Introduction
SAILOR NICK NICHOLS was another one of the 1920s Camden fighters. He is known to have fought as a light welterweight. In his only fight recorded at BoxRec, he scored a knockout over Jimmy Hayes of Vineland, NJ on November 20, 1928 in Camden. It is worth noting that Nichols gave away 10 pounds to the larger Hayes that night. Nichols more than likely received his moniker from U.S. Navy service during World War I.
Nick Nichols, who is listed at BoxRec as Nick Nicholas, had been out of the ring for some time, and was working as a mailman, when he returned to meet Philadelphian Al Evans in a six-round scrap at the Paulsboro Athletic Club in Paulsboro, NJ. With that in mind, it can be said that Nichols, not Tony Thornton, was South Jersey’s original “punching postman.”
Knockout of Nick Nichols Proves They All Can Be Stopped
Camden Courier-Post —
By tom ryan
The upset of the year in local boxing circles occurred last Friday at the Convention Hall when Jackie Gallagher, of Philadelphia, knocked out Nick Nichols, Camden letter carrier, in the second round of the semi-final bout.
Prior to the bout, there wasn’t a fan in this locality that thought that any fighter of his weight could stop Nichols. And there is a reason for the fans thinking so. Nichols is a veteran here and although he has been stopped once or twice he always has regained his feet and battled through to the finish.
Maybe Nichols is through with the boxing “racket.” We have not gone so far as to ascertain that fact, but if he is, he always will hold the distinction of waging the greatest battle that any local fighter has ever fought.
There isn’t a real ring critic in the city who doesn’t remember the hectic battle, and hectic is the only word that can describe the bout, which was waged between Nichols and Soldier Freeman at the Temple Theatre several years ago. That, in our opinion, was Nick’s greatest night.
He was licked, and licked plenty up to the eighth and final round. Freeman, one of the hardest punchers of his weight who ever slipped on an eight-ounce glove, had dropped Nichols seven times during the first seven rounds and it didn’t seem possible that he could stay the limit. But Nichols came back in the final session and had Freeman helpless when referee Newt Blanchard stepped in and halted the fracas with only 30 seconds to go. Blanchard’s act precipitated a riot. Pete O’Garek, Freeman’s manager, and Harry “Whistling” Cohen took exception to Blanchard’s ruling. They both jumped into the ring and took a “cut” at the referee for stopping the fuss for they thought Freeman could stay the canvas.
Freeman, O’Garek and Cohen all lost that night. Nichols won the scrap on a technical knockout, while O’Garek and Cohen took a licking from the police. Just as soon as O’Garek and Cohen leaped into the ring they were licked before they started. Pete took a worse licking than either Nichols or Freeman. The “coppers” used their “sticks” on him until he resembled a hamburger steak and then called the wagon.
There was a big hullabaloo about the fight and the after results, but it finally quieted down. However, Freeman, O’Garek and Cohen were not satisfied with the treatment they had received here and demanded a return bout with Nichols, but, of course, they eliminated the “cops” they had encountered in the first appearance here.
The second set-to was staged at the Convention Hall and Nick won Freeman by a wide margin. It was another tough scrap, but Nichols pinched the soldier from start to finish.
The fans who witnessed those two battles between Nichols and Freeman never could visualize Nichols being knocked out by any fighter of his weight and that’s the reason that Gallagher’s feat astonished local fans. Nick took enough in his two fights with Freeman to make Camden fistic devotees think that he was impervious to knockout punches.
Yet, Gallagher stopped him, which is a certain indication that if any fighter is hit on the right spot, he’ll sprawl his length on the canvas.
Terry-Decker Tilt Looks Good to Fans
Camden Courier-Post —
Newcomer Expected to Give Philadelphian Great Fight Here on Friday Night
It only required one bout to make Young Terry, of Trenton, who meets Harry “Kid” Decker, of Philadelphia, in the semi-final to the Al Gordon–Jesse Goss fight at the Convention Hall Friday night, a popular favorite with local boxing devotees.
But his first showing here warranted his gaining favor with the mob. Inserted as a last-minute substitute against the rugged Joe Spearing, East Camden junior welterweight, Terry gave a sparkling exhibition to hand Spearing the first setback he has suffered since starting a come-back campaign during the outdoor season.
Spearing was an odds-on favorite to win the scrap as Terry came here unheralded and unsung. He replaced Willie Beetle, another Trenton scrapper, who was originally scheduled to box Spearing, but who was forced to withdraw from the match, having received a deep gash over his right eye while in training.
