Torpedo Billy Murphy Explained

Billy Murphy
Realname:Thomas William Murphy
Nickname:Torpedo Billy Murphy
Australian Billy Murphy
Weight:Featherweight
Height:5feet
Nationality:New Zealand
Birth Date:1863 11, df=yes
Birth Place:Auckland, New Zealand
Death Place:Auckland, New Zealand
Style:Orthodox
Total:221
Wins:90
Ko:76
Losses:51
Draws:24
No Contests:40

Thomas William Murphy (3 November 1863 – 26 July 1939) was a New Zealand boxer. An early World Featherweight Champion, he was the first world champion of any weightclass to come from New Zealand. In his early career, he took the New Zealand Lightweight Championship.

He was a prolific boxer who fought more than two hundred fights, with a few going as long as thirty and forty rounds. He was known more for a powerful punch than an exceptional defense.[1]

Early life and career

Murphy was born in Auckland and began boxing there before continuing his career in Australia. He called his deadly right, his "Torpedo" punch, which also referred to his ring name.

New Zealand Light champ, 1887

On 26 July 1887, he defeated Richard Long in a seventh round knockout at the Opera House in Wellington, New Zealand. The fight was billed as the Lightweight Championship of New Zealand. On 20 August 1887, he defeated John Scotty Fades at the Princess Theatre in a second round knockout at Dunedin, New Zealand, defending his title as Lightweight Champion of New Zealand. On 24 November 1887, he lost a New Zealand Lightweight Title bout with a sixth round disqualification against Ike Fake in Wellington, New Zealand.[2]

He defended the title successfully on 23 June and 1 July 1888 against Joe Molloy and Edward Jones in two fifth round knockouts. These bouts demonstrated the strong punch he had in his early career. In a fourth round knockout, he defeated Jim Saxon in another New Zealand Lightweight Title match on 1 September 1888. On 2 February 1889, he lost to Tommy Williams at the Princess Theatre in Dunedin, New Zealand, in a fourth round disqualification, in what was billed as another New Zealand Lightweight Championship.[2]

Coming to America, 1889

He arrived in San Francisco in June 1889 aboard the steamer Zelandia.[2]

In his first fight in America, he defeated Johnny Griffin, an exceptionally talented featherweight, in a third round knockout at the California Club in San Francisco on 12 July 1889.

In an important bout on 30 July 1889, he fought a twenty-seven round draw against English champion Frank Murphy in what was billed as a World 120 pound title match. The bout was fought at the California Athletic Club in San Francisco for a purse of $1,800.[2] [3] In a close fight, Frank Murphy was down twice in the fifteenth, but had the better of the seventeenth through nineteenth rounds. Frank Murphy was down again in the twenty-second round. The fight was stopped by Referee Cook with the help of the police in the twenty-seventh because neither men appeared to be able to continue the match. Upon examination in their dressing rooms after the match, Billy Murphy was found to have a fracture of the radius of his left arm, and Frank Murphy's wrist was swollen and bruised. Torpedo Billy paused in his boxing schedule for five months to recover.[4] From the twentieth through the final twenty-seventh round, both men appeared fatigued and did far less fighting than the first twenty rounds.[5]

World Feather Champion, 1890

Murphey won the World Featherweight title on 13 January 1890 defeating Ike Weir in a fourteenth round knockout at the California Athletic Club in San Francisco, California. In the final round, possibly to show his dominance and contempt for his opponent, Weir did a backflip. Murphey immediately unloaded a serious right as Weir landed, known as the "torpedo punch", which resulted in a knockdown that ended the bout after a count of ten.[6] The purse for the fight was $2,250.

According to one source, Weir, who led through much of the bout, was down repeatedly in the thirteenth round when Murphy rallied.[7] In a rematch, on 2 November 1893, Murphy lost to Weir in a sixth round knockout, which was one of the high points of Weir's late career. In the fourth round, Weir knocked Murphy entirely out of the ring. Weir successfully used his clever ducking and bobbing as a defense in the fight, avoiding Murphy's powerful right which had plagued him in their earlier title bout.[8]

Losing World Feather title, 1890

After the match with Weir, he defeated Tommy Warren, Tommy White, and Eddie Greaney before returning to Australia in September 1890. Murphy was considered to have forfeited his title because he left the United States to return to New Zealand. However, Australia and New Zealand continued to recognise his title until he lost to Albert Griffiths known as Young Griffo in Sydney on 2 September 1890. The bout was recognised as a Featherweight World Title match by Great Britain and Australia. Griffo was knocked down twice in the first three rounds. The fight ended in the fifteenth when a right to Murphy's jaw led him to throw off his gloves and concede the fight.[9]

He would lose to Young Griffo again on 22 July 1891 at the Sydney Amateur Athletic Club in another World Featherweight Title match. The bout would end in a twenty-second round disqualification against Murphy.

