Charlie Mack
CHARLIE MACK was born Charles Fanelli. He was one of the many professional boxers who came out of Camden in the 1920s.
Charles Fanelli's older brother Matthew fought as Battling Mack, who was one of the more successful Camden boxers of the 1920s. Originally a bantamweight, he fought primarily as a featherweight. Late in his career Battling Mack founded a gym near South 3rd and Walnut Streets, where many of Camden's finest boxers of the era trained. It was at this gym in 1930 that Arnold “Jersey Joe Walcott” Cream was first introduced to the fight game.
Charles Fanelli got into trouble with the law in November of 1931. Arrested for a robbery, he plead not guilty but was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison.
Charlie Mack's Known Boxing Record
W 1 (KO 1) · L 4 (KO 1) · D 0 (official) / W 1 · L 5 · D 3 (newspaper decisions) / 14 total bouts · 56 known rounds
| Date | Opponent | Location | Result | Rds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flinky Kaufman | Bijou Theater, Philadelphia, PA | L NWS | 4 | |
| Jack Sears | Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, PA | L NWS | 6 | |
| Newspaper decision from Philadelphia newspapers. | ||||
| Frankie Ferro | Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, PA | W NWS | 6 | |
| Mickey Martell | Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, PA | D NWS | 6 | |
| Newspaper decision from the Philadelphia Inquirer (Paul Zabala). | ||||
| Frankie Ferro | Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, PA | D NWS | 6 | |
| Newspaper decision from the Philadelphia Inquirer. | ||||
| Johnny Mulligan | Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, PA | L NWS | 6 | |
| Newspaper decision from the Philadelphia Inquirer (Jack Kincaid). | ||||
| Johnny DeMarco | Public Service Ball Park, Camden, NJ | L NWS | 8 | |
| Newspaper decision from the Logansport Pharos-Tribune (wire report). | ||||
| Angelo Giudici | Apollo Theatre, Gloucester, NJ | L NWS | 8 | |
| Philadelphia Inquirer. | ||||
| Freddie Jackson | Fairview Arena, Camden, NJ | D NWS | 6 | |
| Newspaper decision from the Chester Times. | ||||
| Lew Jackson | Fairview Arena, Camden, NJ | L KO 2 | 8 sched. | |
| From Boxing Blade, September 4, 1926, page 9. | ||||
| Billy Davis | Farber Arena, Vineland, NJ | W KO 2 | — | |
| Jack Kelly | Arena, Vineland, NJ | L PTS | 6 | |
| Eddie Silk | Millville, NJ | L PTS | 6 | |
| Larry Jackson | Millville, NJ | L PTS | 8 | |
Willis Wins Decision Over Tommy Golden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
One of the best shows of the season was held at the Cambria Club last evening and five fine bouts were put on for the approval of the many spectators.
The windup brought together Stanley Willis and Tommy Golden and this bout was a thriller from start to finish. For the first four rounds the men fought like tigers and neither seemed able to secure a decided advantage.
However, Willis began to weaken in the closing rounds and when the bell sounded for the eighth canto he was in bad shape. Willis survived the round, but was decidedly outclassed, and the judges had no trouble in awarding the fight to Golden.
The opener was probably the best bout of the evening and was between Frankie Ferro and Charlie Mack, of Camden. This battle was only a six-round affair, but it fairly bristled with action and at the end of the bout Mack was hailed as the winner.
Johnny Carton and Pat Deener fought a sensational six-round draw, while the other two bouts were stopped by knockouts. Pat Haley was the victim in one of these encounters being unfortunate enough to stop one of Joe Peck Martin’s shoots on the chin in the third round.
In the other engagement Soldier Kaparasky scored a knockout over Mike Kawalski in the third round.
Kid Sullivan Boxes Murray in Wind-Up
Trenton Evening Times —
MOUNT HOLLY, Oct. 8.—The Mount Holly Theatre will be the scene of Mount Holly’s next boxing show Monday, October 20, and the Holly Athletic Club announces quite an attractive bill. The wind-up of eight rounds will bring out Kid Sullivan, of Trenton, and Charlie Kid Murray, the fighting Hebrew from Philadelphia. Sullivan appeared at the armory here twice during last winter, once knocking out Young Ketchel, of Bristol, and the next pulling the shady side of a draw with Kid Emmons, of Trenton.
