Wikipedia

Frankie Neil

Frankie Neil (July 25, 1883 – March 6, 1970) was a World Bantamweight champion.[1] Fighting at 114 1/2 pounds, he took the world title from reigning champion Harry Forbes on August 13, 1903, at the Mechanics Pavilion in San Francisco in a second-round knockout of a match scheduled for twenty rounds. Eddie Graney was the referee. Neil held the title only a little over a year, losing it on October 17, 1904, to British boxing champion Joe Bowker.

Frankie Neil
Born
Francis James Neil

(1883-07-25)July 25, 1883
San Francisco, California
DiedMarch 6, 1970(1970-03-06) (aged 86)
Point Richmond, California
NationalityAmerican
Statistics
Weight(s)bantamweight
Height5 ft 4.5 in (1.64 m)
Reach64.5 in (164 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights47
Wins23
Wins by KO17
Losses19
Draws5

Neil later was reputed to have lost much of his boxing fortune at the horse track and from investing in race horses. He worked for Standard Oil in his retirement from boxing.[2]

Early career

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Not long before his first attempt at the bantamweight championship, on April 11, 1902, Neil fought a grueling fifteen-round draw against Eddie Hanlon, who was only seventeen at the time. The lengthy bout was considered an epic one, and both boxers later remarked to the Oakland Tribune that they were completely exhausted after the bout.[3] Their close bout in Oakland, California, was marked by Neil's skills at fighting from a distance, as the Tribune noting Neil's defensive skills wrote, "At long range Neil was by far the cleverer of the two and he landed repeatedly on Hanlon...." Neil's scientific boxing skills were noted in the battle when the Tribune wrote, though Hanlon appeared the stronger, more aggressive boxer, "Neil had the cleaner punch and landed as often as Hanlon, but did not have the force to his blows."[4]

Neil first tried for the bantamweight title against Harry Forbes on December 23, 1902, but lost in a seventh-round TKO in Oakland, California. In a wind up to the title between November 1900 and March 1902, Neal won an impressive seven of eight bouts in the San Francisco area by early knockout or technical knockout. During the two year windup, he fought against such competent boxers as George White, George Margarini, Tommy Dixon, and Kid Malone.[2]

World Bantamweight champion

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Neil took the world title from reigning champion Harry Forbes on August 13, 1903, at the Mechanics Pavilion in San Francisco in a second-round knockout of a match scheduled for twenty rounds. According to the St. Paul Globe, the winning blow was a hard left to the stomach of Forbes. Forbes had been a two to one betting favorite prior to the bout due to his standing as reigning champion, though many boxing fans still backed Neil to win. In the brief two rounds of boxing, Forbes had been down three times, probably surprising many in the audience.[2][5]

 
Joe Bowker, 1904 Bantamweight Champion

According to at least the World Boxing Association, Neil lost the World Bantamweight title on October 17, 1904, to British boxer Joe Bowker at the National Sporting Club in London in an historic twenty round points decision. As globally recognized boxing associations with the ability to sanction titles were in their infancy in 1904, some dispute as to when Neil lost his title may exist in news articles of the period.[2]

Neil took the American Bantamweight Title from Harry Tenny on July 28, 1905, in a twenty-five round bout at the Colma Club in Colma, California.[2] Six months later, on February 28, 1906, he knocked out Tenny in the fourteenth round at the Mechanics Pavilion in San Francisco, a frequent venue for Neil. According to the San Francisco Examiner, Neil had won from "start to finish". Tragically, Tenny died the following day of injuries sustained during or aggravated by the bout.[6] Neil claimed years later in an interview that he was never able to hit with the same ferocity after hearing of the death of Tenny.[7]

