Babe Risko
Born
Henry L. Pylkowski

(1911-07-14)July 14, 1911
Syracuse, New York
DiedMarch 7, 1957(1957-03-07) (aged 45)
Syracuse, New York
NationalityAmerican
Other namesBabe Risko, Eddie Risko, Sailor Puleski
Statistics
Weight(s)Middleweight
Light Heavyweight
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Reach72+1⁄2 in (184 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights103
Wins65
Wins by KO12
Losses26
Draws12

Henry Pylkowski, known in his boxing career as Babe Risko, and Eddie Risko, (July 14, 1911 – March 8, 1957) was a Lithuanian-Polish-American boxer who became Middleweight boxing champion of the world in portions of 1935–36. While boxing in his early career with the US Navy, he was known as Sailor Puleski. He was managed by Gabe Genovese of Syracuse, New York. After winning the World Middleweight Title, his professional career declined rapidly, perhaps because of his lengthy amateur career with the Navy.[1][2]

Early life and amateur career

Risko was born Henry Pylkowski on July 14, 1911 in Syracuse, New York, the son of a struggling Lithuanian family of five. He attended school in Syracuse. He had a long and impressive amateur boxing career in the United States Navy, which he joined at only 16 in 1927, and fought around 125 matches as Sailor Puleski.[1][3] Risko won the Navy Middleweight Title in a Panama Bullring in 1931, and was undefeated in his fights with the Navy.[4]

Professional boxing career

Risko's rapid rise in the boxing world

On New Years Day 1935, bursting on the world scene in a stunning upset, Risko defeated defending World Middleweight Champion Teddy Yarosz in a technical knockout, though the bout was not for the title. Yarosz was down five times before his manager ended the bout early in the seventh round. A crowd of only 2300 witnessed the bout that demonstrated Risko's mastery of the reigning champion.[5]

On January 25, 1935, Risko met the great Vince Dundee, losing in a fifteen round split decision at New York's Madison Square Garden. Due to an error by one of the two judges, Risko was first announced as the winner, but the mistake was soon corrected by boxing commissioners present at the fight. Though Risko's closing rounds were strong and demonstrated his youthful endurance, Dundee's consistent aggressiveness and body punching convinced judges to vote in his favor. The Associated Press gave six rounds to Dundee and four to Risko.[6]

Taking the World Middleweight Championship

Risko won the NYSAC World Middleweight Title and National Boxing Association World Middleweight Title with a win over Teddy Yarosz on September 19, 1935. Risko knocked Yarosz to the mat twice for counts of nine in the sixth and seventh rounds, and several judges gave Yarosz only the first round.[7] On December 21, 1935 Risko was knocked out in the first round by Jock McAvoy after being floored six times. The match was a non-title bout, with both men weighing in over the 160 pound middleweight limit.[8]

On February 10, 1936, Risko successfully defended his World Middleweight championship for the only time against Tony Fisher in ten rounds in Newark, New Jersey.[1] Risko was awarded eight of the ten rounds in a title bout considered "drab" by some reporters. Only one round was awarded to Fisher, a 21 year old Newark native.[9]

Losing the World Middleweight Championship

Risko lost the belt on July 11,1936 to Freddie Steele via a fifteen round unanimous decision in Seattle, Washington before an impressive crowd of 25,000.[1] Steele scored the only knockdown in the bout when he put Risko to the mat with a right to the jaw for a count of six in the first round. Steele damaged both of Risko's eyes during the bout which hampered the reigning champions ability to defend himself. The Associated Press gave Risko only three rounds of the well attended bout.[10]

On February 19, 1937 Risko attempted another shot at the title against Steele at Madison Square Garden but lost in a fifteen around unanimous decision. The Associated Press gave Steele nine rounds, with five to Risko, and one even. The bout, fought before a crowd of 11,600, was described as tedious by many reporters.[11]

Retirement and life after boxing

Risko married Sally Ciborowski of Syracuse in 1936 and eventually had a daughter.[4]

After losing five straight fights by knockout, Risko retired from boxing in 1939, only three years after holding the crown. He recruited for the Navy during WWII and served as Deputy Sheriff in Onondaga County. He later worked as a sales manager for the U. S. Hoffman Machinery Corp. of New York. On March 7, 1957, he died unexpectedly in his sleep in his home in Syracuse at age 46. He was still working for the machinery firm at the time of his death.[12]


