Mysterious Billy Smith
Born
William Amos Smith

(1871-05-15)May 15, 1871
Little River, Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada
DiedOctober 14, 1937(1937-10-14) (aged 66)
Portland, Oregon, US
Other names"Mysterious Billy" Smith
Statistics
Weight(s)Welterweight
Height5 ft 8+1⁄2 in (174 cm)
Boxing record
Total fights94
Wins37
Wins by KO24
Losses25
Draws27
No contests5

William Amos Smith (May 15, 1871 – October 15, 1937) (Aka "Mysterious Billy" Smith) was a Canadian born two-time world welterweight boxing champion of the world: first at age 21 in 1892, then again in 1898 at the age of 27. He became famous world-wide for his boxing success and also became infamous for his associations and involvement with criminal activities in Portland, Oregon, in the early 1900s. He was later described as the "Dirtiest fighter of all Time".[1] Smith died at the age of 66 on October 15, 1937, and was buried at Multnomah Park Cemetery in Portland Oregon.

He was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the class of 2009.[2]

1871 Biography

William Amos Smith was born in Little River, Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada, on May 15, 1871, to Robert James Smith (1831-1895) and Adelia Dakin (1838-1902). William was the sixth and last child born to this family. His father was a fisherman who was born in the USA. William had three older brothers (Nelson Wentworth Smith, St Clair Smith and Thomas Dakin Smith) and two sisters (Elizabeth and Adelaide Smith).

William was first documented at age 10 on the 1881 Canadian census in Lepreau, New Brunswick, Canada, with his entire family. He was listed by his middle name (Amos) and as being born in Nova Scotia.[3]

William's older brother Thomas Dakin Smith moved from the East Coast to the state of Oregon in late 1887. Thomas married Mary Elizabeth Beech in 1888 in Benton County, Oregon. Thomas then moved to Portland, Oregon, and was listed in an 1894 city directory,[4] and again in the 1900 census.[5] In both references Thomas was employed as a buggy washer. By moving to Portland, Thomas created a familial anchor base that his younger brother William would use when he pursued his boxing career from Canada to San Francisco to Portland, Oregon.

Meanwhile, back in Canada, 19-year-old William found early success in boxing. Amos William Smith fought Ed Harvey to a draw on December 1, 1890, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada.[6][7] His manager at this time was his second eldest brother St. Claire Smith. William also beat Frank Tebeau by TK in 5 rounds.[7] (Need another citation for date.)

1891 San Francisco, California

In early 1891 (age 19), William Amos Smith traveled from the East Coast (Canada/USA) to San Francisco, California, to pursue his boxing career.

In 1891, William Amos Smith fought and beat a man named Breslin. (need citation).

He boxed at the following venues in San Francisco from January 20, 1892, to March 21, 1892:

 California Athletic Club - San Francisco
 Wigwam Theatre - San Francisco
 Occidental Athletic Club - San Francisco

William fought two exhibitions matches against older established boxers.

His first fight was against John Edward Kelly, aka Jack Dempsey, aka Nonpareil Dempsey,[8] who was 9 years older than William Amos Smith and a weight class above him. Dempsey was the first holder of the world middleweight championship from 1884 to 1891.

William then fought an exhibition match against the Australian boxer called Billy "Shadow" Maber. .[7][9][10]

Exhibition matches sold tickets, which in turn provided money for all involved. These matches were marketed to create excitement and show the young up-and-coming boxer William Amos Smith was able to challenge established, aging boxers.

On January 1, 1892, William Amos Smith (age 20), beat Billy Kelly on points at the California Athletic Club.[11]

On January 27, 1892, he lost to Frank Purcell on points at the California Athletic Club, San Francisco.[11]

On February 16, 1892, he beat Frank Kelley by KO at the Wigwam Theatre.[12]

On March 21, 1892, he beat Billy Armstrong by KO at the Occidental Athletic Club, San Francisco.[13]

1892 Portland Oregon

In 1892, William was 20 years old. His older brother Thomas Dakin Smith, age 23, had previously moved from Canada to Portland, Oregon, and was living there since 1887.

On February 27, 1892, the Sacramento newspaper "The Record-Union" listed welterweight boxers in San Francisco, including "Billy Smith" of Australia, " Billy Smith" of Boston and George Lavigaine (sic: Lavigne).[14]

On April 9, 1892, William traveled by steamship from San Francisco to Portland, Oregon, with another boxer named George "Kid" Lavigne.

Kid Lavigne was three years older than William and fought in the lightweight division. Lavigne and Smith became friends, and both later traveled to London in 1896 to box.

