Anton Christoforidis

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Anton Christoforidis (Template:Langx; 26 May 1917 – 19 October 1985) was a Greek professional light heavyweight boxer. He won the NBA Light Heavyweight Championship in 1941, making him the first Greek to become a world boxing champion.

Early life

Christoforidis was born in Mersin, Ottoman Empire, but lived his first years in Smyrna. In 1922 he came to Athens, Greece as a refugee with his mother and his two sisters. His father and seven other relatives were killed in Asia Minor. His mother died two years after the family came to Athens. He had a very poor childhood, and was working in a hotel when he realized that he was a very strong boy and didn't mind fighting. He started boxing lessons and soon became the Athens champion, although he was only 16 years old. Then he decided to go to Paris where he grew up very soon in the boxing arenas.[1]

He was a very competent boxer who possessed good skills and got the most out of his ability. Since he did not possess heavy hands, having only recorded thirteen knockouts in seventy-six fights (fifty-three wins), he relied on ring savvy and work-rate.[1]

Christoforidis and Joey Maxim were sparring partners.[2]

Professional career

File:BEP VAN KLAVEREN ONTTROONT CHRISTOFORIDES - BOKSEN-PGM4011545.webm
Anton Christoforidis against Bep van Klaveren
File:Anton Christoforidis and Joey Maxim.jpg
Anton Christoforidis and Joey Maxim.

Christoforidis had most of his early fights in Europe, particularly in France. From 1934 to late 1939, he had 46 fights in Europe, and then went to the United States. His first bout was against Theodore Korenyi in Athens, Greece, which he won by second-round knockout. His last fight in Europe prior to his departure for America was a points win over the legendary Canadian welterweight/middleweight Lou Brouillard in April 1939.[1]

On 8 November 1937, Christoforidis won both the Greek middleweight and Greek light heavyweight titles from Costas Vassis in Athens, Greece.[1]

Christofordis defeated EBU (European) middleweight champion Bep van Klaveren on 14 November 1938 in Rotterdam, Netherlands and won the EBU title. One of the spectators was Adolf Hitler.[1][2]

His first title defense was against France's Edouard Tenet in Paris, France. Anton was ahead on points going into the eleventh round, but broke his left hand that round and was forced to finish the fight on the defensive. He lost via decision.[1]

He made his United States debut on 5 January 1940 in Madison Square Garden, defeating Willie Pavlovich by decision. At that point, Christoforidis settled in Geneva, Ohio. Anton next built up an eight fight winning streak, which was stopped when future Hall of Famer Jimmy Bivins bested him over 10 rounds. Anton once said, "I won that fight; it was strictly a hometown decision." In a rematch the next month, Christoforidis returned the favor and won a 10-round decision, handing Bivins the first defeat of his career.[1][2][3]

File:Anton Christoforidis Melio Bettina NBA Light Heavyweight Championship fight Cleveland 13 January 1941.jpg
Christoforidis fighting Melio Bettina for the NBA Light Heavyweight Championship.

The Bivins victory and successful results he had against other American opponents earned Christoforidis a bout with Melio Bettina for the vacant National Boxing Association world light heavyweight title. He won the light heavyweight crown on 13 January 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio, by defeating Melio Bettina in a unanimous decision of a fifteen-round bout. Bettina was winning slightly after twelve rounds, but Christofordis finished strong in the final three to win a decision popular with the spectators.[1] The world light heavyweight title was recently stripped from Billy Conn, who failed to defend the belt in six months due to moving up in weight to challenge heavyweight champion Joe Louis.

After knockout wins over Italo Colonello and Johnny 'Bandit' Romero in non-title bouts, Christofordis lost to Gus Lesnevich by unanimous decision on 22 May 1941. Although this was not an NBA title fight, Lesnevich was later awarded the title by the NBA regardless on 24 May 1941.[1]

On 12 January 1942, Christofordis suffered his first knockout loss at the hands of rising contender and future light heavyweight legend Ezzard Charles in Cincinnati, Ohio.[1] Christoforidis was down for "six" and "nine" before the fight was stopped.

