Rosner, Johnny "Young"

Rosner, the American flyweight champion in the late 1910s, was one of the first boxers to compete internationally in that weight class. In fact, he was the first American to fight for the world title when he was knocked out by Jimmy Wilde in April 1916.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. June 18, 1895 - d. 1974

Career Highlights:
The flyweight division (112 pounds) was established in England in 1910, the same year Rosner began his professional career, but it was not for another six years that the United States would officially recognized the division. During this time, Rosner was forced to fight bigger opponents, including future world bantamweigt champion (and Hall of Famer) Pete "Kid" Herman in 1913; Rosner lost the eight-round decision. In 1916, he participated in one of the earliest international bouts in the flyweight division when he became the first American to fight for the world championship; previously, only English and French boxers had fought for the title.

On April 24, 1916, Rosner travelled to England and battled Hall of Famer Jimmy Wilde in a title bout in Liverpool; Rosner was knocked out in the 11th-round. The following year, after returning to the United States, he won a claim of the American flyweight title when he knocked out Young Zulu Kid in the 7th-round of their September 1917 bout. Two years later though, Rosner lost his claim when he came out on the short end of a decision to Young Montreal in a 12-round decision. That year, he also battled future world champion Johnny Buff in July 1919 with the bout ending in a 8-round no decision. Rosner fought three more years and retired in 1922 without getting another title shot.

Origin:
New York City

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 11 (7 by knockout)
Losses: 7
Draws: 1
No decisions: 58

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