Matt Wells (boxer)

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Mat Wells
Wells in 1911 as Lightweight Champ
Born(1886-12-14)14 December 1886
Walworth, London
Died27 June 1953(1953-06-27) (aged 66)
London, England
Statistics
Weight(s)Lightweight
Welterweight
Height5 ft 4 in (1.63 m)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights86
Wins50
Wins by KO7
Losses30
Draws3
No contests3

Matthew Wells (14 December 1886 – 27 June 1953) was a British professional boxer in the lightweight and welterweight divisions. In 1911, he held the Lightweight Championship of Great Britain, and in 1914 he claimed the Welterweight Championship of Britain and the Welterweight Championship of the World.

Biography[edit]

He was born in Walworth, London on 4 December 1886 and died in London on 27 June 1953.

Amateur career[edit]

During his amateur career, he held the Amateur Boxing Association British featherweight title, when boxing out of the Lynn ABC, from 1904 to 1907.[1][2]

Competing in the Olympics[edit]

He competed in the 1908 Summer Olympics in London. In the lightweight event he was eliminated in the quarter-finals after losing to Frederick Grace who later won the gold medal.[3]

Professional career[edit]

1911 British title[edit]

Freddie Welsh

Wells turned pro in 1909. On 27 February 1911, at the National Sporting Club in London he defeated Freddie Welsh in a twenty-round bout to win the lightweight championship of Great Britain and take home the Lonsdale belt, becoming the first Jewish boxer to hold the honor. The win simultaneously bestowed the EBU's (European Boxing Union) lightweight championship.[1][4][5]

On 2 June 1911, he defeated the great Jewish New York boxer Leach Cross at the Harlem Casino in New York by newspaper decision. The Montreal Gazette noted that the "bout went the full ten rounds, Wells having all the better of it." The New York Times agreed with the decision of the Gazette.[5] Wells delivered two hard blows in the ninth that proved his hitting power against a boxer who was noted for exceptional defensive skills.[6]

Remarkably, only three weeks after defeating Leach Cross, Wells defeated highly rated boxer "Philadelphia" Pal Moore on 24 June 1911 in a twelve round points decision at the Armory in Boston.[5] Moore fought a host of champions in his career.

Wells defeated "Knockout" Brown before an enthusiastic crowd as large as 14,000 on 30 August 1911 in a ten round newspaper decision at New York's famed Madison Square Garden. The bout was so popular, swarms of onlookers waiting to get in broke through the windows to gain entry. Wells employed a cool, well calculated defense which baffled Brown throughout the bout. Brown could not defend against Wells's left jab which played about his face at great speed, helping Wells to take as many as seven rounds.[7][8] The match was one of the first legal boxing matches in New York that allowed the purchase of tickets rather than a membership in a club, and the Garden was packed with fans. A near riot occurred as those who were turned away rushed into the auditorium to try to purchase additional tickets to obtain seating. Ten thousand were inside the Garden, with an additional five thousand outside hoping to obtain seats.[9] Wells used his right almost at will throughout the bout, and dodged the blows of Brown by shifting his body or back stepping with exceptional speed. Brown used an effective left and got in some strong blows to Wells's face, but they rarely fazed Wells, nor slowed his attack. He wisely crowded Brown in the tenth to avoid a long range haymaker that might cause a knockout.[10]

On 26 April 1912 he lost to the exceptional American boxer Packey McFarland at Madison Square Garden, in Manhattan, New York City. The Boston Globe considered McFarland the better boxer in each of the ten rounds, scoring with frequent right uppercuts to the face and body. As he repeatedly but cautiously found openings to use his right, McFarland allowed Wells to remain the aggressor with head down through much of the fight.[11] In major competition, McFarland was nearly undefeated, yet never managed to win a title.[12][13]

Abe Attell

Wells impressively defeated reigning World Featherweight Champion Abe Attell on 20 September 1911 in New York. Attell was nearing the end of his ten-year reign as champion and his bout with Wells was not made a title fight partly because he was outweighed by Wells. The Pittsburgh Press wrote the fight was "the greatest exhibition of scientific boxing that has been seen here in years. The Press went on to note that "although Attell was clearly outpointed, his defeat was not a disgrace or anything like it for Wells was heavier, stronger, taller, and had a longer reach."[5][14]

Wells defeated British boxer and former claimant of the 1907 British sanctioned World Bantamweight championship Owen Moran on 27 September 1913 in Sydney Stadium in Australia. Moran was a former contender for the World Featherweight championship against Abe Attell on New Years Day 1908 in Colma, California, but failed to knockout Attell in 25 rounds.