Attempt at Featherweight title

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On July 4, 1906, Neil would move up a class and take a shot at the World Featherweight Championship against the exceptional reigning champion Abe Attell, who had held the title since 1902, but would retain it for an additional six years. He lost the 20 round bout in a points decision at the Naud Junction Pavilion in Los Angeles. The length of the fight may have been a result of Neil's skills as a boxer, or Attell's desire to stretch the bout feeling well matched with Neil. Of their 1906 meeting, the Los Angeles Herald wrote in pre-fight publicity that "The bout will be one of the greatest ever held in Los Angeles, and will attract attention from all over the world, in as much as a world championship is at stake and the battlers are rated as among the cleverest boxers in the ring." The Herald also noted "Neil is more of a fighter than a boxer" and it is "seldom that any featherweight has shown the brand of a punch possessed by Neil."[8] Neil may have been considered a clever scientific boxer by some, but these skills, in the opinion of most boxing historians, were far surpassed by those of Attell. In December 1906, Neil wrote an article for the Oakland Tribune noting that he was robbed by the referee in the decision against him in his July 4 bout with Attell in Los Angeles, and that he had given Attell, the "worst licking of his career." It is questionable if most of the boxing fans present would have agreed with Neil.[9]

Neil would lose to Attell again at Dreamland Rink in San Francisco on January 31, 1908, in a thirteenth of twenty-round TKO. Years later, in an interview in 1961, Attell claimed he had been motivated to beat Neil as a result of anti-semitic remarks he had heard Neil, whom he had known since childhood, make during the fight.[10]

Boxing decline, 1907

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Owen Moran, Hall of Fame boxer

In his ill-advised comeback to the ring on November 22, 1907, Neil lost badly to the accomplished boxer Owen Moran at the Dreamland Rink in San Francisco. As noted by The San Francisco Call, of his eight-month hiatus from boxing, "it is this letup which is the factor that is hard to estimate in figuring upon his chances." Though sometimes taking on top talent, such as Young Brit, and Monte Attell, Neil lost 13 of 21 of his better publicized bouts after his loss to Moran.[2]

Neil would then lose to the great lightweight boxer Ad Wolgast in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in a ten-round points decision on May 6, 1908.[2]

Last Bantam title shot

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On June 19, 1909, Neil would unsuccessfully attempt to retake the then vacant World Bantamweight Title from Monte Attell, brother of Abe, but lose in an eighteen of twenty-round knockout in Colma, California. Monte Attell would take the title and hold it for several years. According to the Oakland Tribune, Attell won every round. Neil was knocked out by a full left under the chin in the eighteenth round, but was markedly tired by the fifteenth. According to the Tribune, Attell was observed to be chewing gum in the eighth round, a tactic used by his featherweight championship brother Abe. The Tribune wrote that Neil was not the boxer of the caliber he had been a few years previously, though Attell was a boxer of exceptional skill.[11]

Later life and death

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Neil was working for Standard Oil in Richmond, California by June 1926, and had lived in Richmond since the early 1920s. In 1926, he would on occasion referee boxing matches at El Cerito, and Richmond, California. He had previously lost his boxing fortune from investing in a large stable of race horses and from his personal losses from betting on the races.[12][13]

He died on March 6, 1970, at 86, in Richmond, California after an illness of several months, and was buried three days later at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in the South San Francisco suburb of Colma.[14] Neil had been working as a janitor at a local Post Office in his later years, living at Point Richmond.[13][7][15]

Professional boxing record

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All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[16] unless otherwise stated.

Official record

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58 fights 27 wins 13 losses
By knockout 24 5
By decision 1 8
By disqualification 2 0
Draws 4
No contests 1
Newspaper decisions/draws 13

