Kid McCoy

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Charles "Kid" McCoy
KidMcCoy.jpg
McCoy in 1899
Statistics
Real nameNorman Selby
Weight(s)Middleweight
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
NationalityAmerican
Born(1872-10-13)October 13, 1872
Moscow, Indiana, U.S.
DiedApril 18, 1940(1940-04-18) (aged 67)
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Boxing record
Total fights100
Wins79
Wins by KO59
Losses7
Draws10
No contests4

Charles "Kid" McCoy (October 13, 1872 – April 18, 1940), born Norman Selby, was an American boxer and early Hollywood actor. He claimed the vacant world middleweight title when he scored an upset victory over Tommy Ryan by 15th round knockout.

Overview[]

Born in Moscow, Rush County, Indiana, McCoy would eventually weigh 160 pounds (73 kg), stand 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), and go on to a record 81 wins (55 by KO, with 6 losses, 9 no decision, and 6 disqualifications). McCoy was noted for his "corkscrew punch" – a blow delivered with a twisting of the wrist.[i] According to McCoy, he learned the punch one evening while resting in someone's barn after a day of riding the rails. He noticed a cat strike at a ball of string and imitated its actions. Whether true or not, McCoy was known as a fast, "scientific" fighter who would cut his opponents with sharp blows. He reportedly would wrap his knuckles in mounds of friction tape, to better cut his opponents faces. He was listed # 1 Light Heavyweight of all time in Fifty Years At Ringside, published in 1958. He was also regarded as a formidable puncher, and was included in Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.

Boxing career[]

Tommy Ryan was knocked out by Kid McCoy in the 15th round on March 2, 1906. This bout forms part of the lore of the McCoy legend. McCoy served as a sparring partner for Ryan, and absorbed many beatings at the hands of his employer. Ryan was notorious for showing little mercy to his sparring partners.

Tommy Ryan and Fireman Jim Flynn, between 1910-1915.

As a result, McCoy hated Ryan, and sought revenge. It is alleged that McCoy, who appeared thin, pale and frail, persuaded Ryan that he was seriously ill before their fight. McCoy, who was famed as a trickster, purportedly rubbed flour on his face so as to appear deathly ill. Ryan is said to have fallen for the ruse, failed to train properly and was not in top condition for the bout. Whether true or not, McCoy scored an upset win over Ryan in a fight billed for the American and World 154lbs Middleweight Title.

Another one of McCoy's tactics was demonstrated while McCoy was on a tour of Australia and some other Pacific Islands. To supplement his income, he would take on all comers. In one unidentified port, McCoy, who scarcely weighed 160 pounds (73 kg), agreed to box a huge native reputed to weigh in excess of 250 pounds (110 kg). McCoy watched him train and noted the man fought in his bare feet. When the fight began, McCoy's corner threw handfuls of tacks into the ring, causing the bare-footed challenger to drop his guard and raise up one foot. As soon as he did so, McCoy lowered the boom on his distracted adversary.

Although slight of build, McCoy captured the world middleweight championship by defeating Dan Creedon. McCoy never defended the title, choosing to abandon the crown to enable him to pursue the world heavyweight championship. Despite his handicap in size, McCoy battled the best heavyweights of his era, and defeated Joe Choynski and Peter Maher. He was defeated by Tom Sharkey and Jim Corbett. The Corbett fight was the subject of controversy, as the ending was suspect and Corbett's estranged wife claimed the bout was fixed.

"The real McCoy"[]

It was thought that the expression "The Real McCoy" originally referred to Kid McCoy. With regard to this, once again, stories abound. One scenario involves a local tough who bumped into McCoy in a bar. McCoy, who was slight of build and a dapper dresser, did not look like a fighter. The bar room bully reputedly laughed when told the slender fellow he was annoying was Kid McCoy. He then challenged McCoy to fight, and upon reviving from being knocked out allegedly remarked "Oh my God, that was the real McCoy". However, it is believed that the first publication with this spelling occurred in James S. Bond's 1881 dime novel, The Rise and Fall of the "Union club": or, Boy life in Canada, wherein a character utters, "By jingo! yes; so it will be It's the 'real McCoy,' as Jim Hicks says. Nobody but a devil can find us there."[1] Skeptics, though, point out that Kid McCoy was only nine years old when this was published.[2][ii]

Personal life[]

McCoy's career was no less colorful outside the ring. He was married ten times, performed in theater, and went west to California during the birth of the movie industry there. He appeared in films, including a scene fighting Wallace Reid in the 1922 film, The World's Champion.[3] McCoy was also friends with many movie stars of the day, including Charles Chaplin and director D.W. Griffith, who directed the 1919 silent film, Broken Blossoms, Selby's second film as actor.