Wells defeated American Ray Bronson, former holder of the World Welterweight Championship, in a seventh round technical knockout in Sydney, Australia on 28 February 1914. Wells "inflicted severe punishment on the American" and his seconds threw in the towel at the end of the seventh round. Bronson, who considered retiring after the loss, would not fight again for a decade, and then retire.[15][16]

Tom McCormick

1914 title wins[edit]

On 21 March 1914 he won the Welterweight Championship of Britain and Welterweight Championship of the World by defeating Tom McCormick in a 20-round points decision at Sydney Stadium in New South Wales, Australia. On 1 June 1915, he lost the welterweight title to Mike Glover in a twelve-round decision at the arena in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Globe noted that Wells lacked the power he usually showed in his punch but was ready to mix with Glover, who had he been fighting less cautiously may have scored a knockout.[17] Wells competed for the British title again unsuccessfully against Johnny Basham on 13 November 1919 in Holborn Stadium in London.[5]

Wells lost decisively to future World Feather and Junior Lightweight champion Johnny Dundee in a twelve round points decision in Boston on 16 May 1916. In the one sided affair, Dundee jabbed and hooked Wells to the face and body throughout the bout. Dundee showed great blocking during the infighting where he also scored frequently and used fast footwork to elude punches.[18] Wells had previously lost to Dundee in a twelve round points decision before 3,500 fans on 10 December 1915 in New Haven that featured skilled blocking and countering throughout, but in which Dundee, the aggressor, always seemed to have the advantage.[19]

Wells succumbed to his only knockout on 11 July 1916, from the talented Chicago lightweight Charley White. In the fifth round, Wells' manager Danny Morgan stepped in to stop the fight. Wells was dazed by a left to the chest in the third round, though he fought on. At the end of the fourth, White caught Wells with a right hook as he rushed forward, putting him on the canvas for a count of five. He was down again for a count of eight from a left to the jaw. On the opening of the fifth, White went after Wells holding him with his right and battering him with his left. Wells's manager ended the bout a minute into the round.[20]

1919 title fight[edit]

Wells lost to Johnny Basham for the BBofC Welterweight Championship and the Commonwealth Welterweight Championship in a twenty round points decision in Holborn, England on 13 November 1919. The bloody affair involved too much clinching by Basham, and a too frequent use of head butts by Wells. By the eleventh, Wells, the older boxer by four years, was beginning to show signs of fatigue, but he never failed to mix when required. With a clear advantage, Basham excelled in long range fighting, having a reach advantage of several inches, but he seemed to have the better of the infighting as well. The eighteenth through twentieth rounds were all Basham's, who added to an already significant advantage in points, and though Wells took a beating and his face was bloody by the later rounds, he remained on his feet throughout the match.[21] Wells had formerly lost to Basham in a fifteen round points decision at the London Opera House on 22 March 1915. Welsh had gained a bit of weight prior to the match which may have affected his speed, and Basham had continued to improve his skills in the previous year.[22]

Ted "Kid" Lewis

On 26 December 1919, Wells lost to the accomplished English boxer Ted "Kid" Lewis in twelve of twenty rounds at Royal Albert Hall in Kensington. Lewis and Charley White became the only two boxers in Welles's career to stop him before the end of a fight.[1][5] Taking a serious beating, Wells's face was cut badly and his nose was broken, before he gave up the unequal struggle in the twelfth.[23]

He was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

Professional boxing record[edit]

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[24] unless otherwise stated.