Many fans had attended the show to witness Beetle battle Spearing, but they soon forgot about the hard-hitting Trenton southpaw when Terry opened up his bag of tricks. In fact, Spearing never had a chance to win the fuss, Terry forging to the front at the start of the gong, and he continued to pile up point after point as the bout progressed.
Terry gave a dazzling exhibition. He displayed a keen knowledge of the game, using both hands in approved style. He banged Joe with a varied assortment of wallops until the latter became bewildered stopping the avalanche of punches Terry sent in his direction. All in all, Terry made a remarkable showing in his first appearance here, and the bugs are looking for him to give Decker, one of the cleverest boxers in the east, a great set-to before the winner is determined.
Decker, incidentally, has met and defeated some of the most remarkable boxers in his division. He is fast and clever, can absorb a good pasting and, coupled with Terry, he should give the mob a real treat.
Besides the two eight-rounders three six-round affairs are on the night’s program. Nick Nichols, Camden postman, who is staking another come-back campaign, tackles Frank Sumpter, of Cleveland, in the main preliminary. Stuart Gest and Georgie Jackson, bout of East Camden, meet in a return scrap, while Joe Dent and Patsy Dever will come together in the opener, which will determine the lightweight championship of the Haddon Press.
Kelly Meets Duca in Paulsboro Bout
Camden Courier-Post —
New Yorker, Who Once Beat Knockout King, to Sub Tonight for Murphy
Paulsboro, March 10. — Although a substitute will oppose Johnny Duca, local “assassin,” in the feature six-rounder here tonight at the Paulsboro A. C., the bout has all the earmarks of being far better than the original match.
Georgie Kelly, clever New Yorker, will act as a substitute for Harry “Kid” Murphy of Philadelphia, who withdrew from the bout when he learned that Duca would outweigh him by at least 10 pounds. Kelly holds a decision over Duca, the New Yorker beating the Paulsboro “Paralyzer” in a bout held last year at Millville.
However, Duca has improved vastly since that fracas and is confident that he’ll not only reverse the decision, but stow away Kelly for keeps. Johnny knocked out Puggy Snyder of Vineland, in his last encounter and expects to turn the same trick against Kelly.
Nick Nichols, Camden letter carrier, will essay a come-back in the six-round semi-final. He is scheduled to meet Al Evans of Philadelphia. The bout will mark Nichol’s return to active welfare after a prolonged layoff but the mail-toter, always a dangerous puncher, has been training for the past six months and claims to be in first-class condition.
A quartet of four-round skirmishes will precede the Nicholas–Evans contest. Al Corbett of Camden, clashes with Charley Loughran, brother of the famous Tommy Loughran, former world’s light heavyweight champion, in the main preliminary. Billy Logan of Camden, mingles with Billy Clevenger of Woodstown. Mickey Duca of Paulsboro, encounters Young Pine of Gloucester, and Pat Lippo of Williamstown, takes on Tommy Sanders of National Park.
Nick Nichols Boxing Record
Nick Nicholas (BoxRec listing)
Nationality: US American — Hometown: Camden, NJ — Division: Light Welterweight
Record: W 3 (2 KOs) | L 2 | D 0
| Date | Opponent | Opp. Wt. | Result | Method | Rds | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Soldier Freeman | — | W | TKO | 6 | Camden, NJ |
| — | Soldier Freeman | — | W | PTS | 6 | Camden, NJ |
| 1932-03-31 | Jackie Gallagher | 147 | L | KO | 2 | Camden, NJ |
| 1932-03-10 | Al Evans | — | — | — | 6 | Paulsboro, NJ |
| 1928-11-20 | Jimmy Hayes | 147 | W | KO | 6 | Camden, NJ |
| 1927-02-17 | Roxie Allen | — | L | PTS | 8 | Camden, NJ |
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 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 165, while Frankie weighed around 160. Walcott eventually knocked out Allen, Roxie had the satisfaction of flooring Jersey Joe in the first two rounds 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.
Eddie Chaney, Pee Wee Ross, and Bobby Zimmerman are among those on the card. 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 McFarland 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 rounds 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.
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 in short four-round bouts. Joe 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.
Life Hereabouts by Charley Humes
Camden Courier-Post —
LIFE HEREABOUTS by CHARLEY HUMES
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.