Hubbry Logo
Joe ChoynskiJoe ChoynskiMain
Open search
Joe Choynski
Community hub
Joe Choynski
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Joe Choynski
Joe Choynski
from Wikipedia

Joseph Bartlett Choynski (/ˈɔɪnski/; November 8, 1868 – January 24, 1943) was an American boxer who fought professionally from 1888 to 1904.[1]

Key Information

Boxing career

[edit]

"Chrysanthemum Joe", the son of a Jewish Polish immigrant who settled in California in 1867, weighed no more than 176 lb (80 kg) throughout his career but regularly fought heavyweights. He was considered a heavy puncher and a dangerous fighter.

Jack Johnson standing behind Joe Choynski. 1909 Chicago Daily News photo

In fact, James J. Jeffries claimed that the hardest blow he ever received in a bout came from Choynski during their 20-round draw. During that bout, Choynski hit Jeffries with a right hand so powerful that the punch drove one of Jeffries' teeth into his lip. The tooth was lodged so deeply that one of Jeffries' cornermen was forced to cut it out with a knife between rounds.

A contemporary of heavyweight champion "Gentleman Jim" (James J. Corbett), the two fought professionally three times. Both were from the San Francisco area, and thus generated a lot of local interest in their rivalry. The highlight of their series of bouts was fought on June 5, 1889, on a barge off the coast of Benicia, California.

The principals agreed that the bout was to be fought wearing two ounce gloves. Corbett had apparently hurt his hand, and Choynski learned of the injury. Accordingly, Choynski "forgot" to bring his gloves to the match, thereby hoping the fight would proceed as a bare-knuckle bout. Corbett, however, declined to fight bare-knuckle, but agreed to allow Choynski to wear leather riding gloves borrowed from a spectator. The riding gloves were seamed, and caused Corbett to suffer many cuts and welts. Nevertheless, Corbett won the legendary bout when he KOed Choynski in the 27th round.

In 1892 he KOd a 39-year-old legend in Boston's George Godfrey.

Choynski was never given an opportunity to fight for the heavyweight title, but enjoyed some stunning successes against famed heavyweights James J. Jeffries and Jack Johnson before they became champions. For example, he held the heavier, larger, and stronger Jeffries to a 20-round draw on November 30, 1892. On February 25, 1901, he faced and KO'ed the young Jack Johnson in three rounds. He then began to train Johnson, helping the younger man develop the style that enabled him to become world champion.

Choynski also fought six-round draws with two other men who later claimed the heavyweight championship of the world: Bob Fitzsimmons on June 17, 1894, and Marvin Hart on November 16, 1903.

Personal life

[edit]

Choynski was born in San Francisco to a Jewish family, the son of Harriet (née Ashim) and Isidor Nathan Choynski.[2][3][4] He had 4 siblings, Herbert, Miriam, Maurice, and Edwin.[3]

In 1895, Choynski married Louise Anderson Miller, an actress, in Cincinnati, Ohio.[2]

Halls of Fame

[edit]

In 1998, Choynski’s ability and ring-record were officially recognised by his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Choynski, who was Jewish, was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.[5]


Professional boxing record

[edit]

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[6] unless otherwise stated.

Official record

[edit]
86 fights 57 wins 14 losses
By knockout 39 10
By decision 15 4
By disqualification 3 0
Draws 6
No contests 4
Newspaper decisions/draws 5

