Charles "Kid" McCoy (October 13, 1872 – April 18, 1940), born Norman Selby, was an American boxer and early Hollywood actor. He claimed the vacant world middleweight title when he scored an upset victory over Tommy Ryan by 15th-round knockout.

Charles "Kid" McCoy
McCoy in 1899
Born
Norman Selby

(1872-10-13)October 13, 1872
DiedApril 18, 1940(1940-04-18) (aged 67)
NationalityAmerican
Statistics
Weight(s)Middleweight
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Boxing record
Total fights100
Wins79
Wins by KO59
Losses6
Draws11
No contests4

Overview

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Born in Moscow, Rush County, Indiana, McCoy would eventually weigh 160 pounds (73 kg), stand 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), and go on to a record 81 wins (55 by KO, with 6 losses, 9 no decision, and 6 disqualifications). McCoy was noted for his "corkscrew punch" – a blow delivered with a twisting of the wrist.[i] According to McCoy, he learned the punch one evening while resting in someone's barn after a day of riding the rails. He was of Scottish and English ancestry. He noticed a cat strike at a ball of string and imitated its actions. Whether true or not, McCoy was known as a fast, "scientific" fighter who would cut his opponents with sharp blows. He reportedly would wrap his knuckles in mounds of friction tape, to better cut his opponents faces. He was listed # 1 Light Heavyweight of all time in Fifty Years At Ringside, published in 1958. He was also regarded as a formidable puncher, and was included in Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.

Boxing career

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Tommy Ryan was knocked out by Kid McCoy in the 15th round on March 2, 1896. This bout forms part of the lore of the McCoy legend. McCoy served as a sparring partner for Ryan, and absorbed many beatings at the hands of his employer. Ryan was notorious for showing little mercy to his sparring partners.

 
Tommy Ryan and Fireman Jim Flynn, between 1910 and 1915.

As a result, McCoy hated Ryan, and sought revenge. It is alleged that McCoy, who appeared thin, pale and frail, persuaded Ryan that he was seriously ill before their fight. McCoy, who was famed as a trickster, purportedly rubbed flour on his face so as to appear deathly ill. Ryan is said to have fallen for the ruse, failed to train properly and was not in top condition for the bout. Whether true or not, McCoy scored an upset win over Ryan in a fight billed for the American and World 154lbs Middleweight Title.

Another one of McCoy's tactics was demonstrated while McCoy was on a tour of Australia and some other Pacific Islands. To supplement his income, he would take on all comers. In one unidentified port, McCoy, who scarcely weighed 160 pounds (73 kg), agreed to box a huge native reputed to weigh in excess of 250 pounds (110 kg). McCoy watched him train and noted the man fought in his bare feet. When the fight began, McCoy's corner threw handfuls of tacks into the ring, causing the bare-footed challenger to drop his guard and raise up one foot. As soon as he did so, McCoy lowered the boom on his distracted adversary.

Although slight of build, McCoy captured the world middleweight championship by defeating Dan Creedon. McCoy never defended the title, choosing to abandon the crown to enable him to pursue the world heavyweight championship. Despite his handicap in size, McCoy battled the best heavyweights of his era, and defeated Joe Choynski and Peter Maher. He was defeated by Tom Sharkey and Jim Corbett. The Corbett fight was the subject of controversy, as the ending was suspect and Corbett's estranged wife claimed the bout was fixed.

"The real McCoy"

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It has been incorrectly asserted the expression "The Real McCoy" originally referred to Kid McCoy. One origin involves a local tough who bumped into McCoy and laughed when he was told the fellow he was annoying was Kid McCoy. He then challenged McCoy to fight, and upon reviving from being knocked out allegedly remarked "Oh my God, that was the real McCoy". However, it is believed that the first publication of the phrase with this spelling occurred in James S. Bond's 1881 dime novel, The Rise and Fall of the "Union club": or, Boy life in Canada, wherein a character utters, "By jingo! yes; so it will be It's the 'real McCoy,' as Jim Hicks says."[1] Skeptics point out that Kid McCoy was only nine years old when this was published.[2][ii]

Personal life

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McCoy was married ten times, performed in theater, and went west to California during the birth of the movie industry in Los Angeles. He appeared in films, including a scene fighting Wallace Reid in the 1922 film, The World's Champion.[3] McCoy was also friends with several movie stars of the day, including Charles Chaplin and director D. W. Griffith, who directed the 1919 silent film, Broken Blossoms, Selby's second film as actor.

 
McCoy after his arrest for the murder of Teresa Mors
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By the early 1920s McCoy was poor, addicted to alcohol and out of the movie industry. At this time he was involved in a romance with a wealthy married woman, Teresa Mors. Mors's divorce from her husband was acrimonious and dragged on until she was killed by a single gunshot to the head on August 12, 1924, in the apartment she shared with McCoy at 2819 Leeward (Unit 212).[4]

The next morning, a reportedly disheveled McCoy robbed and held several people captive at Mrs. Mors' antique shop, and shot one man in the leg after he tried to escape. He also forced at least six other men to remove their trousers, and took their money. McCoy was apprehended and charged with the murder of Mrs. Mors. His trial took place in downtown Los Angeles. McCoy claimed Mrs. Mors committed suicide, while the prosecution claimed he murdered her for financial gain. The jury was split between first degree murder and acquittal. As a compromise verdict, McCoy was convicted of manslaughter.[5]

McCoy was sent to San Quentin, but was paroled from prison in 1932. Afterwards he worked for Ford Motor Company.

