Rudell Stitch

Rudell Stitch (January 26, 1933 - June 5, 1960), was a professional boxer from Louisville, Kentucky. He was once ranked as the #2 welterweight contender in the world.

As an amateur, Stitch won Kentucky state titles in 1951, 1952, 1953, 1955, and 1956.

With Bud Bruner as his manager and trainer, Stitch started his professional boxing career in 1956. He fought numerous contenders, including Isaac Logart, Yama Bahama, Chico Vejar, Gasper Ortega, Luis Manuel Rodriguez, Ralph Dupas, Holly Mims, and Stan Harrington.

Stitch's first fight with Gasper Ortega illustrated his character. In the third round, there was an accidental clash of heads. Stitch wasn't hurt, but Ortega was staggering around. Stitch backed away and let Ortega's head clear. Stitch didn't believe in taking advantage of an opponent in such a situation. Ortega went on to win by decision, but Stitch's sportsmanship earned him much respect. Three months later, they had a rematch and Stitch won by decision.

In 1958, Stitch saved a man from drowning in the Ohio River. For his bravery, he received a medal from the Carnegie Hero Fund.

On June 6, 1960, Stitch drowned in the Ohio River while trying to save his friend, Charles Oliver.Oliver had slipped and fell from a ledge. He grabbed Stitch, and they both went into the river. As he was swimming back to shore, Stitch heard Oliver yelling, and he went back to get him. Oliver grabbed onto Stitch, and they both went under. They both drowned.

For his tremendous sacrifice, Stitch posthumously received another medal from the Carnegie Hero Fund. Only three other people have received two Carnegie Hero Fund medals. The year after Stitch's death, the National Boxing Association presented his family with the first annual Rudell Stitch Sportsmanship Award.

Stitch was survived by his wife, his daughter, and his five sons.

Sources

*"Boxing Illustrated" April 1961
*"The Courier-Journal" November 25, 2005

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