Cellini’s Top Ten Pennsylvania Fighters of All Time
By Jeffrey “Italian Medallion” Cellini
The National Football League has a rich history of legendary quarterbacks coming out of the state of Pennsylvania, such as the likes of Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Joe Namath, George Blanda and Johnny Unitas. However, the sport of boxing has enjoyed a rich history of great talent from the “Keystone State” as well. Here is a list of the top ten fighters of all-time that came from Pennsylvania.
10) “Lefty” Lew Tendler, 59-11-2, 38 KO’s fought in the bantamweight and lightweight divisions and most consider him one of the top boxers ever to have never captured a championship. Tendler showed power in both fists and his right jab was hard like a knockout punch and he used it to win many matches. Lew Tendler’s top wins came against Johnny Dundee, Rocky Kansas, Kid Herman and George Chaney.
9) Meldrick “TNT” Taylor, 38-8-1, 20 KO’s was a two-time world champion, winning titles in the junior welterweight and welterweight division. Arguably, Taylor had perhaps the fastest hands in boxing history, but lacked sufficient power. He is best remembered for his loss to Julio Cesar Chavez in their first match when, after controlling most of the fight for twelve rounds, was stopped with two seconds left in the bout. Taylor’s biggest wins came against Buddy McGirt, Aaron Davis and Glenwood Brown.
8) Sammy “The Clutch” Angott, 94-29-8, 22 KO’s was the World Lightweight champion from 1940-42. He had an ugly style and he clinched his opponents but it was effective combined with his steady jabs and fast feet. Sammy Angott’s top wins came from beating Kid Azteca, Lew Jenkins, Davey Day and Ike Williams.
7) Matthew Saad Muhammad, 49-16-3, 35 KO’s won the WBC Light Heavyweight championship in April of 1979, and made eight successful title defenses. Muhammad used a brutal offensive attack to make up for his porous defensive skills and displayed a heart that was a big as anyone in boxing history. Matthew Saad Muhammad’s top victories came against Murry Sutherland, Yaqui Lopez (2), Marvin Johnson (2), John Conteh (2) and Marvin Camel.
6) Bob “The Bobcat” Montgomery, 75-19-3, 37 KO’s defeated Beau Jack by a fifteen-round unanimous decision on May 21, 1943 to win the NYSAC World Lightweight Championship, but lost the title in rematch by a fifteen-round unanimous decision on November 19, 1943. Montgomery knocked out Ike Williams in the twelfth round on January 25, 1944, which ended Williams’ 32-fight win streak. The “Bobcat” regained the title from Jack with a fifteen-round split decision on March 3, 1944. Montgomery was not a knockout artist, but a pesky puncher who kept his hands and feet constantly moving. Bob Montgomery had a good, but not great offense and defense. He worked behind a busy jab and tossed fast combinations when he was within punching range. Bob Montgomery’s top victories came from toppling Allie Stolz, Beau Jack (2), Ike Williams and Lew Jenkins.
5) Billy “The Pittsburgh Kid” Conn, 64-11-1, 15 KO’s was the light heavyweight champion and top heavyweight contender. A very light puncher used great footwork, timing and an accurate jab to confused most of his opponents. Conn is best remembered for moving up to challenge heavyweight champion Joe Louis and giving the “Brown Bomber” serious trouble for 13 rounds before ultimately losing. Billy Conn’s top victories came against Tony Zale, Gus Lesnevich, Melio Bettina and Young Corbett 3.
4) Charley Burley, 83-12-2, 50 KO’s was a great welterweight and middleweight boxer and one of the top fighters in history to have never won a world title belt. Burley was a master at counter punching and slipping incoming fire from his foes. Burley used his stick and a vast array of shots to keep his opponents guessing and the points piling up. Charley Burley’s scored wins against Archie Moore, Holman Williams, Billy Soose and Fritzie Zivic. Burley was so good; some historians have said the Sugar Ray Robinson avoided him at costs.
3) Larry “The Easton Assassin” Holmes, 69-6, 44 KO’s was heavyweight champion of the world who. Holmes possessed one of the best jabs in boxing history and his counter punching skills and heart were top notch indeed. Holmes made 20 defenses of the heavyweight crown which is 2nd all- time to Joe Louis who made 25. Holmes used footwork, a near perfect jab, counter punching and a straight right to control his adversaries. Among Larry Holmes greatest wins include beating the likes of Ken Norton, Ray Mercer, Gerry Cooney and Earnie Shavers (2).
2) Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins, 55-7-2, 32 KO’s is the former undisputed middleweight and two-time light heavyweight champion of the world. Hopkins holds the record for the most middleweight title defenses with 20 and he is the oldest champion in boxing history having won the championship at an astonishing 48. B-Hop that, who is still currently active, is a boxer has an excellent jab and a masterful defense. Bernard Hopkins biggest wins came against Felix Trinidad, Oscar De La Hoya, Antonio Tarver and Kelly Pavlic.
1) Harry “The Pittsburgh Windmill” Greb,107-8-3, 48 KO’s was the middleweight and light heavyweight world champion. Not only one of the best middleweights ever but Greb ranks among the best boxers in history, pound for pound. Harry Greb had a non- stop attack using a flurry of punches to the head and body to overpower his opponent. Harry Greb’s biggest wins came against Gene Tunney, Tiger Flowers, Tommy Gibbons and Gunboat Smith.
Note:
Larry Holmes was actually born in Cuthbert, Georgia in 1949; however, at the age of five, his family (which included eleven siblings) moved to Easton.
Smokin’ Joe Frazier, who fought out of the city of Philadelphia (PA) was actually born in Beaufort, South Carolina.
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