On April 28, 1892, William fought Tommy West to a draw at the Portland Oregon Pastime Athletic Club.[11]

On June 29, 1892, William beat Charles Gleason by TKO at the Portland, Oregon, Pastime Athletic Club. Charles Gleason was an established boxer with a record of 20 wins, 9 losses and 6 draws.[11]

1892 First Marriage: Minnie Valentine Merchant

On July 12, 1892, at age 21, William Amos Smith married Minnie Valentine Merchant age 17 in Clark County, Washington (aka Vancouver, WA).[15]

She was a 17 year old Presbyterian daughter of Sarah Elizabeth Merchant and Joseph Milton Merchant. Joseph Merchant started out as a carpenter who became wealthy in the Portland through his construction business. They all lived in East Portland, Oregon, yet, William and Minnie went across state to Washington in order to get married. Minnie's mother, Sarah Elizabeth Merchant was listed on the marriage license in Clark County WA.

1892 Wins World Welterweight Title: Gets Fame and Nickname "Mysterious" Billy Smith

On September 20, 1892, William beat Billy (Shadow) Maber by KO at the Pastime Athletic Club in Portland, Oregon.[16]

On December 14, 1892, the San Francisco newspaper, The Morning Call, published and previewed and upcoming fight between Billy Smith of Oregon and Danny Needham of Oakland. This story was likely written the day before or on the morning on December 14.[17] According to the article, the fight was to be held at the Pacific Club.

William "Billy" Smith won the fight vs Danny Needham.

He just won the World Welterweight Boxing Title in San Francisco. Smith claimed he was from Boston. East Coast reporters didn't know him as boxer in their area. To them he was a "Mystery" The name stuck and William Amos Smith adopted it. From that time forward, William Amos Smith was known in newspapers as "Mysterious" Billy Smith, "Mysterious Billy" Smith, Billy Smith, and William Amos Smith. He is not to be confused with another boxer around this time named "Australian Billy Smith".

On May 11, 1893, his 18-year-old wife, Minnie V Merchant-Smith, died of food or blood poisoning in Lynn, Essex, Massachusetts.[18]

1894 Loses the World Welterweight boxing title

On July 26, 1894, William, age 23, Lost the World Welterweight boxing title to Tommy Ryan at the Twin City Athletic Club in Minneapolis, MN by points.[19]

1896 Boxes in London, England

At age 24, William, aka "Mysterious" Billy Smith traveled to London to fight welterweight boxers that London had to offer. Joining him was his friend George "Kid" Lavigne a lightweight boxer also out of Portland Oregon.

On March 5, 1896, William fought three boxers on the same day and beat them all: Trooper Ham, Jack Bryan and Arthur Morris at Tottenham Court at Road Store Street Hall. He won two by KO and won the 3rd by a DQ from Arthur Morris.[20]

On March 30, 1896, William "Billy" fought Bill Husbands at the National Sporting Club, Covent Garden. Billy won by TKO.[20]

The William Schutte boxing pamphlet[21] has a front-page photo of William in a dark suit with a tall stove-type that was taken at this time. A descendant of William Amos Smith has an original photo.

1898 Second Marriage: Mary Maime Cavanagh

On July 9, 1898, age 27, William married Mary "Maime" Cavanagh in College Point, Queens, New York, USA. He was age 27 and she was age 22. She was a daughter of David Cavanagh and Ann Kennedy.

1898 Wins World Welterweight boxing title for the second time

On August 25, 1898, William (age 27) Won the World Welterweight boxing title for the second time vs William 'Matty' Matthews at the Lennox Athletic Club in New York and won by points.[22][23]

On June 6, 1900, William (age 29) and Mary were listed on the 1900 Census. William was listed as an actor[24]

1900 The Atlantic cafe /saloon Portland Oregon

The Atlantic cafe /saloon was located in the still standing historic Porter Building built in 1898 located at 3rd and Pine. The ground floor is retail and above is 3 floors for living spaces.

1901 Lost the World Welterweight boxing title for the second time

On January 15, 1901, William Lost the World Welterweight boxing title for the second time vs James "Rube" Ferns at the Hawthorne A.C., Buffalo, New York. Smith knocked down Ferns 15 times before he was disqualified for fouling.

On November 30, 1901, Mysterious Billy Smith was back in Portland Oregon. He and (future in-law) Charles Jost boxed the same night on different bouts.[25]

Charles Albert Jost aka "Charley Jost/Yost", boxed under the alias as "Young Fritz"[26]

On October 25, 1902, Charles Jost won the Eastern Oregon boxing middleweight championship against James Lavigne.[27]

Charles Jost later married Elsie Hoffstatter in 1908, the younger sister of Josephine Barde (née Hoffstatter) and became an in-law to Billy Smith.

"Maime" Cavanaugh-Smith divorced William Smith on June 7, 1907. The next day, her famous ex-husband then married Josephine Hoffstatter-Barde in Oregon City.

