- Johnny Moneghan
Johnny Moneghan (Born:
1830 ;Liverpool, England ; Died: Unknown) was alightweight bare-knuckle boxer. He gained the recognition of becoming the first official Lightweight Champion of America. He stood 5’ 4 ½” and weighted approximately 124 pounds.Boxing career
Although we do not know a great deal about Johnny Moneghan, we do know that he was born in
Liverpool, England in1830 . [American Fistiana, 1857]After traveling to the United States, Moneghan settled in New York, and took on prize fighting. It is unknown how many contests he fought, but on
December 18 1855 he was proclaimed Lightweight Champion of America when he defeatedJames Hart after 45 rounds, and 51 minutes of fighting. The contest was held in Canada to avoid any police interference. [American Fistiana, 1855]Moneghan fought
James Hart again onJuly 19 1856 inBeverly, MA . This time he lost the contest and his title in the seventh round. [Boston Evening Transcript, 21 July 1856] This bout is often incorrectly listed by historians, including the late Nat Fleischer, and ending in the tenth round.Hart retired, and Moneghan immediately reclaimed the title, which he held until his battle with
Barney Aaron onSeptember 28 1857 . The two men fought nearProvidence, RI for 80 rounds and over three hours before Moneghan was forced to accept defeat. [New York Herald, 30 September, 1857]After losing his title, Moneghan continued to box for some time. On
July 19 1860 he defeatedHarry McLain in 80 rounds in Fort Ward, NY. [American Fistiana, 1860]After contesting in an exhibition in
1863 , his name no longer appears. His later life (and death) is still unknown.ee also
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List of bare-knuckle boxers References
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