Junior titles were
introduced on the books of the newly formed New York State Athletic Commission
in 1920. Where they got the idea is open to question. In the late 1970s, an
old-timer who had fought as “Battling Kid Nelson” claimed to have been world
junior lightweight champion in 1914-15 before losing to one Benny (Kid) Berger.
Diligent research by IBRO historian and British
Boxing Board of Control Yearbook
editor Barry Hugman confirms that “Nelson” did indeed claim the title of world
junior lightweight champion after outpointing one Fritz Schmidt over 10 rounds
in Germany in 1914. Nelson retained his title by knocking out Gerry Anderson in
two rounds in London later that same year, but lost it when outpointed over 15
rounds by Benny (Kid) Berger in Liverpool early in 1915. Two years later, Artie
O’Leary claimed the title with a 15-round decision over Jimmy Kane in
Providence, RI.
None of these fighters, it must readily be said, were serious world championship material.
Goldman, Herb.
1996. International Boxing Digest. IBRO, page 60, Sept 1996