Young Corbett III

Ralph Giordano (born Raffaele Giordano, May 27, 1905 – July 15, 1993), better known as Young Corbett III, was an Italian-born American boxer. He was the World Welterweight Champion in 1933 and the NYSAC Middleweight champion in 1938.[1] A tough southpaw, he did not have strong punching power but was known for his great speed and determination.[2] Corbett is considered one of the greatest southpaws of all time[3][4] and one of the all-time great counterpunchers.[5] He was inducted into the Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame in 1959,[6] the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 1982,[7] and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2004.[8]

Young Corbett III
Statistics
Real nameRalph Giordano
Nickname(s)"Young Corbett III"
Weight(s)Welterweight
Middleweight
Height5 ft 7 12 in (171 cm)
Reach67 in (170 cm)
NationalityAmerican
BornMay 27, 1905
Rionero in Vulture, Basilicata, Italy
DiedJuly 15, 1993 (aged 88)
Auberry, California, United States
StanceSouthpaw
Boxing record
Total fights151
Wins123
Wins by KO33
Losses11
Draws17

Biography

Early life

Born in Rionero in Vulture, in the Italian region of Basilicata,[9] from Vito Giordano and Gelsomina Capobianco, he moved with his family to the United States when he was still an infant and was erroneously registered as Raffaele Capabianca Giordano. After four years of living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he moved to Fresno, California, and began boxing in 1919 while still a 14-year-old "newsboy."[10] One day Corbett and a friend hopped a freight train headed for Sacramento searching for a match there but they arrived in Marysville by mistake, where they attended a boxing show that night. After convincing the promoter that he was a fighter, Corbett faced a more experienced boxer named Eddie Morris, who knocked him out in the third round. Corbett, however, earned $7.50 for his performance.[2]

After graduating from Edison High School in 1920, Corbett began to practice more seriously. He got his stage name when a ring announcer told him he would not present him as Ralph Giordano and dubbed him "Young Corbett III" because his fighting style reminded him of William J. Rothwell, known as Young Corbett II,[11] or, according to other sources, for his haircut similar to that of heavyweight champion James J. Corbett.[12]

Boxing career

Corbett (facing camera) battles Jackie Fields at San Francisco's Seals Stadium,1933

Corbett fought many great fighters of his era, suffering only 5 defeats in his first 75 recorded bouts.[2] He engaged in a four-fight series with future welterweight champion Young Jack Thompson, winning three and drawing once. He also scored wins over Jack Zivic, Sgt. Sammy Baker, welterweight champion Jackie Fields and future middleweight king Ceferino Garcia.

Before a crowd of 16,000 on February 22, 1933, Corbett captured the welterweight championship of the world by decisioning Jackie Fields over 10 rounds at San Francisco's Seals Stadium. He competed with a broken hand received from a sparring session three days before the fight,[12] and hurt his left thumb in the fifth round but continued to fight undaunted. Referee Jack Kennedy remembered Corbett as "vicious in those first five rounds. He ripped him like a tiger. Fields could not protect himself".[13]

Three months later, he was dethroned by Hall of Famer Jimmy McLarnin in a first round knockout.[14] Corbett then moved up to the middleweight division. He scored wins over future light heavy champ Gus Lesnevich (TKO 5), as well as Hall of Famers Mickey Walker, and Billy Conn. On February 22, 1938 he beat Fred Apostoli, winning the middleweight championship. On November 18 of that year, he challenged Apostoli again, but was stopped in 8 rounds.

Retirement and death

Corbett boxed until August 20, 1940, winning his last fight against Richard "Sheik" Rangel. He retired with a 123-11-17 (33 KOs) record.[15][16] He later operated a bar in Fresno. On October 2, 1945 Corbett survived a serious car accident on Highway 99 near Delano, suffering a fractured skull and other injuries. He died in Auberry, California at the age of 88, after about 20 years afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.[17] A statue of him, posed in a fighting stance and boxing gloves, was erected in Fresno. The sculpture was realized by Clement Renzi.

Personal life

Beside the boxing career, Corbett was a physical education instructor for the California Highway Patrol and a grape grower.[18] His cousin Al Manfredo (1912-1990) also was a boxer and later a boxing manager. Corbett is the great-grandfather of former American football safety Matt Giordano.

