Paul Berlenbach
| Paul Berlenbach | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Paul Berlenbach |
| Nickname(s) | Astoria Assassin |
| Rated at | Light Heavyweight |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Reach | 72 in (183 cm) |
| Nationality |
 American
|
| Born |
February 18, 1901 New York, New York, United States |
| Died | September 30, 1985 (aged 84) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 51 |
| Wins | 40 |
| Wins by KO | 33 |
| Losses | 8 |
| Draws | 3 |
| No contests | 1 |
Paul Berlenbach (February 18, 1901 – September 30, 1985) was the world light heavyweight boxing champion from May 30, 1925, when he wrested the crown from Mike McTigue, until July 16, 1926, when he was defeated by his nemesis Jack Delaney. The Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer rated him as the #10 best light heavyweight of all-time. Berlenbach was inducted into the Ring Magazine Hall of Fame in 1971 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001.
Known as the "Astoria Assassin", Berlenbach was known for his punching power. The New York City-born Berlenbach was an AAU champion wrestler before turning to professional boxing in 1923. Eventually he scored a 10th-round TKO over former champion "Battling Siki" to earn a title shot against champion Mike McTigue.
Described by writer Paul Gallico as "untutored, unlettered, slow-witted, slow-moving, and wholly lacking in animation or imagination", Berlenbach was, nevertheless, a formidable fighter. As Gallico noted, he possessed "a numbing, paralyzing body punch that caused his opponents suddenly to crumple up" as though shot. His weaknesses were his non-existent defense, and slow movements which enabled sharp shooting opponents, such as Jack Delaney, to hit him at will.
He retired with a record of 40 wins (33 KOs), 8 losses, and 3 draws. He was named #93 on the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time. Upon his retirement, he owned and operated Paul Berlenbach's Ringside Restaurant in Sound Beach, New York in the 1950s.
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