Burman, Joe

Burman fought professionally as a top bantamweight in the 1910s and 1920s against some of the best fighters of his era. One of six children, his father's family was Russian and his mother's family was Polish. Burman, who died in Los Angeles, unofficially fought over 400 bouts in his career and even claimed the world bantamweight crown at one point -- he fought seven world champions during his career.

Birth and Death Dates:
unknown

Career Highlights:
A tough bantamweight, Burman was also his own business manager during his boxing career. In 1919, Burman faced future world bantamweight champion Joe Lynch twice, with both bouts ending in six-round no decisions. After Lynch became champ in December 1920, he fought Burman twice more the following year, but neither bout was for the title (both ended in 10-round no decisions). The two pugilists fought once more in 1923, but again in a non-title bout (another 10-round no decision). During this time, Burman continually attempted to fight Lynch for the bantamweight championship, but Lynch avoided giving Burman a shot at the title. Before a scheduled title bout, for example, Lynch claimed to have hurt his shoulder when he tripped over a dog (!).

Although Burman never did get a title shot, he fought against the top fighters of his day, including Abe Goldstein. Burman and Goldstein (the future world bantamweight champ) squared off in 1923, with Goldstein winning the 13-round decision. Burman also fought future junior-featherweight champion Jack "Kid" Wolfe three times (all three were no decisions), and twice defeated European champion Charles Ledoux. Burman boxed until 1924, and won 29 career decisions, against only 3 losses.

Origin:
England

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 29 (20 by knockout)
Losses: 3
Draws: 6
No decisions: 82

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