Professional boxing record

Professional record summary
157 fights 124 wins 12 losses
By knockout 32 4
By decision 90 8
By disqualification 2 0
Draws 21
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
146 Win 113–12–21 Sheik Rangel PTS 10 Aug 20, 1940 Italian Entertainment Park, Fresno
145 Win 112–12–21 Harry Cahill PTS 10 Apr 15, 1940 Coliseum Bowl, San Francisco
144 Win 111–12–21 Dale Sparr PTS 10 Mar 13, 1940 Auditorium, Oakland
143 Win 110–12–21 Dick Foster TKO 7 (10) Dec 14, 1939 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco
142 Loss 109–12–21 Fred Apostoli TKO 8 (15) Nov 18, 1938 Madison Square Garden, New York For vacant NYSAC middleweight title
141 Win 109–11–21 Glen Lee PTS 10 Jul 19, 1938 Ratcliffe Stadium, Fresno
140 Win 108–11–21 Jackie Burke PTS 10 May 25, 1938 McCullough's Arena, Salt Lake City
139 Win 107–11–21 Fred Apostoli PTS 10 Feb 22, 1938 Seals Stadium, San Francisco
138 Win 106–11–21 Dick Foster PTS 10 Dec 17, 1937 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
137 Loss 105–11–21 Billy Conn UD 10 Nov 08, 1937 Duquesne Gardens, Pittsburgh
136 Win 105–10–21 Billy Conn PTS 10 Aug 13, 1937 Auditorium, Oakland
135 Win 104–10–21 Joe Smallwood PTS 10 Jul 21, 1937 Auditorium, Oakland
134 Win 103–10–21 Dale Sparr PTS 10 Apr 02, 1937 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
133 Win 102–10–21 Gus Lesnevich TKO 5 (10) Mar 12, 1937 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
132 Win 101–10–21 Joe Bernall PTS 10 Sep 18, 1936 Frank Chance Field, Fresno
131 Win 100–10–21 Mike Bazzonne PTS 10 Jul 31, 1936 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
130 Win 99–10–21 Frankie Britt KO 7 (10) Jul 10, 1936 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
129 Loss 98–10–21 Lou Brouillard PTS 10 Jul 04, 1935 Kezar Stadium, San Francisco
128 Win 98–9–21 Bep van Klaveren PTS 10 Feb 22, 1935 Kezar Stadium, San Francisco
127 Win 97–9–21 Bep van Klaveren PTS 10 Jan 28, 1935 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco
126 Win 96–9–21 Mickey Walker PTS 10 Aug 14, 1934 Seals Stadium, San Francisco
125 Win 95–9–21 Young Terry KO 3 (10) Apr 13, 1934 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco
124 Win 94–9–21 Babe Marino PTS 10 Feb 05, 1934 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco
123 Loss 93–9–21 Jimmy McLarnin TKO 1 (10) May 29, 1933 Wrigley Field, Los Angeles Lost NBA, The Ring and lineal welterweight titles
122 Win 93–8–21 Jackie Fields PTS 10 Feb 22, 1933 Seals Stadium, San Francisco Won NBA, The Ring, and lineal welterweight titles
121 Win 92–8–21 Joe Glick PTS 10 Dec 19, 1932 Exposition Auditorium, San Francisco
120 Win 91–8–21 Ceferino Garcia TKO 9 (10) Oct 25, 1932 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
119 Win 90–8–21 Babe Anderson TKO 9 (10) Aug 19, 1932 Stockton
118 Win 89–8–21 Vearl Whitehead PTS 10 May 16, 1932 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco
117 Win 88–8–21 David Velaco PTS 10 Apr 21, 1932 Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento
116 Win 87–8–21 Ceferino Garcia PTS 10 Apr 12, 1932 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles
115 Win 86–8–21 David Velasco PTS 10 Mar 04, 1932 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
114 Win 85–8–21 Gaston LeCadre PTS 10 Aug 14, 1931 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
113 Win 84–8–21 Meyer Grace PTS 10 Jun 18, 1931 Legion Stadium, Hollywood
112 Win 83–8–21 Tommy Herman PTS 10 May 01, 1931 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
111 Win 82–8–21 Paul Pirrone PTS 10 Mar 20, 1931 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
110 Win 81–8–21 Paulie Walker PTS 10 Feb 20, 1931 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
109 Draw 80–8–21 Paulie Walker PTS 10 Jan 13, 1931 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles
108 Win 80–8–20 Farmer Joe Cooper KO 1 (10) Nov 05, 1930 Auditorium, Oakland
107 Win 79–8–20 Sammy Jackson PTS 10 Sep 30, 1930 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles
106 Win 78–8–20 Jack Thompson PTS 10 Jul 04, 1930 Ewing Field, San Francisco
105 Win 77–8–20 Andy DiVodi KO 6 (10) May 16, 1930 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
