McGowan, Young

Samuel Goldberg

Born Samuel Goldberg, McGowan fought as a lightweight in the 1910s. According to his great-grandson, after retiring, he headed up the Dry Cleaning union and had a few run-ins with famous gansters of the era. He self-published his autobiography called "Fighter in a Naptha Ring."

Birth and Death Dates:
b. November 1, 1892 - d. December 21, 1980

Career Highlights:
McGowan fought as a lightweight in the 1910s and faced the great Benny Leonard in August 1912. The bout went six-round and ended in a no-decision (Leonard would capture the world lightweight title in 1917 and hold it until 1925). The following year, McGowan fought another no-decision, this time against Young Wagner as the bout went ten-rounds. In December 1913, he then fought Knockout Brown and won a "newspaper decision" after the bout went ten-rounds and officially ended as a no-decision.

Origin:
Russia

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