Christoforidis fought his last bout on 18 February 1947 against Anton Raadik.[1] He retired with a record of 53 wins (13 by knockout), 15 losses and 8 draws.

Retirement, death and legacy

Christoforidis ran a bar-restaurant in Geneva, Ohio, for several years after retiring from boxing in 1947. He was also fond of the Cleveland area.[2]

In 1961, Christoforidis and his wife got divorced, and in 1968 he sold his interests in Geneva and moved to Florida to retire. In 1971, for the first time he took an extended trip back to Greece for an intended 45 days, but enjoyed it so much, he stayed for 15 years. Christoforidis was treated as a hero in Greece and enjoyed associating the rich and famous on the golf courses and, as he said, "being in shirt sleeves 12 months a year."[2]

Christoforidis died suddenly of a heart attack while being in his car, on 19 October 1985[4] in Athens, Greece at the age of 67.[2] He has made history by becoming the first Greek professional boxing world champion.[1][5]

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round,time Date Age Location Notes
76 Loss 53–15–8 Anton Raadik RTD 7 (10) Feb 18, 1947 Template:Age in years and days Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
75 Loss 53–14–8 Steve Belloise TKO 10 (10), 2:15Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Nov 22, 1946 Template:Age in years and days Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
74 Win 53–13–8 Augie Fleischauer TKO 7 (10), 0:54Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Aug 19, 1946 Template:Age in years and days Lakefront Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
73 Win 52–13–8 Butch Lynch KO 3 (10), 0:49Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jul 8, 1946 Template:Age in years and days Lakefront Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
72 Loss 51–13–8 Lloyd Marshall UD 10 Apr 21, 1943 Template:Age in years and days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
71 Loss 51–12–8 Jimmy Bivins UD 15 Feb 23, 1943 Template:Age in years and days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For vacant "duration" light heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
70 Win 51–11–8 Nate Bolden UD 10 Dec 22, 1942 Template:Age in years and days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
69 Template:DrawDraw 50–11–8 Nate Bolden PTS 10 Aug 10, 1942 Template:Age in years and days Marigold Gardens Outdoor Arena, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
68 Win 50–11–7 Mose Brown PTS 10 Jul 27, 1942 Template:Age in years and days Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
67 Win 49–11–7 Johnny Colan PTS 10 Jun 23, 1942 Template:Age in years and days Lakefront Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
66 Win 48–11–7 Johnny Colan PTS 10 May 20, 1942 Template:Age in years and days Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
65 Win 47–11–7 Paulie Mahoney KO 9 (10) Apr 29, 1942 Template:Age in years and days Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
64 Win 46–11–7 Jimmy Reeves PTS 10 Apr 17, 1942 Template:Age in years and days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
63 Loss 45–11–7 Ezzard Charles TKO 3 (10), 2:42Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jan 12, 1942 Template:Age in years and days Music Hall Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
62 Win 45–10–7 George Burnette PTS 10 Jan 2, 1942 Template:Age in years and days Fairgrounds Coliseum, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
61 Win 44–10–7 Ceferino Garcia PTS 10 Dec 1, 1941 Template:Age in years and days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
60 Loss 43–10–7 Gus Lesnevich UD 15 May 22, 1941 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost NBA light heavyweight title;
Not an NBA Title fight but Lesnevich
awarded the title by the NBA on May 24, 1941Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
59 Win 43–9–7 Johnny "Bandit" Romero KO 2 (10), 2:31Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Apr 30, 1941 Template:Age in years and days Municipal Auditorium, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
58 Win 42–9–7 Italo Colonello TKO 5 (10) Apr 7, 1941 Template:Age in years and days Coliseum, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
57 Win 41–9–7 Melio Bettina UD 15 Jan 13, 1941 Template:Age in years and days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant NBA light heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
56 Win 40–9–7 Jimmy Bivins MD 10 Dec 2, 1940 Template:Age in years and days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
55 Loss 39–9–7 Jimmy Bivins UD 10 Nov 15, 1940 Template:Age in years and days Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