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

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
86 Win 57–14–6 (9) Jack Williams NWS 6 Nov 21, 1904 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
85 Loss 57–14–6 (8) Kid Carter KO 1 (15) Jan 19, 1904 Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
84 Loss 57–13–6 (8) Marvin Hart NWS 6 Nov 16, 1903 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
83 Win 57–13–6 (7) Nick Burley KO 7 (10) Aug 7, 1903 D.A.A.A. Rink, Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada
82 Loss 56–13–6 (7) Nick Burley KO 2 (10) Jun 25, 1903 D.A.A.A. Rink, Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada
81 Loss 56–12–6 (7) Philadelphia Jack O'Brien NWS 6 Mar 30, 1903 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
80 Win 56–12–6 (6) Peter Maher KO 2 (6) Jan 26, 1903 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
79 Win 55–12–6 (6) Frank Childs PTS 6 Dec 1, 1901 Lyceum A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
78 Loss 54–12–6 (6) Philadelphia Jack O'Brien PTS 6 Sep 29, 1901 America A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
77 Win 54–11–6 (6) Al Weinig KO 6 (20) May 2, 1901 Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
76 Loss 53–11–6 (6) Kid Carter KO 1 (6) Mar 24, 1901 American A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Lost American light-heavyweight title
75 Win 53–10–6 (6) Wild Bill Hanrahan KO 5 (20) Mar 7, 1901 Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. Claimed vacant American light-heavyweight title
74 Win 52–10–6 (6) Jack Johnson KO 3 (20) Feb 25, 1901 Harmony Hall, Galveston, Texas, U.S.
73 Win 51–10–6 (6) Fred Russell DQ 4 (10) Nov 2, 1900 Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
72 Win 50–10–6 (6) John Matthews PTS 3 Aug 8, 1900 Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
71 Win 49–10–6 (6) Jimmy Smith KO 2 (?) Aug 8, 1900 Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
70 Loss 48–10–6 (6) Tom Sharkey TKO 3 (6) May 8, 1900 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
69 Loss 48–9–6 (6) Barbados Joe Walcott TKO 7 (25) Feb 23, 1900 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
68 Win 48–8–6 (6) Peter Maher PTS 6 Feb 16, 1900 2nd Regiment Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
67 Win 47–8–6 (6) M Woods RTD 2 (?) Feb 11, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
66 Loss 46–8–6 (6) Charles Kid McCoy RTD 4 (25) Jan 12, 1900 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
65 Win 46–7–6 (6) Tom Carey KO 2 (15) Nov 4, 1899 Olympic A.C., Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
64 Win 45–7–6 (6) Steve O'Donnell KO 6 (6) Oct 27, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
63 Win 44–7–6 (6) Dick Moore KO 3 (20) Oct 23, 1899 St. Louis A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
62 Win 43–7–6 (6) Australian Jim Ryan KO 7 (20) Oct 20, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
61 Draw 42–7–6 (6) Charles Kid McCoy PTS 6 Oct 6, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
60 NC 42–7–5 (6) Ed Dunkhorst NC ? (20) Sep 30, 1899 Colorado A.A., Denver, Colorado, U.S. Bout Scheduled as finale of Colorado Sporting Festival. No result found
59 Win 42–7–5 (5) Jim Hall KO 3 (20) Sep 25, 1899 Nonpareil A.C., Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. Retained world light-heavyweight title
58 Win 41–7–5 (5) Australian Jim Ryan PTS 20 Aug 29, 1899 Auditorium for fistic carnival, Dubuque, Iowa, U.S. Won inaugural world light-heavyweight title
57 Win 40–7–5 (5) Mexican Pete Everett DQ 7 (25) Aug 4, 1899 Colorado A.A., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
56 Win 39–7–5 (5) Jack McCormick PTS 6 Jul 21, 1899 Dearborn A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
55 ND 38–7–5 (5) Willard Bean ND 10 Apr 17, 1899 New Grand Theatre, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
54 Loss 38–7–5 (4) Charles Kid McCoy PTS 20 Mar 24, 1899 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
53 Win 38–6–5 (4) Ed Dunkhorst PTS 6 Dec 19, 1898 Fort Dearborn A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
52 Loss 37–6–5 (4) Gus Ruhlin PTS 6 Nov 4, 1898 Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
51 Win 37–5–5 (4) Joe Goddard NWS 6 Sep 12, 1898 Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
50 Draw 37–5–5 (3) Tom Sharkey PTS 8 (20) Mar 11, 1898 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Choynski fell out of the ring and the fight was declared a draw
49 Draw 37–5–4 (3) James J. Jeffries PTS 20 Nov 30, 1897 National A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
48 Win 37–5–3 (3) Herman Bernau TKO 4 (6) Oct 11, 1897 Grand Opera House, Galveston, Texas, U.S.
47 Win 36–5–3 (3) Denver Ed Smith DQ 4 (20) May 10, 1897 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
46 Win 35–5–3 (3) Frank Dwyer PTS 4 Jan 2, 1897 Allegheny Theater, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
45 Loss 34–5–3 (3) Peter Maher KO 6 (20) Nov 16, 1896 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