Official record[edit]

85 fights 31 wins 18 losses
By knockout 7 2
By decision 22 14
By disqualification 2 2
Draws 2
No contests 3
Newspaper decisions/draws 31

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 31–18–2 (35) Jack Hart PTS 15 May 12, 1922 Premierland, Whitechapel, London, England
85 Win 30–18–2 (35) Stanley Glen PTS 15 Apr 17, 1922 Tredegar Road Drill Hall, Bow, London, England
84 Loss 29–18–2 (35) Ted Moore PTS 15 Dec 29, 1921 Premierland, Whitechapel, London, England
83 Win 29–17–2 (35) Clement Carlos TKO 13 (15) Oct 31, 1921 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England
82 Loss 28–17–2 (35) Seaman Nobby Hall PTS 15 Aug 31, 1921 Cosmopolitan Gymnasium, Plymouth, Devon, England
81 Win 28–16–2 (35) Joe Davis TKO 10 (15) Dec 11, 1920 The Dome, Brighton, Sussex, England
80 Win 27–16–2 (35) Kid Plested KO 6 (15) Nov 27, 1920 Tyneside Stadium, Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, England
79 Loss 26–16–2 (35) Ted Moore DQ 13 (20) Aug 7, 1920 The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, London, England
78 Win 26–15–2 (35) Joe Attwood TKO 5 (20) Jun 26, 1920 The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, London, England
77 Win 25–15–2 (35) Gus Platts PTS 20 Jun 12, 1920 Pheasant Inn Grounds, Carbrook, Yorkshire, England
76 Win 24–15–2 (35) Fred Newberry PTS 20 Jun 4, 1920 The Peoples' Palace, Mile End, London, England
75 Win 23–15–2 (35) Bermondsey Billy Wells DQ 15 (20) May 8, 1920 The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, London, England Billy Wells disqualified for butting Matt Wells in the stomach
74 Loss 22–15–2 (35) Ted Moore PTS 20 Apr 24, 1920 Palace Theatre, Plymouth, Devon, England
73 Loss 22–14–2 (35) Phil Bloom PTS 15 Mar 18, 1920 Holborn Stadium, Holborn, London, England
72 Loss 22–13–2 (35) Ted Kid Lewis RTD 12 (20) Dec 26, 1919 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England
71 Loss 22–12–2 (35) Johnny Basham PTS 20 Nov 13, 1919 Holborn Stadium, Holborn, London, England For Commonwealth and BBBofC British welterweight titles
70 Win 22–11–2 (35) Kid Carter PTS 20 Oct 20, 1919 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England
69 Win 21–11–2 (35) Harlem Eddie Kelly PTS 12 Oct 29, 1917 20th Century A.C., Pittsfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
68 Win 20–11–2 (35) Young Maxwell DQ 4 (?) Oct 9, 1917 Albany, New York, U.S. Some sources have this has a TKO win in four for Wells
while a few other sources have Wells losing by DQ in four
67 NC 19–11–2 (35) Charley White NC 9 (10) Oct 5, 1917 Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S. Bout stopped due to stalling
66 Win 19–11–2 (34) Frankie Nelson NWS 10 Sep 28, 1917 Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
65 Loss 19–11–2 (33) Bryan Downey NWS 12 Sep 17, 1917 Coliseum, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
64 Loss 19–11–2 (32) Bryan Downey NWS 10 Aug 27, 1917 Airdome A.C., Rochester, New York, U.S.
63 Win 19–11–2 (31) Kid Curley NWS 10 Jun 19, 1917 Urban Liberty Park, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
62 Win 19–11–2 (30) Phil Bloom NWS 10 Jun 16, 1917 Broadway S.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
61 Win 19–11–2 (29) Walter Mohr NWS 10 Jun 11, 1917 Airdome A.C., Rochester, New York, U.S.
60 Loss 19–11–2 (28) Lockport Jimmy Duffy PTS 10 May 25, 1917 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
59 Win 19–11–2 (27) Walter Mohr NWS 10 May 1, 1917 National S.C., Albany, New York, U.S.
58 Loss 19–11–2 (26) Lockport Jimmy Duffy NWS 10 Apr 10, 1917 Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
57 Loss 19–11–2 (25) Charley White TKO 5 (12) Jul 11, 1916 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
56 Loss 19–10–2 (25) Frankie Mack NWS 10 Jun 9, 1916 Genesee Arena, Rochester, New York, U.S.
55 Loss 19–10–2 (24) Johnny Dundee PTS 12 May 16, 1916 Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
54 Win 19–9–2 (24) Eddie Murphy PTS 12 Apr 18, 1916 Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
53 Loss 18–9–2 (24) Charley White PTS 15 Apr 6, 1916 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
52 Loss 18–8–2 (24) Charley White NWS 10 Mar 20, 1916 Broadway A.C., Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
51 Loss 18–8–2 (23) Johnny Griffiths NWS 12 Feb 29, 1916 Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
50 Win 18–8–2 (22) Charley White PTS 12 Jan 4, 1916 Hippodrome, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
49 Loss 17–8–2 (22) Johnny Dundee PTS 12 Dec 10, 1915 Italian Riverside Club, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
48 Loss 17–7–2 (22) Johnny Griffiths NWS 12 Nov 29, 1915 Akron, Ohio, U.S.
47 Loss 17–7–2 (21) Steve Latzo NWS 6 Nov 25, 1915 Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