Boxing after return to the United States

He returned to the United States in 1892 to continue boxing. On 6 February 1892, he was knocked out by Johnny Griffith in a 122 pound Featherweight Title match in Brooklyn, New York. Both boxers complained of injuries to their hands, not uncommon considering the thin gloves used in most bouts.[2]

On 31 May 1892, he fought Johnny Murphy in San Francisco in a forty round no contest bout that was billed as a 122 pound World Championship. On 28 December 1892, in San Francisco, he had a rematch with Tommy White, whom he had defeated two years earlier, that ended in an epic thirty-four round no contest. The bout was for a $2,500 purse. In the fifteenth, White lost his momentum and was dropped by Murphy in the following round. From the seventeenth, to the twenty-ninth little fighting was done, both boxers to exhausted or disinclined to give or receive much punishment. The referee said he would allow four more rounds, but stopped the fight on the thirty-fourth as there was too little boxing taking place. No blows were landed in the last eleven rounds, and some in the crowd suspected the fight was fixed. All betting was declared off by the third round by the referee.[10]

In an unusual match on 16 December 1893, in Paterson, New Jersey, with George Dixon, Murphy was disqualified in the third round for a blow to the referee. Dixon had the best of the first round. Trying to break the fighters from clinching in the third round, Murphy hit Referee James Stoddard with a right in the face either accidentally or distracted by the heat of the moment, and infuriated, Stoddard retaliated with two quick blows that landed Murphy under the ropes. The house became wild, but the police managed to keep order. Some papers described the fight as a knockout, though the referee, not Dixon put Murphy on the mat.[11]

Losses to champions Dixon, Santry, Forbes, and Harris

He fought George Dixon on 22 January 1897 at the Broadway Athletic Club in Brooklyn, losing in a six round knockout. The fight was billed as a 120 pound World Featherweight Title match. Manager Sam Fitzpatrick had predicted that Dixon would have the edge in the bout.[2] [12] As the bout was with a former World Champion, it attracted considerable interest, and Dixon led the betting by odds of 2 to 1. Murphy held his own for the first three rounds, but looked fatigued by the last three, while Dixon remained fresh and unfazed by the blows of Murphy. Murphy was knocked down and out in the sixth by a strong left to the stomach.[13]

On 26 November 1898, he was knocked out by a rising Chicago star, Eddie Santry, who would take the World Featherweight Championship, according to most sources, the following year against English boxer Ben Jordan. Murphy's knockout loss to Santry took place in the fourth round at the Commercial Athletic Club in St. Louis, Missouri.

On 29 April 1899, he lost in a four round knockout to future World Bantamweight Champion Harry Forbes at the Chicago Athletic Association in Chicago, Illinois. On 19 May 1899, he lost to 1901 World Bantamweight Champion Harry Harris in a fourth round knockout at the Star Theatre in Chicago.

Return to Australia in 1904

In 1904, he returned to Australia and continued his boxing career, fighting around fifteen additional bouts. His last battle was with Jimmy Ross in Auckland in 1906.

He died at his home in Auckland, New Zealand, on 26 July 1939 at the age of 75.

Recognition

Murphy was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.

Professional boxing record

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[14] unless otherwise stated.

Official record

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.

