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 —
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 honor 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 that hectic battle, and hectic is the only word that can describe the fracas, 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. Yet Nichols came back in the final session and had Freeman helpless when Referee Newt Blanchard stepped in and halted the fracas with only seconds to go. Blanchard’s act precipitated a riot. Pete O’Garek, Nick’s manager, and Harry “Whistling” Cohen took exception to Blanchard’s ruling. They both jumped into the ring and took a “cut” at Blanchard for stopping the fuss for they thought Freeman could stay the limit.
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 so 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 a wagon.
There was a big hullabaloo about the fight and the after results, but it was eventually quieted down. However, Freeman, O’Garek and Cohen weren’t 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 over Freeman by a wide margin. It was another tough scrap, but Nichols outpunched the soldier from start to finish.
The fans who witnessed those two battles between Nichols and Freeman 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 most of 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 active harness in heavyweight ranks, and Roxie Allen, who 10 years ago was Camden’s leading lightweight but who retired two years ago, hold the feature spot on the card. Allen and Walcott met here about two years ago and the latter knocked out Roxie in the eighth and final round of a scheduled eight-rounder.
However, Walcott held a 25-pound pull in the weights, scaling in around 185, while Allen weighed around 160. Although Walcott eventually knocked out Allen, Roxie had the satisfaction of flooring Jersey Joe in the first round, a left hook to the jaw sending the Negro down for a count of two.
Blairs Box Each Other
Allen quit fighting at this bout, but still is in good physical shape and should be able to box a fast three rounds against Walcott.
Frankie and Mickey Blair, both of South Camden, are two fighters who made names for themselves in out-of-town fights, and are slated to box each other. Frankie, a welterweight, fought his greatest fights in New York in the past two years, while Mickey was of [sic] the best featherweights in the East about eight years ago.
Tommy Ricco, another South Camden featherweight, and Mickey and Johnny Duca, both of Paulsboro, are the other three boys who are active in the game. Ricco is due to appear against Mickey Duca, 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. Mack fought the best featherweights in the East shortly after the World War. George Chaney, Benny Bass, Kid Williams, Johnny Buff, Danny Kramer and Pete Herman were some of the boys Balling [sic] met in his prime. He is slated to face Lew Skymer, another South Camdenite who was a favorite with Camden fight addicts.
Hindle Battles Chaney
Jackie Hindle and Eddie Chaney, both local reisdents [sic], are due to meet. Hindle and Chaney were among the great crop of local lightweights who flourished here in 1926, ’27 and ’28. Allen, Hindle, Chaney, Shamus MaGuire, Charley Mack, White, Lew Jackson, Paddy Lyons, Joe Spearing, and Johnny Attell were included among the group which made boxing a major attraction in this city during those years.
Charley Mack meets Young O’Connor in tomorrow night’s bouts. Jackson mingles with Lyons; Spearing battles Frankie Rapp, downtown southpaw who also fought the best featherweights in the East a few short years ago, and Attell clashes with Billy Marino.
Young Firpo, of Pennsgrove, is known to all South Jersey fightgoers. Firpo, a lightweight, packed a great left hook and his record 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.
Life Hereabouts
Camden Courier-Post —
DOWN MEMORY LANE with that Old Gang of Yours . . . in a few of the years when Our Town was as good a sport town as any in the land . . . from the time that Taylor and Gunnis promoted fights through the years to Roxey Allen . . . Mickey Blair . . . Eddie Chaney . . . Shamus Maguire . . . Pee Wee Ross . . . Jackie Hindle . . . Watson Finch . . . Georgie Abner . . . Nick Nicholas . . . Dixie Allen . . .
The days when Camden was the Mecca for Philly fight fans . . . with champions like Mike O’Dowd . . . Benny Leonard . . . Pete Herman . . . Jimmy Wilde . . . Gene Tunney . . . fighting in the Armory on Haddon avenue . . . for One, Two and Three . . . tax included . . . the days of John Smith . . . whose son, Lee, became one of our great friends . . . the days when Philly came to Camden to see the best fighters in the land . . .
AND THEN DOWN through the years with Lou McFarland . . . Higgins and Kaplan . . . Tommy James . . . the man named Doyle who always gave us a smile when we called him “Mister” because he was so kind . . . When Sergeant Ray Smith became a referee . . . “Pose” Robinson . . . the days of Willie Davis . . . Harry Smith . . . Jim Kelly . . .
