"K.O." Phil Kaplan

Kaplan, a middlweight in the 1920s, fought such greats as Jack Britton, Jack McVey, and Maxie Rosenbloom. He is a member of the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. April 19, 1902 - d. August 1983

Career Highlights:
Kaplan began his professional career in 1919, but it was not until 1923 that he had his first big fight. On June 13, Kaplan fought welterweight contender Pete Latzo to a 12-round draw (Latzo had fought for the world title three months earlier and lost); they fought again in 1927 after Latzo had won and lost the title and Kaplan lost a 12-round decision. In December 1923, Kaplan defeated "The Pride of Harlem" Jack McVey in a 12-round decision. Kaplan fought McVey twice more, losing in June 1925 on a disqualification, and winning a decision in July 1928.

Despite never getting a title shot, Kaplan fought the best fighters around, including former welterweight champion Jack Britton twice. The first bout in December 1923 ended in a Kaplan loss while the second, which took place in Kaplan's hometown of Newark in October 1924, ended in a 10-round no decision (although according to reports, Kaplan was the better fighter). Another champion that Kaplan fought was future light-heavyweight champ Maxie Rosenbloom, although Kaplan lost both bouts in decisions. He fought until 1929 and retired with an excellent record of 69 wins in 84 decisions.

Origin:
Newark, New Jersey

Physical description:
5'9-1/2"

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 69 (34 by knockout)
Losses: 14
Draws: 1
No decisions: 11