ResultRecordOpponentTypeRoundDateLocationNotes
221ND90–51–24 J YoungND3May 8, 1911
220Draw90–51–24 Jimmy RossPTS4Aug 24, 1907
219Loss90–51–23 Jim Fairlie MorrisKO3 (15)Oct 29, 1907
218Win90–50–23 Tom TooheyKO1 (15)Aug 8, 1907
217ND89–50–23 LovegroveND2 (3)Aug 8, 1907
216Win89–50–23 Jack GriffinPTS8Jun 3, 1907
215Draw88–50–23 Jimmy RossPTS4Apr 28, 1906
214Loss88–50–22 Tim TraceyKO5 (15)Dec 20, 1905
213Loss88–49–22 Jack ClarkeTKO5 (6)Jul 21, 1905
212Win88–48–22 Walter DomanKO1 (6)Apr 14, 1905
211ND87–48–22 LauncyND4Mar 6, 1905
210ND87–48–22 Tom TooheyND4Mar 6, 1905
209ND87–48–22 Charlie CameronND6Feb 9, 1905
208ND87–48–22 Tommy KeeND6Feb 9, 1905
207ND87–48–22 Local AmateurND6Jan 11, 1905
206ND87–48–22 Teddy GreenND3Oct 21, 1904
205Loss87–48–22 Peter TooheyKO2 (20)Sep 13, 1904
204Loss87–47–22 Tim HegartyKO3 (20)Aug 2, 1904
203Draw87–46–22 Jack EvansPTS6Dec 29, 1903
202Win87–46–21 Teddy PeppersDQ2 (10)Oct 8, 1903
201Loss86–46–21 Pat HoganPTS10Oct 1, 1902
200Win86–45–21 Dave DonovanKO2 (10)Sep 7, 1902
199Win85–45–21 Johnny Van HeestKO4 (10)Aug 3, 1902
198Loss84–45–21 Clarence EnglishKO3 (10)Apr 3, 1902
197Win84–44–21 Bert CassellKO4 (10)Jan 12, 1902
196Loss83–44–21 Haich SmithKO1 (15)Sep 13, 1900
195Loss83–43–21 Larry GleasonRTD6 (15)Nov 14, 1899
194Draw83–42–21 Sig HartPTS20Oct 20, 1899
193Loss83–42–20 Sig HartPTS15Sep 14, 1899
192NC83–41–20 Patsy MagnerNC2 (15)Aug 11, 1899
191Loss83–41–20 Harry HarrisKO4 (6)May 19, 1899
190Loss83–40–20 Harry ForbesKO4 (?)Apr 29, 1899
189Draw83–39–20 Frank StackhousePTS8Apr 11, 1899
188Loss83–39–19 Kid MoorePTS15Apr 1, 1899
187Loss83–38–19 Johnny Van HeestTKO6 (10)Mar 7, 1899
186Win83–37–19 Walter BurbeckKO2 (?)Feb 15, 1899
185Loss82–37–19 Casper LeonPTS10Jan 16, 1899
184Loss82–36–19 Eddie SantryKO4 (20)Nov 26, 1898
183Loss82–35–19 Jimmy ReederKO4 (?)Apr 28, 1898
182Loss82–34–19 Yock HennigerDQ4 (?)Apr 12, 1898
181ND82–33–19 Bill Baxter JuniorND4Mar 9, 1898
180Loss82–33–19 Will CurleyKO12 (20)Feb 25, 1898
179ND82–32–19 Young Charlie WhiteND3Jan 17, 1898
178ND82–32–19 Bill WoodND3Nov 1, 1897
177Win82–32–19 Ellwood McCloskeyNWS6Sep 13, 1897
176Draw82–32–19 Billy RotchfordPTS3 (20)Jul 19, 1897
175Loss82–32–18 Oscar GardnerPTS20Apr 10, 1897
174Draw82–31–18 Austin RicePTS20Mar 13, 1897
173Win82–31–17 Bill BarbeckKO2 (?)Feb 15, 1897
172Loss81–31–17 Danny McMahonNWS6Feb 8, 1897
171Draw81–31–17 Dave WallPTS10Feb 6, 1897
170Loss81–31–16 Jack DelaneyKO5 (15)Jan 30, 1897
169Loss81–30–16 George DixonKO6 (20)Jan 22, 1897
168Draw81–29–16 Johnny LavackPTS20Oct 8, 1896
167Win81–29–15 Jim ConnersKO4 (?)Apr 29, 1896
166Win80–29–15 Paddy SmithPTS10Mar 17, 1896
165Draw79–29–15 Jimmy DeversPTS10Feb 11, 1896
164Loss79–29–14 Solly SmithTKO14 (20)Dec 23, 1895
163Win79–28–14 Jack DoughertyPTS10Nov 13, 1895
162Win78–28–14 Billy SheldonKO3 (?)Aug 22, 1895
161Win77–28–14 Billy SheldonTKO5 (15)Aug 6, 1895
160Draw76–28–14 Tommy WhitePTS20Jul 11, 1895
159Win76–28–13 Jack DoughertyKO6 (10)May 30, 1895
158Draw75–28–13 Jack DoughertyPTS10May 6, 1895
157Loss75–28–12 Tommy HoganPTS10Feb 26, 1895
156Win75–27–12 Kid McGrawKO4 (?)Feb 5, 1895
155Win74–27–12 Frank McCloskeyTKO9 (10)Jan 3, 1895
154Win73–27–12 Kentucky RosebudNWS4Dec 8, 1894
153Draw73–27–12 Jerry BarnettPTS10Nov 19, 1894
152Win73–27–11 Kid LafeberKO2 (?)Nov 12, 1894
151Win72–27–11 Jack McCabeKO2 (?)Nov 6, 1894
150Loss71–27–11 Young GriffoPTS8May 7, 1894
149Win71–26–11 Peter ManningKO4 (?)Apr 23, 1894
148Win70–26–11 Johnny BreslinKO2 (?)Feb 19, 1894
147Win69–26–11 Jack WoodsTKO2 (?)Dec 22, 1893
146Loss68–26–11 George DixonDQ3 (?)Dec 15, 1893
145Loss68–25–11 Ed GormanKO9 (?)Nov 7, 1893
144Loss68–24–11 Ike WeirKO6 (?)Nov 2, 1893
143Win68–23–11 Jack CollinsKO2 (?)Sep 23, 1893
142Win67–23–11 Jack GraceTKO3 (?)Sep 22, 1893
141Draw66–23–11 Jack DowneyPTS4Aug 31, 1893
140Draw66–23–10 Dick ListmanPTS4Jul 17, 1893
139Loss66–23–9 Jerry BarnettNWS4May 30, 1893
138Loss66–23–9 Jerry BarnettPTS4Apr 29, 1893
137Loss66–22–9 Johnny GriffinKO7 (20)Feb 6, 1893
136NC66–21–9 Tommy WhiteNC34 (?)Dec 28, 1892
135Loss66–21–9 Tommy Spider KellyPTS6Jul 25, 1892
134NC66–20–9 Johnny MurphyNC40 (?)May 31, 1892
133Loss66–20–9 Jim BarronKO3 (20)Feb 16, 1892
132Win66–19–9 George PowellNWS4Dec 29, 1891
131Win66–19–9 Chris CunninghamKO3 (4)Dec 26, 1891
130Win65–19–9 George PowellNWS4Dec 26, 1891
129NC65–19–9 Jim BurgeNC29 (30)Nov 23, 1891
128Win65–19–9 Bill JenningsKO2 (20)Oct 19, 1891
127Loss64–19–9 Young GriffoDQ22 (30)Jul 22, 1891
126Loss64–18–9 Artie TullyPTS8May 4, 1891
125Win64–17–9 Nipper PeakesKO6 (?)Mar 23, 1891
124Loss63–17–9 Jim BurgeKO30 (40)Jan 19, 1891
123Win63–16–9 Pat CarrollKO4 (20)Dec 8, 1890
122Win62–16–9 Jack KrosenPTS8Nov 11, 1890
121Win62–16–9 Harry Dummy MacePTS8Nov 10, 1890
120Draw61–16–9 Nipper PeakesPTS10Oct 25, 1890
119Win61–16–8 Jack KrosenNWS4Sep 29, 1890
118Loss61–16–8 Young GriffoRTD15 (?)Sep 2, 1890
117Win61–15–8 Eddie GreaneyPTS4May 29, 1890
116Win60–15–8 Tommy WhiteNWS4Apr 21, 1890