44 Win 34–4–3 (3) Joe McAuliffe KO 4 (10) Aug 28, 1896 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
43 Loss 33–4–3 (3) Tom Sharkey PTS 8 Apr 16, 1896 People's Palace Theater, San Francisco, California, U.S.
42 Win 33–3–3 (3) Jim Hall KO 13 (20) Jan 20, 1896 Empire A.C., Maspeth, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
41 Win 32–3–3 (3) Frank Childs KO 3 (3) Nov 15, 1895 Sam T. Jack's Opera House, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
40 Win 31–3–3 (3) Dick Wilson KO 2 (?) Aug 20, 1895 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
39 Win 30–3–3 (3) Jack Cattanach KO 2 (10) Jun 3, 1895 Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
38 Draw 29–3–3 (3) Dan Creedon PTS 6 Mar 21, 1895 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Pre-arranged draw if no KO
37 Win 29–3–2 (3) Mike Madden PTS 4 Mar 11, 1895 Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
36 Win 28–3–2 (3) Jim Douglass PTS 3 Feb 25, 1895 Triangle AC, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
35 Draw 27–3–2 (3) Bob Armstrong PTS 6 Sep 19, 1894 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
34 Win 27–3–1 (3) Mike Boden KO 3 (4) Sep 17, 1894 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
33 Win 26–3–1 (3) Harry Miller RTD 3 (6) Sep 15, 1894 People's Theater, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
32 Draw 25–3–1 (3) Bob Fitzsimmons PTS 5 (8) Jun 18, 1894 Boston Theater, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Choynski was down and bloodied when the police stepped in
and would likely have been knocked out had the fight continued
The bout was declared a draw. Pre-fight agreement that the fight could only be won via KO
31 Win 25–3 (3) Tommy West PTS 3 Feb 6, 1893 Portland, Oregon, U.S.
30 Win 24–3 (3) Mike Boden KO 4 (?) Dec 29, 1892 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
29 Win 23–3 (3) Bob Ferguson PTS 4 Dec 29, 1892 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
28 Win 22–3 (3) Jack Fallon KO 4 (?) Nov 26, 1892 Ariel A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
27 Win 21–3 (3) Denny Kelliher PTS 2 Nov 24, 1892 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
26 Win 20–3 (3) Charles C. Smith KO 4 (?) Nov 21, 1892 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
25 Win 19–3 (3) George Godfrey KO 15 (?) Oct 31, 1892 Coney Island A.C., Coney Island, New York, U.S.
24 Win 18–3 (3) Jack Hart PTS 3 May 29, 1892 London, England, U.K.
23 Win 17–3 (3) William Patmore KO 1 (?) May 27, 1892 London, England, U.K.
22 Win 16–3 (3) Mike Horrigan KO 1 (?) May 24, 1892 London, England, U.K.
21 Win 15–3 (3) Denver Ed Smith PTS 4 Apr 30, 1892 Ariel A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
20 Win 14–3 (3) Philadelphia Tommy Ryan KO 2 (?) Apr 22, 1892 Niblo's Theatre, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Not to be confused with Tommy Ryan
19 Win 13–3 (3) Charles Bull McCarthy KO 2 (?) Apr 21, 1892 Clermont Rink, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
18 Win 12–3 (3) Jerry Slattery KO 2 (?) Apr 19, 1892 Niblo's Theatre, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
17 Win 11–3 (3) Joe Godfrey KO 1 (?) Apr 9, 1892 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
16 Loss 10–3 (3) Jim Hall NWS 4 Apr 2, 1892 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
15 Win 10–3 (2) Billy Woods KO 34 (?) Dec 17, 1891 Pacific A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
14 Loss 9–3 (2) Joe Goddard KO 4 (20) Jul 20, 1891 Melbourne Athletic Club, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia For Australian heavyweight title
13 Win 9–2 (2) Owen Sullivan KO 2 (8) Jun 20, 1891 Melbourne Athletic Club, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
12 Win 8–2 (2) Mick Dooley KO 2 May 25, 1891 Melbourne Athletic Club, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia A finish fight
11 Loss 7–2 (2) Joe Goddard RTD 4 (20) Feb 10, 1891 Sydney Amateur Gymnastic Club, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia For Australian heavyweight title
10 Win 7–1 (2) Jim Fogarty RTD 10 Nov 24, 1890 Australian AC, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia A finish fight
9 Win 6–1 (2) Jack Davies KO 9 (?) May 26, 1890 Occidental A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
8 Win 5–1 (2) Billy Wilson KO 2 (?) Mar 26, 1890 Golden Gate A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
7 Win 4–1 (2) Frank McLarney KO 2 (?) Jan 25, 1890 Portland, Oregon, U.S.
6 ND 3–1 (2) Billy McCarthy ND 4 Aug 27, 1889 California A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
5 Loss 3–1 (1) James J. Corbett KO 27 (?) Jun 5, 1889 Benicia Harbor, California, U.S.
4 NC 3–0 (1) James J. Corbett NC 4 (?) May 30, 1889 San Francisco, California, U.S. Bout stopped by the police
3 Win 3–0 Frank Glover KO 14 Feb 26, 1889 San Francisco, California, U.S. A finish fight
2 Win 2–0 H McDonald PTS 3 Dec 26, 1888 San Francisco, California, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 George Bush KO 2 (?) Nov 14, 1888 San Francisco, California, U.S.