54 Win 39–8–7 Jimmy Reeves KO 2 (10), 2:44Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Oct 22, 1940 Template:Age in years and days Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
53 Win 38–8–7 Tony Bruno PTS 10 Aug 21, 1940 Template:Age in years and days Mills Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
52 Win 37–8–7 Joe Sutka PTS 10 Jul 9, 1940 Template:Age in years and days Arena Gardens, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
51 Win 36–8–7 Jimmy Burns TKO 6 (10) Jun 5, 1940 Template:Age in years and days Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
50 Win 35–8–7 George Burnette PTS 8 Apr 5, 1940 Template:Age in years and days Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
49 Win 34–8–7 Frank Zamaris PTS 6 Mar 29, 1940 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
48 Win 33–8–7 Willie Pavlovich PTS 8 Jan 5, 1940 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
47 Win 32–8–7 Lou Brouillard PTS 10 Apr 5, 1939 Template:Age in years and days Palais des Sports, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
46 Loss 31–8–7 Edouard Tenet PTS 15 Jan 14, 1939 Template:Age in years and days Palais des Sports, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost IBU middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
45 Win 31–7–7 Bep van Klaveren PTS 15 Nov 14, 1938 Template:Age in years and days De Doelen, Rotterdam, NetherlandsScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won IBU middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
44 Loss 30–7–7 Bep van Klaveren PTS 10 May 23, 1938 Template:Age in years and days Nenijtohal, Rotterdam, NetherlandsScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
43 Template:DrawDraw 30–6–7 Gustav Eder PTS 12 May 6, 1938 Template:Age in years and days Sportpalast, Schoeneberg, Nazi GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
42 Win 30–6–6 Gustav Eder PTS 12 Jan 14, 1938 Template:Age in years and days Sportpalast, Schoeneberg, Nazi GermanyScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
41 Win 29–6–6 Costas Vassis PTS 15 Nov 8, 1937 Template:Age in years and days Athens, GreeceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won Greek light heavyweight title;
Won Greek middleweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
40 Win 28–6–6 Mielu Doculescu KO 1 (10) Oct 30, 1937 Template:Age in years and days Athens, GreeceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
39 Template:DrawDraw 27–6–6 José Martínez Valero PTS 10 Aug 22, 1937 Template:Age in years and days Oran, French AlgeriaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
38 Win 27–6–5 Victor Janas PTS 10 Aug 8, 1937 Template:Age in years and days Stade Communal de Saint Eugène, Algiers, French AlgeriaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
37 Loss 26–6–5 Kid Tunero PTS 10 Jun 13, 1937 Template:Age in years and days Chantilly, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36 Template:DrawDraw 26–5–5 José Martínez Valero PTS 10 Apr 3, 1937 Template:Age in years and days Palais des Sports, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35 Template:DrawDraw 26–5–4 José Martínez Valero PTS 10 Mar 1, 1937 Template:Age in years and days Palais des Sports, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34 Win 26–5–3 Victor Janas PTS 10 Feb 4, 1937 Template:Age in years and days Salle Wagram, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
33 Template:DrawDraw 25–5–3 Edouard Tenet PTS 10 Jan 18, 1937 Template:Age in years and days Palais des Sports, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
32 Win 25–5–2 Mario Casadei DQ 10 (10) Dec 7, 1936 Template:Age in years and days Palais des Sports, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
31 Loss 24–5–2 Edouard Tenet PTS 10 Nov 5, 1936 Template:Age in years and days Salle Wagram, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
30 Win 24–4–2 Carmelo Candel PTS 10 Aug 2, 1936 Template:Age in years and days Arenes d'Eckmühl, Oran, French AlgeriaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
29 Loss 23–4–2 Victor Janas MD 10 May 2, 1936 Template:Age in years and days Automobile Hall, Algiers, French AlgeriaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
28 Win 23–3–2 Carmelo Candel KO 8 (10) Apr 19, 1936 Template:Age in years and days Marseille, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
27 Win 22–3–2 Vilda Jaks PTS 12 Apr 2, 1936 Template:Age in years and days Salle Wagram, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
26 Win 21–3–2 Adrien Anneet PTS 10 Mar 5, 1936 Template:Age in years and days Salle Wagram, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
25 Loss 20–3–2 Carmelo Candel PTS 10 Feb 7, 1936 Template:Age in years and days Salle Wagram, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
