George Gardiner
Born
George Gardner

(1877-03-17)March 17, 1877
DiedJuly 8, 1954(1954-07-08) (aged 77)
NationalityBritish[Note 1]
Statistics
Weight(s)Middleweight
Height5 ft 11+12 in (1.816 m)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights68
Wins45
Wins by KO31
Losses11
Draws9
No contests1

George Gardiner (March 17, 1877 – July 8, 1954) was a famous Irish boxer in America who was the first undisputed World Light Heavyweight Champion.[1] He held claims to both the World Middleweight Title as well as the World Heavyweight Title. He was the second man in history to hold the World's Light Heavyweight title, defeating the first Light Heavyweight Champion, Jack Root, by KO after 12 rounds.[2][3]

Legacy

George Gardner's name is often misspelled "George Gardiner", which was an alias although some believe it was the correct spelling. He signed his name "George Gardner", though several newspapers of his era spelled his name "George Gardiner". However, his brother, Jimmy Gardner, signed his name "Jimmy Gardiner" when handing out autographs. George Gardner is unfortunately most remembered as the 26-year-old champion who lost his title to the 41-year-old Bob Fitzsimmons after a questionable 20 round decision on points. The decision made Fitzsimmons a legend, as it made him the first triple title division champion in boxing history.[2]

Background

Gardner was born on March 17, 1877, at County Clare, Ireland on St. Patrick's Day. He was believed to have been the son of an Irish prizefighter and came from poverty. George and his brothers, Billy and Jimmy Gardner, were each recognized as accomplished boxers in their era.[2]

Professional career

Gardner began his career in 1897 when he was 20 years old. He was almost six feet tall and weighed between 150–175 pounds during his career. He won several fights in the New England area, being noted in newspapers as the "Middleweight Champion of New England".[2]

Middleweight champion of the World

Gardner was the top middleweight contender in 1901 and claimed the World's Middleweight Title that year. He defeated Frank Craig, the Colored Middleweight Champion at London, England, and newspapers declared that Gardner "secured the World Middleweight Title". Afterwards, Gardner challenged Tommy Ryan for the title, but Ryan declined although Gardner was the number one contender for the title.[2]

Gardner first claimed the world middleweight title on August 30, 1901, at the Mechanic's Pavilion in San Francisco after knocking out Kid Carter in a fight billed as the "Middleweight Championship of the World". He then defeated Barbados Joe Walcott, the Welterweight Champion of the World, in a 20 round rematch in 1902. On August 18, 1902, Gardiner TKO'd the undefeated Jack Root in 17 rounds at Salt Lake City, Utah, in a close fight billed as both the light heavyweight and middleweight championship of the world. Both fighters weighed in at 165 pounds.[2]

On October 31, 1902, Gardner fought 20 rounds with Jack Johnson, the first African American to hold the World's Heavyweight Title. Gardner weighed in at 155 while Johnson at held a 30 pound weight advantage at 185. Johnson won on points by knocking Gardner down twice in the 8th and 14th rounds.[2]

Light heavyweight champion of the World

Gardner was a contender for the newly created World's Light Heavyweight Title in 1903, weighing about 170 pounds. On April 6, 1903, Gardner fought Peter Maher, the Irish Heavyweight Champion, considered to be the most dangerous hitter of his era. Gardner knocked out Maher in round one and then defeated Marvin Hart by TKO after 12 rounds.[2]

On July 4, 1903, at Ontario, Canada, at the International Athletic Club, after 12 rounds of fighting, George Gardner knocked out Jack Root for the Light - Heavyweight Championship of the World. He was the first Irish-American to hold the title and the first undisputed champion to hold the title. Most records state that Root was the first champion of the division, but others, including George Gardner, had claimed the title before. The Root - Gardner fight was the first Light-Heavyweight Title fight caught on film. Newspapers reported that Gardner knocked Root down seven times.[2]

In 1903, George Gardiner said he would fight Fitz.

George Gardner defended his title later that year on November 25, 1903, at San Francisco, California, against Bob Fitzsimmons, who had killed two men in the ring and was the former Middleweight and Heavyweight Champion. After a questionable 20 round decision on points, Fitzsimmons knocked the young champion down twice and gained a slight decision. After losing the title, George Gardner challenged Fitzsimmons to a rematch, but was denied a second chance at the title.[2]

Gardner was still a highly regarded contender for the Light Heavyweight Title, and was rated above Fitzsimmons. Nonetheless, Gardner set his sights on the World's Heavyweight Title. It was held by Marvin Hart, whom Gardner had defeated and drawn with before.