Unofficial record

[edit]
86 fights 59 wins 17 losses
By knockout 39 10
By decision 17 7
By disqualification 3 0
Draws 6
No contests 4

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

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
86 Win 59–17–6 (4) Jack Williams NWS 6 Nov 21, 1904 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
85 Loss 58–17–6 (4) Kid Carter KO 1 (15) Jan 19, 1904 Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
84 Loss 58–16–6 (4) Marvin Hart NWS 6 Nov 16, 1903 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
83 Win 58–15–6 (4) Nick Burley KO 7 (10) Aug 7, 1903 D.A.A.A. Rink, Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada
82 Loss 57–15–6 (4) Nick Burley KO 2 (10) Jun 25, 1903 D.A.A.A. Rink, Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada
81 Loss 57–14–6 (4) Philadelphia Jack O'Brien NWS 6 Mar 30, 1903 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
80 Win 57–13–6 (4) Peter Maher KO 2 (6) Jan 26, 1903 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
79 Win 56–13–6 (4) Frank Childs PTS 6 Dec 1, 1901 Lyceum A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
78 Loss 55–13–6 (4) Philadelphia Jack O'Brien PTS 6 Sep 29, 1901 America A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
77 Win 55–12–6 (4) Al Weinig KO 6 (20) May 2, 1901 Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
76 Loss 54–12–6 (4) Kid Carter KO 1 (6) Mar 24, 1901 American A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Lost American light-heavyweight title
75 Win 54–11–6 (4) Wild Bill Hanrahan KO 5 (20) Mar 7, 1901 Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. Claimed vacant American light-heavyweight title
74 Win 53–11–6 (4) Jack Johnson KO 3 (20) Feb 25, 1901 Harmony Hall, Galveston, Texas, U.S.
73 Win 52–11–6 (4) Fred Russell DQ 4 (10) Nov 2, 1900 Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
72 Win 51–11–6 (4) John Matthews PTS 3 Aug 8, 1900 Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
71 Win 50–11–6 (4) Jimmy Smith KO 2 (?) Aug 8, 1900 Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
70 Loss 49–11–6 (4) Tom Sharkey TKO 3 (6) May 8, 1900 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
69 Loss 49–10–6 (4) Barbados Joe Walcott TKO 7 (25) Feb 23, 1900 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
68 Win 49–9–6 (4) Peter Maher PTS 6 Feb 16, 1900 2nd Regiment Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
67 Win 48–9–6 (4) M Woods RTD 2 (?) Feb 11, 1900 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
66 Loss 47–9–6 (4) Charles Kid McCoy RTD 4 (25) Jan 12, 1900 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
65 Win 47–8–6 (4) Tom Carey KO 2 (15) Nov 4, 1899 Olympic A.C., Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
64 Win 46–8–6 (4) Steve O'Donnell KO 6 (6) Oct 27, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
63 Win 45–8–6 (4) Dick Moore KO 3 (20) Oct 23, 1899 St. Louis A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
62 Win 44–8–6 (4) Australian Jim Ryan KO 7 (20) Oct 20, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
61 Draw 43–8–6 (4) Charles Kid McCoy PTS 6 Oct 6, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
60 NC 43–8–5 (4) Ed Dunkhorst NC ? (20) Sep 30, 1899 Colorado A.A., Denver, Colorado, U.S. Bout Scheduled as finale of Colorado Sporting Festival. No result found
59 Win 43–8–5 (3) Jim Hall KO 3 (20) Sep 25, 1899 Nonpareil A.C., Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. Retained world light-heavyweight title
58 Win 42–8–5 (3) Australian Jim Ryan PTS 20 Aug 29, 1899 Auditorium for fistic carnival, Dubuque, Iowa, U.S. Won inaugural world light-heavyweight title
57 Win 41–8–5 (3) Mexican Pete Everett DQ 7 (25) Aug 4, 1899 Colorado A.A., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
56 Win 40–8–5 (3) Jack McCormick PTS 6 Jul 21, 1899 Dearborn A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
55 ND 39–8–5 (3) Willard Bean ND 10 Apr 17, 1899 New Grand Theatre, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
54 Loss 39–8–5 (2) Charles Kid McCoy PTS 20 Mar 24, 1899 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
53 Win 39–7–5 (2) Ed Dunkhorst PTS 6 Dec 19, 1898 Fort Dearborn A.C., Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
52 Loss 38–7–5 (2) Gus Ruhlin PTS 6 Nov 4, 1898 Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
51 Win 38–6–5 (2) Joe Goddard NWS 6 Sep 12, 1898 Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
50 Draw 37–6–5 (2) Tom Sharkey PTS 8 (20) Mar 11, 1898 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Choynski fell out of the ring and the fight was declared a draw
49 Draw 37–6–4 (2) James J. Jeffries PTS 20 Nov 30, 1897 National A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
48 Win 37–6–3 (2) Herman Bernau TKO 4 (6) Oct 11, 1897 Grand Opera House, Galveston, Texas, U.S.
47 Win 36–6–3 (2) Denver Ed Smith DQ 4 (20) May 10, 1897 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
46 Win 35–6–3 (2) Frank Dwyer PTS 4 Jan 2, 1897 Allegheny Theater, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
45 Loss 34–6–3 (2) Peter Maher KO 6 (20) Nov 16, 1896 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
44 Win 34–5–3 (2) Joe McAuliffe KO 4 (10) Aug 28, 1896 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
43 Loss 33–5–3 (2) Tom Sharkey PTS 8 Apr 16, 1896 People's Palace Theater, San Francisco, California, U.S.
42 Win 33–4–3 (2) Jim Hall KO 13 (20) Jan 20, 1896 Empire A.C., Maspeth, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
41 Win 32–4–3 (2) Frank Childs KO 3 (3) Nov 15, 1895 Sam T. Jack's Opera House, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
40 Win 31–4–3 (2) Dick Wilson KO 2 (?) Aug 20, 1895 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
39 Win 30–4–3 (2) Jack Cattanach KO 2 (10) Jun 3, 1895 Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
38 Draw 29–4–3 (2) Dan Creedon PTS 6 Mar 21, 1895 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Pre-arranged draw if no KO
37 Win 29–4–2 (2) Mike Madden PTS 4 Mar 11, 1895 Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
36 Win 28–4–2 (2) Jim Douglass PTS 3 Feb 25, 1895 Triangle AC, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
35 Draw 27–4–2 (2) Bob Armstrong PTS 6 Sep 19, 1894 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
34 Win 27–4–1 (2) Mike Boden KO 3 (4) Sep 17, 1894 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
33 Win 26–4–1 (2) Harry Miller RTD 3 (6) Sep 15, 1894 People's Theater, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
32 Draw 25–4–1 (2) Bob Fitzsimmons PTS 5 (8) Jun 18, 1894 Boston Theater, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Choynski was down and bloodied when the police stepped in
and would likely have been knocked out had the fight continued
The bout was declared a draw. Pre-fight agreement that the fight could only be won via KO
