Battling Nelson

Battling Nelson
Nelson c. 1900s
Born
Oscar Mathæus Nielsen

(1882-06-05)5 June 1882
Copenhagen, Denmark
Died7 February 1954(1954-02-07) (aged 71)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
Other namesThe Durable Dane
Statistics
Weight(s)Lightweight
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights134
Wins69
Wins by KO40
Losses33
Draws27
1911 cartoon of Nelson and his future wife Fay King, drawn by herself for his guide The wonders of the Yellowstone National Park.
Marker commemorating the 1906 Gans-Nelson fight.

Oscar Matthew "Battling" Nelson (June 5, 1882 – February 7, 1954), was a Danish-born American professional boxer who held the World Lightweight championship. He was also nicknamed "the Durable Dane".

Personal history

Nelson was born Oscar Mathæus Nielsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, on June 5, 1882. He emigrated to the United States the following year and was raised in Hegewisch, a neighborhood on the Southeast side of Chicago.

In 1913, he married Fay King, a cartoonist who did his portrait for Nelson's 1911 guide The Wonders of the Yellowstone National Park.[1] In 1916, they had a very public divorce.[2][3]

Nelson died February 7, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, from lung cancer.[4] The Veteran Boxing Association paid for part of the cost of his funeral; his ex-wife paid the remainder, in addition to purchasing "beautiful arrangements" for the ceremony.[5]

Boxing career

Nelson began boxing professionally at age fourteen, in 1896. He fought for the vacant lightweight title against Jimmy Britt on December 20, 1904, but lost a twenty-round decision. He lost to Abe Attell in 1905, but his win over Jack O'Neill secured him another shot at the world championship. On September 9, 1905, Nelson finally beat Britt in a knockout in the 18th round of a 45-round bout.

He defeated Terry McGovern in a no-decision Newspaper decision, but then faced a greater challenge when he faced off against the reigning world lightweight champion Joe Gans on September 3, 1906, in Goldfield, Nevada. Gans dropped Nelson repeatedly during the bout, but could not knock him out. Finally, in the forty-second round, Nelson hit Gans below the belt causing him to lose the fight by disqualification.

In 1907 and 1908, Nelson split a pair of bouts with Britt and fought Attell to a draw. He then challenged Gans again for the world lightweight title on July 4, 1908. This time he knocked Gans out in the seventeenth round. Two months later, Nelson knocked out Gans in the twenty-first round.

In 1909, Nelson fought Ad Wolgast in a fight held over the lightweight limit. Wolgast beat him, and Nelson gave Wolgast a chance at his title on February 22, 1910. Eventually unable to see due to the accumulation of punches, Nelson lost the title when the referee stopped the fight in either the fortieth or the forty-second round.[6]

Nelson continued to fight, and in 1917, he challenged Freddie Welsh for the lightweight title. He lost a twelve-round decision and retired from fighting in 1920.

He was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.

In 2016, award-winning biographer Mark Allen Baker published the first comprehensive biography of Nelson with McFarland, a leading independent publisher of academic and nonfiction books.

Motion pictures of Nelson's fights

A motion picture of the second Gans-Nelson fight in Colma, California, was shown in theaters across the country. Above, reporter-artist Marguerite Martyn sketched her impression of women watching the fight in St. Louis, Missouri, in October 1908.

The second Gans-Nelson battle in Colma was the subject of a four-reel motion picture that played in major cities around the country.

Professional boxing record

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[7] unless otherwise stated.

Official record

134 fights 59 wins 20 losses
By knockout 40 3
By decision 19 16
By disqualification 0 1
Draws 22
No contests 5
Newspaper decisions/draws 28

