Berger, Maxie

The son of Polish immigrants who settled in Montreal, Berger won the Canadian lightweight title in 1937. Maxie fought the great Sugar Ray Robinson in 1942.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. February 2, 1917- d. August 2000

Career Highlights:
The son of Polish immigrants, Berger's education was limited to elementary school in Montreal, after which he worked as a grocery delivery boy. He learned to box at the local YMHA, and won a silver medal in the British Empire Games in the 1930s. He turned professional in 1935 as a featherweight and went undefeated in his first ten fights (he had four knockouts in the first two rounds). By September 1937, Maxie had moved up to lightweight and defeated Dave Castillioux in a 12-round decision to capture the Canadian lightweight title.

Berger successfully defended his title in October against Orville Drouillard, but soon relinquished the title when he moved up to welterweight. Although he never received a title shot, he won 99 fights in his career. Maxie was best-known for a loss, however, when he fought his greatest opponent -- in February 1942, Berger was knocked out in the second round by future champ Sugar Ray Robinson in New York City. Two months later, Berger faced another Hall of Famer, losing to former welterweight champ Fritzie Zivic in a 10-round decision. Berger fought one more Hall of Famer, Ike Williams, in February 1945; Williams, who won the world lightweight championship two months later, knocked Berger out in the fourth round. Berger fought seven more times, losing four, before retiring in 1946.

Origin:
Montreal, Canada

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 99 (26 by knockout)
Losses: 24
Draws: 10

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