- Rocky Kansas
Infobox_Boxer
name = Rocky Kansas
nationality = flagicon|United StatesUSA
realname = Rocco Tozzo
weight =Welterweight
birth_date = 1895-04-21
birth_place = Buffalo, NY
death_date=death date and age|1954|01|10|1895|04|21|mf=y
style = Southpaw
total = 171
wins = 125
KO = 39
losses = 27
draws = 13
no contests = 6Rocky Kansas was a tough, short (
5'2" tall) formerlightweight champion of the world. He was born Rocco Tozzo onApril 21 ,1895 in Buffalo,New York and died onJanuary 10 ,1954 .Kansas turned pro in 1911 and lost just two official decisions in his first 75 fights. In 1914, he faced his first contender, Johnny Dundee, losing a Newspaper Decision. Kansas also faced
featherweight ChampionJohnny Kilbane in a non-title match, but lost the Newspaper Decision.During his career Kansas faced the cream of the featherweight and lightweight divisions. On
February 28 ,1916 , Kansas fought the all-time greatBenny Leonard . Although, Kansas managed to last the full 10 rounds for a No-Decision, he received a boxing lesson from Leonard.In 1921 he met
Richie Mitchell , a highly regarded Lightweight out ofMilwaukee . In the first round Kansas pinned Mitchell against the ropes and knocked him out. Kansas then landed a non-title shot against Benny Leonard, but was again handily out boxed.Kansas then came up with another upset victory-this time over Southpaw
Lew Tendler in a close 10 round decision. The victory landed him a title shot at Leonard's lightweight crown. In an exciting fight, Leonard was awarded the unanimous decision.The two fought yet again. This time Leonard TKOed him in the eleventh round.
Leonard retired and Kansas was given his third title shot against
Jimmy Goodrich , who claimed the title after Leonard's retirement. Kansas was able to get inside on Goodrich and won all but one of the first 13 rounds. Kansas was awarded the 15 round decision, and after over 14 years of professional fighting, Rocky Kansas was finally a champion.His glory was short lived. On
July 3 ,1926 he defended against 22-year-oldSammy Mandell . Mandell outboxed Kansas to win the title.Kansas retired after the loss. Like many others, he was wiped out in the Stock Market Crash of 1929.
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