In the semi of six rounds, John Mayhook, of Ridgeway, Pa., will try to stop Andy Martel, of Philadelphia. They are 118 pounders. Eddie Fisher, of Riverside, a local favorite, is to go up against K.O. Stuckey, of Riverside, in another bout.
Kid Lambert, of Bordentown, is booked to go six rounds with Arthur Colby, of Chester and Philadelphia. Johnny DeMarco will tackle Charlie Mack, of Camden. In the first bout of four rounds, Young Firpo, of Beverly, is slated to oppose Young Schisler, of Florence.
2 Cops Go on Trial Tuesday as Echo of Election Row
Camden Courier-Post —
Jersey City Democrat Charges Bakley and Truax Violated Law
2 COURTS IN SESSION
Two Camden police officers, Lieut. Ralph W. Bakley, commander of the Second District, and Patrolman Frank Truax, are scheduled to go on trial in Criminal Court tomorrow on an indictment charging them with violation of the election laws.
The charge resulted from the arrest of Joseph Tumulty, Jersey City attorney and Democratic challenger at the Camden city polls during the gubernatorial election last November. Mayor Roy R. Stewart will be summoned as a defense witness, according to the officers’ counsel Harry T. Rowland. The latter added that Major Charles V. Dickinson, deputy superintendent of police, Captain Arthur Colsey, business men, several bankers and a score of other character witnesses will be called to the stand.
Two Courts in Session
The case is one of the larger number listed for trial, pleas or sentences this week by Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin in an attempt to clear up the Criminal Court calendar to permit adjournment in July. Two criminal courts will be in session today, tomorrow and Wednesday. Judge Samuel M. Shay will preside in the first court today, and Judge George Austin H. Swackhamer will hold court on the second floor.
One of the two who will enter pleas is Mrs. Mable J. Steyer, of 4603 Conshohocken avenue, Philadelphia, who is charged with responsibility for manslaughter by automobile. She is charged with the death of William Sharkey, on Berlin-Cross Keys Horse pike last February. Six times Prosecutor Baldwin has endeavored to have her appear, and she has refused to appear. She visited in the prosecutor’s office several days ago and was turned over to the sheriff. She had previously forfeited the same amount of bail. She is charged with driving her automobile on the wrong side of the pike and crashing into the car operated by Sharkey.
Another defendant who is scheduled to appear to plead is Harry Willingmyer, charged with assault and battery.
The 11 defendants who are listed to stand trial today include Dr. Mason, of 613 Linden boulevard, Delaware township. Dr. Mason is charged with false pretense in obtaining $2,500 from Harvey L. Hartman, of 615 Rogers avenue, Merchantville. The other defendants are James Jordan, assault and battery and false pretense; James Jordan, assault and battery; Herman Romaine, Harold Nickturn, Howard C. Franklin, larceny, and four indictments against the much arrested Howard C. Franklin, who is charged with larceny when charged with false pretense.
Tomorrow, Arthur “Gyp” Del Ducca, convicted disorderly house keeper, will be sentenced by Judge Swackhamer. Del Ducca was convicted in the criminal court last Wednesday of operating a resort at 764 Fairview street. Charles Fanelli, of 319 Penn street, who was convicted of holding up John Weeks, of Eighth and Tabor road, Philadelphia, on November 13, last, and robbing him of $50, will also be sentenced on Tuesday.
Several roadhouse proprietors whose establishments were recently raided, are also scheduled to appear in court tomorrow for trial. They include Harry Fleisher, 300 Rand street; John Cernivo, of Camden; Thomas Gibbons, of Gloucester; Walt Mills, alleged proprietor of the Maze Cafe in Stratford; Edward J. Walsh, alleged proprietor of the Little Grill, in West Collingswood Heights; Owen Sweeney, alleged proprietor of the Haddon Lake, at Mt. Ephraim; William Marshall, alleged proprietor of the Royal Haven Inn, at Berlin; Conrad Bittner, 456 Broadway, Gloucester, and Harry Underwood, also of Gloucester. There are two indictments against Underwood.
Walter Kennedy, former Camden boxer who fought under the ring name of Walter West, is also scheduled to go on trial tomorrow on a charge of carrying concealed deadly weapons. Kennedy, who is a shell-shocked World War veteran and former Camden soft drink parlor proprietor, is charged with attempting to hold up a Public Service bus on State street, four months ago.