By the early 1920s McCoy was poor, addicted to alcohol and out of the movie industry. At this time however, McCoy was involved in a romance with a wealthy married woman, Teresa Mors. Apparently he swept her off her feet, for she filed for divorce from her husband. The Mors divorce was acrimonious, and dragged on until she was killed, in the apartment she shared with McCoy at 2819 Leeward (Unit 212), by a single gunshot to the head on August 12, 1924.[4]

The next morning, a disheveled McCoy robbed and held captive some 12 people at Mrs. Mors' antique shop, and shot one man, who was trying to escape, in the leg. He also had forced at least six other men to remove their trousers, after divesting them of their money. McCoy was apprehended and charged with the murder of Mrs. Mors. His trial took place in downtown Los Angeles, and was the media event of its day. McCoy claimed Mrs. Mors committed suicide, while the prosecution claimed he murdered her for financial gain.

McCoy testified in his own defense, and put on quite a show as he demonstrated Mrs. Mors final minutes. Contending he had tried to wrestle a knife away from her, McCoy and his attorney wrestled and rolled around on the courtroom floor, for the benefit of the jury, press and courtroom spectators. After Mrs. Mors allegedly took her own life, McCoy claimed he became faint and could not remember anything further, including participating in the wild crime spree the following morning.

Dagmar Dahlgren was the eighth wife of McCoy. Dahlgren and McCoy had lived together for three days. Dahlgren disputed one of McCoy's alibis during his trial. Specifically she denied to her attorney that she had seen him in the two years prior to Mors' death. The jury was split between first degree murder and acquittal. In what is believed to have been a compromise verdict, McCoy was convicted of manslaughter.

McCoy was sent to San Quentin, but was paroled from prison in 1932. Afterwards he worked for Ford Motor Company.

Marriages[]

1895–1898:   Charlott Piehler, married Selby July 31, 1895, in Middleton, Ohio. Selby was then known as Charles "Kid" Young. In a suit filed by Piehler in Hamilton County, Ohio, a divorce decree – rendered by default due to Selby's failure to show-up in court – was awarded February 21, 1898, in favor of Piehler.
1897–1897:   Charlotte Smith; married Selby in St. Louis; Charlotte divorced Selby in Hamilton, Ohio.
1897–1900:   Julia Crosselman (née Julia Ella Woodruff; 1874–1952); Julia's other husbands include (a) George A. Wheelock (1858–1922), whom she married February 1912 in Jersey City, (b) Ralph Thompson, and (c) Crosselman.
1901–1901:   Julia Crosselman; re-married Selby January 7, 1901, in Boston.
1902–1903:   Julia Crosselman; re-married Selby April 11, 1902, in Hoboken, New Jersey; divorced June 9, 1903.
(see List of people who remarried the same spouse)

1903–1904:   Indiola Arnold (née Indiola Alice Arnold; 1885–1978), married Selby December 14, 1903, in New York; she was a showgirl; she divorced Selby April 5, 1905, in Providence, Rhode Island.
1905–1910:   Lillian Ellis (aka Lillian Estelle Earle); widow of Edward C. Ellis (1877–1904), Lillian married Selby October 19, 1905, in Manhattan. When they married Lillian's net worth was estimated to be from $5 to $7 million (the latter, adjusted for inflation, is approximately equivalent to $201,625,926 in 2020). Lillian was a close friend of Julia, Selby's former wife. Earle and Selby divorced December 1910.
1911–1917:   Edna Fernanda Valentine (maiden; 1886–1950) married Selby October 27, 1911, in Gaston County, North Carolina. Her marriage to Selby was her second of three.
1920–1920:   Dagmar Dahlgren (aka Carmen M. Crowder; 1880–1951) married Selby April 22, 1920, in Los Angeles County[5] They reportedly lived together only 3 days. Their divorce was finalized September 4, 1920.
1922:   Jacqueline McDowell almost married Selby in 1922. But, after embarking by train from Baltimore to meet him in Los Angeles, she thought better of it and got off in Detroit and telegraphed that she was not going any further.
1924:   Selby, in Los Angeles County, was tried for murder, but convicted of manslaughter, for the death of his lover, Teresa Moers (née Theresa Weinstein; 1893–1924), who was married to Albert Abraham Moers. She died of a gunshot wound to the head on August 12, 1924 – in an apartment she shared with McCoy.
1937–1940:   Sue Cobb Cowley (née Susan Ethel Cobb; 1892–1970) married Selby (her 4th) in 1937 and filed two marriage certificates: (i) one in Rush County, Indiana, on August 2, 1937, and (ii) one in Detroit on August 28, 1937

Extended family[]

Norman Selby was one of six siblings and third oldest. One of his four sisters, Grace Esther Selby (maiden; 1885–1916) was, from 1901 to 1908, married to Charles Thomas Henshall (1862–1928). Norman was an uncle to their daughter, actress Barbara Jo Allen (1906–1974).

Death and legacy[]

McCoy took his own life in Detroit on April 18, 1940. Even his death was enigmatic.[6] He committed suicide at the Hotel Tuller in Detroit[7] by an overdose of sleeping pills,[8] leaving a note behind. It read, among other things

Everything in my possession, I want to go to my dear wife, Sue E. Selby ... To all my dear friends ... best of luck ... sorry I could not endure this world's madness.