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Note
134 Loss 59–20–22 (33) Freddie Welsh NWS 12 Apr 17, 1917 Coliseum, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
133 Win 59–20–22 (32) Pierce Matthews TKO 8 (12) Mar 17, 1917 Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
132 Loss 58–20–22 (32) Jimmy Reagan PTS 10 Nov 5, 1915 20th Century A.C., Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
131 Loss 58–19–22 (31) Bobby Waugh PTS 20 Sep 6, 1915 Plaza de Toros, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico
130 Win 58–18–22 (31) Dale Gardner KO 2 (?) Apr 24, 1915 Havana, Cuba
129 Win 57–18–22 (31) Jimmy Fryer PTS 25 Mar 24, 1915 Havana, Cuba
128 Win 56–18–22 (31) Stewart Donnelly KO 3 (?) Mar 18, 1915 Havana, Cuba
127 Win 55–18–22 (31) Cliff Ford PTS 6 Aug 19, 1913 Soo Opera House, Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, U.S.
126 Loss 54–18–22 (31) Ad Wolgast NWS 10 Oct 13, 1913 Southside A.A., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
125 Loss 54–18–22 (30) Pat Bradley NWS 6 (10) May 3, 1913 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
124 Loss 54–18–22 (29) Gilbert Gallant PTS 12 Apr 29, 1913 Arena (Armory A.A.), Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
123 Draw 54–17–22 (29) Bay Wood PTS 12 Apr 19, 1913 Elm Rink, New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S.
122 Win 54–17–21 (29) Mike Malone NWS 10 Mar 27, 1913 Pueblo, Colorado, U.S.
121 Loss 54–17–21 (28) Frank Ray Whitney NWS 10 Mar 5, 1913 Armory Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. No decision rendered by prior agreement
Whitney won Newspaper Decision
120 Draw 54–17–21 (27) Bay Wood PTS 12 Feb 22, 1913 Bristol Arena, New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S.
119 Win 54–17–20 (27) Joe Burke NWS 10 Feb 17, 1913 Orpheum Theatre, Easton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
118 Win 54–17–20 (26) Harry Dillon TKO 10 (10) Feb 11, 1913 Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, U.S.
117 Win 53–17–20 (26) Jack Sorenson NWS 10 Feb 5, 1913 Lakeside Auditorium, Racine, Wisconsin, U.S.
116 Loss 53–17–20 (25) Frankie Russell PTS 10 Jan 3, 1913 Greenwall Theater, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. Nelson claimed he fought under the belief
that without a knockout the bout would
be declared a draw or no decision
115 Loss 53–16–20 (25) Yankee Schwartz NWS 8 Dec 31, 1912 Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
114 Draw 53–16–20 (24) Jim Bonner PTS 10 Dec 20, 1912 Walker's Hall, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, U.S.
113 Draw 53–16–19 (24) Teddy Maloney NWS 6 Dec 13, 1912 Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
112 Loss 53–16–19 (23) Leach Cross NWS 10 Nov 28, 1912 44th Street A.C., New Amsterdam Opera House, New York City, New York, U.S.
111 Win 53–16–19 (22) Art Stewart NWS 10 Nov 14, 1912 Hammond, Indiana, U.S.
110 Draw 53–16–19 (21) Steve Ketchel PTS 15 Sep 2, 1912 Saint Joseph, Missouri, U.S.
109 Loss 53–16–18 (21) Mickey MacIntyre NWS 12 Jul 12, 1912 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
108 Win 53–16–18 (20) Andy Bezenah NWS 12 Jul 1, 1912 Auditorium Rink, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
107 Draw 53–16–18 (19) Sammy Trott PTS 15 Mar 1, 1912 Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
106 Draw 53–16–17 (19) Young Togo PTS 6 Feb 26, 1912 Athletic Club, Fort Smith, Arkansas, U.S.
105 Loss 53–16–16 (19) Tommy O'Rourke NWS 10 Jan 9, 1912 Springfield, Missouri, U.S.
104 Win 53–16–16 (18) Jack Redmond PTS 20 Dec 31, 1911 West Side A.C., Gretna, Louisiana, U.S.
103 Loss 52–16–16 (18) One Round Hogan NWS 10 Dec 22, 1911 Madison A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
102 Win 52–16–16 (17) Willie Howard NWS 10 Dec 18, 1911 Irving A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
101 Win 52–16–16 (16) Bobby Wilson NWS 10 Dec 15, 1911 Oneida County A.C., Utica, New York, U.S.
100 Draw 52–16–16 (15) Andy Bezenah NWS 10 Dec 4, 1911 Jeffersonville, Indiana, U.S.
99 Win 52–16–16 (14) Joseph Spero KO 6 (20) Nov 30, 1911 Agnes Street Theatre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
98 Draw 51–16–16 (14) Louis De Ponthieu NWS 10 Nov 25, 1911 Convention Hall, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
97 Win 51–16–16 (13) Tommy Moore TKO 9 (10) Nov 10, 1911 Convention Hall, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
96 Draw 50–16–16 (13) Frank Loughrey NWS 10 Nov 6, 1911 Grogan A.C., Watervliet, New York, U.S.
95 Win 50–16–16 (12) Monte Dale PTS 15 Oct 25, 1911 Mechanics Hall, Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
94 Loss 49–16–16 (12) George Alger NWS 6 Oct 19, 1911 Augusta, Maine, U.S.
93 Loss 49–16–16 (12) Philadelphia Pal Moore PTS 12 Oct 17, 1911 Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
