Jack Delaney
| Jack Delaney | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Ovila Chapdelaine |
| Nickname(s) | Bright Eyes |
| Rated at | Light Heavyweight, Heavyweight |
| Nationality |
 Canadian
|
| Born | March 18, 1900 Quebec, Canada |
| Died | November 27, 1948 (aged 48) Bridgeport, Connecticut |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 93 |
| Wins | 77 |
| Wins by KO | 44 |
| Losses | 12 |
| Draws | 2 |
| No contests | 2 |
Jack Delaney (March 18, 1900 – November 27, 1948) was a world light heavyweight boxing champion and contender for the heavyweight crown. One of the most popular fighters of the 1920s, the handsome French Canadian was born Ovila Chapdelaine in Saint-François-du-Lac, Quebec, Canada.
Delaney was known for his beautiful, seemingly flawless movements in the ring. He was an accomplished boxer with a smooth and quick left hand. In addition he had one-punch knockout power in his right hand. Early in his career he broke both his hands and seemed through. His contract was purchased by Pete Reilly for 900 dollars, who promptly promoted Delaney into an attraction worth a half million dollars.
In 1924, Delaney decisioned future light heavyweight champion Tommy Loughran, and less than a month later, in Madison Square Garden, Delaney first faced the hard punching Paul Berlenbach. In a great fight that saw both men knocked to the canvas, Delaney scored two knockdowns in the fourth round, causing the referee to stop the fight.
Delaney was also involved in a bizarre match with future middleweight champion Tiger Flowers. After a round had passed, Delaney floored Flowers with a straight right hand. The referee counted Flowers out, but his corner protested that he had received a "fast count". The Flowers faction became unruly and a riot seemed imminent. Flowers demanded that the match resume, and Delaney amazingly agreed. The two fought until the fourth round, when Delaney again fired an irresistible right hand that knocked Flowers senseless. This time there was no controversy, as Flowers did not come close to arising in time. When Flowers did come to, he went to Delaney's dressing room and said "Ah want to thank you, Mr. Delaney, and tell you that Ah is convinced."
Delaney was rewarded with a title shot against light heavyweight champion Berlanbach, in a 15-round fight, co-promoted by Roderick James "Jess" McMahon and Tex Rickard. In an outstanding display of courage, perseverance and fortitude, Berlanbach upset Delaney by winning a 15-round decision. Delaney then embarked on an eleven-fight winning streak that led to a rematch. The fight was held in Brooklyn's Ebbets Field and spurred on by his loudly cheering female fans, known as "Delaney's screaming mamies," Delaney dropped Berlenbach, controlled the fight and won the light heavyweight title.
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