24 Loss 20–2–2 Kid Tunero PTS 10 Jan 6, 1936 Template:Age in years and days Palais des Sports, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
23 Win 20–1–2 Victor Janas PTS 10 Dec 9, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Palais des Sports, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
22 Win 19–1–2 Vilda Jaks PTS 10 Nov 22, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Salle Wagram, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
21 Win 18–1–2 Julien Faes PTS 10 Oct 28, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Velodrome d'Hiver, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
20 Win 17–1–2 Marcel Foulon TKO 6 (10) Oct 15, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Central Sporting Club, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
19 Loss 16–1–2 Vilda Jaks PTS 10 Sep 20, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Salle Wagram, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
18 Template:DrawDraw 16–0–2 Kid Tunero PTS 10 Sep 3, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Central Sporting Club, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
17 Win 16–0–1 Andre Georges Nioche PTS 10 Aug 20, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Central Sporting Club, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
16 Win 15–0–1 Assane Diouf PTS 10 Aug 6, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Central Sporting Club, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
15 Win 14–0–1 Jany Ambreski PTS 10 Jul 3, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Athens, GreeceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Venue needs verificationScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
14 Win 13–0–1 Paul Jeancenelle PTS 6 May 4, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Palais des Sports, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
13 Win 12–0–1 Andre Georges Nioche PTS 10 Apr 6, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Salle des Îlets, Montluçon, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
12 Win 11–0–1 Francisco Garcia Lluch PTS 10 Feb 5, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Central Sporting Club, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
11 Win 10–0–1 Andre Georges Nioche PTS 10 Jan 30, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Paris-Ring, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
10 Win 9–0–1 Martinaux PTS 6 Jan 9, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Paris-Ring, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
9 Win 8–0–1 Lucien Hallart PTS 8 Jan 4, 1935 Template:Age in years and days Élysée Montmartre, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
8 Win 7–0–1 Marcel Blaise PTS 10 Dec 19, 1934 Template:Age in years and days Paris-Ring, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
7 Win 6–0–1 Georges Ries PTS 10 Dec 6, 1934 Template:Age in years and days Ring de Belleville, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
6 Win 5–0–1 Marcel Thouvenin PTS 6 Nov 14, 1934 Template:Age in years and days Paris-Ring, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
5 Win 4–0–1 Guillaume Taddei TKO 4 (10) Nov 10, 1934 Template:Age in years and days Central Sporting Club, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
4 Win 3–0–1 Roger Damagnez PTS 10 Oct 30, 1934 Template:Age in years and days Paris-Ring, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
3 Template:DrawDraw 2–0–1 Paul Jeancenelle PTS 6 Oct 17, 1934 Template:Age in years and days Paris-Ring, Paris, FranceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
2 Win 2–0 Curzio Sala KO 7 (10) Aug, 1934 N/A Athens, GreeceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Date unavailableScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1 Win 1–0 Theodore Korenyi KO 2 (10) Jul, 1934 N/A Athens, GreeceScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Professional debut
Date uncertainScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

See also

Notes and references

<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />

  1. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ a b c d e f Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Ta Nea, Σήμερα η κηδεία του Αντώνη Χριστοφορίδη (translation: Antonis Christoforidis is laid to rest today), 22 October 1985, p. 51.
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

External links

Achievements
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/checkTemplate:Succession box/check NBA Light Heavyweight Champion
13 January 1941 – 22 May 1941 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by

Template:Authority control

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