92 Win 49–15–16 (12) Willie Beecher NWS 10 Oct 11, 1911 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
91 Loss 49–15–16 (11) Milburn Saylor PTS 12 Oct 3, 1911 Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
90 Win 49–14–16 (11) Billy Nixon TKO 10 (12) Sep 19, 1911 Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
89 Win 48–14–16 (11) Tommy Gaffney TKO 5 (10) Aug 4, 1911 Opera House, Medford, Oregon, U.S.
88 Draw 47–14–16 (11) Percy Cove PTS 6 Jul 4, 1911 Fairgrounds, Bellingham, Washington, U.S.
87 Loss 47–14–15 (11) Owen Moran KO 11 (20) Nov 26, 1910 Blot's Arena, San Francisco, California, U.S.
86 Draw 47–13–15 (11) Anton LaGrave PTS 15 Oct 31, 1910 Dreamland Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
85 Win 47–13–14 (11) Monte Dale TKO 3 (10) Oct 10, 1910 Hippodrome, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
84 Loss 46–13–14 (11) Ad Wolgast TKO 40 (45) Feb 22, 1910 Arena, Point Richmond, California, U.S. Lost world lightweight title
83 Win 46–12–14 (11) Eddie Lang TKO 8 (8) Jan 21, 1910 Memphis A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
82 Loss 45–12–14 (11) Ad Wolgast NWS 10 Jul 13, 1909 Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
81 Win 45–12–14 (10) Jack Clifford TKO 5 (15) Jun 22, 1909 Auditorium, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
80 Win 44–12–14 (10) Dick Hyland KO 23 (45) May 29, 1909 Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
79 Win 43–12–14 (10) Joe Gans KO 21 (45) Sep 9, 1908 Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
78 Win 42–12–14 (10) Joe Gans KO 17 (45) Jul 4, 1908 Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, U.S. Won world lightweight title
77 Draw 41–12–14 (10) Abe Attell PTS 15 Mar 31, 1908 Coliseum, San Francisco, California, U.S.
76 Draw 41–12–13 (10) Jimmy Britt NWS 10 Mar 3, 1908 Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
75 Loss 41–12–13 (9) Rudy Unholz NWS 10 Feb 4, 1908 Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
74 Win 41–12–13 (8) Jack Clifford KO 5 (20) Jan 13, 1908 Opera House, Ogden, Utah, U.S.
73 Loss 40–12–13 (8) Jimmy Britt PTS 20 Jul 31, 1907 Auditorium Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S. Lost world 'white' lightweight title
72 Loss 40–11–13 (8) Joe Gans DQ 42 (?) Sep 3, 1906 Casino Amphitheatre, Goldfield, Nevada, U.S. For world lightweight title
71 Win 40–10–13 (8) Terry McGovern NWS 6 Mar 14, 1906 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
70 Win 40–10–13 (7) Jimmy Britt KO 18 (20) Sep 9, 1905 Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, U.S. Won world 'white' lightweight title
69 Win 39–10–13 (7) Jack O'Neil NWS 6 Jun 6, 1905 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
68 Draw 39–10–13 (6) Kid Sullivan PTS 6 Jun 2, 1905 Eureka A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
67 Loss 39–10–12 (6) Abe Attell NWS 6 May 22, 1905 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
66 Win 39–10–12 (5) Young Corbett II TKO 9 (20) Feb 28, 1905 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
65 Loss 38–10–12 (5) Jimmy Britt PTS 20 Dec 20, 1904 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. For vacant world 'white' lightweight title
64 Win 38–9–12 (5) Young Corbett II TKO 10 (20) Nov 29, 1904 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
63 Win 37–9–12 (5) Aurelio Herrera PTS 20 Sep 5, 1904 Montana A.C., Butte, Montana, U.S.
62 Win 36–9–12 (5) Eddie Hanlon TKO 19 (20) Jul 29, 1904 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
61 Win 35–9–12 (5) Martin Canole KO 18 (20) May 20, 1904 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
60 Win 34–9–12 (5) Joe Spider Welsh TKO 16 (20) Apr 5, 1904 Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
59 Win 33–9–12 (5) Jack O'Neil PTS 6 Feb 5, 1904 Badger A.C., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
58 Win 32–9–12 (5) Art Simms KO 3 (6) Jan 16, 1904 Milwaukee A.C., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
57 Win 31–9–12 (5) Clarence English PTS 15 Dec 28, 1903 Saint Joseph, Missouri, U.S.
56 Win 30–9–12 (5) George Memsic PTS 6 Nov 10, 1903 Badger A.C., Milwaukee, U.S.
55 Loss 29–9–12 (5) Charles Neary PTS 6 Oct 16, 1903 Badger A.C., Milwaukee, U.S.
54 NC 29–8–12 (5) Daredevil Tildon NC 2 (?) Sep 3, 1903 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Police stopped the fight
53 Loss 29–8–12 (4) Eddie Sterns KO 9 (?) Aug 26, 1903 Michigan City, Indiana, U.S.
52 Draw 29–7–12 (4) Mickey Riley PTS 15 Jul 24, 1903 Hurley, Wisconsin, U.S.
51 NC 29–7–11 (4) Mickey Riley NC 11 (?) Jul 15, 1903 Ashland, Wisconsin, U.S. Police stopped the fight
50 Draw 29–7–11 (3) Clarence English PTS 15 Jun 27, 1903 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
49 Win 29–7–10 (3) Larry McDonald KO 4 (?) Jun 20, 1903 Harvey, Illinois, U.S.