Professional boxing record

103 fights 65 wins 26 losses
By knockout 18 12
By decision 47 13
By disqualification 0 1
Draws 12
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
103 Loss 65–26–12 Lloyd Marshall KO 5 (10) May 17, 1939 Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento, California, US
102 Loss 65–25–12 Walter Franklin KO 6 (8), 0:49 Feb 7, 1939 New York Coliseum, New York City, New York, US
101 Loss 65–24–12 Billy Soose KO 3 (10), 1:47 Oct 5, 1938 Motor Square Garden, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US
100 Loss 65–23–12 Ben Brown KO 9 (12) Sep 26, 1938 Warren Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, US
99 Loss 65–22–12 Larry Lane KO 2 (10), 2:46 Sep 19, 1938 Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, US
98 Draw 65–21–12 Ben Brown PTS 10 Jul 18, 1938 Warren Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, US
97 Loss 65–21–11 Ralph DeJohn KO 7 (8) Jun 27, 1938 Municipal Stadium, Syracuse, New York, US
96 Draw 65–20–11 Al Quaill PTS 10 Jun 6, 1938 Hickey Park, Millvale, Pennsylvania, US
95 Win 65–20–10 Gorilla Jones PTS 10 May 10, 1938 Armory, Akron, Ohio, US
94 Loss 64–20–10 George Black KO 5 (10), 1:26 Aug 17, 1937 State Fair Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
93 Loss 64–19–10 Al Hostak KO 7 (10) Jul 13, 1937 Civic Ice Arena, Seattle, Washington, US
92 Loss 64–18–10 Billy Conn UD 10 Mar 11, 1937 Duquesne Gardens, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US
91 Loss 64–17–10 Freddie Steele UD 15 Feb 19, 1937 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US For NYSAC and NBA middleweight titles
90 Win 64–16–10 Butch Lynch KO 8 (10) Dec 18, 1936 Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
89 Win 63–16–10 Tony Tozzo UD 10 Nov 27, 1936 Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, US
88 Win 62–16–10 Harry Balsamo UD 10 Oct 28, 1936 Hippodrome, New York City, New York, US
87 Loss 61–16–10 Teddy Yarosz SD 10 Sep 21, 1936 Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US
86 Loss 61–15–10 Freddie Steele UD 15 Jul 11, 1936 Civic Stadium, Seattle, Washington, US Lost NYSAC and NBA middleweight titles
85 Loss 61–14–10 Fred Apostoli PTS 10 May 8, 1936 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco, California, US
84 Win 61–13–10 Mike Payan PTS 10 Apr 9, 1936 Coliseum, San Diego, California, US
83 Loss 60–13–10 Freddie Steele UD 10 Mar 24, 1936 Civic Ice Arena, Seattle, Washington, US
82 Win 60–12–10 Tony Fisher PTS 10 Feb 10, 1936 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, US Retained NYSAC and NBA middleweight titles
81 Loss 59–12–10 Jock McAvoy KO 1 (10), 2:48 Dec 20, 1935 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
80 Win 59–11–10 Frank Battaglia SD 10 Dec 9, 1935 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
79 Win 58–11–10 Chester Palutis UD 10 Oct 21, 1935 Town Hall, Scranton, Pennsylvania, US
78 Win 57–11–10 Jackie Aldare PTS 10 Oct 4, 1935 Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
77 Win 56–11–10 Teddy Yarosz UD 15 Sep 19, 1935 Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US Won NYSAC and NBA middleweight titles
76 Loss 55–11–10 Paul Pirrone PTS 10 Jul 8, 1935 Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio, US
75 Win 55–10–10 Frank Battaglia UD 12 May 22, 1935 Motor Square Garden, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US
74 Loss 54–10–10 Jimmy Belmont SD 8 Mar 25, 1935 Public Hall, Cleveland, Ohio, US
73 Win 54–9–10 Sammy Slaughter PTS 10 Mar 18, 1935 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
72 Win 53–9–10 Benny Levine TKO 2 (10) Mar 11, 1935 Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
71 Win 52–9–10 Paul Pirrone UD 10 Feb 25, 1935 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
70 Draw 51–9–10 Solly Dukelsky PTS 10 Jan 31, 1935 Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, US
69 Loss 51–9–9 Vince Dundee SD 10 Jan 25, 1935 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
68 Win 51–8–9 Teddy Yarosz TKO 7 (10) Jan 1, 1935 Town Hall, Scranton, Pennsylvania, US
67 Win 50–8–9 Pete Susky UD 6 Dec 7, 1934 Town Hall, Scranton, Pennsylvania, US
66 Win 49–8–9 Al Salbano PTS 10 Nov 26, 1934 Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
65 Win 48–8–9 Freddie Sallus KO 8 (10) Nov 5, 1934 Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
64 Win 47–8–9 Weiner Wilch KO 2 (6) Oct 26, 1934 Kalurah Temple, Binghamton, New York, US
63 Win 46–8–9 Chester Palutis UD 6 Oct 19, 1934 Town Hall, Scranton, Pennsylvania, US
62 Draw 45–8–9 Freddie Sallus PTS 8 Oct 15, 1934 Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
61 Win 45–8–8 Pete Susky PTS 8 Sep 17, 1934 Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
60 Win 44–8–8 Weiner Wilch TKO 3 (8) Sep 10, 1934 Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
59 Draw 43–8–8 Larry Wagner PTS 6 Aug 9, 1934 Johnson Field, Johnson City, New York, US
58 Win 43–8–7 Joe Desmond PTS 6 Aug 6, 1934 Convention Hall, Saratoga Springs, New York, US
57 Draw 42–8–7 Paulie Sykes SD 6 Jul 18, 1934 South Depot St. Arena, Oswego, New York, US