31 Win 25–4 (2) Tommy West PTS 3 Feb 6, 1893 Portland, Oregon, U.S.
30 Win 24–4 (2) Mike Boden KO 4 (?) Dec 29, 1892 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
29 Win 23–4 (2) Bob Ferguson PTS 4 Dec 29, 1892 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
28 Win 22–4 (2) Jack Fallon KO 4 (?) Nov 26, 1892 Ariel A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
27 Win 21–4 (2) Denny Kelliher PTS 2 Nov 24, 1892 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
26 Win 20–4 (2) Charles C. Smith KO 4 (?) Nov 21, 1892 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
25 Win 19–4 (2) George Godfrey KO 15 (?) Oct 31, 1892 Coney Island A.C., Coney Island, New York, U.S.
24 Win 18–4 (2) Jack Hart PTS 3 May 29, 1892 London, England, U.K.
23 Win 17–4 (2) William Patmore KO 1 (?) May 27, 1892 London, England, U.K.
22 Win 16–4 (2) Mike Horrigan KO 1 (?) May 24, 1892 London, England, U.K.
21 Win 15–4 (2) Denver Ed Smith PTS 4 Apr 30, 1892 Ariel A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
20 Win 14–4 (2) Philadelphia Tommy Ryan KO 2 (?) Apr 22, 1892 Niblo's Theatre, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Not to be confused with Tommy Ryan
19 Win 13–4 (2) Charles Bull McCarthy KO 2 (?) Apr 21, 1892 Clermont Rink, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
18 Win 12–4 (2) Jerry Slattery KO 2 (?) Apr 19, 1892 Niblo's Theatre, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
17 Win 11–4 (2) Joe Godfrey KO 1 (?) Apr 9, 1892 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
16 Loss 10–4 (2) Jim Hall NWS 4 Apr 2, 1892 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
15 Win 10–3 (2) Billy Woods KO 34 (?) Dec 17, 1891 Pacific A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
14 Loss 9–3 (2) Joe Goddard KO 4 (20) Jul 20, 1891 Melbourne Athletic Club, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia For Australian heavyweight title
13 Win 9–2 (2) Owen Sullivan KO 2 (8) Jun 20, 1891 Melbourne Athletic Club, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
12 Win 8–2 (2) Mick Dooley KO 2 May 25, 1891 Melbourne Athletic Club, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia A finish fight
11 Loss 7–2 (2) Joe Goddard RTD 4 (20) Feb 10, 1891 Sydney Amateur Gymnastic Club, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia For Australian heavyweight title
10 Win 7–1 (2) Jim Fogarty RTD 10 Nov 24, 1890 Australian AC, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia A finish fight
9 Win 6–1 (2) Jack Davies KO 9 (?) May 26, 1890 Occidental A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
8 Win 5–1 (2) Billy Wilson KO 2 (?) Mar 26, 1890 Golden Gate A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
7 Win 4–1 (2) Frank McLarney KO 2 (?) Jan 25, 1890 Portland, Oregon, U.S.
6 ND 3–1 (2) Billy McCarthy ND 4 Aug 27, 1889 California A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
5 Loss 3–1 (1) James J. Corbett KO 27 (?) Jun 5, 1889 Benicia Harbor, California, U.S.
4 NC 3–0 (1) James J. Corbett NC 4 (?) May 30, 1889 San Francisco, California, U.S. Bout stopped by the police
3 Win 3–0 Frank Glover KO 14 Feb 26, 1889 San Francisco, California, U.S. A finish fight
2 Win 2–0 H McDonald PTS 3 Dec 26, 1888 San Francisco, California, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 George Bush KO 2 (?) Nov 14, 1888 San Francisco, California, U.S.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Joseph Bartlett Choynski, known as "Chrysanthemum Joe," was an American professional boxer active from 1888 to 1904, celebrated for his devastating punching power and battles against several future world champions despite never capturing a major title himself. Born on November 8, 1868, in , , to a Polish Jewish immigrant father and an English-born Jewish mother, Choynski weighed around 165 pounds throughout his career and competed primarily in the light heavyweight and divisions. He amassed a professional record of 57 wins (41 by ), 14 losses, and 6 draws over 81 bouts, earning a reputation as one of the hardest hitters of his era. Choynski began boxing as an amateur in 1884, winning the Pacific Coast championship in 1887 before turning professional the following year. His early career featured intense rivalries, including three fights against James J. Corbett in 1889—resulting in one no-contest and two losses for Choynski—but these bouts helped establish him as a formidable contender on the West Coast boxing scene. In 1897, he fought future heavyweight champion James J. Jeffries to a 20-round draw, showcasing his durability against larger opponents. Among his most notable achievements, Choynski claimed the vacant World Light Heavyweight Championship in August 1899 by defeating Australian Jimmy Ryan and defended it successfully in September 1899 with a third-round of Jim Hall, though he lost the title controversially in January 1900 to . He also secured one of his signature victories in February 1901, knocking out a young Jack Johnson in the third round in —a feat that marked Johnson's only knockout loss until much later in his career. Often nicknamed the "California Terror" for his aggressive style, Choynski was praised by contemporaries like Corbett, Fitzsimmons, and Jeffries as delivering some of the most powerful punches they had ever endured. After retiring in 1904, Choynski worked as a instructor, promoter, and referee, notably contributing to the organization of the 1910 Jack Johnson-James J. Jeffries fight. He passed away on January 25, 1943, in , , and was posthumously inducted into the in 1998 as one of the greatest Jewish heavyweights in history.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Joseph Bartlett Choynski was born on November 8, 1868, in , , to Jewish parents of Polish descent. His father, Isidor Nathan Choynski, was a Polish Jewish immigrant who arrived in the United States in the mid-19th century and worked as a , , newspaper publisher, and antiquarian bookseller in the growing city. Choynski's mother, Harriet Ashim, was of English origin. As the fourth of five children in a middle-class household, Choynski grew up alongside siblings Herbert, Miriam, Maurice, and Edwin. His older brother Herbert shared a competitive rivalry with the Corbett brothers in their youth, fostering an early environment of physical contests near their San Francisco neighborhood. Choynski's Jewish heritage profoundly shaped his identity, as he openly embraced it amid the vibrant post-Gold Rush Jewish community in , where Eastern European immigrants like his father contributed to cultural and intellectual life. This background influenced perceptions of him as a refined figure in , earning the "Chrysanthemum Joe" for his long, flowing hair and dandyish style. The era's booming , with its diverse immigrant enclaves, provided a dynamic setting for his formative years, marked by work in a candy factory before pursuing athletics.