— Norman Selby

In an apparent last attempt to drop his professional moniker, the note was pointedly signed as, "Norman Selby."[9]

British professional wrestler Mark Boothman (the son of wrestler Phil "King Ben" Boothman) adopted the "Kid McCoy" name and won the British Lightweight Championship in 1987, holding it for three years.[10]

Selected filmography and publications[]

Filmography[]

As actor
As subject
  • 1989: Brutal Glory, highly fictionalized film, loosely about Norman Selby

Publications[]

As subject
  • 2002: The Real McCoy, by Darin Strauss; (2002, 2003); OCLC 1036774632, 52697958; ISBN 0452284414; ISBN 9780452284418; OCLC 1036820050 (Dutch language)


Professional boxing record[]

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[11] unless otherwise stated.

Official record[]

Professional record summary hide
100 fights 74 wins 6 losses
By knockout 59 4
By decision 12 2
By disqualification 3 0
Draws 9
No contests 4
Newspaper decisions/draws 7

All newspaper decisions are regarded as “no decision” bouts as they have “resulted in neither boxer winning or losing, and would therefore not count as part of their official fight record".

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
100 Win 74–6–9 (11) United Kingdom P.O. Matthew Curran PTS 20 Jan 20, 1912 France Palais de la Jetée-Promenade, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France
99 Win 73–6–9 (11) United States George Gunther PTS 10 Jan 10, 1912 France Salle Wagram, Paris, Paris, France
98 Win 72–6–9 (11) United Kingdom Harry Croxon KO 3 (10) Dec 20, 1911 France Salle Wagram, Paris, Paris, France
97 Win 71–6–9 (11) United States Jim Savage KO 4 (10) Oct 6, 1911 United States Brown's Gym A.A., Far Rockaway, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
96 Win 70–6–9 (11) United States Kid Elle KO 1 (10) Sep 22, 1911 United States Brown's Gym, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
95 Win 69–6–9 (11) Canada Bob Day KO 1 (8) Sep 4, 1911 Canada Island Stadium, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
94 Win 68–6–9 (11) United States Jack Fitzgerald NWS 6 Mar 20, 1911 United States American A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
93 Win 68–6–9 (10) United States Jim Stewart NWS 6 Oct 16, 1908 United States National A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
92 Win 68–6–9 (9) Ireland Peter Maher KO 2 (6) Jul 24, 1908 United States Sulzer Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
91 Win 67–6–9 (9) United States Jack Crawford KO 1 (20) Mar 3, 1905 United States Whittington Park A.C., Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
90 Win 66–6–9 (9) United States Jack Twin Sullivan PTS 20 Sep 27, 1904 United States Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
89 Draw 65–6–9 (9) United States Philadelphia Jack O'Brien NWS 6 May 14, 1904 United States 2nd Regiment Armory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
88 Win 65–6–9 (8) Netherlands Henry Placke TKO 2 (6) Apr 5, 1904 United States Lenox A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
87 Loss 64–6–9 (8) United States Jack Root PTS 10 Apr 22, 1903 United States Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. For inaugural world light-heavyweight title
86 Win 64–5–9 (8) United States Jack McCormick NWS 6 Feb 23, 1903 United States Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
85 Loss 64–5–9 (7) United States Kid Carter NWS 6 May 19, 1902 United States Industrial A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
84 Win 64–5–9 (6) United States Fred Russell NWS 6 May 2, 1902 United States Industrial A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
83 Win 64–5–9 (5) Ireland David Barry TKO 2 (4) Dec 2, 1901 United Kingdom Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England, United Kingdom
82 Win 63–5–9 (5) United Kingdom Jack Scales KO 1 (3) Dec 2, 1901 United Kingdom Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England, United Kingdom
81 Win 62–5–9 (5) Canada Sandy Ferguson DQ 4 (4) Dec 2, 1901 United Kingdom Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England, United Kingdom
80 Loss 61–5–9 (5) United States James J. Corbett KO 5 (25) Aug 30, 1900 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
79 Win 61–4–9 (5) United States Jack Bonner TKO 13 (25) Jun 1, 1900 United States Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained American and world middleweight titles
78 Draw 60–4–9 (5) United States Tommy Ryan PTS 6 May 29, 1900 United States Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
77 Win 60–4–8 (5) New Zealand Dan Creedon TKO 6 (20) May 18, 1900 United States Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
76 Win 59–4–8 (5) United States Joe Choynski RTD 4 (25) Jan 12, 1900 United States Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
75 Win 58–4–8 (5) Ireland Peter Maher KO 5 (25) Jan 1, 1900 United States Coney Island Stadium, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
74 Win 57–4–8 (5) United States Jack McDonough KO 4 (?) Nov 9, 1899 United States Hawthorne A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S.