Third Marriage

Criminal Activities

Boxing

Portrait of Smith

Smith turned pro in 1890 and in his ninth fight, he knocked out Danny Needham to win the World welterweight championship in 1892.[28] He held on to it until Tommy Ryan beat him on points in 1894.[28] He won back the vacant title in 1898 by beating Matty Matthews, and lost it again in 1900 to Rube Ferns.[28] Smith bowed out in 1915 when stopped by Jack Root. During his career, Smith scored wins over Young Peter Jackson, Hall of Famers “Barbados” Joe Walcott and George “Kid” Lavigne.

Smith died at the age of 66 in Portland, Oregon, where he ran a saloon called “The Champion's Rest.”

He was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009.

Fighting style

Standing 5' 8 ½”, Smith was a talented two-fisted battler with quick hands who entered the ring ready to wage war. He often displayed a blatant disregard for the rules, resorting to a variety of foul tactics including but not limited to elbows, butts, knees and sometimes even biting. Smith was notorious for having a very roughhouse fighting style in the ring and was disqualified 13 times, more than any other boxer in history. His tactics earned him the label as “The Dirtiest Fighter Who Ever Lived.”

Professional boxing record

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[16] unless otherwise stated.

Official record

94 fights 35 wins 22 losses
By knockout 24 8
By decision 10 2
By disqualification 1 12
Draws 26
No contests 5
Newspaper decisions/draws 6

