Which decade in boxing was the most corrupt?

Late 40s to late 50s because boxing was run by the mob.

 

With all the handcuffing and drawing of the color line, I am highly suspicious of most results1900-1920.

 

40’s - 70’s. Mob had a lot of control.

 

Everything touched by humans is corrupt, in all decades. We may never be able to recognize which decade was the most corrupt in boxing, depending on how well the corruption was covered up. I seriously doubt if anybody alive today even knows.

 

It was probably wild west the first few decades following the post bareknuckle era.

Also, weren't some wins decided purely by who newspapers preferred?

 

There was no judging infrastructure. That was the only way to do it.

But belts and official benefits were not conferred by these newspaper decisions. Matter of a fact this allowed some champions to keep their titles despite losing most famously Mike McTigue.

 

The Bible even says so.

TO me, the 40s and 90s were pretty corrupt. The 90s with all the horrible decisions.

 

Yeah, I also agree with you. Uncle Mike Jacobs was responsible for all of it, having complete control over of MSG and other venues, as he was both promoter and manager of Champion boxers under his beckoning, otherwise you don't get to fights. He protected his Champions from losing. Such was the case of Davey Day who was Barney Ross policeman /stablemate, who overshadowed Davey from becoming Champion. Henry Armstrong, Lou Ambers, both wanted to fight Ross for the welterweight title and offered each two contracts, first, beat Davey and than you get to fight Barney for the title, they both declined the offer 1937. Mike Jacobs enters the picture changing the dynamics, allowing , Armstrong to fight Ross. What else would you like to know? Thank you.

 

Thanks for the insight on Davey Day.... Mr Day

 

Take your pick of the:

• Carbo/Palermo forties
• Carbo/Palermo fifties
• Don King seventies
• Don King eighties
• Don King nineties

An entire half of the last century was downright filthy.

 

Owney Madden also had control over James J. Braddock and cut a deal with Mike Jacobs for estimated $500,000 to let Joe Louis fight Braddock and make him champion. Braddock, himself got a piece ( percentage) of Louis for life. Jacobs percentage of Louis was around 25% for life.

 

Do you think Braddock-Louis was fixed?

 

I wonder if Jacobs also had control over the rankings back then which cleared the way for title shots. Louis defended his titles against some absolute mismatches. Several of those opponents hadn't beaten anyone with a winning record. Some got title shots coming off of a loss. How were they ranked so high? Someone wanted Joe to remain champion.

Armstrong never defended his featherweight title despite fighting 14 opponents in '37/'38, until he moved up to challenge for the lightweight and welterweight titles. Only defended lightweight title once and lost it. Now sure how he can fight 14x and none of them are title defenses.