Levinsky, Battling

Barney Lebrowitz

Levinsky, the world light-heavyweight champion from 1916-1920, was one of the top fighters of his day. He loved to fight and would battle anyone, including future heavyweight champions Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. June 10, 1891 - d. February 12, 1949

Career Highlights:
Although his boxing record from 1906-1909 is not available, Levinsky began his professional career under the name Barney Williams. In 1913, however, his manager, "Dumb" Dan Morgan -- himself obviously familiar with unusual nicknames -- changed Barney's ring moniker to Battling Levinsky. The following year, Levinsky fought a remarkable 37 bouts, including 9 in January alone -- he won six fights, lost one, and had 30 no decisions. In January 1915, he began the year in incredible fashion, with three fights on New Year's Day -- one each in Brooklyn (morning 10-rounder), in Manhattan (afternoon 10-rounder), and in Waterbury, Connecticut (evening 12-rounder).

In an era that is considered by many to the "renaissance" in light-heavyweight history, Levinsky was one of the best. In the 1910s, he battled such legendary fighters as Harry Greb, Jack Dempsey, and Gene Tunney. He also had a series of fights with Jack Dillon, and defeated Dillon in October 1916 to capture the world light-heavyweight title; the two had battled in nine previous fights, including two title fights (April 1914 and April 1916), before Levinsky finally won. Battling then held the title for another four years before losing on a fourth-round knockout to Georges Carpienter in October 1920. Two years later, he challenged Gene Tunney for the U.S. light-heavyweight crown, but lost a 12-round decision. He retired following that fight, but came back in 1926. He fought another four years, but did not receive a title shot and retired for good in 1930.

Levinsky finished his career with a professional record of 78 victories in 101 decisions (and 172 no decisions). He was ranked the No. 6 all-time light-heavyweight by Nat Fleischer and was inducted into the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame in 1966. He is also a member of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

Origin:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 78 (31 by knockout)
Losses: 19
Draws: 14
No decisions: 172

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