This article is about a prominent American boxer of the 20th century. He became the world’s llightweight champion and managed to keep this title for eight years. He was considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. He took eighth place on the list of “the eighty best fighters of the last eighty years” and seventh on the list of “the fifty greatest boxers of all time.” Read more about his childhood, development and professional career at i-manhattan.
Early years
Benny Leonard, born Benjamin Leiner, was a famous American boxer. He was born on April 7, 1896, in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, in a Jewish ghetto. His parents, Minny and Gershon Leiner were immigrants who had eight children, which meant that they had financial difficulties. From an early age, Benny was involved in what could be called boxing activities, as he often fought with children from other immigrant families, even though his parents did not like it.
The rise of the boxer
The young man began boxing professionally at the age of fifteen, secretly from his parents, in order to earn extra money for himself and his family. To keep his activities hidden from his father and mother, he changed his name to Benny. Leonard was very talented. His fighting techniques were unique and exceptionally skillful. He stood out for lightning-fast speed and reflexes, as well as the ability to think clearly during a fight. He also learned to deliver powerful, precise blows. Throughout his career, Benny lost only six times and drew just a few matches, which is an impressive record.
He started his professional career at the Fondon Athletic Club. There, Leonard immediately established himself as a strong boxer. In 1911, he won 12 of his next 18 bouts. In 1914, Leonard defeated the powerful contender Tommy Houck in the seventh round of a ten-round fight. In 1915, Benny faced the featherweight champion Johnny Kilbane, but this time he lost the match. However, that same year, Leonard beat the Portuguese boxer Joe Azevedo, surpassing him in all rounds except the first. In 1915, Leonard also knocked out Joe Mandot in the seventh round. He showed brilliant boxing skills during the first six rounds and achieved a decisive victory over one of the leading contenders for the lightweight championship. In 1916, Benny beat Rocky Kansas in ten rounds.
Further career and becoming the lightweight world champion
In 1916, Leonard gained 15 consecutive victories. Only two matches ended in a draw. This allowed him to face Freddie Welsh and fight for the lightweight title. That year, Leonard also fought with Jimmy Murphy and won by knockout in the sixth round. In 1916, in Philadelphia, S. Robideau was defeated by Benny in six rounds. In September of that year, Leonard technically knocked out Frankie Connifrey in the sixth round. Leonard had the advantage in the first five rounds with his ability to maneuver and outplay his opponent. In October 1916, Ever Hammer lost to him in the twelfth round.
Thanks to his winning streak, Benny Leonard was able to move his family, who had experienced financial difficulties, from the Lower East Side to a better neighborhood in Harlem. He had this goal from the very beginning of his career.
In January 1917, the boxer continued to fight and once again secured a victory over Eddie Wallace in a six-round match. In February 1917, Benny faced former champion Jimmy Reagan. The fight ended in a draw. In 1917, Benny Leonard became the lightweight world champion, and, importantly, he held this title for eight years, from 1917 to 1925. Benny announced his retirement from boxing in 1925, partly due to his mother’s request, as she was suffering from health issues at the time. In the 1930s, he made a brief return to the boxing world. Benny’s professional career ended in 1932. The outstanding boxer passed away on April 18, 1947, at the age of fifty-one because of a heart attack