Introduction
Leon Lucas boxing cards
LEON LUCAS was born in Camden, New Jersey on September 4, 1901. His parents were immigrants from Poland. At the age of 18 he was living at 1103 Louis Street and working at one of Camden’s shipyards. He lived at 1539 Mount Ephraim Avenue in Camden NJ, and was working as a hardwood floor layer in late 1926 when he took up boxing, working out at the Arcadia gym in Philadelphia. In one night in Philadelphia, April 12, 1928, he defeated four opponents, all by knockout, to qualify for the AAU finals, which determined the makeup of that year’s American Olympic team. A light heavyweight, he defeated Dave Maeir of Milwaukee in 1928 to win the Amateur Athletic Union light heavyweight title, and earn his place at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam.
After returning to Camden from the Olympics, Leon Lucas turned professional. He won his first three fights, two by knockout in Philadelphia PA. For his fourth fight, he traveled to Milwaukee WI to fight 5 days after his previous bout. He fought King Levinsky only to be knocked out in the 6th round. This would prove to be his last professional fight. He stayed around boxing and in June of 1929 traveled to Lakewood NJ to work as a sparring partner for German heavyweight Max Schmeling.
Leon Lucas went into business. He acquired a popular bar at 1223 Haddon Avenue from long-time Camden tavern owner Charles E.A. “Pop” Mathews. This bar became known as Donkey’s Place.
Donkey’s Place over the years became famous for its steak sandwiches, on a poppy-seed roll smothered in onions. A Camden institution for seven decades, you can still get one today!
Leon Lucas passed away in May of 1971.
Lucas Is Determined to Make Olympic Berth
Camden Courier-Post —
Lucas Is Determined to Make Olympic Berth
LUCAS IS DETERMINED TO MAKE OLYMPIC BERTH
Camden Amateur Light Heavyweight, Who Knocked Out Four Opponents in One Night, Expects to Make American Boxing Team—Sammy Gray Off to Another Great Start
By TOM RYAN
“I only have one desire at the present time and that is to make the trip abroad with the American Olympic boxing team.”
That’s what Leon Lucas, Camden’s famous amateur light heavyweight boxer, said today when asked if he intended to turn “pro” now that he is in the pugilistic spotlight, due to the fact that he knocked out four opponents in one night last week. As a result of his sensational feat, Lucas has been besieged with managerial offers from dozens of fight managers.
“Of course, I’ve had plenty of offers to sign contracts with any number of managers, but I intend to remain an amateur, at least until the Olympic tryouts, which will be held at Boston next Monday and Tuesday, are over. I think I have a good chance to make the team, and as I want to make the trip more than to earn a few dollars by turning ‘pro’ I’m going to compete for a berth on the team,” said Lucas, who if determination means anything, more than likely will be a member of the American team when they sail for Amsterdam.
Camden Courier-Post
Faces Tough Task
Camden’s famous amateur light heavyweight boxer, who bowled over four opponents in one night last week will leave tomorrow for Boston where he is scheduled to compete in the tryouts for the American Olympic boxing team. He must dispose of three opponents on Monday night and the same number on Tuesday night in order to make the team.
New York Heavyweight Wins Olympic A. A. U. Tournament
Mansfield OH News —
BOSTON, Mass., April 26—(UP)—Finals in the Olympic A. A. U. National boxing tournament were completed today with George Hoffman, well known New York amateur heavyweight, winning easily in his class.
Hoffman’s was the last bout and in the finals the former 175 pound champion won on points from Royal Elliott of Alhambra, Cal.
The results of the finals in all classes: 112 pound class, Hyman Miller, Los Angeles, defeated Gene Bianco, Boston. 118 pound class: Johnny Daley, Waltham, Mass., defeated Pete Mazio, Cleveland, in a bout that went four rounds. 126 pound class: Harry Devine, Worcester, Mass., defeated Eddie Kaufman, Cleveland. 135 pound class: Steve Holaiko, Boston, defeated George Russo, Boston. 147 pound class, Tommy Lown, New York, defeated Carmen Tuzzolino, Los Angeles. 160 pound class, Harry Henderson, Annapolis, Md., defeated Allyn Stillman, St. Louis. 175 pound class: Leon Lucas, Philadelphia, knocked out Dave Maier, Milwaukee, first round. Heavyweight: George Hoffman, New York, defeated Royal Elliott, Alhambra, Cal.
