Smith, Sammy

The older brother of Young Sammy Smith, Smith fought professionally at the turn of the 20th Century. During his career, he fought such legendary boxers as Jack Johnson, Young Corbett II, Joe Gans, and Harry Lewis (all world champions during their careers).

Birth and Death Dates:
unknown

Career Highlights:
Born in Philadelphia, Smith began his professional career in the late 19th Century. In 1898 (the exact date, he fought the legendary Jack Johnson in Johnson's hometown of Galveston, Texas. Johnson, who in 1908 would become the first African-American world heavyweight champion, defeated Smith in ten rounds. Then, in the early 1900s, Smith fought a series of bouts against Billy Maharg. In 1901 and 1902, they fought three times and all three bouts ended in no decisions.

In July 1903, Smith fought Young Corbett II, the world featherweight champion. Although the non-title bout officially ended in a no-decision, Corbett was hailed as the winner by newspapers. One year later, Smith fought another champion, world lightweight title-holder Joe Gans. In this non-title bout, Sammy was knocked out in the fourth-round.

In August 1905, Smith fought future world welterweight champion, Harry Lewis. The bout, which took place in Philadelphia, ended in a six-round no decision. In 1909, Smith had a rematch with Young Corbett II, who had relinquished his world title because he could not make the weight. The ten-round bout ended in a no decision.

Origin:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

< Previous |  Next >