Jack Kid Berg
| Jack Kid Berg | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Judah Bergman |
| Nickname(s) | Jack "Kid" Berg The Whitechapel Windmill |
| Rated at |
Lightweight Welterweight |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Nationality | English |
| Born |
28 June 1909 Whitechapel, London |
| Died | 22 April 1991 (aged 81) London |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 192 |
| Wins | 157 |
| Wins by KO | 61 |
| Losses | 26 |
| Draws | 9 |
Judah Bergman, known as Jack Kid Berg or Jackie Kid Berg (28 June 1909 – 22 April 1991), was an English boxer born in the East End of London, who became the World Light Welterweight Champion in 1930.
Judah Bergman was born in Romford Street near Cable Street, St George in the East, Stepney. His father Judah Senior, who found work as a tailor in America, and his mother Mildred immigrated from Odessa. His siblings included Wolf, changed to Willie, and Sarah. He was apprenticed as a lather boy in a barber's shop, and began his boxing career at the Premierland, Back Church Lane, when he was 14. Jewish Berg boxed with a Star of David on his trunks.
The book The Whitechapel Windmill covers the handsome boxer's rise in the boxing world as well as his flamboyant out-of-the-ring life, which is said to have included an affair with Mae West and a long-lasting friendship with fellow East Ender Jack Spot, the colourful (and also Jewish) gangster.
After losing his British Lightweight crown, he lived to be the oldest British boxing champion. Berg died in London on 22 April 1991.
He is commemorated by a blue plaque on Noble Court, Cable Street, close to the place where he was born. Stepney Historical Trust presented the plaque at a ceremony attended by the Chief Rabbi, the Bishop of Stepney Richard Chartres, Professor Bill Fishman, Councillor Albert lilley and the Retired Boxers Federation. Later in the evening the Trust held a Charity Ball to raise funds for the Retired Boxers Federation attended by Mr Cox, Chairman of the Boxing Association and also the local Arbour Youth and Repton Boxing Clubs Boys. Over a £1000 was raised for the Retired Boxing charity.
Between 1923 and 1936, Berg had 192 professional fights, winning 157 of them. His record was 157–26–9. Fifty seven wins were by knock out.
In 1931 he moved to the USA, where he won 64 out of 76 fights there. During his bouts in America, he was trained by legendary boxing trainer Ray Arcel.
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