Gibbons, "Mike" (Michael J.)

Boxing

b. July 20, 1887, St. Paul, MN
d. Aug. 31, 1956

Fight-by-fight Record

Other Resources

Though ranked by Ring magazine as one of the top ten middleweights of all time, Gibbons never got a title fight. Originally a wrestler, he switched to professional boxing in 1908. He won his first 12 of his first 13 fights, with 1 draw, and claimed the middleweight championship after Stanley Ketchel died in 1910, but wasn't recognized as champion.

Known as the "St. Paul Phantom" because of his speed and elusiveness, Gibbons was never knocked out in 127 professional fights. His first fight was a knockout of Roy Moore on January 11, 1908. After losing a 10-round decision to Jimmy Clabby on March 12, 1910, Gibbons was undefeated until 1921. Nearly half of his fights were no-decision contests.

Because of eye damage suffered in the ring, Gibbons retired in 1922. He later operated a gym, managed some fighters, and promoted bouts. Gibbons also served on the Minnesota Boxing Commission.

Gibbons had 62 victories, 38 of them by knockout. He lost only 3 decisions, and he also had 4 draws and 58 no-decisions.

International Boxing Hall of Fame

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