Len Matthews: Boxing Career and Key Results
Philadelphia lightweight Len Matthews compiled a 42–10–3 professional record, with 29 knockouts, according to Philly Boxing History. He began his pro career in 1957 and became a prominent local draw during the late 1950s.
A fast start in Philadelphia
Matthews made his professional debut on November 7, 1957, stopping Charles Carter in the third round at Philadelphia’s Cambria Athletic Club. The fight record logs 15 consecutive wins to open his career, including victories over veterans Tommy Tibbs and Orlando Zulueta.
Big fights at the Garden
Matthews faced Willie Toweel at Madison Square Garden on November 20, 1959. BoxRec records Toweel winning a 10-round split decision. Matthews also fought future champion Carlos Ortiz in Philadelphia that year; Ortiz stopped him in the sixth round.
Matthews’ documented record and schedule show a busy Philadelphia career against leading lightweights of his era. His story remains part of the city’s boxing history and the broader tradition of boxing.
Career Milestones
Matthews’s professional record places individual wins and defeats within a career built through regular competition. The dated contests above identify the opposition and venues associated with that schedule. They provide a clearer historical guide than describing every appearance as a turning point. His reputation in Philadelphia boxing is connected to that sustained body of work as well as to his best-known performances.
Selected Recorded Results
- 1964-04-20: Len Matthews lost to Jose Chico Veliz in Arena, Philadelphia.
- 1963-12-02: Len Matthews won against Jose Chico Veliz in Arena, Philadelphia.
- 1963-09-16: Len Matthews won against J. D. Ellis in Blue Horizon, Philadelphia.
- 1963-08-13: Len Matthews won against Manuel Alvarez in Convention Hall, Philadelphia.
- 1963-06-17: Len Matthews won against Dick French in Arena, Boston.
- 1963-06-12: Len Matthews won against Wayman Dawson in Blue Horizon, Philadelphia.
- 1963-05-16: Len Matthews won against Freddie Jackson in Blue Horizon, Philadelphia.
- 1961-03-27: Len Matthews lost to Carlos Hernandez in Caracas.
Sources
Philly Boxing History; fight record; Biographical source; Recorded professional bout history.
Article Tags
Len Matthews, Boxing, Sports History