73 Win 56–4–8 (5) United States Billy Stift KO 13 (20) Oct 27, 1899 United States Coliseum, Saint Louis, Minnesota, U.S.
72 Draw 55–4–8 (5) United States Joe Choynski PTS 6 Oct 6, 1899 United States Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
71 Win 55–4–7 (5) United States Jack McCormick TKO 8 (20) Sep 27, 1899 United States Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
70 Win 54–4–7 (5) Australia Steve O'Donnell KO 6 (20) Sep 19, 1899 United States Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
69 Win 53–4–7 (5) United Kingdom Geoff Thorne KO 3 (20) Sep 5, 1899 United States Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
68 Loss 52–4–7 (5) United States Jack McCormick KO 1 (6) Aug 18, 1899 United States Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
67 Win 52–3–7 (5) United States Jim Carter KO 5 (10) Aug 14, 1899 United States Club Theatre, Joplin, Missouri, U.S.
66 Win 51–3–7 (5) Australia Tom Duggan TKO 2 (5) Aug 10, 1899 United States Saengerfest Hall, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
65 Win 50–3–7 (5) United States Jack Graham TKO 4 (5) Aug 10, 1899 United States Saengerfest Hall, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
64 Win 49–3–7 (5) United States Joe Choynski PTS 20 Mar 24, 1899 United States Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
63 Loss 48–3–7 (5) Ireland Tom Sharkey KO 10 (20) Jan 10, 1899 United States Lenox A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
62 Win 48–2–7 (5) Australia Joe Goddard DQ 5 (6) Dec 16, 1898 United States Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
61 Win 47–2–7 (5) United States Gus Ruhlin PTS 20 Mar 20, 1898 United States Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
60 Win 46–2–7 (5) United States Jim Bates KO 1 (4) Mar 11, 1898 United States Princess Rink, Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
59 ND 45–2–7 (5) United States Vern Hardenbrook ND 4 Mar 11, 1898 United States Princess Rink, Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
58 Win 45–2–7 (4) United States Nick Burley KO 2 (?) Mar 4, 1898 United States Whitington Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
57 Win 44–2–7 (4) New Zealand Dan Creedon RTD 15 (25) Dec 17, 1897 United States Long Island City AC Arena, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world middleweight title
56 Win 43–2–7 (4) Australia Australian Billy Smith TKO 2 (6) Nov 15, 1897 United States 2nd Regiment Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
55 Win 42–2–7 (4) Canada George LaBlanche KO 1 (4) Nov 12, 1897 United States Opera House, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
54 Win 41–2–7 (4) United States Beech Ruble TKO 2 (4) Nov 12, 1897 United States Opera House, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
53 ND 40–2–7 (4) Australia Jim Hall NC 5 (6) Oct 18, 1897 United States Quaker City A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. This bout was scheduled for six rounds but was such a palpable fake the referee stopped it and declared it a no-contest
52 Draw 40–2–7 (3) United States Tommy Ryan PTS 5 Sep 8, 1897 United States Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S. Referee George Siler said there was no reason for the police to have intervened in this bout. He ruled the fight a draw
51 Win 40–2–6 (3) United States Dan Bayliff KO 3 (?) Aug 13, 1897 United States Casino Hall, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
50 Win 39–2–6 (3) United States Dick Moore KO 2 (20) Jul 22, 1897 United States Olympic A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S.
49 Win 38–2–6 (3) United States Nick Burley KO 3 (20) Jul 5, 1897 United States Manhattan A.C., Troy, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
48 Win 37–2–6 (3) United States Jack Bonner NWS 6 May 31, 1897 United States Quaker City A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
47 Win 37–2–6 (2) United States Dick O'Brien TKO 10 (25) May 26, 1897 United States Palace A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
46 Win 36–2–6 (2) United States Mike Creedon KO 2 (?) May 6, 1897 United States Bijou Theater, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
45 Win 35–2–6 (2) United States Mike O`Hara KO 1 (?) May 6, 1897 United States Bijou Theater, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
44 Win 34–2–6 (2) United States Jack Graham KO 2 (4) Apr 24, 1897 United States Grand OPera House, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
43 Win 33–2–6 (2) Australia Bill Doherty KO 9 (20) Dec 26, 1896 Cape Colony The Amphitheatre, Johannesburg, Gauteng, Cape Colony Retained world middleweight title;
Won South African middleweight title
42 ND 32–2–6 (2) United States Jimmy Fox ND 4 Oct 10, 1896 United States Art A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
41 Win 32–2–6 (1) United States Dick Moore PTS 10 May 30, 1896 United States Empire Theater, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
40 Win 31–2–6 (1) Canada Mysterious Billy Smith DQ 6 (15) May 18, 1896 United States Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Retained world middleweight title
