On This Day: Battling Shaw Remembered

By Peter Silkov

Battling Shaw was a very game and capable fighter, able to box or brawl. Often mistakenly billed as the first world champion out of Mexico, Shaw was in fact born Jose Perez Flores, in Laredo, Texas, on October 21, 1910. After beginning his boxing career in 1927 as a featherweight, Shaw steadily built up a reputation as a hard-working fighter with a pleasing style. During his career, he also fought under the names of Benny ‘Kid’ Roy and Jose Flores.

On December 19, 1932, Shaw out-pointed Ervin Berlier over 10 rounds, to win the Southern United States Lightweight title.

Two months later, over ten rounds again, Shaw out-pointed Johnny Jadick to win the World light-welterweight title.

Shaw lost his world title on May 21, 1933, when he was out-pointed over 10 rounds by Tony Canzoneri. Following this defeat, Shaw's career went into decline, as he started losing more than he won.

In the course of his career, Battling Shaw fought such notable fighters as Kid Pancho, Wildcat Monte, Kohnny ‘Kid’ Blair, Bulldog Gonzalez, Kid Azteca, Joe Ghnouly, Lou Terry, Johnny Jadick, Tracy Cox, Young Peter Jackson, Williard Brown, Richie Mack, and Tony Canzoneri.

His final fight was on October 1, 1938, a 10-rounds point's defeat to David Velasco,. Battling Shaw retired with a final record of (65-28-8, 28koes) He died on August 27, 1994.

Copyright © 2017 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com

Boxing History: "Chief" Eugene Parris

Remembering…"Chief" Eugene Parris

DECEMBER 8, 1911 – FEBRUARY 14, 1993

Chief Parris was a tough and clever boxer who fought some of the best welterweights and middleweight of the 1930s.  Born Richard Eugene Parris, on December 8, 1911, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Parris, was a Native American Indian, (his mother was full Cherokee Indian, while his father was half Irish, half Cherokee) and fought under the name of Chief Parris.  His colourful character and style soon made him a popular fighter amongst the boxing fans.  "Chief" Eugene Parris grew up in Allowee, Oklahoma, where his family became known as the only ‘Indian’ family in town. This is where his introduction to boxing happened, when a carnival came to town, and he coaxed someone into signing his father’s name so he could box since he was underage. He won his first fight at this carnival and shortly afterwards started traveling the Southwest boxing professionally.

During a professional career, which ran from 1932 to 1939, Parris fought an impressive array of top welterweights, including Baby Manuel, Midget Mexico, Cowboy Eddie Anderson, Wild Cat Monte, George Salvadore, Alvin Lewis, Harry Dublinsky, Al Manfredo, Ceferino Garcia, Young Peter Jackson, and Al Hostak.

Chief Parris’ last fight was on March 28, 1939, when Ceferino Garcia knocked him out in the 3rd round.  Parris final record was 59(18koes)-23-12.

When asked about his longevity, Parris, who ran 6 miles a day and lived a clean life.

""I never drank or smoked," he said. "I watched what I ate. I only ate two times a day.

"I always went to church every Sunday and kept good company. I didn't care which denomination I went to. There's only one God and only one heaven, and we'll all go there some day."

He gave up boxing because, "A boxer only has so many fights in him.”"

After his boxing career was over, Chief Parris returned Oklahoma City, and became an iron worker. Parris became a trainer and trained three National Amateur champions, Alvin Williams, Jack McCann, and Hershal Action.  Chief Parris died on February 14, 1993, at the age of 81. 

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 Copyright © 2016 The Boxing Glove, Inc. Peter Silkov Art. All Rights Reserved. Peter Silkov contributes to www.theboxingglove.com