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 Notes
94 Loss 35–22–26 (11) Jack Root TKO 6 (6) Dec 29, 1915 Rose City A.C., Portland, Oregon, U.S.
93 Loss 35–21–26 (11) Jim Cameron DQ 3 (4) Jul 21, 1911 Dreamland Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S. Smith was disqualified for wrestling and holding
92 Win 35–20–26 (11) Al Neill PTS 10 Jun 10, 1910 Exposition Rink, Saint Johns, Oregon, U.S.
91 Loss 34–20–26 (11) Barbados Joe Walcott TKO 4 (20) May 28, 1903 Exposition Building, Portland, Oregon, U.S.
90 Loss 34–19–26 (11) Tommy Ryan KO 4 (20) Mar 14, 1902 Turner Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
89 Loss 34–18–26 (11) Al Neill DQ 10 (20) Jan 23, 1902 Pastime A.C., Portland, Oregon, U.S. Smith kicked Neill, then bit him on the shoulder
88 Draw 34–17–26 (11) Al Neill PTS 20 Nov 29, 1901 Exposition Building, Portland, Oregon, U.S.
87 Draw 34–17–25 (11) Tom Tracey PTS 20 Oct 25, 1901 Exposition Building, Portland, Oregon, U.S.
86 Draw 34–17–24 (11) George Byers PTS 15 Aug 19, 1901 Victoria Rink, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
85 Loss 34–17–23 (11) Young Peter Jackson TKO 2 (?) Jun 14, 1901 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
84 Draw 34–16–23 (11) Tim Hurley PTS 20 Mar 21, 1901 Opera House, New London, Connecticut, U.S.
83 Draw 34–16–22 (11) Owen Ziegler PTS 10 (20) Feb 12, 1901 Lake City A.C., Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S. The bout was stopped in 10th by deputy sheriff, and called a draw
82 NC 34–16–21 (11) Jack Mahoney NC 11 (?) Dec 27, 1900 Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
81 Draw 34–16–21 (10) Professor Mike Donovan PTS 20 Nov 22, 1900 Metropolitan A.C., Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
80 Loss 34–16–20 (10) Jim Judge DQ 11 (?) Nov 14, 1900 Savannah, Georgia, U.S.
79 Loss 34–15–20 (10) Barbados Joe Walcott DQ 10 (20) Sep 24, 1900 Coliseum, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
78 Win 34–14–20 (10) Young Peter Jackson TKO 18 (?) Sep 11, 1900 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. Police intervened to save Jackson from further punishment
77 Loss 33–14–20 (10) Jimmy Handler PTS 25 Jun 29, 1900 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
76 Loss 33–13–20 (10) Barbados Joe Walcott PTS 25 May 4, 1900 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
75 Loss 33–12–20 (10) Matty Matthews KO 19 (25) Apr 17, 1900 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Lost world welterweight title
74 Draw 33–11–20 (10) Jack Mahoney PTS 25 Mar 12, 1900 Hercules A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world welterweight title
73 Win 33–11–19 (10) Frank McConnell DQ 21 (25) Jan 26, 1900 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world welterweight title
72 Loss 32–11–19 (10) Rube Ferns DQ 21 (25) Jan 15, 1900 Hawthorne A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S. World welterweight title;
Smith knocked Ferns down 15 times before fouling him
Both men claimed the championship afterwards
71 Win 32–10–19 (10) Charlie McKeever PTS 20 Nov 8, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world welterweight title
70 Loss 31–10–19 (10) Charlie McKeever NWS 6 Oct 20, 1899 Industrial Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
69 Draw 31–10–19 (9) Billy Stift PTS 6 Sep 29, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
68 Win 31–10–18 (9) Bob Douglass KO 4 (20) Sep 25, 1899 Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
67 Draw 30–10–18 (9) Andy Walsh PTS 25 Aug 4, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
66 Win 30–10–17 (9) Young Bailey NWS 4 (?) Jul 31, 1899 Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
65 Draw 30–10–17 (8) Jack Mahoney NWS 6 Jul 28, 1899 Industrial Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
64 Draw 30–10–17 (7) Charlie McKeever PTS 20 Jun 30, 1899 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
63 Win 30–10–16 (7) George Lavigne KO 14 (20) Mar 10, 1899 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Retained world welterweight title;
Won vacant American welterweight title
62 Win 29–10–16 (7) Australian Billy Edwards KO 14 (20) Jan 24, 1899 Lenox A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
61 Win 28–10–16 (7) Barbados Joe Walcott PTS 20 Dec 6, 1898 Lenox A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world welterweight title
60 Draw 27–10–16 (7) Tommy West PTS 20 Nov 14, 1898 Horizon A.C., Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
59 Win 27–10–15 (7) Charlie McKeever PTS 25 Oct 7, 1898 Lenox A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world welterweight title
58 Win 26–10–15 (7) Jim Judge KO 20 (20) Oct 3, 1898 American S.C., Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
57 Draw 25–10–15 (7) Andy Walsh PTS 25 Sep 5, 1898 Greater New York A.C., Coney Island, New York, U.S.
56 Win 25–10–14 (7) Matty Matthews PTS 25 Aug 25, 1898 Lenox A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant world welterweight title
55 Win 24–10–14 (7) George "Young Corbett" Green PTS 25 Jul 29, 1898 Lenox A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
54 Draw 23–10–14 (7) Andy Walsh PTS 15 Jun 25, 1898 Greater New York A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
53 Loss 23–10–13 (7) Billy Stift DQ 5 (6) Jun 3, 1898 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
52 Draw 23–9–13 (7) Charley Johnson PTS 15 May 23, 1898 Olympic A.C., Athens, Pennsylvania, U.S.
51 Loss 23–9–12 (7) Tim Callahan NWS 6 Apr 22, 1898 Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
50 Draw 23–9–12 (6) Barbados Joe Walcott PTS 25 Apr 14, 1898 Park City Theater, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
49 Draw 23–9–11 (6) Abe Ullman PTS 8 Feb 18, 1898 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