115Win60–15–8 Tommy WarrenKO4 (?)Mar 14, 1890
114Win59–15–8 Ike WeirKO14 (30)Jan 13, 1890
113Draw58–15–8 Frank MurphyPTS27 (?)Jul 30, 1889
112Win58–15–7 Johnny GriffinKO3 (?)Jul 12, 1889
111Win57–15–7 John SimonKO1 (4)May 18, 1889
110Win56–15–7 William TraceyPTS8Mar 16, 1889
109Win55–15–7 WarrenKO6 (10)Mar 16, 1889
108Win54–15–7 James SmithKO8 (10)Mar 4, 1889
107Loss53–15–7 Tommy WilliamsDQ4 (?)Feb 2, 1889
106Loss53–14–7 Young GriffoPTS4Dec 10, 1888
105Loss53–13–7 Ben SethKO6 (8)Nov 26, 1888
104Win53–12–7 Jerry MarshallKO1 (8)Oct 27, 1888
103Draw52–12–7 Jack HallPTS8Sep 29, 1888
102Win52–12–6 Jim SaxonKO4 (?)Sep 1, 1888
101Win51–12–6 Billy BasterKO3 (4)Aug 1, 1888
100Win50–12–6 John Scotty FaddesKO3 (4)Jul 28, 1888
99Win49–12–6 Edward JonesKO5 (?)Jul 1, 1888
98Win48–12–6 Joe MolloyKO5 (?)Jun 23, 1888
97Loss47–12–6 Frank NewtonDQ3 (4)May 24, 1888
96Win47–11–6 Harry BrownKO3 (6)May 5, 1888
95Win46–11–6 William EdwardsKO3 (4)Apr 28, 1888
94Win45–11–6 Frank NewtonTKO4 (4)Apr 14, 1888
93Win44–11–6 Tony HoganTKO7 (?)Feb 4, 1888
92Win43–11–6 Jim MitchellNWS4Feb 4, 1888
91Win43–11–6 James MannixTKO3 (?)Jan 28, 1888
90Win42–11–6 Jerry FordKO11 (?)Jan 12, 1888
89Win41–11–6 Roy BrooksKO1 (4)Jan 9, 1888
88Win40–11–6 Ed ParkerKO3 (4)Jan 9, 1888
87Loss39–11–6 Jack HallDQ6 (?)Dec 23, 1887
86Loss39–10–6 Ike FakeDQ6 (?)Nov 24, 1887
85Win39–9–6 A 13 Stone MaoriKO?Oct 4, 1887
84Win38–9–6 Ike FakeTKO3 (?)Sep 12, 1887
83ND37–9–6 Ed BrooksND3Aug 27, 1887
82Win37–9–6 John Scotty FaddesKO2 (?)Aug 20, 1887
81Win36–9–6 Bill MitchellKO4 (?)Aug 13, 1887
80Win35–9–6 Ed BurgessKO4 (?)Aug 10, 1887
79ND34–9–6 Ed BrooksND3Aug 3, 1887
78Win34–9–6 Fred BruceKO7 (?)Jul 28, 1887
77Win33–9–6 Richard AllenKO7 (?)Jul 26, 1887
76Win32–9–6 Local AmateurNWS4Jun 28, 1887
75Loss32–9–6 Harry LaingKO3 (4)Jun 6, 1887
74Win32–8–6 Nat BrooksKO9 (?)May 21, 1887
73Win31–8–6 Charlie TaylorKO12 (?)Apr 27, 1887
72Win30–8–6 Jim SaxonNWS6Apr 9, 1887
71Loss30–8–6 Young MitchellTKO5 (?)Mar 14, 1887
70Win30–7–6 Will Brummy FullerKO13 (?)Feb 23, 1887
69Draw29–7–6 Bill BurgessPTS36 (?)Feb 19, 1887
68ND29–7–5 Bill BurgessND4Feb 15, 1887
67Draw29–7–5 Young AitkenPTS4Feb 12, 1887
66Win29–7–5 George MullhollandPTS4Feb 5, 1887
65Win28–7–5 Billy WilliamsNWS4Jan 31, 1887
64Win28–7–5 J PenningtonKO3 (?)Jan 26, 1887
63Win27–7–5 Sam StewartKO18 (?)Jan 24, 1887
62Draw26–7–5 StevensNWS4Jan 22, 1887
61ND26–7–5 StevensND4Jan 15, 1887
60Draw26–7–5 Jack FullerNWS4Jan 8, 1887
59Win26–7–5 Bill ScottKO2 (?)Dec 1, 1886
58ND25–7–5 Willie Brummer FullerND4Nov 27, 1886
57ND25–7–5 George MullhollandND4Nov 13, 1886
56Win25–7–5 Frisco McCaullKO2 (?)Nov 6, 1886
55Win24–7–5 Jack FullerNWS4Oct 30, 1886
54ND24–7–5 Jim O'BrienND4Oct 23, 1886
53Win24–7–5 Willie Brummer FullerKO14 (?)Oct 4, 1886
52ND23–7–5 Willie Brummer FullerND4Oct 2, 1886
51ND23–7–5 Willie Brummer FullerND4Sep 18, 1886
50ND23–7–5 KellyND4Sep 11, 1886
49Win23–7–5 Will Brummy FullerNWS4Sep 4, 1886
48Win23–7–5 Will Brummy FullerPTS4Aug 28, 1886
47ND22–7–5 Will Brummy FullerND4Aug 25, 1886
46Draw22–7–5 Sam StewartNWS4Aug 21, 1886
45Win22–7–5 Bill BurgessPTS4Jul 10, 1886
44Win21–7–5 Will Brummy FullerNWS4Jul 10, 1886
43Win21–7–5 Richard Deerfoot RoseKO5 (?)Jun 26, 1886
42Draw20–7–5 Richard Deerfoot RoseNWS4Jun 19, 1886
41Win20–7–5 Bert JohnstoneRTD3 (4)Jun 5, 1886
40Win19–7–5 Richard Deerfoot RoseNWS4May 29, 1886
39Draw19–7–5 Nipper PeakesPTS17 (?)May 17, 1886
38Loss19–7–4 Jack HallRTD2 (4)May 8, 1886
37Win19–6–4 DavisNWS4May 1, 1886
36Win19–6–4 Frank KingKO1 (?)Mar 27, 1886
35Draw18–6–4 Unknown WalterNWS6Mar 20, 1886
34Loss18–6–4 Jack HallRTD1 (4)Mar 13, 1886
33Win18–5–4 WalterNWS4Feb 13, 1886
32Win18–5–4 Hobart Jack GallagherDQ12 (?)Jan 2, 1886
31Win17–5–4 Johnny The StrangerKO8 (?)Dec 23, 1885
30Win16–5–4 Jack NicholsonKO4 (?)Dec 5, 1885
29Win15–5–4 Andy DawsonKO2 (?)Oct 31, 1885
28Draw14–5–4 Dick SandallPTS3Oct 5, 1885
27Draw14–5–3 Richard Deerfoot RosePTS6Sep 21, 1885
26Draw14–5–2 William BurnsPTS4Aug 29, 1885
25ND14–5–1 Local AmateurND2 (?)Aug 29, 1885
24ND14–5–1 Richard Deerfoot RoseND4Aug 19, 1885
23Loss14–5–1 Barney DonovanTKO9 (?)Apr 25, 1885
22Win14–4–1 Charlie CarterKO3 (?)Mar 14, 1885
21Win13–4–1 Wal BurtonKO4 (?)Feb 7, 1885
20Loss12–4–1 Barney DonovanTKO7 (?)Jan 5, 1885
19ND12–3–1 Richard Deerfoot RoseND4Jan 5, 1885
18Win12–3–1 Jim GardinerKO3 (?)Aug 1, 1884
17Win11–3–1 Walter EvansKO3 (?)Jul 1, 1884
16Win10–3–1 Joe GullerKO2 (?)Jun 1, 1884
15Win9–3–1 Harry EcclesKO2 (?)May 24, 1884
14ND8–3–1 Local Amateur ND4Mar 22, 1884
13Win8–3–1 Tony HoganKO3 (?)Mar 15, 1884
12Loss7–3–1 Tony HoganDQ3 (?)Feb 4, 1884
11Win7–2–1 Mick O'BrienKO4 (?)Jan 9, 1884
10Win6–2–1 Frank BurnsKO25 (?)Jul 14, 1883
9ND5–2–1 GreenND4Jun 9, 1883
8Win5–2–1William BurnsPTS4Dec 4, 1882
7Win4–2–1Billy DawsonKO1 (?)May 7, 1882
6Draw3–2–1Micky KirbyPTS4May 5, 1882
5Loss3–2HillPTS4May 5, 1882
4Win3–1Sammy HecklesKO2 (4)May 2, 1882
3Win2–1BanksPTS4Apr 15, 1882
2Loss1–1Barney DonovanPTS4Apr 15, 1882
1Win1–0MorrisPTS4Apr 11, 1882

