Paul Berlenbach
Encyclopedia
Paul Berlenbach was the light heavyweight
boxing champion of the world from May 30, 1925, when he wrested the crown from Mike McTigue
, until July 16, 1926, when he was defeated by his nemesis Jack Delaney
.
Known as the "Astoria Assassin", Berlenbach was known for his punching power. The New York City
-born Berlenbach was an AAU champion wrestler before turning to professional boxing in 1923. Eventually he scored a 10th round TKO over former champion "Battling Siki
" to earn a title shot against champion Mike McTigue
.
Described by writer Paul Gallico
as "untutored, unlettered, slow-witted, slow-moving, and wholly lacking in animation or imagination", Berlenbach was, nevertheless, a formidable fighter. As Gallico noted, he possessed "a numbing, paralyzing body punch that caused his opponents suddenly to crumple up" as though shot. His weaknesses were his non-existent defense, and slow movements which enabled sharp shooting opponents, such as Jack Delaney, to hit him at will.
He retired with a record of 40 wins (33 KOs), 8 losses, and 3 draws. He was named #93 on the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.
Upon his retirement, he owned and operated Paul Berlenbach's Ringside Restaurant in Sound Beach, New York in the 1950's.
Light heavyweight
In boxing, the light heavyweight is a weight division above 168 pounds [12 Stone or 76.204 kilograms] and up to 175 pounds [12.5 stone or 79.38 kilograms]), falling between super middleweight and cruiserweight...
boxing champion of the world from May 30, 1925, when he wrested the crown from Mike McTigue
Mike McTigue
"Bold" Mike McTigue was the light heavyweight boxing champion of the world from 1923-1925....
, until July 16, 1926, when he was defeated by his nemesis Jack Delaney
Jack Delaney
Jack Delaney was a former light heavyweight boxing champion of the world and contender for the heavyweight crown...
.
Known as the "Astoria Assassin", Berlenbach was known for his punching power. The New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
-born Berlenbach was an AAU champion wrestler before turning to professional boxing in 1923. Eventually he scored a 10th round TKO over former champion "Battling Siki
Battling Siki
Battling Siki , aka Louis Mbarick Fall, was a French light heavyweight boxer born in Senegal who fought from 1912–1925, and briefly reigned as the lineal light heavyweight champion after knocking out Georges Carpentier...
" to earn a title shot against champion Mike McTigue
Mike McTigue
"Bold" Mike McTigue was the light heavyweight boxing champion of the world from 1923-1925....
.
Described by writer Paul Gallico
Paul Gallico
Paul William Gallico was a successful American novelist, short story and sports writer. Many of his works were adapted for motion pictures...
as "untutored, unlettered, slow-witted, slow-moving, and wholly lacking in animation or imagination", Berlenbach was, nevertheless, a formidable fighter. As Gallico noted, he possessed "a numbing, paralyzing body punch that caused his opponents suddenly to crumple up" as though shot. His weaknesses were his non-existent defense, and slow movements which enabled sharp shooting opponents, such as Jack Delaney, to hit him at will.
He retired with a record of 40 wins (33 KOs), 8 losses, and 3 draws. He was named #93 on the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.
Upon his retirement, he owned and operated Paul Berlenbach's Ringside Restaurant in Sound Beach, New York in the 1950's.