39 Win 30–2–6 (1) United States Jim Daly TKO 2 (12) May 7, 1896 United States New Manhattan A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
38 Win 29–2–6 (1) United States Frank Bosworth KO 2 (10) Apr 22, 1896 United States Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
37 Win 28–2–6 (1) United States Tommy Ryan KO 15 (20) Mar 2, 1896 United States Empire A.C., Maspeth, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant world middleweight title
36 Win 27–2–6 (1) United Kingdom Tommy West KO 2 (10) Jan 31, 1896 United States New Manhattan A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
35 ND 26–2–6 (1) United States Charles Johnson ND 4 Jan 8, 1896 United States Caledonian A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
34 Loss 26–2–6 United Kingdom Ted White PTS 10 Nov 25, 1895 United Kingdom National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, United Kingdom
33 Win 26–1–6 United States Abe Ullman TKO 13 (20) Oct 7, 1895 United States Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
32 Win 25–1–6 United States Dick Moore TKO 6 (20) Sep 2, 1895 United States Buckingham Theater, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
31 Draw 24–1–6 United States Dick O'Brien PTS 25 May 20, 1895 United States West Newton Street polo rink, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
30 Win 24–1–5 United Kingdom Jack Wilkes TKO 2 (15) Apr 19, 1895 United States West Newton Street polo rink, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
29 Win 23–1–5 Australia Billy Maber PTS 10 Mar 13, 1895 United States Pastime A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
28 Win 22–1–5 United States Al Roberts KO 5 (10) Jan 19, 1895 United States Highland House, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
27 Draw 21–1–5 United States Al Roberts PTS 10 Oct 29, 1894 United States Highland House, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
26 Win 21–1–4 United States Billy Steffers PTS 10 Aug 29, 1894 United States Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
25 Win 20–1–4 United States Jack Grace KO 7 (?) Jul 24, 1894 United States Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
24 Win 19–1–4 United States Billy Steffers PTS 10 Jul 17, 1894 United States Cleveland A.C., Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
23 Win 18–1–4 United States Harry O`Connor KO 3 (?) Jul 2, 1894 United States Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
22 Win 17–1–4 United States Charles Maxwell PTS 6 Jun 1, 1894 United States Akron, Ohio, U.S.
21 Draw 16–1–4 Australia Jim Barron PTS 10 May 18, 1894 United States Twin City A.C., Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
20 Loss 16–1–3 United States Billy Steffers KO 1 (10) May 10, 1894 United States Cleveland A.C., Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
19 Win 16–0–3 United States Jim Scully KO 7 (?) Mar 16, 1894 United States New Bedford A.C., New Bedford, Ohio, U.S.
18 Win 15–0–3 United States Joe Burke KO 2 (?) Feb 12, 1894 United States Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
17 Win 14–0–3 United States Pat Hayden KO 2 (10) Jan 8, 1894 United States Metropole A.C., Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
16 Win 13–0–3 United States Deaf Mute KO 4 (?) Oct 22, 1893 United States Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
15 Win 12–0–3 United States John Welch KO 9 (?) Oct 13, 1893 United States Belmont Park, Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
14 Draw 11–0–3 United States George Bennett PTS 8 Sep 26, 1893 United States Akron, Ohio, U.S.
13 Win 11–0–2 United States Frank Merritt KO 2 (?) Aug 15, 1893 United States Parnell Hall, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
12 Win 10–0–2 United States Dick Harris KO 1 (?) Jul 30, 1893 United States Marion, Indiana, U.S.
11 Draw 9–0–2 United States Ike Boone PTS 19 (?) Jul 23, 1893 United States Muncie, Indiana, U.S. Some sources reported a draw in 22nd round, but the 19th round ones contain more details
10 Win 9–0–1 United States Charles Bull McCarthy KO 3 (?) Jul 6, 1893 United States Athletic ball park, Muncie, Indiana, U.S.
9 Win 8–0–1 United States Frank Murray KO 2 (?) May 4, 1893 United States Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
8 Win 7–0–1 United States Frank Lamode KO 3 (?) Feb 22, 1893 United States New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
7 Win 6–0–1 Unknown KO 2 (?) Feb 12, 1893 United States Milan, Tennessee, U.S.
6 Win 5–0–1 United States Jim Conners KO 3 (?) Jan 27, 1893 United States Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
5 Win 4–0–1 United States Jim Dickson KO 5 (?) Jan 11, 1893 United States Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
4 Draw 3–0–1 United States Herbert Hale PTS 8 Nov 12, 1892 United States Third St. Garden, Columbus, Indiana, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 United States Bob Lewis KO 1 (?) Sep 14, 1892 United States Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 United States Billy Barlow PTS 6 Jun 6, 1892 United States Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 United States Peter Jenkins PTS 4 Jun 2, 1891 United States Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.