56 Win 42–8–6 Thomas Lawless KO 5 (6) Jun 8, 1934 Kalurah Temple, Binghamton, New York, US
55 Win 41–8–6 Thomas Lawless PTS 6 May 14, 1934 Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
54 Win 40–8–6 Jackie Flowers PTS 6 May 7, 1934 Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
53 Win 39–8–6 Jackie Flowers PTS 6 Apr 20, 1934 Convention Hall, Utica, New York, US
52 Win 38–8–6 Joe Lyons KO 3 (4) Apr 16, 1934 Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
51 Win 37–8–6 Jackie Flowers PTS 6 Apr 3, 1934 Convention Hall, Utica, New York, US
50 Win 36–8–6 Steve Wolanin PTS 6 Mar 27, 1934 Convention Hall, Utica, New York, US
49 Win 35–8–6 Frank LaSpina KO 2 (4) Mar 26, 1934 Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
48 Loss 34–8–6 Swede Berglund KO 4 (10), 1:18 Jan 12, 1934 Coliseum, San Diego, California, US
47 Win 34–7–6 Nick Ures KO 3 (6) Dec 8, 1933 Coliseum, San Diego, California, US
46 Win 33–7–6 Johnny 'Bandit' Romero PTS 10 Oct 20, 1933 Coliseum, San Diego, California, US
45 Win 32–7–6 Deacon Leo Kelly PTS 6 Sep 22, 1933 Coliseum, San Diego, California, US
44 Loss 31–7–6 Dutch Weimer PTS 4 Sep 3, 1933 Foreign Club Arena, Tijuana, Mexico
43 Win 31–6–6 Johnny Cavos TKO 3 (6) Aug 18, 1933 Coliseum, San Diego, California, US
42 Win 30–6–6 Ray Griffiths TKO 3 (6), 2:57 Aug 4, 1933 Coliseum, San Diego, California, US
41 Win 29–6–6 Miles Murphy TKO 6 (6) Jun 15, 1933 Greenwich Coliseum, Tacoma, Washington, US
40 Win 28–6–6 Guy McKinney TKO 5 (6) May 19, 1933 Coliseum, San Diego, California, US
39 Loss 27–6–6 Grant Willardson DQ 3 (6) Mar 10, 1933 Coliseum, San Diego, California, US
38 Win 27–5–6 Guy McKinney PTS 6 Mar 3, 1933 Coliseum, San Diego, California, US
37 Win 26–5–6 Jack O'Neill PTS 6 Jan 13, 1933 Coliseum, San Diego, California, US
36 Win 25–5–6 Johnny Reed PTS 6 Dec 23, 1932 Coliseum, San Diego, California, US
35 Win 24–5–6 Tony Pena PTS 4 Nov 4, 1932 Coliseum, San Diego, California, US
34 Win 23–5–6 Billy McMullen PTS 6 Oct 7, 1932 Navy Field, San Diego, California, US
33 Draw 22–5–6 Harry Walton PTS 4 Sep 16, 1932 Coliseum, San Diego, California, US
32 Loss 22–5–5 Leroy Brown KO 6 (10) Jul 6, 1932 Sullivan's Bowl, Charleston, South Carolina, US
31 Win 22–4–5 Jack McCarthy PTS 8 Jun 30, 1932 Freihofer Field, Phillipsburg, New Jersey, US
30 Win 21–4–5 Vic Suquera TKO 3 (6) Jun 23, 1932 Armory, White Plains, New York, US
29 Win 20–4–5 Joe Smallwood PTS 6 Apr 14, 1932 New Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
28 Loss 19–4–5 Joe Colucci PTS 8 Feb 26, 1932 106th Infantry Regiment Armory, New York City, New York, US
27 Win 19–3–5 Chick Williams PTS 6 Feb 18, 1932 New Broadway A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
26 Draw 18–3–5 Leroy Brown PTS 10 Nov 23, 1931 Sullivan's Bowl, Charleston, South Carolina, US
25 Loss 18–3–4 Rufus Miles PTS 10 Oct 29, 1931 Fair Grounds Arena, Orangeburg, South Carolina, US
24 Win 18–2–4 Bud Spittle PTS 10 Oct 12, 1931 Sullivan's Bowl, Charleston, South Carolina, US
23 Win 17–2–4 Carl Schlieper PTS 6 Jun 19, 1931 106th Infantry Regiment Armory, New York City, New York, US
22 Win 16–2–4 Frank Sumter PTS 10 May 20, 1931 Sullivan's Bowl, Charleston, South Carolina, US
21 Loss 15–2–4 Charlie Brown PTS 10 Jan 6, 1931 Academy of Music, Charleston, South Carolina, US
20 Draw 15–1–4 Bud Spittle PTS 10 Dec 19, 1930 Sumter Guards' Armory, Charleston, South Carolina, US
19 Draw 15–1–3 Rufus Miles PTS 10 Dec 5, 1930 Citadel Gymnasium, Charleston, South Carolina, US
18 Win 15–1–2 Larry Leavitt PTS 10 Nov 27, 1930 Johnson Hagood Stadium, Charleston, South Carolina, US
17 Win 14–1–2 Rufus Miles UD 10 Nov 14, 1930 Johnson Hagood Stadium, Charleston, South Carolina, US
16 Win 13–1–2 Wendell Weeks PTS 10 Nov 11, 1930 Johnson Hagood Stadium, Charleston, South Carolina, US
15 Win 12–1–2 Bob Allison PTS 10 Nov 5, 1930 Ashley Park, Charleston, South Carolina, US
14 Win 11–1–2 Bob Allison PTS 10 Oct 27, 1930 Johnson Hagood Stadium, Charleston, South Carolina, US
13 Win 10–1–2 Larry Leavitt PTS 10 Oct 17, 1930 Elks Arena, Folly Beach, South Carolina, US
12 Win 9–1–2 Wendell Weeks PTS 10 Oct 10, 1930 Elks Arena, Folly Beach, South Carolina, US
11 Win 8–1–2 Freddy Brewer KO 4 (6) Jul 22, 1930 22nd Engineers' Armory, New York City, New York, US
10 Loss 7–1–2 Eddie Cavanaugh KO 2 (6) May 8, 1930 Armory, White Plains, New York, US
9 Draw 7–0–2 Johnny Baruzzi PTS 6 Apr 10, 1930 Armory, White Plains, New York, US
8 Win 7–0–1 Tony Dallas PTS 6 Mar 27, 1930 Armory, White Plains, New York, US
7 Win 6–0–1 Roy LaDuca TKO 3 (6) Dec 19, 1929 102nd Medical Regiment Armory, New York City, New York, US
6 Win 5–0–1 Charlie McKain PTS 4 Dec 12, 1929 Armory, White Plains, New York, US
5 Draw 4–0–1 Mule Brown PTS 8 Dec 6, 1929 Flushing Armory, New York City, New York, US
4 Win 4–0 Roy LaDuca PTS 6 Dec 5, 1929 102nd Medical Regiment Armory, New York City, New York, US
3 Win 3–0 Wendell Weeks PTS 6 Nov 20, 1929 Marion Square Arena, Charleston, South Carolina, US
2 Win 2–0 Young Murray TKO 5 (10) Nov 9, 1929 Marion Square Arena, Charleston, South Carolina, US
1 Win 1–0 Diaz Music PTS 4 Oct 26, 1929 Marion Square Arena, Charleston, South Carolina, US