48 Loss 23–9–10 (6) Charley Johnson DQ 1 (?) Jan 28, 1898 Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
47 Win 23–8–10 (6) Johnny Gorman DQ 5 (?) Dec 13, 1897 Park City Theater, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S. Gorman was disqualified for wrestling
46 Win 22–8–10 (6) Billy Mulligan TKO 2 (?) Dec 6, 1897 Yonkers, New York, U.S.
45 Loss 21–8–10 (6) Jack Bonner NWS 6 Oct 11, 1897 Quaker City A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
44 Win 21–8–10 (5) Jack Howard TKO 9 (?) Sep 17, 1897 Clarendon A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
43 Win 20–8–10 (5) Mike Dempsey TKO 2 (10) Sep 6, 1897 Greenpoint S.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
42 Draw 19–8–10 (5) Jack Powers PTS 8 Aug 23, 1897 Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
41 Loss 19–8–9 (5) Jack Bonner KO 5 (6) Jun 8, 1897 Olympic A.C., Athens, Pennsylvania, U.S.
40 Win 19–7–9 (5) Abe Ullman PTS 20 May 29, 1897 Polo A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
39 Loss 18–7–9 (5) George "Young Corbett" Green TKO 12 (?) Mar 17, 1897 The Race Track Arena, Carson City, Nevada, U.S. For vacant world welterweight title claim
38 Draw 18–6–9 (5) Con Doyle PTS 12 Jan 9, 1897 Polo A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
37 Loss 18–6–8 (5) Tommy Ryan DQ 9 (20) Nov 25, 1896 Empire A.C., Maspeth, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
36 Loss 18–5–8 (5) Australian Jim Ryan DQ 7 (10) Sep 4, 1896 Astoria, Oregon, U.S. Ryan lost his footing and went down and Smith landed a blow while he was down
35 NC 18–4–8 (5) Billy Gallagher NC 1 (10) Jul 2, 1896 Occidental A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S. Police stopped the fight when it got too wild
34 Loss 18–4–8 (4) Charles Kid McCoy DQ 6 (15) May 18, 1896 Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. For world middleweight title
33 Win 18–3–8 (4) Bill Husbands TKO 8 (8) Mar 30, 1896 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, U.K.
32 Win 17–3–8 (4) Trooper Ham KO 1 (3) Mar 5, 1896 Store Street Hall, Tottenham Court Road, Westminster, London, England, U.K.
31 Win 16–3–8 (4) Jack Bryan KO 1 (3) Mar 5, 1896 Store Street Hall, Tottenham Court Road, Westminster, London, England, U.K.
30 Win 15–3–8 (4) Arthur Morris DQ 1 (?) Mar 5, 1896 Store Street Hall, Tottenham Court Road, Westminster, London, England, U.K.
29 Win 14–3–8 (4) Pat Kehoe TKO 1 (?) Jan 15, 1896 Auditorium, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
28 ND 13–3–8 (4) Tom Cawley ND 6 Dec 27, 1895 Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
27 Draw 13–3–8 (3) Tommy Ryan PTS 18 (25) May 27, 1895 Sea Side A.C., Coney Island, New York, U.S. For world welterweight title;
Stopped when the police intervened, with Smith hanging helpless on the ropes
26 ND 13–3–7 (3) Jimmy Mann ND 4 Apr 1, 1895 Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
25 Win 13–3–7 (2) Ed Vaughn TKO 4 (4) Mar 14, 1895 Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
24 Win 12–3–7 (2) Young Hagen TKO 4 (?) Mar 5, 1895 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
23 Draw 11–3–7 (2) Barbados Joe Walcott PTS 15 Mar 1, 1895 Music Hall, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Reported for the 140lbs Championship of America
22 ND 11–3–6 (2) Peter Maher ND 3 Feb 13, 1895 Lynn, Massachusetts, U.S.
21 Win 11–3–6 (1) Harry Gallagher NWS 4 Feb 1, 1895 Caledonian A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
20 Draw 11–3–6 Jack Powers PTS 6 Nov 19, 1894 Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
19 Draw 11–3–5 Dick O'Brien PTS 10 Oct 29, 1894 Lafayette A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
18 Loss 11–3–4 Mayo KO ? (?) Aug 17, 1894 Pentwater, Michigan, U.S.
17 Loss 11–2–4 Tommy Ryan PTS 20 Jul 26, 1894 Twin City A.C., Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Lost world welterweight title claim;
For world welterweight title
16 Win 11–1–4 Eddie Butler TKO 2 (?) May 15, 1894 Spring Valley, Illinois, U.S.
15 Win 10–1–4 Fletcher Robbins TKO 4 (?) Feb 19, 1894 Streator, California, U.S. The police stopped the fight
14 Draw 9–1–4 Tommy Ryan PTS 6 Jan 9, 1894 Casino, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
13 Win 9–1–3 Billy McCarthy PTS 6 Sep 20, 1893 2nd Regiment Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
12 Draw 8–1–3 Tommy Ryan PTS 6 Apr 29, 1893 Coney Island A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
11 Win 8–1–2 Tom Williams KO 2 (?) Apr 17, 1893 Coney Island A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world welterweight title claim
10 Win 7–1–2 Danny Needham KO 14 (?) Dec 14, 1892 Wigwam Theatre, San Francisco, California, U.S. Claimed world welterweight title
9 Win 6–1–2 Billy (Shadow) Maber KO 26 (?) Sep 20, 1892 Pastime A.C., Portland, Oregon, U.S.
8 Win 5–1–2 Charles Gleason TKO 4 (20) Jun 29, 1892 Pastime A.C., Portland, Oregon, U.S.
7 Draw 4–1–2 Tommy West PTS 10 Apr 28, 1892 Pastime A.C., Portland, Oregon, U.S.
6 Win 4–1–1 Billy Armstrong KO 14 (?) Mar 21, 1892 Occidental A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
5 Win 3–1–1 Frank Kelly KO 37 (?) Feb 16, 1892 New Wigwam, San Francisco, California, U.S. A finish fight
4 Loss 2–1–1 Frank Purcell PTS 10 Jan 27, 1892 California A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
3 Win 2–0–1 Billy Kelly PTS 5 (4) Jan 20, 1892 California A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S. The fight was even after four scheduled rounds so another was ordered
2 Win 1–0–1 Frank Tebeau TKO 5 (?) Feb 2, 1891 Canada Exact date and location unknown
1 Draw 0–0–1 Ed Harvey PTS 10 Dec 1, 1890 Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada Exact date unknown