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

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
58 Loss 27–13–4 (13) Willie Jones TKO 13 (15) Feb 25, 1910 Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
57 Loss 27–12–4 (13) Abe Attell NWS 10 Feb 24, 1910 Long Acre A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
56 Win 27–12–4 (12) Young Britt DQ 13 (15) Jan 28, 1910 Albaugh Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
55 Loss 26–12–4 (12) Billy Lauder PTS 15 Sep 29, 1909 Larson's Pavillion, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
54 Win 26–11–4 (12) Patsy McKenna KO 1 (15) Sep 10, 1909 North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
53 Loss 25–11–4 (12) Monte Attell KO 18 (25) Jun 19, 1909 Coffroth's Arena, Colma, California, U.S. For world bantamweight title claim
52 Draw 25–10–4 (12) Bert O'Donnell NWS 6 May 14, 1909 Luzerne Theater, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S.
51 Win 25–10–4 (12) Young Britt DQ 11 (15) May 4, 1909 Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
50 Loss 24–10–4 (12) Owen Moran NWS 12 Apr 26, 1909 Anchor A.C., New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
49 Loss 24–10–4 (11) Abe Attell NWS 10 Mar 23, 1909 Bedford A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
48 Loss 24–10–4 (10) Kid Beebe NWS 10 Mar 1, 1909 American A.C., Schenectady, New York, U.S.
47 Loss 24–10–4 (9) Boyo Driscoll NWS 10 Feb 18, 1909 Fairmont A.C., Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
46 Loss 24–10–4 (8) Owen Moran PTS 12 Dec 14, 1908 Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
45 Loss 24–9–4 (8) Joe Wagner NWS 6 Oct 19, 1908 Roman A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
44 Draw 24–9–4 (7) Joe Wagner NWS 6 Oct 3, 1908 Old City Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
43 Loss 24–9–4 (6) Frankie Moore NWS 6 Oct 2, 1908 State A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
42 Loss 24–9–4 (5) Tommy O'Toole NWS 6 Sep 19, 1908 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
41 Win 24–9–4 (4) Jack Langdon KO 5 (6) Sep 5, 1908 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
40 Win 23–9–4 (4) Freddie O'Brien NWS 6 Aug 13, 1908 Long Acre A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
39 Loss 23–9–4 (3) Ad Wolgast PTS 10 May 6, 1908 Green Valley A.C., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
38 Loss 23–8–4 (3) Abe Attell TKO 13 (20) Jan 31, 1908 Dreamland Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S. For world featherweight title
37 Loss 23–7–4 (3) Owen Moran TKO 16 (20) Nov 22, 1907 Dreamland Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S.
36 Loss 23–6–4 (3) Harry Baker PTS 20 Aug 7, 1906 Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
35 Win 23–5–4 (3) Kid Long TKO 2 (4) Jul 27, 1906 Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
34 Loss 22–5–4 (3) Abe Attell PTS 20 Jul 4, 1906 Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S. For world featherweight title
33 Win 22–4–4 (3) Harry Tenny KO 14 (20) Feb 28, 1906 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Tenny died the following day from injuries suffered during this bout
32 Win 21–4–4 (3) Harry Tenny PTS 25 Jul 28, 1905 Colma Club, Colma, California, U.S. Won vacant American bantamweight title
31 Win 20–4–4 (3) Dick Hyland KO 15 (20) Jan 31, 1905 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
30 Loss 19–4–4 (3) Joe Bowker PTS 20 Oct 17, 1904 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England Lost world bantamweight title
29 Loss 19–3–4 (3) Harlem Tommy Murphy NWS 6 Aug 31, 1904 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
28 Win 19–3–4 (2) Hughey McGovern NWS 6 Jul 27, 1904 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
27 Win 19–3–4 (1) Harry Forbes KO 3 (6) Jun 17, 1904 Waverly A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
26 Win 18–3–4 (1) Tommy Moore KO 1 (6) May 27, 1904 Battery D Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
25 Draw 17–3–4 (1) Johnny Reagan PTS 20 Oct 16, 1903 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained world bantamweight title
24 Win 17–3–3 (1) Billy DeCoursey TKO 15 (20) Sep 4, 1903 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
23 Win 16–3–3 (1) Harry Forbes KO 2 (20) Aug 13, 1903 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Won world bantamweight title
22 Win 15–3–3 (1) Clarence Forbes KO 6 (20) Jan 15, 1903 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
21 Loss 14–3–3 (1) Harry Forbes TKO 7 (15) Dec 23, 1901 Reliance A.C., Oakland, California, U.S. For world bantamweight title