48 Draw 28–7–10 (3) Mickey Riley PTS 6 Jun 19, 1903 Panorama Building, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
47 Win 28–7–9 (3) Young Scotty PTS 8 Jun 16, 1903 Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, U.S.
46 Win 27–7–9 (3) Stockings Kelly KO 4 (?) May 22, 1903 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
45 Win 26–7–9 (3) Cyclone Johnny Thompson PTS 6 Apr 24, 1903 Milwaukee A.C., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
44 Draw 25–7–9 (3) Adam Ryan PTS 15 Mar 4, 1903 Capital Theater, Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.
43 Win 25–7–8 (3) Sammy Maxwell KO 10 (?) Jan 6, 1903 Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
42 Win 24–7–8 (3) Christy Williams KO 17 (?) Dec 26, 1902 Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
41 Win 23–7–8 (3) Billy Mayfield PTS 10 Dec 2, 1902 Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
40 Draw 22–7–8 (3) Battling Hurley PTS 6 Jun 14, 1902 Hammond, Indiana, U.S.
39 Win 22–7–7 (3) Pudden Burns PTS 6 May 17, 1902 Hegewisch, Illinois, U.S.
38 Draw 21–7–7 (3) Danny McMahon PTS 6 Apr 12, 1902 West Pullman, Illinois, U.S.
37 Win 21–7–6 (3) William Rossler KO 1 (?) Apr 5, 1902 Harvey, Illinois, U.S.
36 Win 20–7–6 (3) Cyclone Johnny Thompson PTS 6 Mar 21, 1902 Wabash A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
35 Win 19–7–6 (3) Kid Ryan KO 5 (?) Mar 17, 1902 American A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
34 Win 18–7–6 (3) Joe Percente PTS 8 Mar 13, 1902 Oshkosh, Wisconsin, U.S.
33 Loss 17–7–6 (3) Charles Berry PTS 8 Jan 21, 1902 Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, U.S.
32 Win 17–6–6 (3) Frank Colifer KO 5 (?) Jan 13, 1902 West Pullman, Illinois, U.S.
31 Loss 16–6–6 (3) Charles Berry PTS 6 Dec 17, 1901 Badger A.C., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
30 Win 16–5–6 (3) Mike Walsh KO 6 (6) Dec 16, 1901 American A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
29 Draw 15–5–6 (3) Joe Percente PTS 6 Dec 2, 1901 Milwaukee Boxing Club, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
28 Loss 15–5–5 (3) Eddie Santry PTS 6 Nov 29, 1901 Pyramid A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
27 Loss 15–4–5 (3) Joe Percente PTS 6 Nov 15, 1901 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
26 NC 15–3–5 (3) Billy Heck ND 4 Nov 10, 1901 West Pullman, Wisconsin, U.S.
25 Draw 15–3–5 (2) Harry Fails PTS 10 May 24, 1901 Rhinelander, Wisconsin, U.S.
24 NC 15–3–4 (2) Harry Fails ND 6 May 18, 1901 Omro, Wisconsin, U.S.
23 Draw 15–3–4 (1) Charles Berry PTS 6 May 3, 1901 Milwaukee Boxing Club, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
22 Loss 15–3–3 (1) Mickey Riley PTS 6 Apr 19, 1901 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
21 Win 15–2–3 (1) Black Griffo KO 3 (?) Mar 17, 1901 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
20 Win 14–2–3 (1) Jack Martin PTS 4 Dec 8, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
19 Win 13–2–3 (1) Joe Percente DQ 2 (?) Dec 7, 1900 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
18 Draw 12–2–3 (1) Danny McMahon PTS 4 Dec 1, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
17 Loss 12–2–2 (1) Pete Boyle DQ 4 (?) Dec 1, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
16 Win 12–1–2 (1) Ed Burley KO 5 (?) Nov 22, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
15 Win 11–1–2 (1) Black Griffo KO 3 (?) Nov 15, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
14 Draw 10–1–2 (1) Clarence Class PTS 6 Nov 2, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
13 Win 10–1–1 (1) Young Bay PTS 6 Oct 8, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
12 Win 9–1–1 (1) Young Griffin PTS 6 Sep 21, 1900 Orpheus A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
11 Loss 8–1–1 (1) Joe Hedmark PTS 6 Sep 14, 1900 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
10 Win 8–0–1 (1) Charles Dougherty KO 1 (?) Aug 30, 1900 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
9 NC 7–0–1 (1) Feathers Vernon ND 6 Jul 4, 1900 West Pullman, Illinois, U.S.
8 Win 7–0–1 John Smith KO 2 (?) Jun 1, 1899 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
7 Win 6–0–1 Bull Winters KO 1 (?) May 3, 1899 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
6 Win 5–0–1 Eddie Penny KO 1 (?) Apr 6, 1899 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
5 Draw 4–0–1 Eddie Herman PTS 6 Jan 1, 1899 Hegewisch, Illinois, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Soldier Williams KO 3 (?) May 11, 1898 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Freddie Green KO 7 (?) May 10, 1898 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Ole Olsen PTS 3 Jun 5, 1897 Hegewisch, Illinois, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Wallace Kid KO 1 (?) Sep 3, 1896 Hammond, Indiana, U.S.