Unofficial record[]

Professional record summary hide
100 fights 79 wins 7 losses
By knockout 59 4
By decision 17 3
By disqualification 3 0
Draws 10
No contests 4

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions to the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location hideNotes
100 Win 79–7–10 (4) United Kingdom P.O. Matthew Curran PTS 20 Jan 20, 1912 France Palais de la Jetée-Promenade, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France
99 Win 78–7–10 (4) United States George Gunther PTS 10 Jan 10, 1912 France Salle Wagram, Paris, Paris, France
98 Win 77–7–10 (4) United Kingdom Harry Croxon KO 3 (10) Dec 20, 1911 France Salle Wagram, Paris, Paris, France
97 Win 76–7–10 (4) United States Jim Savage KO 4 (10) Oct 6, 1911 United States Brown's Gym A.A., Far Rockaway, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
96 Win 75–7–10 (4) United States Kid Elle KO 1 (10) Sep 22, 1911 United States Brown's Gym, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
95 Win 74–7–10 (4) Canada Bob Day KO 1 (8) Sep 4, 1911 Canada Island Stadium, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
94 Win 73–7–10 (4) United States Jack Fitzgerald NWS 6 Mar 20, 1911 United States American A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
93 Win 72–7–10 (4) United States Jim Stewart NWS 6 Oct 16, 1908 United States National A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
92 Win 71–7–10 (4) Ireland Peter Maher KO 2 (6) Jul 24, 1908 United States Sulzer Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
91 Win 70–7–10 (4) United States Jack Crawford KO 1 (20) Mar 3, 1905 United States Whittington Park A.C., Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
90 Win 69–7–10 (4) United States Jack Twin Sullivan PTS 20 Sep 27, 1904 United States Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
89 Draw 68–7–10 (4) United States Philadelphia Jack O'Brien NWS 6 May 14, 1904 United States 2nd Regiment Armory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
88 Win 68–7–9 (4) Netherlands Henry Placke TKO 2 (6) Apr 5, 1904 United States Lenox A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
87 Loss 67–7–9 (4) United States Jack Root PTS 10 Apr 22, 1903 United States Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. For inaugural world light-heavyweight title
86 Win 67–6–9 (4) United States Jack McCormick NWS 6 Feb 23, 1903 United States Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
85 Loss 66–6–9 (4) United States Kid Carter NWS 6 May 19, 1902 United States Industrial A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
84 Win 66–5–9 (4) United States Fred Russell NWS 6 May 2, 1902 United States Industrial A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
83 Win 65–5–9 (4) Ireland David Barry TKO 2 (4) Dec 2, 1901 United Kingdom Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England, United Kingdom
82 Win 64–5–9 (4) United Kingdom Jack Scales KO 1 (3) Dec 2, 1901 United Kingdom Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England, United Kingdom
81 Win 63–5–9 (4) Canada Sandy Ferguson DQ 4 (4) Dec 2, 1901 United Kingdom Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England, United Kingdom
80 Loss 62–5–9 (4) United States James J. Corbett KO 5 (25) Aug 30, 1900 United States Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
79 Win 62–4–9 (4) United States Jack Bonner TKO 13 (25) Jun 1, 1900 United States Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained American and world middleweight titles
78 Draw 61–4–9 (4) United States Tommy Ryan PTS 6 May 29, 1900 United States Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
77 Win 61–4–8 (4) New Zealand Dan Creedon TKO 6 (20) May 18, 1900 United States Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
76 Win 60–4–8 (4) United States Joe Choynski RTD 4 (25) Jan 12, 1900 United States Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
75 Win 59–4–8 (4) Ireland Peter Maher KO 5 (25) Jan 1, 1900 United States Coney Island Stadium, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
74 Win 58–4–8 (4) United States Jack McDonough KO 4 (?) Nov 9, 1899 United States Hawthorne A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S.
73 Win 57–4–8 (4) United States Billy Stift KO 13 (20) Oct 27, 1899 United States Coliseum, Saint Louis, Minnesota, U.S.
72 Draw 56–4–8 (4) United States Joe Choynski PTS 6 Oct 6, 1899 United States Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
71 Win 56–4–7 (4) United States Jack McCormick TKO 8 (20) Sep 27, 1899 United States Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
70 Win 55–4–7 (4) Australia Steve O'Donnell KO 6 (20) Sep 19, 1899 United States Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
69 Win 54–4–7 (4) United Kingdom Geoff Thorne KO 3 (20) Sep 5, 1899 United States Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
68 Loss 53–4–7 (4) United States Jack McCormick KO 1 (6) Aug 18, 1899 United States Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
67 Win 53–3–7 (4) United States Jim Carter KO 5 (10) Aug 14, 1899 United States Club Theatre, Joplin, Missouri, U.S.
66 Win 52–3–7 (4) Australia Tom Duggan TKO 2 (5) Aug 10, 1899 United States Saengerfest Hall, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
65 Win 51–3–7 (4) United States Jack Graham TKO 4 (5) Aug 10, 1899 United States Saengerfest Hall, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
64 Win 50–3–7 (4) United States Joe Choynski PTS 20 Mar 24, 1899 United States Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
63 Loss 49–3–7 (4) Ireland Tom Sharkey KO 10 (20) Jan 10, 1899 United States Lenox A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
62 Win 49–2–7 (4) Australia Joe Goddard DQ 5 (6) Dec 16, 1898 United States Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
61 Win 48–2–7 (4) United States Gus Ruhlin PTS 20 Mar 20, 1898 United States Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
60 Win 47–2–7 (4) United States Jim Bates KO 1 (4) Mar 11, 1898 United States Princess Rink, Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
59 ND 46–2–7 (4) United States Vern Hardenbrook ND 4 Mar 11, 1898 United States Princess Rink, Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
58 Win 46–2–7 (3) United States Nick Burley KO 2 (?) Mar 4, 1898 United States Whitington Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
57 Win 45–2–7 (3) New Zealand Dan Creedon RTD 15 (25) Dec 17, 1897 United States Long Island City AC Arena, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world middleweight title
56 Win 44–2–7 (3) Australia Australian Billy Smith TKO 2 (6) Nov 15, 1897 United States 2nd Regiment Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
55 Win 43–2–7 (3) Canada George LaBlanche KO 1 (4) Nov 12, 1897 United States Opera House, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
54 Win 42–2–7 (3) United States Beech Ruble TKO 2 (4) Nov 12, 1897 United States Opera House, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
53 NC 41–2–7 (3) Australia Jim Hall NC 5 (6) Oct 18, 1897 United States Quaker City A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. This bout was scheduled for six rounds but was
such a palpable fake the referee stopped it and declared it a no-contest