Unofficial record

94 fights 37 wins 25 losses
By knockout 24 8
By decision 12 5
By disqualification 1 12
Draws 27
No contests 5

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

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
94 Loss 37–25–27 (5) Jack Root TKO 6 (6) Dec 29, 1915 Rose City A.C., Portland, Oregon, U.S.
93 Loss 37–24–27 (5) Jim Cameron DQ 3 (4) Jul 21, 1911 Dreamland Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S. Smith was disqualified for wrestling and holding
92 Win 37–23–27 (5) Al Neill PTS 10 Jun 10, 1910 Exposition Rink, Saint Johns, Oregon, U.S.
91 Loss 36–23–27 (5) Barbados Joe Walcott TKO 4 (20) May 28, 1903 Exposition Building, Portland, Oregon, U.S.
90 Loss 36–22–27 (5) Tommy Ryan KO 4 (20) Mar 14, 1902 Turner Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
89 Loss 36–21–27 (5) Al Neill DQ 10 (20) Jan 23, 1902 Pastime A.C., Portland, Oregon, U.S. Smith kicked Neill, then bit him on the shoulder
88 Draw 36–20–27 (5) Al Neill PTS 20 Nov 29, 1901 Exposition Building, Portland, Oregon, U.S.
87 Draw 36–20–26 (5) Tom Tracey PTS 20 Oct 25, 1901 Exposition Building, Portland, Oregon, U.S.
86 Draw 36–20–25 (5) George Byers PTS 15 Aug 19, 1901 Victoria Rink, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
85 Loss 36–20–24 (5) Young Peter Jackson TKO 2 (?) Jun 14, 1901 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
84 Draw 36–19–24 (5) Tim Hurley PTS 20 Mar 21, 1901 Opera House, New London, Connecticut, U.S.
83 Draw 36–19–23 (5) Owen Ziegler PTS 10 (20) Feb 12, 1901 Lake City A.C., Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S. The bout was stopped in 10th by deputy sheriff, and called a draw
82 NC 36–19–22 (5) Jack Mahoney NC 11 (?) Dec 27, 1900 Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
81 Draw 36–19–22 (4) Professor Mike Donovan PTS 20 Nov 22, 1900 Metropolitan A.C., Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
80 Loss 36–19–21 (4) Jim Judge DQ 11 (?) Nov 14, 1900 Savannah, Georgia, U.S.
79 Loss 36–18–21 (4) Barbados Joe Walcott DQ 10 (20) Sep 24, 1900 Coliseum, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
78 Win 36–17–21 (4) Young Peter Jackson TKO 18 (?) Sep 11, 1900 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. Police intervened to save Jackson from further punishment
77 Loss 35–17–21 (4) Jimmy Handler PTS 25 Jun 29, 1900 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
76 Loss 35–16–21 (4) Barbados Joe Walcott PTS 25 May 4, 1900 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
75 Loss 35–15–21 (4) Matty Matthews KO 19 (25) Apr 17, 1900 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Lost world welterweight title
74 Draw 35–14–21 (4) Jack Mahoney PTS 25 Mar 12, 1900 Hercules A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world welterweight title
73 Win 35–14–20 (4) Frank McConnell DQ 21 (25) Jan 26, 1900 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world welterweight title
72 Loss 34–14–20 (4) Rube Ferns DQ 21 (25) Jan 15, 1900 Hawthorne A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S. World welterweight title;
Smith knocked Ferns down 15 times before fouling him
Both men claimed the championship afterwards
71 Win 34–13–20 (4) Charlie McKeever PTS 20 Nov 8, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world welterweight title
70 Loss 33–13–20 (4) Charlie McKeever NWS 6 Oct 20, 1899 Industrial Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
69 Draw 33–12–20 (4) Billy Stift PTS 6 Sep 29, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
68 Win 33–12–19 (4) Bob Douglass KO 4 (20) Sep 25, 1899 Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
67 Draw 32–12–19 (4) Andy Walsh PTS 25 Aug 4, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
66 Win 32–12–18 (4) Young Bailey NWS 4 (?) Jul 31, 1899 Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
65 Draw 31–12–18 (4) Jack Mahoney NWS 6 Jul 28, 1899 Industrial Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
64 Draw 31–12–17 (4) Charlie McKeever PTS 20 Jun 30, 1899 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
63 Win 31–12–16 (4) George Lavigne KO 14 (20) Mar 10, 1899 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Retained world welterweight title;
Won vacant American welterweight title
62 Win 30–12–16 (4) Australian Billy Edwards KO 14 (20) Jan 24, 1899 Lenox A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
61 Win 29–12–16 (4) Barbados Joe Walcott PTS 20 Dec 6, 1898 Lenox A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world welterweight title
60 Draw 28–12–16 (4) Tommy West PTS 20 Nov 14, 1898 Horizon A.C., Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
59 Win 28–12–15 (4) Charlie McKeever PTS 25 Oct 7, 1898 Lenox A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world welterweight title
58 Win 27–12–15 (4) Jim Judge KO 20 (20) Oct 3, 1898 American S.C., Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
57 Draw 26–12–15 (4) Andy Walsh PTS 25 Sep 5, 1898 Greater New York A.C., Coney Island, New York, U.S.
56 Win 26–12–14 (4) Matty Matthews PTS 25 Aug 25, 1898 Lenox A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant world welterweight title
55 Win 25–12–14 (4) George "Young Corbett" Green PTS 25 Jul 29, 1898 Lenox A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
54 Draw 24–12–14 (4) Andy Walsh PTS 15 Jun 25, 1898 Greater New York A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
53 Loss 24–12–13 (4) Billy Stift DQ 5 (6) Jun 3, 1898 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
52 Draw 24–11–13 (4) Charley Johnson PTS 15 May 23, 1898 Olympic A.C., Athens, Pennsylvania, U.S.
51 Loss 24–11–12 (4) Tim Callahan NWS 6 Apr 22, 1898 Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
50 Draw 24–10–12 (4) Barbados Joe Walcott PTS 25 Apr 14, 1898 Park City Theater, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