Introduction to Boxing

Joe Choynski first encountered in the vibrant pugilistic scene during his mid-teens, around 1884, when the city served as a major hub for the sport amid the bare-knuckle era's popularity in . Growing up in a middle-class environment, Choynski, who had labored as a , was drawn to the local gyms and informal training spots where fighters honed their skills in the rough-and-tumble style of the time. His amateur career began shortly thereafter, featuring sessions and matches against local fighters throughout the , which built his reputation for speed, cunning, and devastating . By 1887, at age 19, Choynski captured the , a key milestone that showcased his potential before transitioning to professional ranks. These early experiences emphasized the bare-knuckle techniques prevalent in , where bouts often involved minimal rules and relied on endurance and raw aggression under the guidance of informal local mentors. Physically, Choynski entered the with a compact, powerful build suited to and divisions, standing at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing no more than 170 pounds throughout his early years, though he frequently challenged heavier opponents. This natural frame, combined with his , allowed him to excel in the fluid, defensive-oriented bare-knuckle style before the widespread adoption of gloved . As the son of a Polish Jewish immigrant in an era marked by , Choynski's entry into the ring also fostered a personal resilience that propelled his dedication to the .

Boxing Career

Early Professional Fights

Joe Choynski made his professional boxing debut on November 14, 1888, in , where he knocked out George Bush in the second round. This victory came shortly after his success as an , having won the amateur championship in 1887, which prepared him for the paid ranks. His early bouts were primarily against local opponents in the area, often under bare-knuckle or finish-to-finish rules common in the era, establishing him quickly in the and divisions. In December 1888, Choynski secured a points decision over H. McDonald in three rounds in , followed by a win against Frank Glover in February 1889, also in his hometown. A key early victory came on August 27, 1889, when he fought Billy McCarthy to a no-decision in four rounds at the California Athletic Club in , a bout that highlighted his rising prowess against competitive and fighters. Building momentum, Choynski achieved nine consecutive wins in 1889 after initial setbacks, six of which ended by , demonstrating his power and contributing to a string of quick finishes that bolstered his record. As Choynski transitioned to challenging slightly heavier opponents despite his own compact frame around 160 pounds, he ventured beyond , defeating Frank McLarney in , in January 1890. Additional regional triumphs included victories over Billy Wilson in March 1890 and Jack Davis in May 1890, both in , solidifying his presence on the West Coast. By late 1890, after a win over Jim Fogarty in Darlinghurst, , Choynski had earned the nickname "The California Terror" for his aggressive, hard-hitting style in these formative bouts.

Notable Heavyweight Bouts

Choynski's heavyweight challenge began with a high-profile bout against James J. Corbett on June 5, 1889, held on a barge anchored in Southampton Bay near Benicia, California, to evade local authorities prohibiting prizefights. The fight, which lasted 27 rounds under Marquis of Queensberry rules with two-ounce gloves, showcased Choynski's aggressive style against Corbett's scientific boxing, but Corbett landed a decisive knockout punch in the 27th round after Choynski had dominated earlier exchanges. This loss marked Choynski's entry into elite heavyweight contention, highlighting his durability despite the controversial offshore setting. In 1892, Choynski secured a significant victory over veteran George Godfrey, knocking him out in the 15th round on October 31 at the Athletic Club in , New York. The 15-round bout demonstrated Choynski's punching power against the 39-year-old Godfrey, a former colored heavyweight champion, as Choynski overcame early pressure to land the finishing blow after nearly an hour of fighting. This win elevated Choynski's status among heavyweights, proving his ability to handle seasoned opponents. Choynski's endurance was evident in his 20-round draw against future on November 30, 1897, at the National Athletic Club in , . Despite conceding over 50 pounds to the 219-pound Jeffries, Choynski landed a notable right hand early that embedded one of Jeffries' teeth into his lip, forcing the fight to a points draw after a grueling display of mutual respect and toughness. The bout underscored Choynski's reputation as one of the era's hardest punchers, even against larger foes. In 1899, Choynski claimed the vacant World Light Heavyweight Championship with a 20-round victory over Australian Jimmy Ryan on August 29 at the Dubuque Athletic Club in . He defended the title successfully on September 5, 1899, knocking out Jim Hall in the third round at the Metropolitan Club in . However, Choynski lost the title controversially via 12-round to on January 9, 1900, at the Broadway Athletic Club in . A clash with on June 18, 1894, at the Boston Theater in , , ended in a five-round draw due to police intervention, preventing a likely finish. Choynski, weighing 162 pounds, was bloodied and down when authorities halted the scheduled eight-round match, robbing Fitzsimmons of a potential victory in what was described as a gory battle. This interruption highlighted the legal challenges of at the time and Choynski's resilience under pressure. One of Choynski's most famous wins came against a young Jack Johnson on February 25, 1901, at Harmony Hall in , where he knocked out the 22-year-old in the third round with a right hand to the jaw. The illegal bout led to both fighters' arrest by Texas Rangers, and while sharing a jail cell for 23 days, Choynski mentored Johnson on fundamentals, influencing the future champion's career. Johnson later credited Choynski as the hardest hitter he faced pound-for-pound. Choynski closed his notable heavyweight run with a six-round draw against Marvin Hart on November 16, 1903, at the Washington Sporting Club in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The no-decision bout featured competitive exchanges, with Choynski holding his own against the rising Hart, who would later claim the heavyweight title, further affirming Choynski's prowess into his later career.