Unofficial record

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.

ResultRecordOpponentTypeRoundDateLocationNotes
221ND107–53–30 J YoungND3May 8, 1911
220Draw107–53–30 Jimmy RossPTS4Aug 24, 1907
219Loss107–53–29 Jim Fairlie MorrisKO3 (15)Oct 29, 1907
218Win107–52–29 Tom TooheyKO1 (15)Aug 8, 1907
217NC106–52–29 LovegroveNC2 (3)Aug 8, 1907
216Win106–52–29 Jack GriffinPTS8Jun 3, 1907
215Draw105–52–29 Jimmy RossPTS4Apr 28, 1906
214Loss105–52–28 Tim TraceyKO5 (15)Dec 20, 1905
213Loss105–51–28 Jack ClarkeTKO5 (6)Jul 21, 1905
212Win105–50–28 Walter DomanKO1 (6)Apr 14, 1905
211ND104–50–28 LauncyND4Mar 6, 1905
210ND104–50–28 Tom TooheyND4Mar 6, 1905
209ND104–50–28 Charlie CameronND6Feb 9, 1905
208ND104–50–28 Tommy KeeND6Feb 9, 1905
207ND104–50–28 Local AmateurND6Jan 11, 1905
206ND104–50–28 Teddy GreenND3Oct 21, 1904
205Loss104–50–28 Peter TooheyKO2 (20)Sep 13, 1904
204Loss104–49–28 Tim HegartyKO3 (20)Aug 2, 1904
203Draw104–48–28 Jack EvansPTS6Dec 29, 1903
202Win104–48–27 Teddy PeppersDQ2 (10)Oct 8, 1903
201Loss103–48–27 Pat HoganPTS10Oct 1, 1902
200Win103–47–27 Dave DonovanKO2 (10)Sep 7, 1902
199Win102–47–27 Johnny Van HeestKO4 (10)Aug 3, 1902
198Loss101–47–27 Clarence EnglishKO3 (10)Apr 3, 1902
197Win101–46–27 Bert CassellKO4 (10)Jan 12, 1902
196Loss100–46–27 Haich SmithKO1 (15)Sep 13, 1900
195Loss100–45–27 Larry GleasonRTD6 (15)Nov 14, 1899
194Draw100–44–27 Sig HartPTS20Oct 20, 1899
193Loss100–44–26 Sig HartPTS15Sep 14, 1899
192NC100–43–26 Patsy MagnerNC2 (15)Aug 11, 1899
191Loss100–43–26 Harry HarrisKO4 (6)May 19, 1899
190Loss100–42–26 Harry ForbesKO4 (?)Apr 29, 1899
189Draw100–41–26 Frank StackhousePTS8Apr 11, 1899
188Loss100–41–25 Kid MoorePTS15Apr 1, 1899
187Loss100–40–25 Johnny Van HeestTKO6 (10)Mar 7, 1899
186Win100–39–25 Walter BurbeckKO2 (?)Feb 15, 1899
185Loss99–39–25 Casper LeonPTS10Jan 16, 1899
184Loss99–38–25 Eddie SantryKO4 (20)Nov 26, 1898
183Loss99–37–25 Jimmy ReederKO4 (?)Apr 28, 1898
182Loss99–36–25 Yock HennigerDQ4 (?)Apr 12, 1898
181ND99–35–25 Bill Baxter JuniorND4Mar 9, 1898
180Loss99–35–25 Will CurleyKO12 (20)Feb 25, 1898
179ND99–34–25 Young Charlie WhiteND3Jan 17, 1898
178ND99–34–25 Bill WoodND3Nov 1, 1897
177Win99–34–25 Ellwood McCloskeyNWS6Sep 13, 1897
176Draw98–34–25 Billy RotchfordPTS3 (20)Jul 19, 1897
175Loss98–34–24 Oscar GardnerPTS20Apr 10, 1897
174Draw98–33–24 Austin RicePTS20Mar 13, 1897
173Win98–33–23 Bill BarbeckKO2 (?)Feb 15, 1897
172Loss97–33–23 Danny McMahonNWS6Feb 8, 1897
171Draw97–32–23 Dave WallPTS10Feb 6, 1897
170Loss97–32–22 Jack DelaneyKO5 (15)Jan 30, 1897
169Loss97–31–22 George DixonKO6 (20)Jan 22, 1897
168Draw97–30–22 Johnny LavackPTS20Oct 8, 1896
167Win97–30–21 Jim ConnersKO4 (?)Apr 29, 1896
166Win96–30–21 Paddy SmithPTS10Mar 17, 1896
165Draw95–30–21 Jimmy DeversPTS10Feb 11, 1896
164Loss95–30–20 Solly SmithTKO14 (20)Dec 23, 1895
163Win95–29–20 Jack DoughertyPTS10Nov 13, 1895
162Win94–29–20 Billy SheldonKO3 (?)Aug 22, 1895
161Win93–29–20 Billy SheldonTKO5 (15)Aug 6, 1895
160Draw92–29–20 Tommy WhitePTS20Jul 11, 1895
159Win92–29–19 Jack DoughertyKO6 (10)May 30, 1895
158Draw91–29–19 Jack DoughertyPTS10May 6, 1895
157Loss91–29–18 Tommy HoganPTS10Feb 26, 1895
156Win91–28–18 Kid McGrawKO4 (?)Feb 5, 1895
155Win90–28–18 Frank McCloskeyTKO9 (10)Jan 3, 1895
154Win89–28–18 Kentucky RosebudNWS4Dec 8, 1894
153Draw88–28–18 Jerry BarnettPTS10Nov 19, 1894