104 Win 76–8–20 Alf Ross PTS 10 Apr 25, 1930 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
103 Win 75–8–20 Jackie Fields PTS 10 Feb 22, 1930 Recreation Park, San Francisco
102 Win 74–8–20 Babe Anderson PTS 10 Jan 01, 1930 Forman's Arena, San Jose
101 Win 73–8–20 Bucky Lawless KO 1 (10) Aug 30, 1929 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
100 Win 72–8–20 Clyde Chastain PTS 10 Jun 21, 1929 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
99 Win 71–8–20 Al Van Ryan PTS 10 Jun 07, 1929 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
98 Win 70–8–20 Pete Meyers PTS 10 Apr 22, 1929 State Armory, San Francisco
97 Win 69–8–20 Fred Mahan PTS 10 Mar 15, 1929 State Armory, San Francisco
96 Win 68–8–20 Al Gracio TKO 8 (10) Feb 11, 1929 State Armory, San Francisco
95 Draw 67–8–20 Pete Meyers PTS 10 Jan 11, 1929 Ebbets Field, Brooklyn
94 Loss 67–8–19 Sergent Sammy Baker PTS 12 Sep 26, 1928 Ebbets Field, Brooklyn
93 Win 67–7–19 Sergent Sammy Baker PTS 12 Sep 13, 1928 Madison Square Garden, New York
92 Win 66–7–19 Nick Testo KO 5 (10) Aug 17, 1928 Dreamland Auditorium, San Francisco
91 Win 65–7–19 Jack Zivic PTS 10 Jun 18, 1928 State Armory, San Francisco
90 Win 64–7–19 Tony Azevedo PTS 10 Apr 20, 1928 Ballpark, Hanford
89 Win 63–7–19 Eddie Roberts KO 9 (10) Mar 12, 1928 State Armory, San Francisco
88 Win 62–7–19 Jack Thompson PTS 10 Feb 13, 1928 State Armory, San Francisco
87 Win 61–7–19 Young Sam Langford PTS 10 Dec 21, 1927 National Hall, San Francisco
86 Win 60–7–19 Gilberto Attell KO 5 (10) Dec 14, 1927 National Hall, San Francisco
85 Win 59–7–19 Sailor Ashmore KO 5 (10) Nov 22, 1927 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
84 Win 58–7–19 Dave Cook KO 2 (10) Nov 11, 1927 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
83 Win 57–7–19 Charlie Feraci PTS 10 Oct 21, 1927 Coliseum, San Diego
82 Win 57–7–19 Joe Vargas PTS 10 Sep 20, 1927 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
81 Win 56–7–19 Freddie Mack PTS 10 Aug 05, 1927 Dreamland Rink, San Francisco
80 Draw 55–7–19 Tommy White PTS 10 Jun 29, 1927 Dreamland Rink, San Francisco
79 Draw 55–7–18 Jack Thompson PTS 10 Jun 24, 1927 Dreamland Rink, San Francisco
78 Win 55–7–17 Jack Silver PTS 10 Jun 07, 1927 Fresno
77 Win 54–7–17 Young Harry Willis DQ 10 (10) Apr 13, 1927 Auditorium, Oakland
76 Draw 53–7–17 Billy Murphy PTS 10 Mar 23, 1927 Auditorium, Oakland
75 Win 53–7–16 Larry Murphy PTS 10 Mar 01, 1927 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
74 Win 52–7–16 Phil Salvadore TKO 4 (10) Jan 18, 1927 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
73 Win 51–7–16 Dick Hoppe PTS 10 Dec 03, 1926 Legion Stadium, Hollywood
72 Win 51–7–16 Jack Sparr TKO 3 (10) Nov 03, 1926 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
71 Win 50–7–16 Jerry Young Carpentero TKO 5 (10) Sep 24, 1926 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
70 Win 49–7–16 Charlie Feraci PTS 10 Sep 24, 1926 Coliseum, San Diego
69 Win 48–7–16 Sailor Ashmore KO 5 (10) Sep 10, 1926 Taft
68 Win 47–7–16 Joe Layman PTS 10 Aug 27, 1926 Coliseum, San Diego
67 Win 46–7–16 Billy Alger PTS 10 Aug 06, 1926 Coliseum, San Diego
66 Win 45–7–16 Leo Claro KO 3 (10) Jul 26, 1926 Taft
65 Win 44–7–16 Young Papke PTS 10 Jul 13, 1926 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
64 Draw 43–7–16 Billy Alger PTS 10 Jul 05, 1926 Pismo Beach
63 Win 43–7–15 Jack Sparr PTS 10 Jun 29, 1926 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
62 Win 42–7–15 Joe Schlocker PTS 10 Jun 16, 1926 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
62 Win 41–7–15 Young Burmay KO 3 (6) May 25, 1926 Taft
61 Win 40–7–15 Jack Thompson PTS 6 May 18, 1926 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
60 Win 39–7–15 Danny McCoy KO 4 (6) May 10, 1926 Taft
59 Draw 38–7–15 Sam Robideau PTS 10 Apr 23, 1926 San Pedro
58 Win 38–7–14 Freeman Black TKO 4 (6) Feb 23, 1926 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
57 Draw 37–7–14 Dick Hoppe PTS 8 Feb 19, 1926 Bakersfield
56 Win 37–7–13 John Battling Ward PTS 10 Jan 25, 1926 Taft Arena, Taft
55 Win 36–7–13 Jimmy Carter KO 5 (6) Jan 12, 1926 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