Fights in the ball park at Twelfth and Federal streets . . . at the Fairview Ball Park . . . in the Temple Theatre . . . the Star Theatre . . . Newt Blanchard, the only promoter who gave us MORE money than we asked for . . . The Broadway Theatre . . . the early days of Convention Hall . . .
THE TIME they opened the Plaza Hotel Gym and all the fine lads on the program . . . with the late Mayor Stewart in the audience . . . and many other dignitaries . . . and being “dared” into a match with Ray Smith, because his opponent failed to show . . . the same guy who fought Tunney . . . Mike Brennan . . . Gibbons . . . Martin . . . Dempsey . . . Loughran . . . and seeing the Sergeant’s body covered with blood in the second round . . . our very own blood . . .
THE YEARS when Gloucester city was the fightenest town in the nation . . .
The days of K. O. Joey O’Donnell . . . who fought them all. . . Of Frankie Conway . . . who never took a backward step . . . and still has the same courage today. . . . Of Willie Spencer . . . who headlined show after show. . . . Charlie Daggert . . . now a referee in Philly. . . . Jimmy Rafferty . . . Eddie (Kid) Wagner . . . Young Sherlock . . . Abe Wustbond, later an instructor of boxing at Herman’s gym in Philly . . . Eddie Forrest . . . and his brother, who fought Battling Nelson . . . the crowd-pleasing Willie Fuller . . . Joey O’Connor.
Back when “Chick” Hunt fought under the name of Eddie Melson . . . and later, in professional ranks, the night he fought Joe “Kid” Fisher at the Apollo theatre in Gloucester. . . . Chick is our friend today . . . but we don’t believe he ever will forgive us for that night when we yelled at Joe to . . . well, we yelled at Joe . . . The days of Harry “Dick” Donohue, trainer and manager of Nick Nichols.
AND THE BEST, learning the business under the incomparable Eddie Prince . . . who knows how to condition fighters . . . then and now . . . with the best in the nation. . . . The days when they called Mister Georgano “Lemons” . . . but affectionately . . . not because he was ever sour.
When Johnny Sapio . . . who only days ago was honored at a banquet at Weber’s Hof Brau by so many people the walls bulged . . . fought under the name of Young Joe Grim.
HOW MANY will remember when our own Eddie Garrity, now the sedate deputy director of public safety in Our Town, was a boxer . . . with plenty on the ball? . . . When George Murphy boxed around here . . . and the Tighe brothers, Eddie and Jimmy . . . Remember Richie Hoehner? . . . Jimmie Jordan? . . . Eddie Douglas? . . . Bobby Graham, then a soldier stationed in Gloucester? . . . Steve Jackson? . . . Frankie McLaughlin (whose brother Neil WAS on Retreat with us, Mrs. McLaughlin, and gave us much of this information)?
Recall Johnny “Homo” Bryan? . . . Duncan Carswell, Jimmy and Jack Dean, referees, all three? . . . Theo Ellick, the matchmaker. . . . And who could forget Joe Spearing, afraid of nobody then and now . . . he fought our boy Fisher three times to our knowledge . . . once in Atlantic City . . . another at one of the ball parks here and the third (the windup, no less) in Gloucester. . . . Who won . . . who cares?
THE DAYS when a Cook was a promoter . . . and a Politician(?) got the gravy. . . . The time “Red” Haines fought Roxey Allen over top the old Standard movies at Second and Vine streets . . . amateur against a near-champ . . . and what a battle . . . when Everett Joslin and Johnny Taylor were on the First district wagon and backed it up to the door leading to the second floor, and all the people gathering around because they thought it was a raid . . . and all they came to see was a round or two of the fights.
Back when Joey Powell had an iron fist . . . and Soldier Freedman an iron jaw. . . . When Mayor Victor King was always in the front row at the bouts . . . when Augie Oswald “worked” the river in his boat for shad and other fish . . . when a dollar was a dollar and not 27 cents . . . when the downtown fight gym was operated by Charley Mack . . . whose brother Battling Mack was a great drawing card and a great fighter . . . and Charley was no softie, either.
THE SUMMER BOUTS in the ball park when you could get a swell bleacher seat for half a buck—and be closer to the bouts than $50 seats at some of the big clubs now . . . and see better fights, too.
When Camden had growing pains . . . and its people started moving to the suburbs . . . when a guy who made 40 slugs a week was a “big executive.” . . . When copy boys on the papers got $4 a week . . . and had enough left over from their salary to lend money to reporters who made the tremendous sum of $25 a week. . . . Great days, say you . . . great days, say us. . . . Nostalgia.