46 Win 17–7–2 (20) Young Abe Brown NWS 10 Nov 19, 1915 Harlem S.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
45 Win 17–7–2 (19) Charley White NWS 10 Oct 29, 1915 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
44 Win 17–7–2 (18) Willie Schaefer NWS 10 Aug 7, 1915 Fairmont A.C., Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
43 Draw 17–7–2 (17) Young Neil NWS 10 Jul 13, 1915 Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
42 Loss 17–7–2 (16) Mike Glover PTS 12 Jun 1, 1915 Arena (Atlas A.A.), Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Lost world welterweight title
41 Loss 17–6–2 (16) Johnny Basham PTS 15 Mar 22, 1915 London Opera House, Kingsway, London, England
40 Win 17–5–2 (16) Gus Platts PTS 15 Jan 21, 1915 Liverpool Stadium, Pudsey Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, England
39 Win 16–5–2 (16) Young Nipper PTS 15 Oct 12, 1914 The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, London, England
38 Win 15–5–2 (16) Tom McCormick PTS 20 Mar 21, 1914 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia Won Commonwealth, BBBofC British, and world welterweight titles
37 Win 14–5–2 (16) Ray Bronson TKO 7 (20) Feb 28, 1914 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
36 Loss 13–5–2 (16) Herb McCoy PTS 20 Jan 17, 1914 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
35 Loss 13–4–2 (16) Harry Stone PTS 20 Nov 29, 1913 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
34 Loss 13–3–2 (16) Hughie Mehegan PTS 20 Nov 3, 1913 West Melbourne Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia For Australian lightweight title
33 Win 13–2–2 (16) Owen Moran PTS 20 Sep 27, 1913 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
32 Win 12–2–2 (16) Hughie Mehegan PTS 20 Aug 9, 1913 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
31 Win 11–2–2 (16) Hughie Mehegan PTS 20 Feb 24, 1913 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England
30 Win 10–2–2 (16) Johnny Basham KO 7 (15) Dec 26, 1912 Theatre, Swansea, Wales
29 Loss 9–2–2 (16) Freddie Welsh PTS 20 Nov 11, 1912 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England Lost IBU and NSC lightweight titles
28 Loss 9–1–2 (16) Hughie Mehegan DQ 14 (20) Sep 16, 1912 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England
27 Loss 9–0–2 (16) Bobby Wilson NWS 10 Jun 7, 1912 Oneida County A.A., Utica, New York, U.S.
26 Win 9–0–2 (15) Young Abe Brown NWS 10 Jun 5, 1912 Royale A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
25 Loss 9–0–2 (14) Packey McFarland NWS 10 Apr 26, 1912 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
24 Win 9–0–2 (13) Billy Donovan KO 5 (10) Oct 5, 1911 Olympic B.C., Toronto, Ontario, Canada Retained world lightweight title claim
23 Win 8–0–2 (13) Abe Attell NWS 10 Sep 20, 1911 Madison A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
22 Win 8–0–2 (12) Knockout Brown NWS 10 Aug 30, 1911 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
21 Win 8–0–2 (11) Willie Moody NWS 6 Jul 28, 1911 Fairhill S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
20 Win 8–0–2 (10) Dick Hyland NWS 10 Jul 19, 1911 Albany, New York, U.S.
19 Win 8–0–2 (9) Philadelphia Pal Moore PTS 12 Jun 24, 1911 Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
18 Win 7–0–2 (9) Leach Cross NWS 10 Jun 2, 1911 Harlem River Casino, New York City, New York, U.S.
17 Win 7–0–2 (8) Freddie Welsh PTS 20 Feb 27, 1911 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England Won IBU and NSC British lightweight titles
16 Win 6–0–2 (8) Jimmy Howard DQ 9 (10) Sep 13, 1910 Fairmont A.C., Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
15 Loss 5–0–2 (8) Paddy Sullivan NWS 10 Aug 8, 1910 Olympia Boxing Club, New York City, New York, U.S.
13 Win 5–0–2 (6) Johnny Dohan NWS 10 Jul 19, 1910 Fairmont A.C., New York, U.S.
12 Win 5–0–2 (5) Nick Muller NWS 8 Jul 8, 1910 Combine A.C., Yonkers, New York, U.S.
11 Win 5–0–2 (4) Billy Leary NWS 10 Jul 5, 1910 Yonkers, New York, U.S.
10 Win 5–0–2 (3) Charley Lawrence NWS 10 Jun 28, 1910 Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
9 Win 5–0–2 (2) Mark Anderson NWS 10 May 25, 1910 Yonkers, New York, U.S.
8 Win 5–0–2 (1) Smiling Eddie Kelly NWS 8 May 5, 1910 Combine A.C., Yonkers, New York, U.S.
7 Draw 5–0–2 Young Nipper PTS 6 Apr 14, 1910 King's Hall, London Road, Southwark, London, England
6 Win 5–0–1 Jack Turner PTS 20 Mar 14, 1910 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
5 Win 4–0–1 Sid Stagg PTS 10 Feb 19, 1910 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
4 Draw 3–0–1 Dick Lee PTS 6 Jan 10, 1910 The Empire, Holborn, London, England
3 Win 3–0 Gunner Hart PTS 6 Jan 1, 1910 Surrey Music Hall, Southwark, London, England
2 Win 2–0 Bob Russell PTS 10 Dec 20, 1909 The King's Hall, London Road, Walworth, England
1 Win 1–0 Battling Lacroix PTS 10 Nov 1, 1909 King's Hall, London Road, London, England