Referee Smith disallowed claims of a foul
20 Draw 14–2–3 (1) Eddie Hanlon PTS 15 Apr 11, 1901 Old Exhibition Building, Oakland, California, U.S. Retained Pacific Coast bantamweight title
19 Win 14–2–2 (1) Robbie Johnson KO 2 (4) Mar 12, 1901 Mechanics' Pavilion Annex, California, U.S. Won vacant Pacific Coast bantamweight title
18 Loss 13–2–2 (1) Eddie Hanlon PTS 4 Jul 31, 1901 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. For vacant Pacific Coast bantamweight title
17 Win 13–1–2 (1) Tommy Dixon KO 1 (4) Jun 20, 1901 Mechanics' Pavilion Annex, San Francisco, California, U.S.
16 Win 12–1–2 (1) Harry McLaughlin KO 2 (4) Jun 6, 1901 Mechanics' Pavilion Annex, San Francisco, California, U.S.
15 Win 11–1–2 (1) Harry Baker KO 1 (4) May 27, 1901 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
14 Win 10–1–2 (1) George Margarini TKO 3 (10) May 3, 1901 Mechanics' Pavilion Annex, San Francisco, California, U.S.
13 NC 9–1–2 (1) Dave Gilmore NC 1 (4) Apr 18, 1901 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Police intervened
12 Win 9–1–2 George White KO 1 (4) Mar 15, 1901 Bay City A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
11 Win 8–1–2 George Doherty TKO 4 Feb 20, 1901 Bay City A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
10 Draw 7–1–2 George White PTS 4 Jan 23, 1901 Bay City A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
9 Draw 7–1–1 George White PTS 4 Jan 10, 1901 California, U.S.
8 Win 7–1 Kid Goldie KO 2 (4) Dec 28, 1900 West Oakland Club, Oakland, California, U.S.
7 Win 6–1 Kid Malone TKO 1 (4) Dec 26, 1900 Bay City A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
6 Win 5–1 Kid Goldie KO 2 (4) Dec 17, 1900 Bay City A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
5 Loss 4–1 Eddie Hanlon PTS 5 Dec 12, 1900 Washington Hall, San Francisco, California, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Ivy Powell TKO 2 (4) Dec 7, 1900 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 George Gibb KO 2 (4) Dec 5, 1900 Bay City A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 John Scott KO 1 (4) Nov 19, 1900 Bay City A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Charles Anderson KO 1 (4) Nov 8, 1900 Palo Alto Hall, San Francisco, California, U.S.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The Lineal Bantamweight Champions". Cyber Boxing Zone. CBZ.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g "Frankie Neil". BoxRec. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  3. ^ Shand, Bob, "Hanlon Neil Battle was Epic of Ring", Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, pg. 28, 27 June 1926
  4. ^ "Eddie Hanlon-Neil Bout one of Best in History", Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, p. 28, 27 June 1926
  5. ^ "Frankie Neil Wins the Championship", St. Paul Globe, St. Paul, Minnesota, pg. 3, 14 August 1903
  6. ^ Naughton, W. W. of the San Francisco Examiner, in "Frankie Neil Takes Bantam Honors from Harry Tenny", Washington Times, Washington, D.C., p. 22, 27 February 1921
  7. ^ a b Levitt, Ed, "Frankie's Goodbye", Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, pg. 33, 9 March 1970
  8. ^ "Frankie Neil and Abe Attell Matched", Los Angeles Herald, Los Angeles, California, p. 11, 29 May 1906
  9. ^ "Frankie Neil Declares that it is up to Little Abe Attell", Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, pg. 19, 23 December 1906
  10. ^ Interview with Attell by Cavalier Magazine, October 1961, cited in Blady, Ken, The Jewish Boxers' Hall of Fame, (1988). Shapolsky Publishers, Inc, New York, end of Chapter on Abe Attell, pg. 44.
  11. ^ Naughton, W. W., "Frankie Neil Takes Terrific Beating From Clever Bantamweight Champion", Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, p. 28, 20 June 1909
  12. ^ "Hanlon Neil Battle was Epic of Ring", Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, pg. 28, 27 June 1926
  13. ^ a b "Frankie Neil Bio Page". BoxRec. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  14. ^ Buried at Colma in Muller, Eddie, "A True Frankie Neil Tail", The San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco, California, pg. 55, 9 March 1970
  15. ^ Was ill for several months in "Frankie Neil, Ex-champ Dies", Oakland Tribune, Oakland, California, pg. 51, 6 March 1970
  16. ^ "BoxRec: Frankie Neil".
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Achievements
Preceded by World Bantamweight Champion
August 13, 1903 – October 17, 1904 		Succeeded by
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