Unofficial record

172 fights 97 wins 46 losses
By knockout 40 3
By decision 56 39
By disqualification 1 4
Draws 28
No contests 1

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
134 Loss 69–33–27 (5) Freddie Welsh NWS 12 Apr 17, 1917 Coliseum, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S. World lightweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
133 Win 69–32–27 (5) Pierce Matthews TKO 8 (12) Mar 17, 1917 Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
132 Loss 68–32–27 (5) Jimmy Reagan PTS 10 Nov 5, 1915 20th Century A.C., Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
131 Loss 68–31–27 (5) Bobby Waugh PTS 20 Sep 6, 1915 Plaza de Toros, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico
130 Win 68–30–27 (5) Dale Gardner KO 2 (?) Apr 24, 1915 Havana, Cuba
129 Win 67–30–27 (5) Jimmy Fryer PTS 25 Mar 24, 1915 Havana, Cuba
128 Win 66–30–27 (5) Stewart Donnelly KO 3 (?) Mar 18, 1915 Havana, Cuba
127 Win 65–30–27 (5) Cliff Ford PTS 6 Aug 19, 1913 Soo Opera House, Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, U.S.
126 Loss 64–30–27 (5) Ad Wolgast NWS 10 Oct 13, 1913 Southside A.A., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
125 Loss 64–29–27 (5) Pat Bradley NWS 6 (10) May 3, 1913 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
124 Loss 64–28–27 (5) Gilbert Gallant PTS 12 Apr 29, 1913 Arena (Armory A.A.), Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
123 Draw 64–27–27 (5) Bay Wood PTS 12 Apr 19, 1913 Elm Rink, New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S.
122 Win 64–27–26 (5) Mike Malone NWS 10 Mar 27, 1913 Pueblo, Colorado, U.S.
121 Loss 63–27–26 (5) Frank Ray Whitney NWS 10 Mar 5, 1913 Armory Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. No decision rendered by prior agreement
Whitney won Newspaper Decision
120 Draw 63–26–26 (5) Bay Wood PTS 12 Feb 22, 1913 Bristol Arena, New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S.
119 Win 63–26–25 (5) Joe Burke NWS 10 Feb 17, 1913 Orpheum Theatre, Easton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
118 Win 62–26–25 (5) Harry Dillon TKO 10 (10) Feb 11, 1913 Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, U.S.
117 Win 61–26–25 (5) Jack Sorenson NWS 10 Feb 5, 1913 Lakeside Auditorium, Racine, Wisconsin, U.S.
116 Loss 60–26–25 (5) Frankie Russell PTS 10 Jan 3, 1913 Greenwall Theater, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. Nelson claimed he fought under the belief
that without a knockout the bout would
be declared a draw or no decision
115 Loss 60–25–25 (5) Yankee Schwartz NWS 8 Dec 31, 1912 Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
114 Draw 60–24–25 (5) Jim Bonner PTS 10 Dec 20, 1912 Walker's Hall, Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, U.S.
113 Draw 60–24–24 (5) Teddy Maloney NWS 6 Dec 13, 1912 Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
112 Loss 60–24–23 (5) Leach Cross NWS 10 Nov 28, 1912 44th Street A.C., New Amsterdam Opera House, New York City, New York, U.S.
111 Win 60–23–23 (5) Art Stewart NWS 10 Nov 14, 1912 Hammond, Indiana, U.S.
110 Draw 59–23–23 (5) Steve Ketchel PTS 15 Sep 2, 1912 Saint Joseph, Missouri, U.S.
109 Loss 59–23–22 (5) Mickey MacIntyre NWS 12 Jul 12, 1912 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
108 Win 59–22–22 (5) Andy Bezenah NWS 12 Jul 1, 1912 Auditorium Rink, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
107 Draw 58–22–22 (5) Sammy Trott PTS 15 Mar 1, 1912 Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
106 Draw 58–22–21 (5) Young Togo PTS 6 Feb 26, 1912 Athletic Club, Fort Smith, Arkansas, U.S.
105 Loss 58–22–20 (5) Tommy O'Rourke NWS 10 Jan 9, 1912 Springfield, Missouri, U.S.
104 Win 58–21–20 (5) Jack Redmond PTS 20 Dec 31, 1911 West Side A.C., Gretna, Louisiana, U.S.
103 Loss 57–21–20 (5) One Round Hogan NWS 10 Dec 22, 1911 Madison A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