Gardner challenged Marvin Hart for the Heavyweight Championship of the World, but again he was denied a title shot. Afterwards, his career faded with losses and draws against Jim Flynn, Al Kaufman, Terry Mustain, and Tony Ross. Gardner retired at age 32 in 1908 with a record of 44 wins, 32 by way of knockout, 12 losses, 7 draws, and 3 no contests.[2]

Gardner continued to box, but considered himself a "washed-up prize fighter". He was reputed to have fought in over 300 battles. Onenewspaper source noted that Gardner "had drawn from their seats in applause more fight fans than any other light-heavyweight".

Later life

Gardner opened a saloon in Chicago, and married Margaret Smith of South Bend, Indiana. He fathered a son in 1905, who also became a professional boxer in the Light Heavyweight division under the name, "Morgan Gardiner". Gardner's brother, Jimmy Gardner, claimed the World's Welterweight Title in 1908, making the Gardner brothers the first Irish American siblings in world history to hold world titles.

George Gardner was pictured in the summer of 1930 on the front of "Self Defense Quarterly".

Gardner was once ranked the #1 fighter in the world and he is considered one of the top fighters of all time, as well as one of the top light-heavyweights of all time.

Gardner died at age 77 on July 10, 1954, in Chicago. Four ex-champions were pallbearers at his funeral.[2]

Professional boxing record

68 fights 43 wins 11 losses
By knockout 31 6
By decision 9 4
By disqualification 3 1
Draws 8
No contests 4
Newspaper decisions/draws 2

