Lew Jenkins: Champ; k.o artist; & drunk

'Tippy Larkin ,'' Lew said in his dressing room, ''was the most convinced knocked-out man I ever knocked out.''


Sportswriter Red Smith re: Sgt Lew Jenkins:
"IT takes a special talent to be a disgrace to boxing, and it is utterly inconceivable that such a man could wind up in a hero's grave in Arlington National Cemetery, but Lew Jenkins was equal to both challenges."

more:
http://www.nytimes.com/1981/11/04/sports/red-smith-sgt-lew-jenkins.html

 

Girlfriend of Raymond Hamilton (Bonnie & Clyde gang) and married to Lew Jenkins boxer. Good looking gal.
http://texashideout.tripod.com/jenkins.html

This Katie Jenkins section, is the result of joint research and communications, between a Hideout friend and myself.
The question is, to whether or not the two gals mentioned here, are one and the same. Let's begin by taking a look at
Raymond Hamilton's ex girlfriend, Katie Jenkins (circa 1935) and Katie Jenkins, the latter of which was the wife
(and manager) of lightweight boxer, Lew Jenkins. Both of these gals were attractive, petite redheads - the same age,
figure and appearance. Both of whom lived in Dallas, Texas at the same time and both of which were involved in
entertainment. Raymond's gal's name was Katie Lucille Jenkins and Lew married Katie Lucille Jenkins in Durant,
Okla. in 1938, following Hamilton's 1935 execution . The question might arise, as to Raymond's girlfriend having the
last name as boxer, Lew Jenkins - if she was single at the time she was seeing Raymond. The mystery could be solved in
knowing that Katie's birthname was Jenkins and that oddly enough, she married a man in the late 1930s with the same
last name (no relation). Katie, who was married to Lew Jenkins, also managed his boxing career. She was known as a
tough gal who had taken up midget car racing and did the rodeo circuit too! Not to mention also taking flying lessons!

The consensus is, that they are one and the same!

 

He is in the Texas Sports Hall of Fame....along with numerous other Texas Sports Legends:

"Lew Jenkins, known to fans as the "Swee****er Swatter", won the lightweight boxing title on May 11, 1940. Jenkins defeated Lou Ambers in three rounds and was the first person to ever knock out the defending champ. Jenkins then began 19 free-wheeling, party-filled months as the world light-weight champion. He avoided training but still managed a draw with welterweight champ Fritzie Zivic, and had another knockout over Ambers before losing the crown to Sammy Angott. Jenkins fought 109 times winning 47 by knockout, 19 by decision, had 5 draws and lost 38 times. He was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1973."