49 Draw 24–10–11 (4) Abe Ullman PTS 8 Feb 18, 1898 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
48 Loss 24–10–10 (4) Charley Johnson DQ 1 (?) Jan 28, 1898 Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
47 Win 24–9–10 (4) Johnny Gorman DQ 5 (?) Dec 13, 1897 Park City Theater, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S. Gorman was disqualified for wrestling
46 Win 23–9–10 (4) Billy Mulligan TKO 2 (?) Dec 6, 1897 Yonkers, New York, U.S.
45 Loss 22–9–10 (4) Jack Bonner NWS 6 Oct 11, 1897 Quaker City A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
44 Win 22–8–10 (4) Jack Howard TKO 9 (?) Sep 17, 1897 Clarendon A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
43 Win 21–8–10 (4) Mike Dempsey TKO 2 (10) Sep 6, 1897 Greenpoint S.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
42 Draw 20–8–10 (4) Jack Powers PTS 8 Aug 23, 1897 Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
41 Loss 20–8–9 (4) Jack Bonner KO 5 (6) Jun 8, 1897 Olympic A.C., Athens, Pennsylvania, U.S.
40 Win 20–7–9 (4) Abe Ullman PTS 20 May 29, 1897 Polo A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
39 Loss 19–7–9 (4) George "Young Corbett" Green TKO 12 (?) Mar 17, 1897 The Race Track Arena, Carson City, Nevada, U.S. For vacant world welterweight title claim
38 Draw 19–6–9 (4) Con Doyle PTS 12 Jan 9, 1897 Polo A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
37 Loss 19–6–8 (4) Tommy Ryan DQ 9 (20) Nov 25, 1896 Empire A.C., Maspeth, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
36 Loss 19–5–8 (4) Australian Jim Ryan DQ 7 (10) Sep 4, 1896 Astoria, Oregon, U.S. Ryan lost his footing and went down and Smith landed a blow while he was down
35 NC 19–4–8 (4) Billy Gallagher NC 1 (10) Jul 2, 1896 Occidental A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S. Police stopped the fight when it got too wild
34 Loss 19–4–8 (3) Charles Kid McCoy DQ 6 (15) May 18, 1896 Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. For world middleweight title
33 Win 19–3–8 (3) Bill Husbands TKO 8 (8) Mar 30, 1896 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, U.K.
32 Win 18–3–8 (3) Trooper Ham KO 1 (3) Mar 5, 1896 Store Street Hall, Tottenham Court Road, Westminster, London, England, U.K.
31 Win 17–3–8 (3) Jack Bryan KO 1 (3) Mar 5, 1896 Store Street Hall, Tottenham Court Road, Westminster, London, England, U.K.
30 Win 16–3–8 (3) Arthur Morris DQ 1 (?) Mar 5, 1896 Store Street Hall, Tottenham Court Road, Westminster, London, England, U.K.
29 Win 15–3–8 (3) Pat Kehoe TKO 1 (?) Jan 15, 1896 Auditorium, Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
28 ND 14–3–8 (3) Tom Cawley ND 6 Dec 27, 1895 Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
27 Draw 14–3–8 (2) Tommy Ryan PTS 18 (25) May 27, 1895 Sea Side A.C., Coney Island, New York, U.S. For world welterweight title;
Stopped when the police intervened, with Smith hanging helpless on the ropes
26 ND 14–3–7 (2) Jimmy Mann ND 4 Apr 1, 1895 Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
25 Win 14–3–7 (1) Ed Vaughn TKO 4 (4) Mar 14, 1895 Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
24 Win 13–3–7 (1) Young Hagen TKO 4 (?) Mar 5, 1895 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
23 Draw 12–3–7 (1) Barbados Joe Walcott PTS 15 Mar 1, 1895 Music Hall, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Reported for the 140lbs Championship of America
22 ND 12–3–6 (1) Peter Maher ND 3 Feb 13, 1895 Lynn, Massachusetts, U.S.
21 Win 12–3–6 Harry Gallagher NWS 4 Feb 1, 1895 Caledonian A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
20 Draw 11–3–6 Jack Powers PTS 6 Nov 19, 1894 Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
19 Draw 11–3–5 Dick O'Brien PTS 10 Oct 29, 1894 Lafayette A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
18 Loss 11–3–4 Mayo KO ? (?) Aug 17, 1894 Pentwater, Michigan, U.S.
17 Loss 11–2–4 Tommy Ryan PTS 20 Jul 26, 1894 Twin City A.C., Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Lost world welterweight title claim;
For world welterweight title
16 Win 11–1–4 Eddie Butler TKO 2 (?) May 15, 1894 Spring Valley, Illinois, U.S.
15 Win 10–1–4 Fletcher Robbins TKO 4 (?) Feb 19, 1894 Streator, California, U.S. The police stopped the fight
14 Draw 9–1–4 Tommy Ryan PTS 6 Jan 9, 1894 Casino, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
13 Win 9–1–3 Billy McCarthy PTS 6 Sep 20, 1893 2nd Regiment Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
12 Draw 8–1–3 Tommy Ryan PTS 6 Apr 29, 1893 Coney Island A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
11 Win 8–1–2 Tom Williams KO 2 (?) Apr 17, 1893 Coney Island A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world welterweight title claim
10 Win 7–1–2 Danny Needham KO 14 (?) Dec 14, 1892 Wigwam Theatre, San Francisco, California, U.S. Claimed world welterweight title
9 Win 6–1–2 Billy (Shadow) Maber KO 26 (?) Sep 20, 1892 Pastime A.C., Portland, Oregon, U.S.
8 Win 5–1–2 Charles Gleason TKO 4 (20) Jun 29, 1892 Pastime A.C., Portland, Oregon, U.S.
7 Draw 4–1–2 Tommy West PTS 10 Apr 28, 1892 Pastime A.C., Portland, Oregon, U.S.
6 Win 4–1–1 Billy Armstrong KO 14 (?) Mar 21, 1892 Occidental A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
5 Win 3–1–1 Frank Kelly KO 37 (?) Feb 16, 1892 New Wigwam, San Francisco, California, U.S. A finish fight
4 Loss 2–1–1 Frank Purcell PTS 10 Jan 27, 1892 California A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
3 Win 2–0–1 Billy Kelly PTS 5 (4) Jan 20, 1892 California A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S. The fight was even after four scheduled rounds so another was ordered
2 Win 1–0–1 Frank Tebeau TKO 5 (?) Feb 2, 1891 Canada Exact date and location unknown
1 Draw 0–0–1 Ed Harvey PTS 10 Dec 1, 1890 Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada Exact date unknown

