It went 10-7-2 in Jack Britton's favour in the end but needless to say it was pretty back and forth and hard fought the whole way along.
Yep, one of the best rivalries ever. Britton is someone I really wish there was film of, on account of his extreme longevity and apparent genius studied ring style. There were actually 20 bouts overall between them, according to the New York Times. Apparently, in the end, they would end up playing cards and the like together before fighting! https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/Jack_Britton_vs._Ted_(Kid)_Lewis_(20th_meeting)
Gr8 stuff. 20 meetings didn't know. But knew of the complaint of the mouthpiece which I find somewhat hilarious today. Hey ...he got something in his mouth that's stopping me from knocking all his molars out!
I think the confusion stems from a 6 rounds exhibition in New York on May 24, 1918. In the old Ring Record Books this is listed as a ND contest on the record of both men (making it 20 meetings) - but is omitted from their records on BoxRec (where the count consequently is only 19).
Only at a stretch with a longstanding local amateur rivalry but never in the pros. They have both cumulatively fought an insane number of fights though. Thing is they were also continents apart in an age not nearly as well connected as it is today.
The closest rivalries I've found was on Sam Langford's record. He fought Joe Jeanette 14 times, Sam McVea 15 times and Harry Wills 17 times.
Young Griffo and Chiddy Ryan come pretty close with 19 meetings. A little behind we have 16 fights between Richard Wilson/Rob Bleakley - and 15 between Russ Critcher/Alby Roberts.
