Bartfield, Soldier

Jacob Bartfield

An Austrian Jew nicknamed "Soldier" because he served in the American army after emigrating to the USA, Bartfield boxed as a welterweight and middleweight in the 1910s and 1920s. He fought for a title five times, and fought nine men who were -- or later became -- champions, a total of 33 times! Included among the great fighters Soldier faced during his career are Benny Leonard, Ted "Kid" Lewis, Jack Britton, and Joe Gans.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. March 15, 1892 - d. September 1970

Career Highlights:
A welterweight and middleweight, Soldier began his professional career in 1913 when he faced Al McCoy in a 10-round no decision. After McCoy won the middleweight crown the following year, Bartfield challenged him three times for the title in 1914 and 1915; all three fights went the distance with the decision given to McCoy. In the mid to late-1910s, Soldier fought often, and challenged for the middleweight title twice more -- in September 1919 against Mike O'Dowd, and in July 1920 against Johnny Wilson. Bartfield lost both bouts, but he continued to fight until 1925, and faced some of the best boxers in the world at the peak of their careers. Soldier fought Jack Britton seven times, "Kid" Lewis six times, Harry Greb three times, and even the great Benny Leonard three times (all of the bouts ended in no decisions). Bartfield's most famous series, though, was with Italian Joe Gans, whom he met 11 times!

Origin:
Lancyzn, Austria

Physical description:
147 pounds

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 32 (18 by knockout)
Losses: 18
Draws: 8
No decisions: 111

< Previous |  Next >