Unofficial record[edit]

86 fights 51 wins 30 losses
By knockout 7 2
By decision 42 26
By disqualification 2 2
Draws 3
No contests 2

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

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
86 Win 51–30–3 (2) Jack Hart PTS 15 May 12, 1922 Premierland, Whitechapel, London, England
85 Win 50–30–3 (2) Stanley Glen PTS 15 Apr 17, 1922 Tredegar Road Drill Hall, Bow, London, England
84 Loss 49–30–3 (2) Ted Moore PTS 15 Dec 29, 1921 Premierland, Whitechapel, London, England
83 Win 49–29–3 (2) Clement Carlos TKO 13 (15) Oct 31, 1921 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England
82 Loss 48–29–3 (2) Seaman Nobby Hall PTS 15 Aug 31, 1921 Cosmopolitan Gymnasium, Plymouth, Devon, England
81 Win 48–28–3 (2) Joe Davis TKO 10 (15) Dec 11, 1920 The Dome, Brighton, Sussex, England
80 Win 47–28–3 (2) Kid Plested KO 6 (15) Nov 27, 1920 Tyneside Stadium, Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, England
79 Loss 46–28–3 (2) Ted Moore DQ 13 (20) Aug 7, 1920 The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, London, England
78 Win 46–27–3 (2) Joe Attwood TKO 5 (20) Jun 26, 1920 The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, London, England
77 Win 45–27–3 (2) Gus Platts PTS 20 Jun 12, 1920 Pheasant Inn Grounds, Carbrook, Yorkshire, England
76 Win 44–27–3 (2) Fred Newberry PTS 20 Jun 4, 1920 The Peoples' Palace, Mile End, London, England
75 Win 43–27–3 (2) Bermondsey Billy Wells DQ 15 (20) May 8, 1920 The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, London, England Billy Wells disqualified for butting Matt Wells in the stomach
74 Loss 42–27–3 (2) Ted Moore PTS 20 Apr 24, 1920 Palace Theatre, Plymouth, Devon, England
73 Loss 42–26–3 (2) Phil Bloom PTS 15 Mar 18, 1920 Holborn Stadium, Holborn, London, England
72 Loss 42–25–3 (2) Ted Kid Lewis RTD 12 (20) Dec 26, 1919 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington, London, England
71 Loss 42–24–3 (2) Johnny Basham PTS 20 Nov 13, 1919 Holborn Stadium, Holborn, London, England For Commonwealth and BBBofC British welterweight titles
70 Win 42–23–3 (2) Kid Carter PTS 20 Oct 20, 1919 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England
69 Win 41–23–3 (2) Harlem Eddie Kelly PTS 12 Oct 29, 1917 20th Century A.C., Pittsfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
68 Win 40–23–3 (2) Young Maxwell DQ 4 (?) Oct 9, 1917 Albany, New York, U.S. Some sources have this has a TKO win in four for Wells
while a few other sources have Wells losing by DQ in four
67 NC 39–23–3 (2) Charley White NC 9 (10) Oct 5, 1917 Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S. Bout stopped due to stalling
66 Win 39–23–3 (1) Frankie Nelson NWS 10 Sep 28, 1917 Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
65 Loss 38–23–3 (1) Bryan Downey NWS 12 Sep 17, 1917 Coliseum, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
64 Loss 38–22–3 (1) Bryan Downey NWS 10 Aug 27, 1917 Airdome A.C., Rochester, New York, U.S.
63 Win 38–21–3 (1) Kid Curley NWS 10 Jun 19, 1917 Urban Liberty Park, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
62 Win 37–21–3 (1) Phil Bloom NWS 10 Jun 16, 1917 Broadway S.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