102 Win 57–20–20 (5) Willie Howard NWS 10 Dec 18, 1911 Irving A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
101 Win 56–20–20 (5) Bobby Wilson NWS 10 Dec 15, 1911 Oneida County A.C., Utica, New York, U.S.
100 Draw 55–20–20 (5) Andy Bezenah NWS 10 Dec 4, 1911 Jeffersonville, Indiana, U.S.
99 Win 55–20–19 (5) Joseph Spero KO 6 (20) Nov 30, 1911 Agnes Street Theatre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
98 Draw 54–20–19 (5) Louis De Ponthieu NWS 10 Nov 25, 1911 Convention Hall, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
97 Win 54–20–18 (5) Tommy Moore TKO 9 (10) Nov 10, 1911 Convention Hall, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
96 Draw 53–20–18 (5) Frank Loughrey NWS 10 Nov 6, 1911 Grogan A.C., Watervliet, New York, U.S.
95 Win 53–20–17 (5) Monte Dale PTS 15 Oct 25, 1911 Mechanics Hall, Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S.
94 Loss 52–20–17 (5) George Alger NWS 6 Oct 19, 1911 Augusta, Maine, U.S.
93 Loss 52–19–17 (5) Philadelphia Pal Moore PTS 12 Oct 17, 1911 Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
92 Win 52–18–17 (5) Willie Beecher NWS 10 Oct 11, 1911 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
91 Loss 51–18–17 (5) Milburn Saylor PTS 12 Oct 3, 1911 Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
90 Win 51–17–17 (5) Billy Nixon TKO 10 (12) Sep 19, 1911 Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
89 Win 50–17–17 (5) Tommy Gaffney TKO 5 (10) Aug 4, 1911 Opera House, Medford, Oregon, U.S.
88 Draw 49–17–17 (5) Percy Cove PTS 6 Jul 4, 1911 Fairgrounds, Bellingham, Washington, U.S.
87 Loss 49–17–16 (5) Owen Moran KO 11 (20) Nov 26, 1910 Blot's Arena, San Francisco, California, U.S.
86 Draw 49–16–16 (5) Anton LaGrave PTS 15 Oct 31, 1910 Dreamland Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
85 Win 49–16–15 (5) Monte Dale TKO 3 (10) Oct 10, 1910 Hippodrome, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
84 Loss 48–16–15 (5) Ad Wolgast TKO 40 (45) Feb 22, 1910 Arena, Point Richmond, California, U.S. Lost world lightweight title
83 Win 48–15–15 (5) Eddie Lang TKO 8 (8) Jan 21, 1910 Memphis A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
82 Loss 47–15–15 (5) Ad Wolgast NWS 10 Jul 13, 1909 Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
81 Win 47–14–15 (5) Jack Clifford TKO 5 (15) Jun 22, 1909 Auditorium, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
80 Win 46–14–15 (5) Dick Hyland KO 23 (45) May 29, 1909 Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
79 Win 45–14–15 (5) Joe Gans KO 21 (45) Sep 9, 1908 Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
78 Win 44–14–15 (5) Joe Gans KO 17 (45) Jul 4, 1908 Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, U.S. Won world lightweight title
77 Draw 43–14–15 (5) Abe Attell PTS 15 Mar 31, 1908 Coliseum, San Francisco, California, U.S.
76 Draw 43–14–14 (5) Jimmy Britt NWS 10 Mar 3, 1908 Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
75 Loss 43–14–13 (5) Rudy Unholz NWS 10 Feb 4, 1908 Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
74 Win 43–13–13 (5) Jack Clifford KO 5 (20) Jan 13, 1908 Opera House, Ogden, Utah, U.S.
73 Loss 42–13–13 (5) Jimmy Britt PTS 20 Jul 31, 1907 Auditorium Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S. Lost world 'white' lightweight title
72 Loss 42–12–13 (5) Joe Gans DQ 42 (?) Sep 3, 1906 Casino Amphitheatre, Goldfield, Nevada, U.S. For world lightweight title
71 Win 42–11–13 (5) Terry McGovern NWS 6 Mar 14, 1906 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
70 Win 41–11–13 (5) Jimmy Britt KO 18 (20) Sep 9, 1905 Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, U.S. Won world 'white' lightweight title
69 Win 40–11–13 (5) Jack O'Neil NWS 6 Jun 6, 1905 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
68 Draw 39–11–13 (5) Kid Sullivan PTS 6 Jun 2, 1905 Eureka A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