Ironwood MI Daily Globe
Ironwood MI Daily Globe — April 26, 1928
Leon Lucas' Great Feat Wins Him National Fame
Camden Courier-Post —
Leon Lucas' Great Feat Wins Him National Fame
LEON LUCAS’ GREAT FEAT WINS HIM NATIONAL FAME
Camden Amateur Light Heavyweight, Who Won Olympic Berth by Knocking Out Four Opponents at Boston, Jumps Into Spotlight Over Night
By TOM RYAN
Olympics In a Nutshell
Wisconsin Rapids WI Daily Tribune —
Stephen Holaiko, lightweight, and John Daley, bantam, won first round boxing bouts. Tommy Lown, American captain, Leon Lucas, light heavyweight, and Hyman Miller, fly-weight, eliminated.
Gorman Meets Test Against Joe Bashara
Camden Courier-Post —
GORMAN MEETS TEST AGAINST JOE BASHARA
Hard-Hitting Middleweights Meet in Prelim to Forgione-McGorgary Bout Tuesday
ALLEN FIGHTS MURPHY
Successful so far in a comeback campaign launched recently, Joe Bashara, hard-hitting middleweight from Baltimore, will stack up against a tough customer in one of the preliminary bouts at the all-star show arranged by the Matthew Purnell Post, 518, Veterans of Foreign Wars, at the Camden Convention Hall next Tuesday. Tip Gorman faces Bashara in the prelim to the Forgione-McGorgary main event.
Roxie Allen faces Tommy Murphy in the semi-final; Al Gordon meets Jesse Gosa in another prelim; and Leon Lucas makes his professional debut against Muaby Brown.
Hard-Hitting Middleweights Meet in Prelim to Forgione-McGorgary Bout Tuesday
ALLEN FIGHTS MURPHY
Successful so far in a comeback campaign launched recently, Joe Bashara, hard-hitting middleweight from Baltimore, will stack up against a tough customer in one of the preliminary bouts at the all-star show arranged by the Matthew Purnell Post, 518, Veterans of Foreign Wars, at the
Camden Convention Hall next Tuesday.
Bashara opposes Tip Gorman, Camden’s fighting cop, himself in the midst of a comeback.
The Marylander was brought to Philadelphia by “Boo Boo” Hoff two years ago and he became one of the most popular club fighters then performing in this section.
He was inactive for some months, but has started fighting again and hopes to reach former heights.
Gorman, after a string of victories up North Jersey, gained favor here with triumphs over Watson Finch and Tony Gildo. He then joined the police force and retired temporarily. Now he is back in harness again, and rarin’ to go.
There should be plenty of action when the hard-hitting Tip tackles the tough Bashara.
The windup Tuesday brings together Vincent Forgione, Atlantic City speedster who is also a member of the Hoff stable, and Babe McGorgary, the rugged Oklahoma cowboy. McGorgary is a slugger but Forgione is a better boxer, and hits hard, besides.
The semi-windup presents two South Jersey Italians who rank among the leading lightweights in the state. Roxie Allen, fresh from a victory over Mickey Blair and a draw with Emery Cabana, opposes Tommy “Kid” Murphy, the Trenton flash.
Two terrific punchers mingle in the main preliminary. Al Gordon, Hoff’s southpaw lightweight, fights Jesse Gosa, Trenton colored sensation. Gosa is the boy who ended Jackie Hindle’s career with a knockout victory, during
which he almost blinded the Camden denite.
Gosa also boasts a win over Murphy. It was after this bout that Murphy attacked a Trenton sports writer and was suspended by Commissioner Bugbee. He has been restored to good graces since.
The opening bout on the program shows Leon Lucas, former amateur champion who fought in the recent Olympics, making his professional debut. The Camden heavyweight meets Mushy Brown, formerly of Chicago, who has been under the care of the veteran Adam Ryan. Ryan thinks he has a comer in the 180-pound Brown, and Lucas is sure to be tested in his pro start.
In addition to these five star bouts, a novice scrap will be staged between Jimmy Russell, of Beverly, and George Jackson, of Camden.