61 Win 36–21–3 (1) Walter Mohr NWS 10 Jun 11, 1917 Airdome A.C., Rochester, New York, U.S.
60 Loss 35–21–3 (1) Lockport Jimmy Duffy PTS 10 May 25, 1917 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
59 Win 35–20–3 (1) Walter Mohr NWS 10 May 1, 1917 National S.C., Albany, New York, U.S.
58 Loss 34–20–3 (1) Lockport Jimmy Duffy NWS 10 Apr 10, 1917 Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
57 Loss 34–19–3 (1) Charley White TKO 5 (12) Jul 11, 1916 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
56 Loss 34–18–3 (1) Frankie Mack NWS 10 Jun 9, 1916 Genesee Arena, Rochester, New York, U.S.
55 Loss 34–17–3 (1) Johnny Dundee PTS 12 May 16, 1916 Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
54 Win 34–16–3 (1) Eddie Murphy PTS 12 Apr 18, 1916 Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
53 Loss 33–16–3 (1) Charley White PTS 15 Apr 6, 1916 Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
52 Loss 33–15–3 (1) Charley White NWS 10 Mar 20, 1916 Broadway A.C., Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
51 Loss 33–14–3 (1) Johnny Griffiths NWS 12 Feb 29, 1916 Columbus, Ohio, U.S.
50 Win 33–13–3 (1) Charley White PTS 12 Jan 4, 1916 Hippodrome, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
49 Loss 32–13–3 (1) Johnny Dundee PTS 12 Dec 10, 1915 Italian Riverside Club, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
48 Loss 32–12–3 (1) Johnny Griffiths NWS 12 Nov 29, 1915 Akron, Ohio, U.S.
47 Loss 32–11–3 (1) Steve Latzo NWS 6 Nov 25, 1915 Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
46 Win 32–10–3 (1) Young Abe Brown NWS 10 Nov 19, 1915 Harlem S.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
45 Win 31–10–3 (1) Charley White NWS 10 Oct 29, 1915 Auditorium, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
44 Win 30–10–3 (1) Willie Schaefer NWS 10 Aug 7, 1915 Fairmont A.C., Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
43 Draw 29–10–3 (1) Young Neil NWS 10 Jul 13, 1915 Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
42 Loss 29–10–2 (1) Mike Glover PTS 12 Jun 1, 1915 Arena (Atlas A.A.), Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Lost world welterweight title
41 Loss 29–9–2 (1) Johnny Basham PTS 15 Mar 22, 1915 London Opera House, Kingsway, London, England
40 Win 29–8–2 (1) Gus Platts PTS 15 Jan 21, 1915 Liverpool Stadium, Pudsey Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, England
39 Win 28–8–2 (1) Young Nipper PTS 15 Oct 12, 1914 The Ring, Blackfriars Road, Southwark, London, England
38 ND 27–8–2 (1) George Mack ND 4 Oct 5, 1914 Wellington Pier Pavilion, Great Yarmouth, England
37 Win 27–8–2 Tom McCormick PTS 20 Mar 21, 1914 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia Won Commonwealth, BBBofC British, and world welterweight titles
36 Win 26–8–2 Ray Bronson TKO 7 (20) Feb 28, 1914 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
35 Loss 25–8–2 Herb McCoy PTS 20 Jan 17, 1914 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
34 Loss 25–7–2 Harry Stone PTS 20 Nov 29, 1913 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
33 Loss 25–6–2 Hughie Mehegan PTS 20 Nov 3, 1913 West Melbourne Stadium, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia For Australian lightweight title
