Jimmy Kelso... just plain lucky????

In a similar fashion to Lionel Rose and Jeff 'HITMAN' Harding, another Aussie champ had his moment in the sun.

Jimmy Kelso, having grown up in a Sydney boys home, took to the streets at an early age. His mother had passed away by his 8th birthday, and his father was off defending the freedoms of other countries in WWI. Kelso battled his way through the streets of Surrey Hills and Redfern, at a time where countless other kids where left to their own vices, in all Australian city's.

Kelso, a pugnacious little man, entered the Professional ranks as a 16 year old, in 1926, learning of his limitations the hard way. With 3 straight losses, Kelso worked hard to gain some credibility, with more mixed results. By the arrival of 1930's, his reputation was little more than an entertainer. A fighter with the limited ability that ensured a crowd some action. Tough guy Bobby Blay, twice sent Kelso to sleep.

Regardless, in September 1930, Kelso managed a shot at Bluey Jones, for the Australian Lightweight title. In this fight, a game Kelso was to show tremendous courage, in taking a draw over 15 rounds. Within 5 weeks, the two were matched again for the same title. Once again, Kelso lasted the rounds against Bluey Jones. Perhaps a fortunate night for Kelso, considering Bluey Jones had KO'd Herb Ackworth only a week earlier in 14 rounds.

In 1933, Jimmy Kelso's entertaining toughness would pay dividends. With the National title having changed hands 3 times, and current champ Bobby Delaney, due to meet World rated #3 Al Foreman from Canada, for the Empire title. Illness forced Delaney out of the match, allowing the promotors to showcase Al Foremans brilliance against local pleaser Kelso. The script was not something Kelso followed all the way. Instead, he struggled to for the first few rounds and loosened up by mid-fight. Jimmy Kelso forced the last half of the fight, showing little respect to Foremans greatness, emergeing a clear points winner. For the promoters, a 15-1 underdog had come through, leaving the crowd to believe the fight was thrown. The promotion was so poor, that Kelso walked away with just $38
and a new found vigour.

For Jimmy Kelso, there was nothing to do but prove himself in the best fashion he could. He matched up with Bobby Delaney, and walked away with the Aust. Lightweight title after 15 hard rounds. The easy beat with a corageous spirit, Kelso again proved his worth. This time in a rematch with Al Foreman at the Sydney Stadium in front of a capacity crowd, with the Empire title on the line. 15 rounds were faught again, and Kelso walked away the victory.

A third match was made with Foreman. Again showning his values and leading the fight against Foreman, Kelso would face an injustice as the Canadian slumped to the canvas claiming 'foul'. Kelso was diqualified, and the experienced Foreman was Empire Champ again.

In the space of a few short months, the battler became a household name, National Champ and proven Empire Champ. He continued on his ways for a few more years, mixing it with World rated Englishman Nel Tarleton, twice beat another Canadian import Billy Townsend and dropped a decision to Wes Ramey... the same Wes Ramey who had conquered World Champion Tony Canzoneri a few months earlier. Losing his Australian Lightweight title along the line to triple champ, Herb Bishop and facing former world champ Todd Morgan on 3 occassions over 15 round is testament to Jimmy Kelso's worth.

With a record of 99 fights, 49 wins and 38 losses, its not suprising his career is unknown to many.

From the streets at 16, to a mediocre prelim boy with nothing but entertainment values, Jimmy Kelso for a few months in '33 and '34, become a World beater.

 

mate... its a book to have kept, and a book that should have been produced in 3 volumes.

It covers many great names, but dozens of great names are missing also.

 

Pleasure Gonzo.... not unlike your avatar......

:good