Jack Sharkey’s Heavyweight Battle
Jack Sharkey’s path to the heavyweight title included two of boxing’s strangest championship decisions. In 1930, he lost to Max Schmeling by disqualification after a low blow. Two years later, he beat Schmeling in a disputed split decision to claim the championship. Earlier, in 1927, he suffered a knockout loss to Jack Dempsey that became famous for Sharkey’s momentary turn toward the referee. Emotional, talented and often caught in the middle of controversy, the Boston-based contender made heavyweight history in a turbulent era.
A Boston contender with a sharp edge
Born Joseph Paul Zukauskas in Binghamton, New York, in 1902, Sharkey was the son of Lithuanian immigrants and grew up around Boston. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he began his professional career in 1924. He quickly rose through a crowded heavyweight division, earning a reputation as a clever boxer with real power and a combustible temperament. The ring name “Jack Sharkey” and nickname “the Boston Gob” became part of his public persona.
The Dempsey fight and an infamous pause
Sharkey met former champion Jack Dempsey at Yankee Stadium on July 21, 1927, in a title eliminator. In the seventh round, Sharkey turned toward referee Jack O’Sullivan to protest what he believed was a low blow. Dempsey landed a left hook and knocked him out. BoxRec’s account of the Dempsey–Sharkey bout records the date, referee and disputed finish. Sharkey had been competitive against one of the era’s greatest champions.
Two fights with Schmeling, two disputed verdicts
When Gene Tunney retired, Sharkey and Schmeling fought for the vacant championship in 1930. Sharkey was disqualified in the fourth round for a low blow—making it the first heavyweight title fight decided by disqualification. In the rematch at Madison Square Garden Bowl on June 21, 1932, Sharkey won a 15-round split decision. The verdict was widely disputed, but it made him heavyweight champion at last.
His reign lasted just over a year. On June 29, 1933, Primo Carnera knocked Sharkey out in the sixth round to take the title. Sharkey continued fighting and faced Joe Louis in his final bout in 1936. He later worked as a referee and remained in the Boston area. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994 and died that year at 91.
Further reading
PBS American Experience: Boxers of the Golden Age · PBS American Experience: Max Schmeling and the 1930 title fight · Los Angeles Times: Jack Sharkey, 1902–1994
Sources
Article Tags
Jack Sharkey, Boxing, Boxing History, Championship Fights, Combat Sports
