Berg, Jackie "Kid"

Judah Bergman

The first modern-era English fighter inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Berg had a marvelous career in which he was the world junior-welterweight champion in 1930-31, and the British lightweight champion from 1934-1936. Although widely known as "Kid," Berg was also nicknamed "The Whitechapel Windmill." During his career, Berg gained a large Jewish following for wearing a Magen David on his trunks, and also wore a Talit and Tefillin into the ring! While some sneered that he used religion for financial gains, his legendary trainer Ray Arcel said, "True, Jackie wasn't what you would call a religious Jew. But he was superstitious beyond reason. When I put the question to him one day he seemed embarassed. 'It's comforting to have God on your side no matter what you are doing,' he said soberly."

Birth and Death Dates:
b. June 28, 1909 - d. April 22, 1991

Career Highlights:
Born into an Orthodox family in London's East End, Berg learned how to fight in the streets of London and then became a professional in 1924 when he substituted for an ailing boxer, winning his first fight on a knockout. Four years later, Jackie emerged as a serious challenger to American lightweights when he won a 10-round decision against contender Pedro Amador. Berg's victory was considered a major upset because most Americans considered British fighters second-class. What American fans and fighters soon learned, however, was that Berg was in a class of his own.

A remarkably quick boxer with an impeccable work ethic, Berg threw his punches accurately and from every angle. After winning the British lightweight title in December 1928, Berg was very successful the following year. In 1929, he won 16 of his 17 fights on American soil, and his reputation grew to the point that junior-welterweight champion Mushy Callahan (whom Berg defeated in a non-title bout in July 1929) gave him a title shot in London in 1930. After first giving the great Tony Canzoneri one of the worst beatings of his career in a 10-round decision over Canzoneri in January, Berg won the junior-welterweight title with a knockout of Callahan in the tenth.

After winning the junior-welterweight crown, Berg decided to concentrate on winning the lightweight belt and returned to the U.S. to continue his conquests. In 1930, he had six title defenses, defeated the five top lightweight contenders, and in a non-title bout, handed Hall of Famer Kid Chocolate the first defeat of his illustrious career. In April 1931, Berg got a shot at the lightweight title, now held by Canzoneri. Berg had defeated 12 straight opponents since winning his world title; but though Jackie had already defeated Canzoneri, this time Berg was pummeled by his rival and knocked out in the third round. Since both fighters weighed under 140 pounds, Canzoneri claimed Berg's junior-welterweight title as well. After winning his next six bouts, Berg was given a rematch with Canzoneri in September 1931. This time, the fight was strictly for the world lightweight title, and although Berg went the distance, he lost a 15-round decision.

After his second loss to Canzoneri, Berg continued to fight, but was no longer considered one of the top fighters in the world. He still had talent though, and in October 1934, Jackie defeated Harry Mizler in a 10th-round technical knockout to capture the Great Britain lightweight title. In January 1936, Berg lost a 12-round decision to Laurie Stevens in his attempt to capture the Commonwealth lightweight title. Only three months later, Jackie lost the Great Britain lightweight crown on a ninth-round technical knockout against Jimmy Walsh. Berg fought until 1945, when he retired with 157 wins (57 knockouts) in 192 career bouts. Elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994, he is also a member of the World Boxing Hall of Fame, and the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

Origin:
London, England

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 157 (57 by knockouts)
Losses: 26
Draws: 9

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