Later Career and Retirement

In the early 1900s, Choynski's professional bouts increasingly featured matchups against emerging heavyweights, resulting in a series of setbacks that underscored the physical challenges of his later years. On March 30, 1903, he lost a 6-round no-decision bout to Philadelphia Jack O'Brien at the Washington Sporting Club in Philadelphia, with newspapers awarding the decision to O'Brien. Later that year, Choynski dropped a decision to Nick Burley on June 25 in Dawson City, Yukon Territory, but rebounded with a knockout victory over the same opponent on August 7 in the same location. These contests highlighted the toll of competing against larger, younger fighters, as Choynski, typically weighing around 170 pounds, often conceded significant size advantages. Choynski's 1904 schedule began with a quick loss, as Kid Carter knocked him out in the first round of a 15-round bout on January 19 at the Criterion Athletic Club in . He returned later that year for what proved to be his final fight, securing a win over Jack Williams on November 4 at the Washington Sporting Club in after six rounds. At age 36, following this string of non-wins—including defeats to O'Brien, Burley, and Carter—Choynski chose to retire from active competition, ending a 20-year career that had seen him battle many of boxing's top heavyweights despite his lighter frame. The physical demands of these size-mismatched encounters, which frequently exposed him to punishing blows, contributed to his exit from the ring. His transition out of fighting was facilitated by prior experiences in coaching, such as the mentorship he provided to Jack Johnson during their shared imprisonment after their 1901 bout, where Choynski imparted defensive techniques that aided the future champion's development. In the years immediately following retirement, Choynski remained involved in the sport through training and promotional efforts in . He served as a trainer and referee for various athletic associations and contributed to the organization of high-profile events, including preparing for his 1910 comeback challenge against Johnson.

Personal Life

Marriage and Immediate Family

Joe Choynski married Louise Anderson Miller, an actress, on January 26, 1895, in , , after meeting her during his travels for matches. The couple had no children. Choynski was one of five siblings, including Herbert, Miriam, Maurice, and Edwin.

Later Years and Death

Following his retirement from professional boxing in 1904, Choynski settled in , , where he continued his involvement in as a trainer, promoter, and referee, and resided for the remainder of his life. He had married actress Louise Miller in in 1895, and after years of travel for his career, the couple made the city their long-term home. In his later years, Choynski maintained occasional connections to the sport, including public commentary on figures and events as late as 1943. Little is documented about specific health challenges tied to his career, though he endured the physical toll of an era marked by bare-knuckle and extended-round bouts. Choynski died on January 25, 1943, in at the age of 74. He was survived by his wife, Louise. Obituaries in major newspapers highlighted his legacy as one of the last great bare-knuckle fighters and a veteran of high-profile bouts against champions like and , with tributes emphasizing his punching power and toughness from contemporaries in the world. He was buried at Walnut Hills Cemetery in .

Legacy

Halls of Fame Inductions

Joe Choynski was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1991, recognizing him as a pioneering Jewish boxer who competed at the highest levels of the division despite his relatively small stature for the weight class. The ceremony took place at the in , , where the hall is located, honoring his contributions as one of the foremost Jewish athletes in history and his bouts against prominent figures that advanced the sport's visibility among Jewish communities. Choynski was also inducted into the Ring Magazine Hall of Fame in 1960. In 1998, Choynski was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the old-timer category, acknowledging his competitive performances against boxing legends such as James J. Corbett, Jim Jeffries, and Jack Johnson. The induction occurred during the annual ceremony in Canastota, New York, the site of the hall's museum, where inductees receive plaques commemorating their legacies; his selection emphasized his role in early heavyweight boxing and his reputation for toughness and punching power, as noted by contemporaries like Johnson.