Other defendants on tomorrow’s trial list are Louis Ward and Dean Kessler, larceny; Pasquale Massi, Jacob Melzer and Frank Atwater, attempted breaking and entering; Louis Scott, Edward Brady, Carl Pisco, Joseph Pisco, carrying concealed deadly weapons; Jim Jackson and Woodrow Stevens, breaking and entering; Frank Mucci, disorderly house; W. H. Seckel, false pretense; Davis Keese, statuatory charge, and Gustave Seletos, three indictments for false pretense.
On Wednesday ten defendants are scheduled to go on trial in the criminal courts. They are:
Roland Davis, desertion; William Bopergola, Tony Basile, Joseph Gogenti, Frank Carofolo, statuatory charges; Edward North, larceny; Joseph Carboni, larceny from person; George Huber, larceny; Roland Davis board bill; George Walters, tampering with meter.
Judge Shay will be asked tomorrow to sign court orders authorizing the prosecutor’s office to destroy all the liquors seized in the various roadhouse raids during the past year. The liquor is at present stored in the cellar of the old court house under lock and key.
3 Women Scream as Former Boxer Gets 5-Year Term
Camden Courier-Post —
‘Gyp’ Del Duca and ‘Charlie Mack’ Doomed to Hard Labor at State Prison
3 WOMEN SCREAM AS FORMER BOXER GETS 5-YEAR TERM
Fannelli Near Collapse, Other Man Smiles, as Penalties Are Pronounced
LENIENCY PLEAS FUTILE
Stiff prison sentences were meted out in Camden Criminal Court yesterday by Judge Austin H. Swackhamer, of Gloucester county, to Arthur “Gyp” Del Duca, and Charles Fannelli, both of whom were convicted last week.
Del Duca is well known to police. Fannelli, who lives at 319 Penn street is a former policeman and boxer, who fought under the name of Charlie Mack. Del Duca, convicted of maintaining a disorderly house, was sentenced to two years at hard labor in state’s prison, and a 5-year term was meted to Fannelli, on charges of highway robbery.
Del Duca turned around and smiled at his attorneys after hearing sentence pronounced. But Mack’s knees buckled, his face turned ashen and he seemed on the verge of collapse when he heard his sentence.
Three women in mysteries believed to be relatives of Mack, became hysterical and were led from the courtroom.
Del Duca was convicted by a jury of operating a disorderly house at 674 Fairview street. When he was called to the bar by Prosecutor Clifford A. Baldwin, David Visor, one of his attorneys, moved for an arrest of judgment, contending the indictment was faulty. Judge Swackhamer refused the motion.
“This man,” Baldwin began his address to the court, “as proprietor of a resort had been warned, raided, fined and raided again without effect.
“His was the most notorious place of its kind in Camden, and the reason he never was caught before was that he never was there when it was raided. But in connection with the resort is common knowledge and despite raids he continued to be a flagrant violator of the social and criminal laws.”
Defense Appeals for Leniency
At this point James Russell Carrow, another of Del Duca’s lawyers, made a plea for a minimum sentence, pointing to the defendant’s army record and that he had never been convicted of a criminal offense before.
“In 1924,” Baldwin replied, “he was arrested for violating the Hobart state prohibition act and fined. He was arrested again for the same offense in the same year and sentenced to 30 days.”
“This is a serious case,” said Judge Swackhamer, “and a disorderly house keeper is a serious menace to the community. I am going to make it a punishment commensurate with the crime. Del Duca, have nothing to say for yourself?”
Takes ‘Rap’ With Smile
“Your honor this is the first time I was ever here on such a charge,” the prisoner said.
Sentence was then pronounced. Del Duca smiled broadly at Carrow and Visor and was led away by attaches. Carrow notified the court he would appeal.
Fannelli then was called to the bar. He is convicted of holding up and taking $51 from Joseph Weska, of Philadelphia, whom he met in a speakeasy near Broadway and Kaighn avenue last November 10.
“Fannelli, or Mack, gambled with fate and decided on a jury trial in an attempt to beat the rap,” said Assistant Prosecutor Rocco Palese. Gene Mariano, Mack’s attorney, objected to the word “gambled,” and added that if the prisoner were sent to prison for a long term he would come out a hardened criminal.