32 Win 25–5–2 Owen Moran PTS 20 Sep 27, 1913 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
31 Win 24–5–2 Hughie Mehegan PTS 20 Aug 9, 1913 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
30 Win 23–5–2 Hughie Mehegan PTS 20 Feb 24, 1913 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England
29 Win 22–5–2 Johnny Basham KO 7 (15) Dec 26, 1912 Theatre, Swansea, Wales
28 Loss 21–5–2 Freddie Welsh PTS 20 Nov 11, 1912 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England Lost IBU and NSC lightweight titles
27 Loss 21–4–2 Hughie Mehegan DQ 14 (20) Sep 16, 1912 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England
26 Loss 21–3–2 Bobby Wilson NWS 10 Jun 7, 1912 Oneida County A.A., Utica, New York, U.S.
25 Win 21–2–2 Young Abe Brown NWS 10 Jun 5, 1912 Royale A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
24 Loss 20–2–2 Packey McFarland NWS 10 Apr 26, 1912 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
23 Win 20–1–2 Billy Donovan KO 5 (10) Oct 5, 1911 Olympic B.C., Toronto, Ontario, Canada Retained world lightweight title claim
22 Win 19–1–2 Abe Attell NWS 10 Sep 20, 1911 Madison A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
21 Win 18–1–2 Knockout Brown NWS 10 Aug 30, 1911 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
20 Win 17–1–2 Willie Moody NWS 6 Jul 28, 1911 Fairhill S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
19 Win 16–1–2 Dick Hyland NWS 10 Jul 19, 1911 Albany, New York, U.S.
18 Win 15–1–2 Philadelphia Pal Moore PTS 12 Jun 24, 1911 Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
17 Win 14–1–2 Leach Cross NWS 10 Jun 2, 1911 Harlem River Casino, New York City, New York, U.S.
16 Win 13–1–2 Freddie Welsh PTS 20 Feb 27, 1911 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England Won IBU and NSC British lightweight titles
15 Win 12–1–2 Jimmy Howard DQ 9 (10) Sep 13, 1910 Fairmont A.C., Bronx, New York City, New York, U.S.
14 Loss 11–1–2 Paddy Sullivan NWS 10 Aug 8, 1910 Olympia Boxing Club, New York City, New York, U.S.
13 Win 11–0–2 Johnny Dohan NWS 10 Jul 19, 1910 Fairmont A.C., New York, U.S.
12 Win 10–0–2 Nick Muller NWS 8 Jul 8, 1910 Combine A.C., Yonkers, New York, U.S.
11 Win 9–0–2 Billy Leary NWS 10 Jul 5, 1910 Yonkers, New York, U.S.
10 Win 8–0–2 Charley Lawrence NWS 10 Jun 28, 1910 Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
9 Win 7–0–2 Mark Anderson NWS 10 May 25, 1910 Yonkers, New York, U.S.
8 Win 6–0–2 Smiling Eddie Kelly NWS 8 May 5, 1910 Combine A.C., Yonkers, New York, U.S.
7 Draw 5–0–2 Young Nipper PTS 6 Apr 14, 1910 King's Hall, London Road, Southwark, London, England
6 Win 5–0–1 Jack Turner PTS 20 Mar 14, 1910 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
5 Win 4–0–1 Sid Stagg PTS 10 Feb 19, 1910 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
4 Draw 3–0–1 Dick Lee PTS 6 Jan 10, 1910 The Empire, Holborn, London, England
3 Win 3–0 Gunner Hart PTS 6 Jan 1, 1910 Surrey Music Hall, Southwark, London, England
2 Win 2–0 Bob Russell PTS 10 Dec 20, 1909 The King's Hall, London Road, Walworth, England
1 Win 1–0 Battling Lacroix PTS 10 Nov 1, 1909 King's Hall, London Road, London, England