Influence on Future Boxers

One of Joe Choynski's most direct influences on future boxers came through his mentorship of Jack Johnson following their February 25, 1901, bout in Galveston, Texas, where Choynski knocked out the 22-year-old Johnson in the third round. Both fighters were arrested for participating in an illegal contest and spent approximately 23 days in jail, during which Choynski provided daily instruction in the jail yard. He taught Johnson essential defensive techniques, including the "stick and move" method to evade punches, emphasizing that a fighter with Johnson's natural mobility "should never have to take a punch." Johnson later credited this period—where he claimed to have learned more about boxing in two weeks than in his entire prior experience—for refining his defensive mastery, which proved crucial to his development into a strategic counterpuncher. These skills contributed to Johnson's success in the heavyweight division, culminating in his 1908 victory over Tommy Burns to become the first African American world heavyweight champion, a title he held for seven years. Choynski also played a pivotal role in the transition from bare-knuckle to gloved , particularly on the West Coast, where he was a prominent figure during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Turning professional in 1888 amid the adoption of Marquis of Queensberry rules—which mandated padded gloves, three-minute rounds, and no wrestling—Choynski adapted his aggressive, power-oriented style to the new format while competing in and surrounding areas. His high-profile bouts, such as the 1889 series against on a in Benicia Harbor, showcased gloved fighting under these rules and helped popularize the safer, more technical approach in , influencing regional styles that emphasized footwork and punching precision over raw endurance. As one of the era's top pugilists bridging the old and the emerging gloved era, Choynski's career helped normalize padded gloves and structured rounds, setting precedents for West Coast promotions. Choynski's historical legacy as an challenger further inspired generations of smaller fighters navigating disparities. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and typically weighing around 170 pounds, he routinely faced opponents 30 to 70 pounds heavier in an era without a formal division until 1903, yet he compiled a strong professional record. His clever ring generalship, quick movement, and devastating left hook allowed him to compete against giants like Corbett, , and , earning praise from contemporaries as one of the hardest punchers of his time. This resilience as a perennial challenger—never securing a title shot despite his skill—positioned Choynski as a symbol of determination for undersized boxers, with his exploits frequently cited in early 20th-century literature as exemplars of tactical savvy over brute size. As a Jewish in an era rife with , Choynski's prominence broke ethnic barriers and paved the way for later minority figures in . Born in 1868 to Polish and English Jewish immigrants in , he openly embraced his heritage while achieving success against top competition, challenging stereotypes of Jewish physicality amid widespread prejudice. His father, Isidore Choynski, a who combated through his The , viewed Joe's career as an extension of this fight, proudly proclaiming in 1887 that Jewish were "getting heavy on their muscle." By mentoring Johnson and excelling in a discriminatory , Choynski contributed to greater representation, influencing the of Jewish boxers like and in the 1920s and 1930s.

Professional Boxing Record

Official Record Summary

Joe Choynski's verified professional boxing record, as compiled by from historical newspaper accounts and fight reports, includes 81 bouts from November 1888 to November 1904. He recorded 57 wins (41 by or technical knockout, approximately 72% of his victories; 16 by decision), 14 losses, and 6 draws, with no official no-contest listings though some early-era bouts were inconclusive due to interruptions. Record as compiled by as of November 2025. Choynski's wins comprised 41 knockouts and 16 decisions, underscoring his punching power in an era when fights often ended abruptly. His career transitioned from bare-knuckle contests under in the late 1880s to gloved bouts under Marquis of Queensberry rules by the mid-1890s, influencing fight durations and outcomes; early bare-knuckle matches frequently featured unlimited rounds, while later gloved fights were scheduled for fixed numbers, typically 10 to 20. Discrepancies in historical records, such as varying round counts or disputed decisions, arise from inconsistent contemporary reporting, but prioritizes verified results from primary sources like accounts. The following table summarizes key verified professional bouts, highlighting major opponents and results:
DateOpponentLocationResultMethod/Notes
June 5, 1889Benicia Harbor, CA (barge)LossKO in 27th round; bare-knuckle, unlimited rounds
July 7, 1894Langtry, TXDraw12 rounds; stopped by police, Queensberry rules
March 21, 1898, CADraw10 rounds; Queensberry rules
May 8, 1900Tattersall's, Chicago, ILLossTKO in 3rd round; Queensberry rules
February 25, 1901Jack JohnsonGalveston, TXWinKO in 3rd round; both arrested post-fight

Unofficial and Exhibition Bouts

During much of Joe Choynski's career, prizefighting was illegal in , leading to numerous bouts being conducted on barges anchored off the to evade , or billed as exhibitions to skirt regulations, though many devolved into full-contact contests with disputed outcomes not included in official records. These unofficial matches often occurred in informal venues like theaters or pavilions and were frequently interrupted by police, resulting in no-decision draws or unverified results based on newspaper accounts. One prominent example was Choynski's 1901 encounter with Jack Johnson in , advertised as a sparring exhibition but treated as a legitimate fight by Johnson; Choynski secured a third-round before both were arrested for violating Texas's ban on prizefights, spending 23 days in jail together. This bout, held in Johnson's hometown amid lax oversight, highlighted the era's regulatory ambiguities and was not sanctioned, though it later influenced Johnson's development as Choynski mentored him during their incarceration. In 1891, Choynski participated in an exhibition bout against heavyweight champion , conducted under non-competitive rules for demonstration purposes, with no formal decision recorded. Similarly, a 1900 exhibition with lasted four rounds without a decision, part of a series of sparring sessions that underscored Choynski's role in promotional events post his prime competitive years. Later, in 1910, after retiring, Choynski engaged in sparring exhibitions with during the latter's training camp for his comeback fight against Jack Johnson, including a three-round session noted for its intensity and Choynski's powerful punching display. Other disputed early-1890s matches, such as a May 1889 no-contest with halted by police after four rounds, exemplify the bare-knuckle illegals common in before formalized Queensberry rules, often resolved via unverified knockout claims in contemporary reports. These events, while not counted in standard tallies, contributed to Choynski's reputation as a durable power puncher in an unregulated era.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.