Boxing achievements

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Babe Risko". BoxRec. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  2. ↑ "Eddie "Babe" Risko". Cyber Boxing Zone. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  3. ↑ "Babe Risko, Past Champ, Dead at 46", Star-Gazette, Elmira, New York, pg. 43, 7 March 1957
  4. 1 2 "Ex-Middleweight Champ Babe Risko Dies", News-Press, Fort Myers, Florida, pg. 12, 8 March 1957
  5. ↑ "Risko Kayoes Yarosz in Non-Title Bout", Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, Evening Edition", pg. 17, 2 January 1935
  6. ↑ "Vince Dundee Trims Syracuse Lad", Elmira Star-Gazette, Elmira, New York, pg. 9, 26 January 1935
  7. ↑ "Dethroned King of Middleweights Flattened Twice for Count of Nine", The Scranton Republican, Scranton, Pennsylvania, pg. 16, 20 September 1935
  8. ↑ "Sensational Win". Hokitiki Guardian. 21 December 1935. Retrieved 2021-09-11.
  9. ↑ "Babe Risko Defends Middeweight Crown", The Pottstown Mercury, Pottstown, Pennsylvania, 11 February 1936
  10. ↑ "Risko Loses Decision to Fred Steele", The Ogden Standard Examiner, Ogden, Utah, pg. 9, 12 July 1936
  11. ↑ "Steele Whips Babe Risko", The Jackson Sun, Jackson, Tennessee, pg. 32, 21 February 1937
  12. ↑ "Babe Risko, Ex-Middleweight Champion Dies", The Decatur Herald, Decatur, Illinois, pg. 18, 8 March 1957
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