“On the contrary,” Judge Swackhamer declared, “he might have a chance for reformation because I am going to give him a sentence under which he will have plenty of time to reflect and meditate upon his past conduct and make up his mind to do better when he comes out. I sentence you to five years.”
Apparently surprised at the sentence, Mack grabbed his chair for support. He finally regained his composure, however, just as three women in the back of the court began screaming and weeping, battling Mack, the prisoner’s brother, led them away, but before they left one of them shouted, “I hope you’re satisfied, now!”
At this point, seven state troopers, witnesses in another case, entered the room and order was restored.
Ex-Fighters Are Set for Charity Show
Camden Courier-Post —
Jersey Joe Walcott and Roxie Allen in Feature at Civic Hall Tomorrow
Present and past greats of Camden boxing will do their all for charity tomorrow night, when they appear on a card sponsored by the United Democratic Clubs of Camden, at the Camden Convention Hall.
Fifteen bouts of three rounds each are scheduled to be held, and the entire proceeds will be used to provide Christmas baskets for Camden’s needy. The boxers and referees have generously donated their services free of charge, and are to be complimented for their willingness to aid a worthy cause.
All 15 bouts as are exhibition matches as the principals have been out of training for several years. However, they have done their best to get in pretty fair shape during the past two weeks and a number of interesting bouts should be presented.
Jersey Joe Walcott, still in action in the heavyweight ranks, and Roxie Allen, who 10 years ago was Camden’s leading lightweight, but who retired two years ago, are on the card. Allen and Walcott met here about two years ago and the latter knocked out Roxie in a scheduled eight-rounder.
However, Walcott held a 25-pound pull in the weights, scaling around M 165, while Frankie weighed around 160. Walcott eventually knocked out Allen, Roxie had the satisfaction of flooring Jersey Joe in the fire two and a felt hook to the jaw sending the Negro down for a count of two.
Blairs Box Each Other
Allen quit fighting about this bout, but still is in good physical shape as Frankie Blair, one of Camden’s well-known heavyweights showed three fast rounds against Walcott.
Frankie and Mickey Blair, both of South Camden, are two fighters who spent themselves in out-of-town fights, and are slated to box each other. Frankie, a welterweight, fought his greatest bouts in New York City about two years, while Mickey was one of the best featherweights in the East shortly after the World War.
George Chaney, Benny Bass, Kid Williams, Pete Herman were some of the boys Balling met in his prime. He is slated to face Lew Skymer, another Attell.
Hindle Battles Chaney
Jackie Hindle and Eddie Chaney, both local residents, are due to meet. Hindle and Chaney were among the welterweights of local weights who flourished here in 1926, ’27 and ’28. Allen, Hindle, Chaney, Shamus McGuire, Charlie Mack, White, Lew Jackson, and Johnny Attell were included among the men which made boxing a major attraction in this city during those years.
Charley Mack meets Young O’Connor, Jackson in short four-round bouts. Spearing battles Frankie Rapp, downtown southpaw who fought four of the best featherweights in the East in short time. Pee Wee Ross and Attell clashes with Billy Marino.
is dotted with knockouts. He will take on Joey Allen, South Camden featherweight who never fought a slow bout and who never side-stepped a match.
Pee Wee Ross undoubtedly was the best bantamweight ever developed in this city. Ross fought ’em all 10 years ago and finished with a great record. He meets Bobby Zimmerman, another local product who also was a pleasing performer and who was known as the “buzz saw” because of his rapid-fire punching.
Nick Nichols, one of the hardest-hitting welterweights ever to hold forth here, takes on Tommy McCann, East Camdenite who had one of the best left hands in the city.
Lucas Vs. Straiges
Johnny Lucas, South Camden welterweight who still could go to the wars, faces Joey Straiges, also of South Camden, who also could compete in featherweight ranks if it were necessary for him to continue boxing. In the other bout on the card, Young Palmer and Tommy Dundee, former featherweights, clash.
Jim Braddock, former world heavyweight champion, is expected to be on hand to referee at least one bout. Others invited to referee are: Sgt. Ray Smith, Harry Shaw, Tom Walters, Al Ettore, Joey O’Donnell, Mike DeLeece, Young Lawrence, Charley Harris, Bill McFarlane and Walter “West” Kennedy.
The committee in charge of the boxing arrangements consists of Caesar Campana, chairman, Dominic Lombardo, Daniel Gallasso, James McSparrin and Paul Daly.
