Portney, Jack

A lightweight in the 1930s, Portney defeated three world champions during his career, Louis "Kid" Kaplan, Benny Bass, and Tod Morgan.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. June 27, 1910 - d. February 1991

Career Highlights:
Born in Russia, Portney moved to the United States and fought out of Baltimore when he began his professional career in 1927. Three years later, he defeated former featherweight champion Louis "Kid" Kaplan in a 10-round decision (the bout was in Baltimore). Almost a year-to-the-day later, Portney and Kaplan had a rematch in Kaplan's hometown of New Haven, Connecticut with Kaplan winning the 10-round decision. Portney then took on another Jewish champion in 1933, getting knocked out in the second-round of his August bout with Benny Bass.

The year after losing to Bass, Portney travelled to Australia and fought former world junior welterweight champion Tod Morgan (Morgan lost his title to Bass in 1929). Portney and Morgan fought twice in the span of three weeks with the first bout a draw and Portney winning the second fight. Returning to the United States, Portney then had a rematch with Bass in Baltimore and won the 10-round decision. Portney never got a title shot despite beating top fighters such as Morgan, Kaplan, and Bass. He continued to fight until 1938 and retired with 78 wins in 96 career decisions.

Origin:
Russia

Physical description:
5'5", 140 pounds

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 78 (20 by knockout)
Losses: 13
Draws: 5
No decisions: 6

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