152Win88–28–17 Kid LafeberKO2 (?)Nov 12, 1894
151Win87–28–17 Jack McCabeKO2 (?)Nov 6, 1894
150Loss86–28–17 Young GriffoPTS8May 7, 1894
149Win86–27–17 Peter ManningKO4 (?)Apr 23, 1894
148Win85–27–17 Johnny BreslinKO2 (?)Feb 19, 1894
147Win84–27–17 Jack WoodsTKO2 (?)Dec 22, 1893
146Loss83–27–17 George DixonDQ3 (?)Dec 15, 1893
145Loss83–26–17 Ed GormanKO9 (?)Nov 7, 1893
144Loss83–25–17 Ike WeirKO6 (?)Nov 2, 1893
143Win83–24–17 Jack CollinsKO2 (?)Sep 23, 1893
142Win82–24–17 Jack GraceTKO3 (?)Sep 22, 1893
141Draw81–24–17 Jack DowneyPTS4Aug 31, 1893
140Draw81–24–16 Dick ListmanPTS4Jul 17, 1893
139Loss81–24–15 Jerry BarnettNWS4May 30, 1893
138Loss81–23–15 Jerry BarnettPTS4Apr 29, 1893
137Loss81–22–15 Johnny GriffinKO7 (20)Feb 6, 1893
136NC81–21–15 Tommy WhiteNC34 (?)Dec 28, 1892
135Loss81–21–15 Tommy Spider KellyPTS6Jul 25, 1892
134NC81–20–15 Johnny MurphyNC40 (?)May 31, 1892
133Loss81–20–15 Jim BarronKO3 (20)Feb 16, 1892
132Win81–19–15 George PowellNWS4Dec 29, 1891
131Win80–19–15 Chris CunninghamKO3 (4)Dec 26, 1891
130Win79–19–15 George PowellNWS4Dec 26, 1891
129NC78–19–15 Jim BurgeNC29 (30)Nov 23, 1891
128Win78–19–15 Bill JenningsKO2 (20)Oct 19, 1891
127Loss77–19–15 Young GriffoDQ22 (30)Jul 22, 1891
126Loss77–18–15 Artie TullyPTS8May 4, 1891
125Win77–17–15 Nipper PeakesKO6 (?)Mar 23, 1891
124Loss76–17–15 Jim BurgeKO30 (40)Jan 19, 1891
123Win76–16–15 Pat CarrollKO4 (20)Dec 8, 1890
122Win75–16–15 Jack KrosenPTS8Nov 11, 1890
121Win74–16–15 Harry Dummy MacePTS8Nov 10, 1890
120Draw73–16–15 Nipper PeakesPTS10Oct 25, 1890
119Win73–16–14 Jack KrosenNWS4Sep 29, 1890
118Loss72–16–14 Young GriffoRTD15 (?)Sep 2, 1890
117Win72–15–14 Eddie GreaneyPTS4May 29, 1890
116Win71–15–14 Tommy WhiteNWS4Apr 21, 1890
115Win70–15–14 Tommy WarrenKO4 (?)Mar 14, 1890
114Win69–15–14 Ike WeirKO14 (30)Jan 13, 1890
113Draw68–15–14 Frank MurphyPTS27 (?)Jul 30, 1889
112Win68–15–13 Johnny GriffinKO3 (?)Jul 12, 1889
111Win67–15–13 John SimonKO1 (4)May 18, 1889
110Win66–15–13 William TraceyPTS8Mar 16, 1889
109Win65–15–13 WarrenKO6 (10)Mar 16, 1889
108Win64–15–13 James SmithKO8 (10)Mar 4, 1889
107Loss63–15–13 Tommy WilliamsDQ4 (?)Feb 2, 1889
106Loss63–14–13 Young GriffoPTS4Dec 10, 1888
105Loss63–13–13 Ben SethKO6 (8)Nov 26, 1888
104Win63–12–13 Jerry MarshallKO1 (8)Oct 27, 1888
103Draw62–12–13 Jack HallPTS8Sep 29, 1888
102Win62–12–12 Jim SaxonKO4 (?)Sep 1, 1888
101Win61–12–12 Billy BasterKO3 (4)Aug 1, 1888
100Win60–12–12 John Scotty FaddesKO3 (4)Jul 28, 1888
99Win59–12–12 Edward JonesKO5 (?)Jul 1, 1888
98Win58–12–12 Joe MolloyKO5 (?)Jun 23, 1888
97Loss57–12–12 Frank NewtonDQ3 (4)May 24, 1888
96Win57–11–12 Harry BrownKO3 (6)May 5, 1888
95Win56–11–12 William EdwardsKO3 (4)Apr 28, 1888
94Win55–11–12 Frank NewtonTKO4 (4)Apr 14, 1888
93Win54–11–12 Tony HoganTKO7 (?)Feb 4, 1888
92Win53–11–12 Jim MitchellNWS4Feb 4, 1888
91Win52–11–12 James MannixTKO3 (?)Jan 28, 1888
90Win51–11–12 Jerry FordKO11 (?)Jan 12, 1888
89Win50–11–12 Roy BrooksKO1 (4)Jan 9, 1888
88Win49–11–12 Ed ParkerKO3 (4)Jan 9, 1888
87Loss48–11–12 Jack HallDQ6 (?)Dec 23, 1887
86Loss48–10–12 Ike FakeDQ6 (?)Nov 24, 1887
85Win48–9–12 A 13 Stone MaoriKO?Oct 4, 1887
84Win47–9–12 Ike FakeTKO3 (?)Sep 12, 1887
83ND46–9–12 Ed BrooksND3Aug 27, 1887
82Win46–9–12 John Scotty FaddesKO2 (?)Aug 20, 1887
81Win45–9–12 Bill MitchellKO4 (?)Aug 13, 1887
80Win44–9–12 Ed BurgessKO4 (?)Aug 10, 1887
79ND43–9–12 Ed BrooksND3Aug 3, 1887
