In 1918, Billy Miske was told by his doctor that he had Bright’s disease, a kidney related condition, and that he had five years to live, if he was lucky...especially in a sport where punches to those kidneys were likely. Miske decided to keep the news from his family, only telling his manager, and he continued to box, most notably losing to Jack Dempsey in a third-round knockout in 1920. Despite that loss to Dempsey, Miske continued to fight and win for the most part, only losing one fight from over twenty between 1921 and 1922, but by 1923 his health was failing and his time was running out. In November 1923, struggling financially and with a strong desire to give his wife and three kids one last memorable Christmas together, Miske convinced his manager Jack Reddy to get him a fight. ................................ “Jack,” said Billy, “get me a fight.” “You must be kidding, you’re in no condition to fight,” Jack replied. “Get me a fight anyway!” Jack shook his head. “I won’t do it.” “Look, Jack,” pleaded Billy, “I’m flat broke. I know I haven’t long to go, and I want to give Marie and the kids one more happy Christmas before I check out. I won’t be around for another. Please get me one more payday. I want to make Christmas this year something Marie and the children will always remember me for.” “Look,” said Jack, “you know as well as I do that if you were to fight in your present condition you might be killed.” “Sure, but I’m a fighter and I’d rather die in the ring than while sitting home in a rocking chair.” Jack pulled out his wallet. “Let me help you. How much do you need?” “No way,” Bill put his hand up like a wall. “I’ve never taken a handout and I’m not gonna start now.” “Here’s what I’ll do,” Jack said. “You go to the gym and start working out. If you get into any reasonable kind of shape, we’ll talk about getting you a match.” “You know I can’t do that,” Billy replied. “It’s impossible for me to train, but I’ve got to have one more fight for my family’s sake. Please do it for me. Please.” Jack sighed. “I’ll live to regret this.” He stuffed his wallet back into his pocket. “Let me see what I can do.” ............................... His opponent was Bill Brennan, whom he knocked out, taking a $2,400 payday in the process, which he used to make his last Christmas with family unforgettable. Billy bought a piano for his wife Marie, who was an accomplished singer, and piles of gifts for his three children. The next day, Billy called Jack Reddy and asked Jack to take him to the hospital. En route, Billy told Marie for the first time that he was dying. Miske died on New Year's Day. He was 29 years old. (By John Hinderaker)
A quick clip on Miske working out. I think there is no ring footage on Miske vs an opponent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=775jq9FME10 Historian's article on Miske http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/wail900_callis.htm
I find the idea that Billy Miske was dragging himself out of his sick bed, and knocking men out while he was dying of terminal illness a bit incredible. I suppose the most likely explanation is that the fights were fake ?
I know, i know. I think he defintely suffered though. It's know that he had very bad back trouble and bad boils in front of several fights. I think it's fair to say he was absolutely extraordinary. Judging him on his results alone means that he was. Considering what he put up with I think you can say he was extremely special. I think it was dead gen though. It was too well documented (not least by Clay Moyle) for it not to be.
Sure, but the point is he had the illness when he was fighting on even terms with world class fighters. I doubt those fights, or the illness, was faked.
To me, it seems .. impossible. It defies common sense, it goes against science. How's a human being going to be consistently very good (with his results as good as ever) at brutal professional fighting if he's REAL SICK from a terminal illness ? I believe there's something fraudulent behind the story, otherwise I might as well believe all those phoney evangelist faith healers making cripples dance.
Well Bright's Disease is known to fluctuate. It goes into remission, it returns to the fore. It allows symptoms to dog a fighter in isolation. If Charley Burley can box a split decision with Lloyd Marshall with a broken hand Danny Williams can score a KO with a dislocated shoulder, I hardly see this as beyond the realms of possibility. But that's me.
Have to admit I have trouble with this one myself-in particular the last Brennan fight.Not to detract from a brave, decent and talented man.t