Australia has produced many great fighters over the last 50 years, many have come and gone, leaving a legacy of admiration for the decades. as the years pass, the great names often fade, just as those who witnessed these greats, fade also. Throwing the minds back a little further, one such name may have faded a little more, yet is deserved of great interest, even for the younger generation of todays boxing fans. Some may have heard of him, others may not, regardless...all should get to know a little about him. Jack Carroll was born, Arthur Ernest Hardwick, in Melbourne Feb. 3, 1906. A very unlikely looking boxer for the sake of his lolly pink, freckled skin, Jack was a complete nightmare in the ring. Much the same as Bob Fitzsimmons, and just as hard to hit cleanly. Assuming the name 'Jack Carroll' from a close friend, who boxed as 'Charley Ring', the years 1923-1938 would provide Australia with its greatest Welterweight drawcard. Fearing punishment from his father, Jack boxed 8 professional fights, aged 17, without his family being aware, whilst working in the Abattoirs at the same time, questions were raised about the pockets of cash Jack continually had. By 1925, Jack had established himself as a main event fighter in the prize ring, and quit maunal labour in a flourmill, having told his employer that he might practice boxing for a while, it was to be 13 years later that Jack requested his old job back. Having been well schooled by trainer by Bill O'Brian for 5 years, Carroll was put against Middleweight hardman Al Bourke. The hardman was softened in 7 rounds. Come 1932, Jack mixed it, in the first of 3 bouts with Fred Henneberry. Although winning the fight, Jack succombed to Henneberry in the 13 round.... this would be Jack Carrolls last defeat for 6 years, incorporating 30 bouts. Taking future points victories over Henneberry, and stopping the great Ron Richards in 13 rounds, the latter who boiled down to meet him, is testament to the size, ability and durability of Carroll. Often coming in at Middleweight, Jack had all the benefits of his 5' 10" frame. American fighters were knocking at Jacks door in the Mid 30's. Former JnrWelter claimant Billy Townsend mocked Carroll in the ring, Jack afforded him with an early night, saying Nye Nye in the 9th. Brilliant Yank, Wes Ramey was to become another top class fighter to get a good nights sleep. Having just defeated World Lightweight champ Tony Canzoneri, in a non-title bout, Ramey was clearly full of confidence. After 10 round, Ramey was finished. Another World champ was to follow in 15 rounds, Todd Morgan was defeated twice. Three more Americans followed, Willard Brown was cut too pieces, Bobby Wilson in the 13th and a draw with Southpaw Jack Portney. The following fights would become the greatest of Carrolls career. Taking on Bep van Klavaren, World #3 Welter, Carroll won every round in the pouring rain. Given the dismissive attempts to blame the rain, Van Klavaren was given a second chance.... and defeated a second time. Next to come was Izzy Jannazzo, a light punching American with the joy of never being dropped in 56 fights. Carroll again, totally outclassed his oponent with his flicking jab. In all, Jack Carroll won a 90 from 109 bouts. With 42 via the KO route, nothing can be said negatively in regards to this great man. His style being unorthodox, yet effective, he annoyed some of the best in the world. Slicing their faces with the openhanded flicking jab. Having packed stadiums was commen place. On 6 occassions, his name encouraged crowds of 20,000+. The crown at witness of the Jannazzo bout being a record gate of 30,000. Jimmy Leto is yet another well credential american who suffered via the hands of Carroll. Over 15 round, Carroll outclassed Leto, the World #4 , and again over 12 rounds. Just to put some perspective on these men, Bep Van Klavaren had already defeated future Middleweight champ, Ceferino Garcia, who inturn would obtain a draw against Henry Armstrong in defense of the World M/W crown. Izzy Jannazzo had also boxed Garcia, taking a draw. Having fgone the distance with Barney Ross is further testament to the ability of Jannazzo. Wes Ramey had beaten Tony Canzoneri. Canzoneri already having claimed 3 world title, in 3 seperate division. Its reported the 'Slapsie' Maxie Rosenbloom, the great Light Heavyweight, had warned Barney Ross to stay well away from Jack Carroll. Suggesting Carroll would cut him to ribbons. After his retirement from the ring, Jack was to become a well respected referee and trainer, at his gym in Fitzroy. Trainer of many well known men, its a travesty that the Carroll name is not mentioned as often as it should be. Without a doubt, he is the stuff that legends are made of.
For so long Australia had the most gifted fighters in the world. From the late 1800's until the WW2, down and out Australian's with atheletic ability would step up into the square circle with an aim to make a quid in desperate times. No doubt our convict past added that extra touch of mongrel. :!: Jack Carroll would have been a champion in any era.
My dad was a couple of years older than Jack, but he idolised him. Mention Jack Carol to him & you got an ear full of his exploits It wouldn't be a sin if you did Trevor King mate. Few boxers can match his record, & he has an interesting background.
Good read flamengo, mate you should do as many as these as you can. Always love hearing about the boxers of old.
Worth a shot, the only current info on '******' in my possession is the list of his Bantam and Feather title defences, and early retirement from the ring due to ill health. Will have a look through the Mags etc, see what I can put together. Cheers mate.