78Win43–9–12 Fred BruceKO7 (?)Jul 28, 1887
77Win42–9–12 Richard AllenKO7 (?)Jul 26, 1887
76Win41–9–12 Local AmateurNWS4Jun 28, 1887
75Loss40–9–12 Harry LaingKO3 (4)Jun 6, 1887
74Win40–8–12 Nat BrooksKO9 (?)May 21, 1887
73Win39–8–12 Charlie TaylorKO12 (?)Apr 27, 1887
72Win38–8–12 Jim SaxonNWS6Apr 9, 1887
71Loss37–8–12 Young MitchellTKO5 (?)Mar 14, 1887
70Win37–7–12 Will Brummy FullerKO13 (?)Feb 23, 1887
69Draw36–7–12 Bill BurgessPTS36 (?)Feb 19, 1887
68ND36–7–11 Bill BurgessND4Feb 15, 1887
67Draw36–7–11 Young AitkenPTS4Feb 12, 1887
66Win36–7–10 George MullhollandPTS4Feb 5, 1887
65Win35–7–10 Billy WilliamsNWS4Jan 31, 1887
64Win34–7–10 J PenningtonKO3 (?)Jan 26, 1887
63Win33–7–10 Sam StewartKO18 (?)Jan 24, 1887
62Draw32–7–10 StevensNWS4Jan 22, 1887
61ND32–7–9 StevensND4Jan 15, 1887
60Draw32–7–9 Jack FullerNWS4Jan 8, 1887
59Win32–7–8 Bill ScottKO2 (?)Dec 1, 1886
58ND31–7–8 Willie Brummer FullerND4Nov 27, 1886
57ND31–7–8 George MullhollandND4Nov 13, 1886
56Win31–7–8 Frisco McCaullKO2 (?)Nov 6, 1886
55Win30–7–8 Jack FullerNWS4Oct 30, 1886
54ND29–7–8 Jim O'BrienND4Oct 23, 1886
53Win29–7–8 Willie Brummer FullerKO14 (?)Oct 4, 1886
52ND28–7–8 Willie Brummer FullerND4Oct 2, 1886
51ND28–7–8 Willie Brummer FullerND4Sep 18, 1886
50ND28–7–8 KellyND4Sep 11, 1886
49Win28–7–8 Will Brummy FullerNWS4Sep 4, 1886
48Win27–7–8 Will Brummy FullerPTS4Aug 28, 1886
47ND26–7–8 Will Brummy FullerND4Aug 25, 1886
46Draw26–7–8 Sam StewartNWS4Aug 21, 1886
45Win26–7–7 Bill BurgessPTS4Jul 10, 1886
44Win25–7–7 Will Brummy FullerNWS4Jul 10, 1886
43Win24–7–7 Richard Deerfoot RoseKO5 (?)Jun 26, 1886
42Draw23–7–7 Richard Deerfoot RoseNWS4Jun 19, 1886
41Win23–7–6 Bert JohnstoneRTD3 (4)Jun 5, 1886
40Win22–7–6 Richard Deerfoot RoseNWS4May 29, 1886
39Draw21–7–6 Nipper PeakesPTS17 (?)May 17, 1886
38Loss21–7–5 Jack HallRTD2 (4)May 8, 1886
37Win21–6–5 DavisNWS4May 1, 1886
36Win20–6–5 Frank KingKO1 (?)Mar 27, 1886
35Draw19–6–5 Unknown WalterNWS6Mar 20, 1886
34Loss19–6–4 Jack HallRTD1 (4)Mar 13, 1886
33Win19–5–4 WalterNWS4Feb 13, 1886
32Win18–5–4 Hobart Jack GallagherDQ12 (?)Jan 2, 1886
31Win17–5–4 Johnny The StrangerKO8 (?)Dec 23, 1885
30Win16–5–4 Jack NicholsonKO4 (?)Dec 5, 1885
29Win15–5–4 Andy DawsonKO2 (?)Oct 31, 1885
28Draw14–5–4 Dick SandallPTS3Oct 5, 1885
27Draw14–5–3 Richard Deerfoot RosePTS6Sep 21, 1885
26Draw14–5–2 William BurnsPTS4Aug 29, 1885
25NC14–5–1 Local AmateurND2 (?)Aug 29, 1885
24NC14–5–1 Richard Deerfoot RoseND4Aug 19, 1885
23Loss14–5–1 Barney DonovanTKO9 (?)Apr 25, 1885
22Win14–4–1 Charlie CarterKO3 (?)Mar 14, 1885
21Win13–4–1 Wal BurtonKO4 (?)Feb 7, 1885
20Loss12–4–1 Barney DonovanTKO7 (?)Jan 5, 1885
19NC12–3–1 Richard Deerfoot RoseND4Jan 5, 1885
18Win12–3–1 Jim GardinerKO3 (?)Aug 1, 1884
17Win11–3–1 Walter EvansKO3 (?)Jul 1, 1884
16Win10–3–1 Joe GullerKO2 (?)Jun 1, 1884
15Win9–3–1 Harry EcclesKO2 (?)May 24, 1884
14NC8–3–1 Local Amateur ND4Mar 22, 1884
13Win8–3–1 Tony HoganKO3 (?)Mar 15, 1884
12Loss7–3–1 Tony HoganDQ3 (?)Feb 4, 1884
11Win7–2–1 Mick O'BrienKO4 (?)Jan 9, 1884
10Win6–2–1 Frank BurnsKO25 (?)Jul 14, 1883
9NC5–2–1 GreenND4Jun 9, 1883
8Win5–2–1William BurnsPTS4Dec 4, 1882
7Win4–2–1Billy DawsonKO1 (?)May 7, 1882
6Draw3–2–1Micky KirbyPTS4May 5, 1882
5Loss3–2HillPTS4May 5, 1882
4Win3–1Sammy HecklesKO2 (4)May 2, 1882
3Win2–1BanksPTS4Apr 15, 1882
2Loss1–1Barney DonovanPTS4Apr 15, 1882
1Win1–0MorrisPTS4Apr 11, 1882