Nearly 4000 Witness Old-Timers in Action
Camden Courier-Post —
Past and Present South Jersey Boxers Go Through Paces in Charity Show
NO DECISIONS RENDERED
By FRANK KOPESKY
They turned back the sporting page, month after month, year after year. And out of the staring type and fading newsprint stepped the shadows of all the names you’ve been reading about these past weeks.
With nearly 4,000 in attendance, the United Democratic Clubs of Camden sponsored a charity boxing show at Convention Hall last night that turned into a sentimental journey through the years for most of the fans.
Braddock Gets Big Hand
The feature attraction and a man who received a thunderous reception from the gallery was popular James J. Braddock, former heavyweight champion of the world, who refereed the final two bouts.
Roxie Allen, of Camden, and Hindie, who 10 years ago was Camden’s leading lightweight, but who retired two years ago, were paired on the card. Allen and Walcott met here about two years ago and the latter knocked out Roxie in a scheduled eight-rounder.
However, Walcott held a 25-pound pull in the weights, scaling around 165, while Frankie weighed around 160. Walcott eventually knocked out Allen, Roxie had the satisfaction of flooring Jersey Joe in the first two and a felt hook to the jaw sending the Negro down for a count of two.
Blairs Box Each Other
Allen quit fighting about this bout, but still is in good physical shape as Frankie Blair, one of Camden’s well-known heavyweights showed three fast rounds against Walcott.
Frankie and Mickey Blair, both of South Camden, are two fighters who spent their greatest days in out-of-town fights, and are slated to box each other. Frankie, a welterweight, fought his greatest bouts in New York City about two years, while Mickey was one of the best featherweights in the East shortly after the World War.
Tommy Ricco and Young O’Connor, another South Camden featherweight, and Johnny Duca, both of Paulsboro, are the other three boys who will be active in the card of events, while Johnny Duca squares off against Al White, also of Paulsboro.
The veteran of the card is Battling Mack, one of the finest characters ever to enter the fight game among South Camden featherweights in the East, shortly after the World War. George Chaney, Benny Bass, Kid Williams, Pete Herman were some of the boys Balling met in his prime. He is slated to face Lew Skymer, another Attell. Mac…
Hindle Battles Chaney
Jackie Hindle and Eddie Chaney, both local residents, are due to meet. Hindle and Chaney were among the welterweights of local weights who flourished here in 1926, ’27 and ’28. Allen, Hindle, Chaney, Shamus Maguire, Charlie Mack, White, Lew Jackson, and Johnny Attell were included among the men which made boxing a major attraction in this city during those years.
Charley Mack meets Young O’Connor, Jackson in short four-round bouts. Spearing battles Frankie Rapp, downtown southpaw who fought four of the best featherweights in the East in short time. Pee Wee Ross and Attell clashes with Billy Marino.
Firpo is a lightweight, packed a great left hook and has, in recent years been known to all South Jersey fight addicts.
Life Hereabouts by Charley Humes
Camden Courier-Post —
DOWN MEMORY LANE with that Old Gang of Yours is a few of the guys who’ll tell you Tatum was as good as or the best man in the land … from the time that Taylor and Glimits managed Rocky Robinson, … the days of Johnny Allen … Rocky Eddie Chaney … Shamus Maguire … Pee Wee Ross … Jabbering Jackie Hindle … Watson Finch … lots and lots of fun.
The days when Camden was the Mecca for Philly fight fans getting the paper with Rocky Robinson as challenger, Benny Leonard, Pete Herman … Jimmy Wilde … Gene Tunney … fighting in the Arena on all given Wednesday nights.
HOW MANY will remember when our own Eddie Garrity, who now occupies an important post in the city government, was a boxer … with plenty on the ball … boxing out of a big gym around here … fighting at the Thirteenth Ward Republic Club … trying for fame on Louis Street, Whitman Avenue section
THEN AND THEY DOWN the memory lane again when a man named Dopey John and a man named Kaplan … a fighter … and there was a guy boxing around here named Mickey Blair … When Sergeant Ray Smith is Robinson … the days of Willie Robinson … the days of Willie Graham, then a wider stationed right here … the days of Young Jordan … Frankie McLaughlin … Neil McLaughlin … and gave us much of this informational … Joe Spearing did.