Leonard, Benny
[Benjamin Leiner]

Boxing

b. April 7, 1896, New York, NY
d. April 18, 1947

Career Record

Other Resources

Nicknamed the "Ghetto Wizard" because of his boxing skill, Leonard learned to fight as a youngster growing up in a Jewish neighborhood bordering Irish and Italian neighborhoods. He was knocked out in his first professional fight in 1911, but he went on to become one of the greatest lightweights in history.

Billy Gibson, later manager of heavyweight champion Gene Tunney, took over Leonard's career in 1914 and guided him toward the title. Leonard fought two no-decisions against world lightweight champion Freddy Welsh in 1916. At the time, New York didn't allow decisions, and the only way to win a fight was by knockout.

On May 28, 1917, Leonard won the title by knocking Welsh out in the 9th round and he held the championship until his retirement in 1925. Leonard fought Jack Britton for the welterweight title on June 26, 1922, but lost on a foul in the 13th round.

Leonard's biggest fight was just over a month later, on July 27, when Lew Tendler almost knocked him out in the 8th round. Leonard managed to stay on his feet, dazed, and he recovered to last through 12 rounds of a no-decision contest. The fight drew more than 80,000 spectators. Leonard won a rematch in 15 rounds the following year.

He announced his retirement on January 15, 1925. After losing much of his money in the stock market crash, Leonard returned to the ring as a welterweight in 1931. He retired after Jimmy McLarnin knocked him out in the 6th round on October 7, 1932.

In 1943, Leonard became a referee. He died of a heart attack while working a fight in St. Nicholas Arena four years later. Leonard won 89 bouts, 71 by knockout, and lost only 5, 4 by knockout. He also fought 1 draw and 115 no-decisions.

International Boxing Hall of Fame