See also

Further reading

External links

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Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ring Magazine: October 1933. boxrec.com.
  2. Web site: Torpedo Billy Murphy. boxrec.com.
  3. "Boxing", The Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati, Ohio, pg. 53, 6 August 1939
  4. "Frank and Billy Murphy", St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri, pg. 8, 31 July 1889
  5. "They Stopped Fighting", The Daily Inter Ocean, Chicago, Illinois, pg. 6, 31 July 1889
  6. "Ike Weir and Billy Murphy the Star Clowns of the Ring", Trenton Evening Times, Trenton, New Jersey, pg. 8, 13 January 1915
  7. "The Spider Done Up", Bismarck Weekly Tribune, Bismarck, North Dakota, pg. 1, 17 January 1890
  8. White, Charley, "Inside the Ring with the Great Fighters", The Evening World, New York, New York, pg. 7, 7 August 1911
  9. "Fighting Featherweights", Los Angeles Herald, Los Angeles, California, pg. 1, 28 September 1890
  10. "Featherweights Do Battle", Lost Angeles Herald, Los Angeles, California, p. 5, 29 December 1892
  11. "Billy Murphy Knocked Out", The New York World, New York, New York, pg. 3, 17 December 1893
  12. "Box To-Night", The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky, pg. 6, 22 January 1897
  13. "George Dixon Knocks Out Bully Murphy in Six Rounds", Courier-Journal, Louisville, Kentucky pg. 3, 23 January 1897
  14. Web site: Please login.