Vincent Forgione Wins Decision Over Babe McCorgary
Camden Courier-Post —
Named: Frank Guetherman aka Tip Gorman, Vincent Forgione, BooBoo Hoff, Mushy Brown, Roxie Allen, Babe McCorgary, Mickey Blair, Joe Ferguson, Leon Lucas, Joe Bashara, Jackie Hindle, Thomas Walters, Mathews-Purnell Post 518, VFW, Joe “Pose” Robinson, Convention Hall, Al Gordon, Sgt. Ray Smith, Jesse Goss, Edward A. Walsh, and Tommy “Kid” Murphy.
Schmeling Ready
Coshocton OH Tribune —
LAKEWOOD, N.J., June 25— Max Schmeling finishes his training here today for his fight with Paulino Thursday night. Max is ready.
Save for an accident the hard-punching German heavyweight will enter the ring as fit as any fighter ever did. He will box five rounds this afternoon with Marty Gallagher, Germany Heller, Leon Lucas and George Neron, his old sparring mates.
Fights Last Night
Indiana PA Evening Gazette —
At Philadelphia— Primo Carnera, Italy, knocked out Ace Clark, Philadelphia, in sixth; Leonard Dixon, Philadelphia and Buck Weaver, Medicine Lodge, fought six-round draw; Leon Lucas, Camden, N.J., knocked out Peggy Sullivan, Philadelphia, in second round.
Leon Lucas’ Professional Boxing Record
Leon Lucas — 3 Wins, 2 by KO, 1 Loss
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Rd | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1930-03-08 | King Levinsky | L | KO | 6 | Milwaukee, WI |
| 1930-03-03 | Peggy Sullivan | W | KO | 2 | Arena, Philadelphia, PA |
| 1929-12-02 | Leonard Dixon | W | PTS | 6 | Philadelphia, PA |
| 1928-10-22 | George Giacchino | W | KO | 1 | Philadelphia, PA |
| 1928-09-18 | Mushy Brown | W | KO | 1 | Convention Hall, Camden, NJ |
Veterans Boxing Association Ring 6 — 11th Annual Banquet
Joey Powell’s Well-Wishers Also Extend Best Wishes to Sergeant Ray Smith
Joseph Grochowski — Al Bunker — Ed Kaszycki — Andy Friday — John Skiba — John Dombrowski — Walter Szalanski — Nick Pawlak — Wm. O’Brien — Bill Neil — Wm. Schultz — Tom Scarduzio — Peter Paull — Barney Tracey — Dave Hainsworth — Walter Zimolong — Edward Shapiro — Thomas McLaughlin — John Opfer
Vallie Francesconi — Tom Ryan — Leon Lucas — Jesse Urban — Bobbie Zimmerman — Joe (Kid) Murphy — Pee Wee Wilson — Jackie Gleason — Joe Vitarelli — Al Daley — Frankie Youker — Joe McEvoy — Frank Valenti — Jim McFadden — Charles Bauer — George Ballantine — James O’Neill — Dorothy Dougherty — Agnes McHenry — Vicky Dangler — Francis Souders — Loretta and Reds — Bart — Roger Cotton — Leon McCarthy — Kenneth Geitz — Joe Daubman — Norman Jacobson — Nick Colofrancisco — Chris Rago — Charles Myers — Ray Cohand — Paul Harduk — Charles Wells — Carl Stolinski — Walter Wilson — Steve Straub — Charley Kmiec — Jimmy Tyler — Joe Dorfy — William Vogel — John Campbell
Steve O’Keefe — Sam Laird — Ed Rickter — Don Cragin — John Odorisio — Michael Przywara — Walter Paleszewski — Watson Burdalski — Stanley Snajkowski — Frank Drabik — John P. Kawczak — Frank Kulesa — Steve Kirby — James R. Asher — Polack Tony — Stephen Yakopczyna — Helen and Chick — Don Wilson — James Monaghan — George Carr — Bill Jentsch — John Greenan — Charles Galasso — Don’s Barber Shop — Joe Shaw — Ben Gutowski — Tom Bristow — Joseph Stelmach — Leon Hood — George Saunders — Mike Borman — Anthony Cirelli — Bob Hardy — Frank Hardy — Benny DePalma — Frank Padulla — Mike Yack — Stanley Powell — George Kroecker — A Friend — The Fox — Tom Fish
Donkey’s Place
Donkey’s Place, 1223 Haddon Avenue — March 2003