Jeff Smith (boxer)
| Jeff Smith | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Jerome Jefferds |
| Nickname(s) | The Bayonne Globetrotter |
| Rated at | Middleweight |
| Height | 5 ft 8.5 in (1.74 m) |
| Reach | 71 in (180 cm) |
| Nationality | American |
| Born |
April 23, 1891 New York City, New York |
| Died | February 3, 1962 (aged 69) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 183 |
| Wins | 141 |
| Wins by KO | 48 |
| Losses | 35 |
| Draws | 4 |
| No contests | 1 |
Jerome "Jeff Smith" Jefferds (April 23, 1891 – February 3, 1962) was an American professional boxer who held the Australian version of the World Middleweight Title during his career. Despite his relative anonymity, Smith faced off against some the best fighters of his era, including Harry Greb, Gene Tunney, Mike Gibbons, Georges Carpentier, Les Darcy and Tommy Loughran. Statistical boxing website BoxRec lists Smith as the 17th greatest middleweight ever, while Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer ranked Smith as the #10 Middleweight of all-time. He was inducted into the Ring Magazine Hall of Fame in 1969 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013.
Smith made his pro debut in 1910 (the same year of the death of famed Middleweight Champion Stanley Ketchel), beating Ray Hatfield by newspaper decision over four rounds. On February 20, 1912, Smith beat future World Middleweight Title holder George Chip on points over fifteen rounds in what turned out to be a heated battle. His next notable challenge was against another future Middleweight titleholder in Mike Gibbons, with whom he drew over 10 rounds as decided by newspaper reporters. On October 11, 1913, Smith faced yet another future champion in French fighter and future Light Heavyweight champ Georges Carpentier. Despite a late rally by Smith, Carpentier used his vaunted technique beat him decisively in a twenty round decision.
Earning his nickname as the "Bayonne Globetrotter", Smith faced Eddie McGoorty in Australia, losing an extremely unpopular decision over twenty rounds. The decision was so despised that it was later rescinded, and Smith was awarded the Australian version of the World Middleweight Title. Smith would lose the title to Australian pugilist Mick King on November 28, 1914 but regained it just one month later on December 26 of the same year. On January 23, 1915 Smith faced famed Australian fighter Les Darcy, beating him by disqualification after Darcy's handlers threw in a towel in protest to what they claimed was a low blow by Smith. Smith thus maintained his status as Australian champion, but Darcy would later exact his revenge, beating Smith via disqualification for repeated low blows.
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