52 Draw 41–2–7 (2) United States Tommy Ryan PTS 5 Sep 8, 1897 United States Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S. Referee George Siler said there was no reason for the police to have stopped this bout.
He ruled the fight a draw
51 Win 41–2–6 (2) United States Dan Bayliff KO 3 (?) Aug 13, 1897 United States Casino Hall, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
50 Win 40–2–6 (2) United States Dick Moore KO 2 (20) Jul 22, 1897 United States Olympic A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S.
49 Win 39–2–6 (2) United States Nick Burley KO 3 (20) Jul 5, 1897 United States Manhattan A.C., Troy, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
48 Win 38–2–6 (2) United States Jack Bonner NWS 6 May 31, 1897 United States Quaker City A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
47 Win 37–2–6 (2) United States Dick O'Brien TKO 10 (25) May 26, 1897 United States Palace A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
46 Win 36–2–6 (2) United States Mike Creedon KO 2 (?) May 6, 1897 United States Bijou Theater, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
45 Win 35–2–6 (2) United States Mike O`Hara KO 1 (?) May 6, 1897 United States Bijou Theater, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
44 Win 34–2–6 (2) United States Jack Graham KO 2 (4) Apr 24, 1897 United States Grand OPera House, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
43 Win 33–2–6 (2) Australia Bill Doherty KO 9 (20) Dec 26, 1896 Cape Colony The Amphitheatre, Johannesburg, Gauteng, Cape Colony Retained world middleweight title;
Won South African middleweight title
42 ND 32–2–6 (2) United States Jimmy Fox ND 4 Oct 10, 1896 United States Art A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
41 Win 32–2–6 (1) United States Dick Moore PTS 10 May 30, 1896 United States Empire Theater, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
40 Win 31–2–6 (1) Canada Mysterious Billy Smith DQ 6 (15) May 18, 1896 United States Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Retained world middleweight title
39 Win 30–2–6 (1) United States Jim Daly TKO 2 (12) May 7, 1896 United States New Manhattan A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
38 Win 29–2–6 (1) United States Frank Bosworth KO 2 (10) Apr 22, 1896 United States Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
37 Win 28–2–6 (1) United States Tommy Ryan KO 15 (20) Mar 2, 1896 United States Empire A.C., Maspeth, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant world middleweight title
36 Win 27–2–6 (1) United Kingdom Tommy West KO 2 (10) Jan 31, 1896 United States New Manhattan A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
35 ND 26–2–6 (1) United States Charles Johnson ND 4 Jan 8, 1896 United States Caledonian A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
34 Loss 26–2–6 United Kingdom Ted White PTS 10 Nov 25, 1895 United Kingdom National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, United Kingdom
33 Win 26–1–6 United States Abe Ullman TKO 13 (20) Oct 7, 1895 United States Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
32 Win 25–1–6 United States Dick Moore TKO 6 (20) Sep 2, 1895 United States Buckingham Theater, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
31 Draw 24–1–6 United States Dick O'Brien PTS 25 May 20, 1895 United States West Newton Street polo rink, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
30 Win 24–1–5 United Kingdom Jack Wilkes TKO 2 (15) Apr 19, 1895 United States West Newton Street polo rink, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
29 Win 23–1–5 Australia Billy Maber PTS 10 Mar 13, 1895 United States Pastime A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
28 Win 22–1–5 United States Al Roberts KO 5 (10) Jan 19, 1895 United States Highland House, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
27 Draw 21–1–5 United States Al Roberts PTS 10 Oct 29, 1894 United States Highland House, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
26 Win 21–1–4 United States Billy Steffers PTS 10 Aug 29, 1894 United States Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
25 Win 20–1–4 United States Jack Grace KO 7 (?) Jul 24, 1894 United States Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
24 Win 19–1–4 United States Billy Steffers PTS 10 Jul 17, 1894 United States Cleveland A.C., Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
23 Win 18–1–4 United States Harry O`Connor KO 3 (?) Jul 2, 1894 United States Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
22 Win 17–1–4 United States Charles Maxwell PTS 6 Jun 1, 1894 United States Akron, Ohio, U.S.
21 Draw 16–1–4 Australia Jim Barron PTS 10 May 18, 1894 United States Twin City A.C., Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
20 Loss 16–1–3 United States Billy Steffers KO 1 (10) May 10, 1894 United States Cleveland A.C., Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
19 Win 16–0–3 United States Jim Scully KO 7 (?) Mar 16, 1894 United States New Bedford A.C., New Bedford, Ohio, U.S.
18 Win 15–0–3 United States Joe Burke KO 2 (?) Feb 12, 1894 United States Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
17 Win 14–0–3 United States Pat Hayden KO 2 (10) Jan 8, 1894 United States Metropole A.C., Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
16 Win 13–0–3 United States Deaf Mute KO 4 (?) Oct 22, 1893 United States Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
15 Win 12–0–3 United States John Welch KO 9 (?) Oct 13, 1893 United States Belmont Park, Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
14 Draw 11–0–3 United States George Bennett PTS 8 Sep 26, 1893 United States Akron, Ohio, U.S.
13 Win 11–0–2 United States Frank Merritt KO 2 (?) Aug 15, 1893 United States Parnell Hall, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
12 Win 10–0–2 United States Dick Harris KO 1 (?) Jul 30, 1893 United States Marion, Indiana, U.S.
11 Draw 9–0–2 United States Ike Boone PTS 19 (?) Jul 23, 1893 United States Muncie, Indiana, U.S. Some sources reported a draw in 22nd round, but the 19th round ones contain more details
10 Win 9–0–1 United States Charles Bull McCarthy KO 3 (?) Jul 6, 1893 United States Athletic ball park, Muncie, Indiana, U.S.
9 Win 8–0–1 United States Frank Murray KO 2 (?) May 4, 1893 United States Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
8 Win 7–0–1 United States Frank Lamode KO 3 (?) Feb 22, 1893 United States New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
7 Win 6–0–1 Unknown KO 2 (?) Feb 12, 1893 United States Milan, Tennessee, U.S.
6 Win 5–0–1 United States Jim Conners KO 3 (?) Jan 27, 1893 United States Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
5 Win 4–0–1 United States Jim Dickson KO 5 (?) Jan 11, 1893 United States Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
4 Draw 3–0–1 United States Herbert Hale PTS 8 Nov 12, 1892 United States Third St. Garden, Columbus, Indiana, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 United States Bob Lewis KO 1 (?) Sep 14, 1892 United States Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 United States Billy Barlow PTS 6 Jun 6, 1892 United States Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 United States Peter Jenkins PTS 4 Jun 2, 1891 United States Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.

