Gitlitz, Murray

Before fighting professionally as a heavyweight in the 1920s, Gitlitz was an alternate on the U.S. boxing team at the 1924 Olympics as a light-heavyweight. A Latvian immigrant who became a graduate of Yale University, Gitlitz gave up studying medicine to become a boxer (this information provided by cyberboxingzone.com).

Birth and Death Dates:
b. June 22, 1903 - d. unknown

Career Highlights:
Born in Latvia, Gitlitz emigrated to the United States and settled in New Haven, Connecticut. A graduate of Yale University, Gitlitz began boxing as an amateur in 1924 and defeated John Kerr and Stanley Simmons on consecutive days in February (both bouts took place in New York City and ended in three-round decisions). He then competed in the Olympic Trials in the light-heavyweight division, but lost to Tom Kirby in a four-round decision; Gitlitz was a member of the U.S. Olympic team as an alternate, but did not compete in the Games.

Gitlitz turned professional as a light-heavyweight following the Olympic Games and won his first pro fight over Fred Mace in 1924 (a six-round decision). He then proceeded to knock out his next six opponents and win his first 13 fights before losing a six-round decision to Phil Mercurio in 1925. Over the next two years, Gitlitz won 11 of 19 bouts before fighting NBA world light-heavyweight champion Jimmy Slattery in November 1927. Gitlitz was knocked out by the champ in the sixth round of their non-title fight.

By 1929, Gitlitz had moved up to the heavyweight division after winning six of nine bouts the previous year. On May 20, he took on future No. 1 contender "Two Ton" Tony Galento in Galento's hometown of Newark, New Jersey. The two boxers battled for 10 rounds, but Gitlitz lost a decision. After losing to Galento, Gitlitz fought nine more times, but only had one victory, before retiring in 1931. He finished with 31 victories in 54 career fights.

Origin:
Vilna, Latvia

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 31 (11 by knockout)
Losses: 18
Draws: 5

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