Bernstein, Jack

John Dodick

A member of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, Bernstein was the world junior-lightweight champion for seven months in 1923. He defeated Hall of Famer Johnny Dundee for the crown in May, then lost it in a re-match in December; a record crowd of 13,589 saw the second fight at the old Madison Square Garden.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. November 5, 1899 - d. December 26, 1945

Career Highlights:
Billed as "Young Kiddy," Bernstein received 50 cents for his first professional fight in 1914, and that same year went six rounds with Benny Leonard in a no decision contest. After fighting four no decisions in 1915, Bernstein was inactive in 1916. But when he resumed his career in 1917, he was extremely successful over the next six years before receiving his title shot; he won 43 of 50 fights, including 17 of the final 18. In May 1923, he defeated world junior-lightweight champ Johnny Dundee in a 15-round decision. In a rematch seven months later, Bernstein lost the title back to Dundee in a 15-round decision. Then, three months after Dundee lost the title, on September 15, 1924, the two boxers had a "rubber" (the deciding) match with Bernstein winning the 15-round decision.

Bernstein also fought against some of the top lightweights in the world. Bernstein faced Hall of Famer Sammy Mandell three times in 1923, resulting in one loss, one draw, and one no decision. Jack also defeated Jimmy Goodrich, who had himself succeeded the great Benny Leonard as world lightweight champion. Bernstein also fought former lightweight champ Rocky Kansas three times with one win, one draw, and one loss (all decisions). By the late 1920s, however, Bernstein fought sparingly -- he fought only twice in 1928 and three times in 1929. After retiring in 1930, Bernstein attempted a comeback and faced Johnny Gatto. A two year layoff proved too much and Bernstein lost the six-round decision; he retired permanently following the fight in November 1931

Origin:
New York City

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 67 (17 by knockout)
Losses: 23
Draws: 7
No decisions: 12

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