54 Win 35–7–13 Jack Garcia TKO 5 (6) Oct 26, 1925 Taft Arena, Taft
53 Win 34–7–13 Joe Powell PTS 8 Jul 07, 1925 Policemen's Ballpark, Fresno
53 Win 33–7–13 Frankie Thomas PTS 6 Jun 23, 1925 Policemen's Ballpark, Fresno
52 Draw 32–7–13 Young Sam Langford PTS 10 Jun 19, 1925 Kern A.C., Bakersfield
51 Win 32–7–12 Billy Rayes PTS 6 May 22, 1925 Hanford
50 Win 31–7–12 Joe Chaney PTS 6 May 19, 1925 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
49 Win 30–7–12 Kid Kopecks DQ 6 (8) Apr 27, 1925 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
48 Loss 29–7–12 Jack McCarthy PTS 10 Mar 24, 1925 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
47 Win 29–6–12 Gilbert Gallant KO 2 (10) Mar 11, 1925 Hanford
46 Draw 28–6–12 Julius Jessick PTS 4 Feb 06, 1925 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
45 Win 28–6–11 Indian Mike Doyle PTS 4 Dec 16, 1924 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
44 Draw 27–6–11 Julius Jessick PTS 4 Nov 18, 1924 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
43 Win 27–6–10 Pete Francis PTS 4 Sep 25, 1924 Hanford
42 Loss 26–6–10 KO Kelly PTS 4 May 27, 1924 Arena, Vernon
41 Loss 26–5–10 Ad Cadena PTS 4 May 08, 1924 Chief Petty Officers Club, San Pedro
40 Draw 26–4–10 Jack Sparr PTS 4 May 02, 1924 Legion Stadium, Hollywood
39 Draw 26–4–9 Eddie Doody PTS 4 Apr 25, 1924 Dreamland Rink, San Francisco
38 Draw 26–4–8 Sam Robideau PTS 4 Apr 24, 1924 Chief Petty Officers Club, San Pedro
37 Win 26–4–7 Benny Berris PTS 4 Apr 08, 1924 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
36 Draw 25–4–7 Joe Chaney PTS 4 Mar 17, 1924 I.D.E.S. Hall, Tulare
35 Draw 25–4–6 J Roberts PTS 4 Mar 06, 1924 Pasenda
34 Draw 25–4–5 Benny Berris PTS 4 Mar 04, 1924 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
33 Win 25–4–4 Joe Bell PTS 4 Jan 30, 1924 Merced A.C., Merced
32 Loss 24–4–4 Trench King PTS 4 Dec 29, 1923 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
31 Win 24–3–4 Eddie Haden PTS 4 Nov 20, 1923 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
30 Win 23–3–4 Clarence Sanchez PTS 4 Nov 11, 1923 Hanford
29 Win 22–3–4 Georgie Lee PTS 4 Oct 31, 1923 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
29 Win 21–3–4 Frankie Vierra PTS 4 Oct 16, 1923 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
28 Win 20–3–4 Young Predella PTS 4 Sep 18, 1923 Baseball Park, Fresno
27 Draw 19–3–4 Kid Ritchie PTS 4 Sep 14, 1923 Fairgrounds, Tulare
26 Win 19–3–3 Clarence Sanchez KO 3 (4) Jul 12, 1923 Hanford
25 Win 18–3–3 Eddie Mahoney PTS 4 Jun 28, 1923 Visalia
24 Win 17–3–3 Lee Weber PTS 4 May 22, 1923 I.D.E.S. Hall, Tulare
23 Win 16–3–3 Kid Hudson KO 2 (4) May 10, 1923 Hanford
22 Win 16–3–3 Joe Simas PTS 4 Apr 26, 1923 Tulare
21 Win 15–3–3 Clarence Sanchez PTS 4 Apr 19, 1923 Hanford
20 Win 14–3–3 Bud Riley SD 4 Apr 06, 1923 Bakersfield Arena, Bakersfield
19 Win 13–3–3 Pat Ryan KO 1 (4) Feb 16, 1923 I.D.E.S. Hall, Tulare
18 Win 12–3–3 Lee Weber PTS 4 Feb 09, 1923 Hanford
17 Win 11–3–3 Jimmy Brady PTS 4 Feb 06, 1923 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
16 Win 10–3–3 Billy Cole KO 2 (4) Jan 23, 1923 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
15 Win 9–3–3 Billy Jordan TKO 2 (4) Jan 09, 1923 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
14 Win 8–3–3 Eddie O'Connel PTS 4 Oct 24, 1922 I.D.E.S. Hall, Tulare
13 Win 7–3–3 Kid Swan KO 2 (4) Jan 20, 1922 I.D.E.S. Hall, Tulare
12 Draw 6–3–3 Kid Hardy PTS 4 Dec 15, 1921 Tulare
11 Loss 6–3–2 Eddie McGovern PTS 4 Sep 27, 1921 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
10 Win 6–2–2 Young Peters PTS 4 Jan 10, 1921 Porterville
9 Win 5–2–2 Terry McGovern PTS 4 Sep 28, 1920 Civic Auditorium, Fresno
8 Win 4–2–2 Kid Chris KO 2 (4) Jul 23, 1920 Fresno
7 Win 3–2–2 Kid Chris PTS 4 Jul 02, 1920 Fresno
6 Win 2–2–2 Terry Hogan PTS 4 Jul 01, 1920 Fresno
5 Draw 1–2–2 Terry Hogan PTS 4 Jun 18, 1920 Fresno
4 Loss 1–2–1 Eddie Morris KO 3 (4) Feb 05, 1920 Marysville
3 Loss 1–1–1 Jack O'Keefe KO 3 (4) Jan 13, 1920 Floral A.C., San Mateo
2 Draw 1–0–1 Kid Jeffries PTS 4 Oct 03, 1919 Fresno
1 Win 1–0 Young McGovern PTS 4 Sep 28, 1919 Fresno