See also[edit]

External links[edit]

Major titles[edit]

Achievements
Preceded by British lightweight championship
27 February 1911 – 11 November 1912 		Succeeded by
Preceded by British welterweight championship
21 March 1914
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Johnny Basham
World Welterweight Champion
21 March 1914 – 1 June 1915 		Succeeded by

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Silver, Mike (2016). Stars of the Ring, Published by Rowman and Littlefield, Los Angeles, pps. 86-7.
  2. ^ "Roll of Honour". England Boxing. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  3. ^ "Matt Wells". Olympedia. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  4. ^ "Twenty-round Fight. Matt Wells Lightweight Champion of Great Britain". The Gazette. 28 February 1911. Retrieved 7 November 2010. Matt Wells won a twenty round fight tonight from Fred Welsh for the lightweight championship of Great Britain and the Lonsdale belt The ...
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Mat Wells BoxRec record". BoxRec. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  6. ^ "Mat Wells Won", The Gazette (Montreal), Montreal, Canada, pg. 4, 3 June 1911.
  7. ^ "Wells Victor in the Fight", El Paso Times, El Paso, Texas, pg. 7, 31 August 1911.
  8. ^ Brown took as many as seven rounds, K.O. Brown No Match for Wells, The Post-Star Gazette, pg. 1, 31 August 1911
  9. ^ "Mob Battles in Rain to See Prizefight", The New York Times, New York, New York, pg. 1, 31 August 1911
  10. ^ Rice, Thomas, "Wells, Most Versatile of Boxers Easily Outpoints K.O. Brown", The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn, New York, pg. 10, 31 August 1911
  11. ^ "McFarland Makes Wells Appear Like a Novice", The Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts, pg. 6, 27 April 1912
  12. ^ "Packey M'Farland Whips Matt Wells. English Lightweight Champion Outclassed by Chicago Stock Yards Boxer". The New York Times. 27 April 1912. Retrieved 7 November 2010. Packey McFarland of Chicago removed all doubts as to how he compares as a boxer with Matt Wells, the English lightweight champion, at Madison Square Garden ...
  13. ^ Packey McFarland
  14. ^ "Attell Beaten in Classy Bout with Matt Wells", The Pittsburgh Press, pg. 38, Pittsburgh, PA., 21 September 1911.
  15. ^ "Matt Wells Hands Bronson A Bad Beating", Vancouver Daily World, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, pg. 10, 2 March 1914
  16. ^ Bronson retired in "Ray Bronson Retires", Evening Star, Washington, D.C., pg. 18, 31 March 1914
  17. ^ "Glover Whips Matt Wells", Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts, pg. 6, 2 June 1915
  18. ^ "Wells Gets Lacing From Johnny Dundee", The Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts, pg. 8, 17 May 1916
  19. ^ "Dundee Winner Over Matt Wells", The Bridgeport Times and Evening Farmer, Bridgeport, Connecticut, pg. 8, 11 December 1915
  20. ^ The Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts, pg. 6, 12 July 1916
  21. ^ "Boxing at the Stadium", The Times, Greater London, England, pg. 32, 14 November 1919
  22. ^ "Wells Anxious to Gain Crown", Great Falls Tribune, Great Falls, Montana, pg. 17, 21 March 1915
  23. ^ "Stop the Bout to Save Wells", The Bridgeport Telegram, "American Fighters Clean Up in London Bouts", The Bridgeport Telegram, pg. 18, 27 December 1919
  24. ^ "BoxRec: Matt Wells".
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