67 Loss 39–11–12 (5) Abe Attell NWS 6 May 22, 1905 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
66 Win 39–10–12 (5) Young Corbett II TKO 9 (20) Feb 28, 1905 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
65 Loss 38–10–12 (5) Jimmy Britt PTS 20 Dec 20, 1904 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. For vacant world 'white' lightweight title
64 Win 38–9–12 (5) Young Corbett II TKO 10 (20) Nov 29, 1904 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
63 Win 37–9–12 (5) Aurelio Herrera PTS 20 Sep 5, 1904 Montana A.C., Butte, Montana, U.S.
62 Win 36–9–12 (5) Eddie Hanlon TKO 19 (20) Jul 29, 1904 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
61 Win 35–9–12 (5) Martin Canole KO 18 (20) May 20, 1904 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
60 Win 34–9–12 (5) Joe Spider Welsh TKO 16 (20) Apr 5, 1904 Salt Palace, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
59 Win 33–9–12 (5) Jack O'Neil PTS 6 Feb 5, 1904 Badger A.C., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
58 Win 32–9–12 (5) Art Simms KO 3 (6) Jan 16, 1904 Milwaukee A.C., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
57 Win 31–9–12 (5) Clarence English PTS 15 Dec 28, 1903 Saint Joseph, Missouri, U.S.
56 Win 30–9–12 (5) George Memsic PTS 6 Nov 10, 1903 Badger A.C., Milwaukee, U.S.
55 Loss 29–9–12 (5) Charles Neary PTS 6 Oct 16, 1903 Badger A.C., Milwaukee, U.S.
54 NC 29–8–12 (5) Daredevil Tildon NC 2 (?) Sep 3, 1903 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Police stopped the fight
53 Loss 29–8–12 (4) Eddie Sterns KO 9 (?) Aug 26, 1903 Michigan City, Indiana, U.S.
52 Draw 29–7–12 (4) Mickey Riley PTS 15 Jul 24, 1903 Hurley, Wisconsin, U.S.
51 NC 29–7–11 (4) Mickey Riley NC 11 (?) Jul 15, 1903 Ashland, Wisconsin, U.S. Police stopped the fight
50 Draw 29–7–11 (3) Clarence English PTS 15 Jun 27, 1903 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
49 Win 29–7–10 (3) Larry McDonald KO 4 (?) Jun 20, 1903 Harvey, Illinois, U.S.
48 Draw 28–7–10 (3) Mickey Riley PTS 6 Jun 19, 1903 Panorama Building, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
47 Win 28–7–9 (3) Young Scotty PTS 8 Jun 16, 1903 Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, U.S.
46 Win 27–7–9 (3) Stockings Kelly KO 4 (?) May 22, 1903 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
45 Win 26–7–9 (3) Cyclone Johnny Thompson PTS 6 Apr 24, 1903 Milwaukee A.C., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
44 Draw 25–7–9 (3) Adam Ryan PTS 15 Mar 4, 1903 Capital Theater, Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.
43 Win 25–7–8 (3) Sammy Maxwell KO 10 (?) Jan 6, 1903 Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
42 Win 24–7–8 (3) Christy Williams KO 17 (?) Dec 26, 1902 Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
41 Win 23–7–8 (3) Billy Mayfield PTS 10 Dec 2, 1902 Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
40 Draw 22–7–8 (3) Battling Hurley PTS 6 Jun 14, 1902 Hammond, Indiana, U.S.
39 Win 22–7–7 (3) Pudden Burns PTS 6 May 17, 1902 Hegewisch, Illinois, U.S.
38 Draw 21–7–7 (3) Danny McMahon PTS 6 Apr 12, 1902 West Pullman, Illinois, U.S.
37 Win 21–7–6 (3) William Rossler KO 1 (?) Apr 5, 1902 Harvey, Illinois, U.S.
36 Win 20–7–6 (3) Cyclone Johnny Thompson PTS 6 Mar 21, 1902 Wabash A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
35 Win 19–7–6 (3) Kid Ryan KO 5 (?) Mar 17, 1902 American A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
34 Win 18–7–6 (3) Joe Percente PTS 8 Mar 13, 1902 Oshkosh, Wisconsin, U.S.
33 Loss 17–7–6 (3) Charles Berry PTS 8 Jan 21, 1902 Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, U.S.
32 Win 17–6–6 (3) Frank Colifer KO 5 (?) Jan 13, 1902 West Pullman, Illinois, U.S.
31 Loss 16–6–6 (3) Charles Berry PTS 6 Dec 17, 1901 Badger A.C., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
30 Win 16–5–6 (3) Mike Walsh KO 6 (6) Dec 16, 1901 American A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