See also

  • List of welterweight boxing champions
  • List of middleweight boxing champions

References

  1. "The Lineal Welterweight Champs". Cyber Boxing Zone.
  2. Roberts, Skutt, p.90
  3. Top 12 All-Time Best Southpaws, thefightcity.com, Retrieved on 6-21-16
  4. Ranking the 10 Greatest Southpaws in Boxing History, bleacherreport.com, Retrieved on 6-21-16
  5. Ken Blady, The Jewish Boxers Hall of Fame, SP Books, 1988, p.205
  6. "Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame | Home". Fresno County Athletic Hall of Fame | Home. Retrieved 2017-02-02.
  7. Young Corbett III/NIASHF, NIASHF.com, Retrieved on 7-10-14
  8. Young Corbett III/IBHOF, IBHOF.com, Retrieved on 3-28-08
  9. "Article about Young Corbett III" (PDF). Retrieved 2014-05-21.
  10. "Young Corbett III - Boxrec Boxing Encyclopaedia". Boxrec.com. Retrieved 2014-05-21.
  11. Hudson Jr., p.70
  12. "Young Corbett's lounge was a place the Champ welcomed friends and strangers alike". fresnobee.com. 2016-12-31. Retrieved 2018-04-10.
  13. Roberts, Skutt, p.91
  14. "McLarnin Spotted Flaw, Stunned Young Corbett - Los Angeles Times". Articles.latimes.com. 1999-03-29. Retrieved 2014-05-21.
  15. "Young Corbett III". Ibhof.com. Retrieved 2017-03-16.
  16. "Young Corbett III, Boxer, 88". nytimes.com. Retrieved 2018-04-10.
  17. "Fifty years ago Young Corbett III was welterweight champion..." upi.com. Retrieved 2018-04-10.
  18. Young Corbett III - Non c'era solo Rocco Mazzola (Italian)

Bibliography

  • James B. Roberts, Alexander G. Skutt, The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall of Fame Official Record Book, McBooks Press, 2006
  • David L. Hudson Jr., Combat Sports: An Encyclopedia of Wrestling, Fighting, and Mixed Martial Arts, ABC-CLIO, 2009
Awards and achievements
Preceded by
Jackie Fields
World Welterweight Champion
February 22, 1933 May 29, 1933
Succeeded by
Jimmy McLarnin


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