koes.)
Solly
Smith died on August 28, 1933.
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