Black Cat of the Ring

Charley White

(Charles Anchowitz)

In Benton Harbor, Michigan, for 24 minutes on the afternoon of July 5, 1920 Charley White dominated the champion of the world Benny Leonard. A little less than 15 minutes into the fight White caught Leonard with a left hook that knocked him completely out of the ring. Somehow the ring wise Leonard managed to regain his feat before the count of ten. After 24 minutes and 15 seconds of fighting Charlie White's dominance ended, in a hail of punches, that left White unconscious and Leonard champion.

Now, two years and some 25 fights later, it appeared Charlie White was to have a second chance at glory.

New York, Aug. 9 (1922) Benny Leonard and Charley White have agreed to terms for a lightweight championship fight...

-Beloit Daily News. August 9, 1922

New York, Aug. 24-Benny Leonard will fight Charley White for the world's lightweight championship as soon as he recovers from the injury to his teeth sustained in the Tendler fight, according to his manager.

-Beloit Daily News. August 24, 1922

New York, Sept. 22. Because of his infected gums, Benny Leonard has called off his fight Charlie White, scheduled for October 3 in Jersey City. The two will probably meet this winter.

-Beloit Daily News. September 22, 1922

 In all, Charley White fought for the title five times, twice against Freddie Welsh, once each against Willie Ritchie, Ad Wolgast and Benny Leonard. When Charley White's sixth title chance failed to come to pass, he fought slightly over six months and announce his retirement. In all his career had spanned 17 years.

Upon the announcement of his retirement the writer for the Beloit Daily News said of Charley White,

"The black cat of the prize ring is through.

...should have been a champion. He could fight. He was a great hitter. No lightweight could ever hit as hard with a left hook.

...trouble was mainly one of brains. As a thinker he was not quick on the trigger. He would consisently do the wrong thing in the right place, and as a consequence he lost several sweet opportunities to climb into the big money class.

...retires with the distinciton of being the greatest runner-up in the history of pugilism."

-Beloit Daily News. October 25, 1923

Vintage Original Exhibit Supply Co. 1921 Postcard

Price: $ 45.00

Size: 3 3/8 X 5 3/8 inches

1500-0018

Condition: Excellent

Shipping and Handling $10.00 in the United States. $20.00 to foreign destinations.

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