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
68 Draw 43–11–8 (6) John Willie PTS 10 Sep 5, 1908 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
67 Loss 43–11–7 (6) Tony Ross TKO 7 (12) May 18, 1908 Coliseum, New Castle, Pennsylvania, U.S.
66 Loss 43–10–7 (6) Terry Mustain KO 8 (20) Jan 29, 1908 Bay City A.C., San Diego, California, U.S.
65 Draw 43–9–7 (6) Terry Mustain PTS 20 Oct 12, 1907 San Diego, California, U.S.
64 Loss 43–9–6 (6) Fireman Jim Flynn KO 18 (20) Apr 17, 1907 National Athletic Club, San Diego, California, U.S.
63 Loss 43–8–6 (6) Al Kaufman TKO 14 (20) Dec 21, 1906 Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
62 NC 43–7–6 (6) Mike Schreck NC 2 (15) Apr 19, 1906 Lincoln A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, U.S.
61 Win 43–7–6 (5) Jim Jeffords NWS 6 Jan 24, 1906 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
60 Win 43–7–6 (4) Billy Stift KO 5 (20) Jun 19, 1905 Grand Opera House, Ogden, Utah, U.S.
59 Loss 42–7–6 (4) Mike Schreck TKO 20 (20) Apr 17, 1905 Salt Lake Theater, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
58 Draw 42–6–6 (4) Fireman Jim Flynn PTS 10 Sep 16, 1904 Denver A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
57 Win 42–6–5 (4) Jim Jeffords KO 3 (20) Aug 15, 1904 Butte, Montana, U.S.
56 Win 41–6–5 (4) Denis Ike Hayes PTS 4 Aug 5, 1904 Anaconda, Montana, U.S.
55 Draw 40–6–5 (4) John Willie PTS 6 Jul 1, 1904 Battery D Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
54 Loss 40–6–4 (4) Jack Root PTS 6 May 2, 1904 Waverly A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
53 Draw 40–5–4 (4) Jack Root PTS 6 Feb 26, 1904 Battery D Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
52 Win 40–5–3 (4) Kid Carter UD 6 Feb 19, 1904 Milwaukee Boxing Club, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
51 Win 39–5–3 (4) Fred Cooley PTS 6 Feb 8, 1904 Watita Hall, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
50 Win 38–5–3 (4) Jim Driscoll PTS 6 Feb 8, 1904 Watita Hall, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
49 Draw 37–5–3 (4) Marvin Hart PTS 15 Jan 5, 1904 Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
48 Loss 37–5–2 (4) Bob Fitzsimmons PTS 20 Nov 25, 1903 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Lost world light-heavyweight title
47 Win 37–4–2 (4) Jack Root TKO 12 (20) Jul 4, 1903 International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada Won world light-heavyweight title
46 Win 36–4–2 (4) Marvin Hart RTD 12 (20) May 13, 1903 Auditorium, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. Billed World & American 170lbs titles
45 Win 35–4–2 (4) Peter Maher KO 1 (6) Apr 6, 1903 Maverick AC, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
44 Win 34–4–2 (4) Al Weinig TKO 6 (?) Feb 13, 1903 Maverick AC, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
43 NC 33–4–2 (4) Bob Armstrong NC 4 (6) Feb 9, 1903 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
42 Win 33–4–2 (3) Kid Carter PTS 6 Dec 29, 1902 Lyceum A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
41 Win 32–4–2 (3) Billy Stift UD 6 Dec 11, 1902 Aurora Hall, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
40 Loss 31–4–2 (3) Jack Johnson PTS 20 Oct 31, 1902 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
39 Win 31–3–2 (3) Jack Root TKO 17 (20) Aug 18, 1902 Saucer Track, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
38 Win 30–3–2 (3) Barbados Joe Walcott PTS 20 Apr 25, 1902 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
37 Loss 29–3–2 (3) Jack Root DQ 7 (20) Jan 1, 1902 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
36 Win 29–2–2 (3) Kid Carter KO 8 (20) Dec 20, 1901 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Advertised as for world middleweight championship
35 Loss 28–2–2 (3) Barbados Joe Walcott PTS 20 Sep 27, 1901 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
34 Win 28–1–2 (3) Kid Carter TKO 18 (20) Aug 30, 1901 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Advertised as for world middleweight championship
33 Win 27–1–2 (3) Jack Moffat TKO 3 (20) Jul 4, 1901 San Francisco A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S. Billed World & American 158lbs middleweight titles
32 Win 26–1–2 (3) Tim Hurley TKO 5 (?) Apr 8, 1901 Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
31 NC 25–1–2 (3) Jack Scales ND 3 Sep 29, 1900 Beresford Street Drill Hall, Woolwich, London, England
30 Win 25–1–2 (2) Frank Craig DQ 4 (20) Sep 10, 1900 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England Craig was disqualified for throwing Gardiner
29 Win 24–1–2 (2) Kid Carter DQ 19 (25) May 29, 1900 Seaside A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Carter was disqualified for butting
28 NC 23–1–2 (2) George Byers NC 15 May 14, 1900 Roanoke A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
27 Win 23–1–2 (1) Charles Goff TKO 7 (?) May 2, 1900 Utica, New York, U.S.
26 Win 22–1–2 (1) Wild Bill Hanrahan TKO 9 (15) Apr 23, 1900 Casco A.C., Portland, Oregon, U.S.
25 Win 21–1–2 (1) Dick Baker TKO 4 (?) Apr 19, 1900 Greenwood Park, Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
24 Win 20–1–2 (1) J Fitzpatrick TKO 9 (?) Apr 17, 1900 Portland, Oregon, U.S.
23 Win 19–1–2 (1) Jack Burke TKO 4 (15) Mar 14, 1900 Kirtland Club, Lynn, Massachusetts, U.S.
22 Win 18–1–2 (1) George Byers DQ 14 (15) Feb 22, 1900 Coliseum, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
21 Win 17–1–2 (1) Jimmy Handler TKO 3 (25) Feb 12, 1900 Hercules A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
20 Draw 16–1–2 (1) George Byers NWS 15 Feb 2, 1900 Lasters Hall, Lynn, Massachusetts, U.S. Pre-arranged draw if went the distance
19 Win 16–1–2 Harry Fisher TKO 12 (?) Jan 9, 1900 Kirkland A.C., Lynn, Massachusetts, U.S.
18 Win 15–1–2 Jack Moffat RTD 8 (25) Dec 12, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
17 Loss 14–1–2 Jimmy Handler TKO 18 (25) Oct 16, 1899 Hercules A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
16 Win 14–0–2 Harry Fisher TKO 17 (20) Aug 5, 1899 Pelican A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
15 Draw 13–0–2 Dick Sims PTS 7 (15) Jul 31, 1899 Associate Hall, Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S. referee declared the bout a draw because of police
interference
14 Win 13–0–1 Young Sharkey TKO 9 (?) Jun 7, 1899 Nutone A.C., Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S.
13 Win 12–0–1 John E Butler TKO 7 (15) May 9, 1899 Nutone A.C., Lowell, Massachusetts, U.S.
12 Win 11–0–1 Andy Moynahan KO 3 (?) Mar 24, 1899 Greenwood Park, Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
11 Draw 10–0–1 Bob Montgomery PTS 10 Jan 20, 1899 Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Charles C. Smith KO 7 (?) Dec 25, 1898 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
9 Win 9–0 Professor Evans TKO 3 (?) Dec 10, 1898 Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Hugh HJ Colgren KO 3 (?) Nov 20, 1898 Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Hugh McWinters KO 6 (?) May 20, 1898 Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Tom O'Brien KO 1 (?) Apr 27, 1898 Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Tom Moore KO 4 (?) Apr 10, 1898 Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 J Young KO 2 (?) Mar 17, 1898 Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 J Young KO 3 (?) Mar 10, 1898 Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Matt Leary PTS 4 Mar 7, 1898 Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Hugh HJ Colgren PTS 4 Nov 5, 1897 Gymnasium A.C., Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.

See also

Notes

  1. Every Irish born before 1922 is a British citizen. Ireland was part of the United Kingdom until 1922.

References

  1. "The Lineal Light Heavyweight Champions". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "George Gardner". BoxRec. Retrieved 25 November 2016.
  3. "George Gardner". Cyber Boxing Zone. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
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