See also[]

Notes[]

  1. ^ The corkscrew punch, in boxing, is a blow delivered with a twisting of the wrist. Kid McCoy is often credited for inventing it. It was believed, in McCoy's era, that the technique added power to a punch and sometimes cut the skin of opponents. In that era, boxers had much less hand protection. Other boxers known for using the technique include Harry Harris (1880–1959). Muhammed Ali (1942–2016) used a similar technique, but different enough to claim he invented it.
  2. ^ The etymology of the expression, "the real McCoy," has also been attributed to Elijah McCoy (1844–1929), a Canadian-born African-American inventor and engineer.

References[]

  1. ^ The Rise and Fall of the "Union Club!" or, Boy Life in Canada; by James S. Bond; Yorkville: Royal Publishing Company (1881); Chapter 1 (of 14): "The Curtain Rises," p. 1; OCLC 78839694, 894251375
  2. ^ "Did the phrase 'the real McCoy' derive from boxer Kid McCoy?" by Brian Cronin, Los Angeles Times, October 4, 2012
  3. ^ "Photo Storiettes: Wallace Reid in The World's Champion, Film Fun (New York: Leslie-Judge Company), Vol. 35, p. 396, April 1922, p. 60; OCLC [https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/7227261 7227261
  4. ^ "Throng at Mors Funeral - The Curious Swarm at Services for Woman Murdered in Los Angeles". New York Times. August 28, 1924. p. 17. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  5. ^ "Cupid, Love's Referee, Counts Nine on Kid McCoy, But He's Not Out, Yet!" (Press Publishing Co.), by Marguerite Mooers Marshall (1887–1964), Billings Gazette, August 22, 1920, p. 2 (2nd ed.) (accessible via Newspapers.com, subscription required)
  6. ^ Kid McCoy … Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Cyber Boxing Zone)
  7. ^ "Kid McCoy," Encyclopædia Britannica Online (retrieved June 3, 2009)
  8. ^ Mitchell, Dawn (February 27, 2014). "The tragic life of Charles "Kid" McCoy". The Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original on July 17, 2015. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
  9. ^ Casselman, William Gordon (2006). "The Real McCoy". Bill Casselman’s Canadian Word of the Day. Archived from the original on April 27, 2011. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
  10. ^ British Lightweight Championship - Wrestling-Titles.com - Accessed 14 August 2017
  11. ^ https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/39949

External links[]

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