See also

References

  1. ↑ Schutte, William (1996). "MYSTERIOUS" BILLY SMITH The Dirtiest Fighter of All Time. Whitewater Hartleys.
  2. ↑ "Mysterious Billy Smith".
  3. ↑ 1881 Census: Lepreau New Brunswick Canada
  4. ↑ Residence date: 1894 Residence place: Portland, Oregon, USA
  5. ↑ Year: 1900; Census Place: Portland Ward 8, Multnomah, Oregon; Roll: T623_31077_4118824; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 0068; FHL microfilm: 1241350.
  6. ↑ "BoxRec: Login".
  7. 1 2 3 http://cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/smith-
  8. ↑ Nonpareil Dempsey
  9. ↑ The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume], October 04, 1912, Image 3 https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85042224/1912-10-04/ed-1/seq-3/#date1=1777&index=3&rows=20&words=boxer+Maber+Shadow&searchType=basic&sequence=0&state=&date2=1963&proxtext=Shadow+Maber+boxer&y=0&x=0&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1
  10. ↑ "The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, September 11, 1921, SUNDAY MORNING, Image 4". 11 September 1921.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "BoxRec: Login".
  12. ↑ "BoxRec: Login".
  13. ↑ "BoxRec: Login".
  14. ↑ "The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, February 27, 1892, Image 1". 27 February 1892.
  15. ↑ Washington State Archives; Olympia, Washington; Washington Marriage Records, 12 Jul 1892
  16. 1 2 "BoxRec: Login".
  17. ↑ "The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, December 14, 1892, Image 7". 14 December 1892. p. 7.
  18. ↑ Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.), 12 May 1893. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. <https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn92053945/1893-05-12/ed-1/seq-4/> 3rd column
  19. ↑ "Cyber Boxing Zone -- "Mysterious" Billy Smith".
  20. 1 2 "BoxRec: Login".
  21. ↑ Schutte, William (1996). "Mysterious Billy Smith" BILLY SMITH The Dirtiest Fighter of All Time. Whitewater Hartleys.
  22. ↑ "Cyber Boxing Zone -- "Mysterious" Billy Smith".
  23. ↑ "BoxRec: Login".
  24. ↑ Year: 1900; Census Place: Queens Ward 3, Queens, New York; Roll: 1149; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 0668; FHL microfilm: 1241149
  25. ↑ "Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937, November 30, 1901, Page 10, Image 10 « Historic Oregon Newspapers".
  26. ↑ "BoxRec: Login".
  27. ↑ "East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, October 25, 1902, DAILY EVENING EDITION, Image 2 « Historic Oregon Newspapers".
  28. 1 2 3 Golesworthy, Maurice (1988) Encyclopaedia of Boxing, Robert Hale, ISBN 0-7090-3323-0, p. 224
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