29 Draw 15–5–6 (3) Joe Percente PTS 6 Dec 2, 1901 Milwaukee Boxing Club, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
28 Loss 15–5–5 (3) Eddie Santry PTS 6 Nov 29, 1901 Pyramid A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
27 Loss 15–4–5 (3) Joe Percente PTS 6 Nov 15, 1901 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
26 NC 15–3–5 (3) Billy Heck ND 4 Nov 10, 1901 West Pullman, Wisconsin, U.S.
25 Draw 15–3–5 (2) Harry Fails PTS 10 May 24, 1901 Rhinelander, Wisconsin, U.S.
24 NC 15–3–4 (2) Harry Fails ND 6 May 18, 1901 Omro, Wisconsin, U.S.
23 Draw 15–3–4 (1) Charles Berry PTS 6 May 3, 1901 Milwaukee Boxing Club, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
22 Loss 15–3–3 (1) Mickey Riley PTS 6 Apr 19, 1901 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
21 Win 15–2–3 (1) Black Griffo KO 3 (?) Mar 17, 1901 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
20 Win 14–2–3 (1) Jack Martin PTS 4 Dec 8, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
19 Win 13–2–3 (1) Joe Percente DQ 2 (?) Dec 7, 1900 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
18 Draw 12–2–3 (1) Danny McMahon PTS 4 Dec 1, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
17 Loss 12–2–2 (1) Pete Boyle DQ 4 (?) Dec 1, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
16 Win 12–1–2 (1) Ed Burley KO 5 (?) Nov 22, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
15 Win 11–1–2 (1) Black Griffo KO 3 (?) Nov 15, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
14 Draw 10–1–2 (1) Clarence Class PTS 6 Nov 2, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
13 Win 10–1–1 (1) Young Bay PTS 6 Oct 8, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
12 Win 9–1–1 (1) Young Griffin PTS 6 Sep 21, 1900 Orpheus A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
11 Loss 8–1–1 (1) Joe Hedmark PTS 6 Sep 14, 1900 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
10 Win 8–0–1 (1) Charles Dougherty KO 1 (?) Aug 30, 1900 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
9 NC 7–0–1 (1) Feathers Vernon ND 6 Jul 4, 1900 West Pullman, Illinois, U.S.
8 Win 7–0–1 John Smith KO 2 (?) Jun 1, 1899 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
7 Win 6–0–1 Bull Winters KO 1 (?) May 3, 1899 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
6 Win 5–0–1 Eddie Penny KO 1 (?) Apr 6, 1899 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
5 Draw 4–0–1 Eddie Herman PTS 6 Jan 1, 1899 Hegewisch, Illinois, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Soldier Williams KO 3 (?) May 11, 1898 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Freddie Green KO 7 (?) May 10, 1898 Sioux Falls, South Dakota, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Ole Olsen PTS 3 Jun 5, 1897 Hegewisch, Illinois, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Wallace Kid KO 1 (?) Sep 3, 1896 Hammond, Indiana, U.S.

See also

References

  1. ^ "The wonders of the Yellowstone National Park". 1911.
  2. ^ "She was the "Greatest woman cartoonist, caricaturist and 'kidder' in the world" — and she could fight a bobcat". 15 October 2017.
  3. ^ "Fay King".
  4. ^ Roberts, James and Alexander Skutt (1997). The Boxing Register, 1st ed. Ithaca, New York: McBooks Press. p. 128. ISBN 0-935526-23-4.
  5. ^ Baker, Mark Allen (2016). Battling Nelson, The Durable Dane: World Lightweight Champion 1882–1954. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland and Company, Inc. p. 253. ISBN 978-1-4766-6372-2.
  6. ^ Roberts, James and Alexander Skutt (1997). The Boxing Register, 1st ed. Ithaca, New York: McBooks Press. p. 129. ISBN 0-935526-23-4.
  7. ^ "BoxRec: Battling Nelson".
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Achievements
Preceded by World Lightweight Champion
July 4, 1908 – February 22, 1910 		Succeeded by
Titles in pretence
Preceded by World White Lightweight Champion
September 9, 1905 – July 31, 1907 		Succeeded by