Tommy Loughran

Boxing

Local

Area native from Philadelphia who boxed as a middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight (1919-37)

Considered the most skilled boxer of his time with a classic stand up style

Became known for his left hand, not for its power but for its accuracy and timing

His left hand is arguably the greatest in light heavyweight history

His effective use of coordinated foot work, sound defense and swift, accurate counter punching is now regarded as a precursor to the techniques practiced in modern boxing

Legend has it that he purposely tried to finish each round while fighting in his own corner

That allowed him to sit down at the bell while his opponents walked across the ring

Fought 12 world champions in his career ranging from welterweights to heavyweights

Career record of 94-23-9 with 17 wins by KO and 45 no decisions in 172 total bouts

First title bout was for the American Light Heavyweight Title against Harry Greb which he lost by decision in 15 rounds (1/30/23)

Twice fought Mike McTigue for the World Light Heavyweight Title with each finishing in a no decision (6/25/23) + (8/2/23)

Beat former light heavyweight champion Georges Carpentier by unanimous decision in 10 rounds (6/17/26)

Won the NYSAC Light Heavyweight Title by defeating Mike McTigue in their 4th & final meeting by decision in 15 rounds (10/7/27)

Won the NBA Light Heavyweight Title by defeating Jimmy Slattery by decision in 15 rounds allowing him to be universally recognized as the world champion (12/12/27)

5 successful defenses of his World Light Heavyweight Title

• Leo Lomski by decision in 15 rounds (1/6/28)
• Pete Latzo by decision in 15 rounds (6/1/28)
• Pete Latzo by decision in 10 rounds (7/16/28)
• Mickey Walker by decision in 10 rounds (3/28/29)
• Jim Braddock by unanimous decision in 15 rounds (7/18/29)

Relinquished his Light Heavyweight Title moving up in weight class to fight as a Heavyweight (Sept. 1929)

Lost his first bout as a heavyweight to Jack Sharkey for the American Heavyweight Title by TKO in the 3rd round (9/26/29)

Numerous notable victories in the heavyweight division included

• Jack Renault by decision in 10 rounds (3/17/30)
• King Levinsky by unanimous decision in 10 rounds (11/21/30)
• Max Baer by unanimous decision in 10 rounds (2/6/31)
• Ernie Schaaf by decision in 10 rounds (3/13/31)
• Paulino Uzcudun by decision in 10 rounds (11/13/31)
• Steve Hamas by decision in 10 rounds (6/29/32) + (6/21/33)
• Jack Sharkey by split decision in 15 rounds (9/27/33)

Lost his last title bout to Primo Carnera by unanimous decision in 15 rounds for the NYSAC Heavyweight Title and the NBA World Heavyweight title (3/1/34)

Although Carnera out boxed Loughran, fans and critics alike though believed Loughran had beaten the heavyweight champion

Ranked as the #4 All-Time Light Heavyweight by boxing guru Charley Rose

Ranked as the #4 All-Time Light Heavyweight by noted boxing writer and Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer

2 time Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year (1929, 1931)

World Light Heavyweight Champion (12/12/27 – 7/18/29)

Inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame

Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (1991)