Marriages

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1895–1898:   Charlott Piehler, married Selby July 31, 1895, in Middleton, Ohio. Selby was then known as Charles "Kid" Young. In a suit filed by Piehler in Hamilton County, Ohio, a divorce decree – rendered by default due to Selby's failure to show-up in court – was awarded February 21, 1898, in favor of Piehler.
1897–1897:   Charlotte Smith; married Selby in St. Louis; Charlotte divorced Selby in Hamilton, Ohio.
1897–1900:   Julia Crosselman (née Julia Ella Woodruff; 1874–1952); Julia's other husbands include (a) George A. Wheelock (1858–1922), whom she married February 1912 in Jersey City, (b) Ralph Thompson, and (c) Crosselman.
1901–1901:   Julia Crosselman; re-married Selby January 7, 1901, in Boston.
1902–1903:   Julia Crosselman; re-married Selby April 11, 1902, in Hoboken, New Jersey; divorced June 9, 1903.
(see List of people who remarried the same spouse)

1903–1904:   Indiola Arnold (née Indiola Alice Arnold; 1885–1978), married Selby December 14, 1903, in New York; she was a showgirl; she divorced Selby April 5, 1905, in Providence, Rhode Island.
1905–1910:   Lillian Ellis (aka Lillian Estelle Earle); widow of Edward C. Ellis (1877–1904), Lillian married Selby October 19, 1905, in Manhattan. When they married Lillian's net worth was estimated to be from $5 to $7 million (the latter, adjusted for inflation, is approximately equivalent to $237,377,778 in 2023). Lillian was a close friend of Julia, Selby's former wife. Earle and Selby divorced December 1910.
1911–1917:   Edna Fernanda Valentine (maiden; 1886–1950) married Selby October 27, 1911, in Gaston County, North Carolina. Her marriage to Selby was her second of three.
1920–1920:   Dagmar Dahlgren (aka Carmen M. Crowder; 1880–1951) married Selby April 22, 1920, in Los Angeles County[6] They reportedly lived together only 3 days. Their divorce was finalized September 4, 1920.
1922:   Jacqueline McDowell almost married Selby in 1922. But, after embarking by train from Baltimore to meet him in Los Angeles, she thought better of it and got off in Detroit and telegraphed that she was not going any further.
1924:   Selby, in Los Angeles County, was tried for murder, but convicted of manslaughter, for the death of his lover, Teresa Moers (née Theresa Weinstein; 1893–1924), who was married to Albert Abraham Moers. She died of a gunshot wound to the head on August 12, 1924 – in an apartment she shared with McCoy.
1937–1940:   Sue Cobb Cowley (née Susan Ethel Cobb; 1892–1970) married Selby (her 4th) in 1937 and filed two marriage certificates: (i) one in Rush County, Indiana, on August 2, 1937, and (ii) one in Detroit on August 28, 1937

Extended family

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Norman Selby was one of six siblings and third oldest. One of his four sisters, Grace Esther Selby (maiden; 1885–1916) was, from 1901 to 1908, married to Charles Thomas Henshall (1862–1928). Norman was an uncle to their daughter, actress Barbara Jo Allen (1906–1974).

Death and legacy

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McCoy took his own life in Detroit on April 18, 1940. Even his death was enigmatic.[7] He committed suicide at the Hotel Tuller in Detroit[8] by an overdose of sleeping pills,[9] leaving a note behind. It read, among other things

Everything in my possession, I want to go to my dear wife, Sue E. Selby ... To all my dear friends ... best of luck ... sorry I could not endure this world's madness.

In an apparent last attempt to drop his professional moniker, the note was pointedly signed as, "Norman Selby."[10]

British professional wrestler Mark Boothman (the son of wrestler Phil "King Ben" Boothman) adopted the "Kid McCoy" name and won the British Lightweight Championship in 1987, holding it for three years.[11]

Selected filmography and publications

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Filmography

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As actor
As subject
  • 1989: Brutal Glory, highly fictionalized film, loosely about Norman Selby

Publications

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As subject
  • 2002: The Real McCoy, by Darin Strauss; (2002, 2003); OCLC 1036774632, 52697958; ISBN 0452284414; ISBN 9780452284418; OCLC 1036820050 (Dutch language)

Professional boxing record

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All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[12] unless otherwise stated.

Official record

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100 fights 74 wins 6 losses
By knockout 59 4
By decision 12 2
By disqualification 3 0
Draws 9
No contests 4
Newspaper decisions/draws 7

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
100 Win 74–6–9 (11) P.O. Matthew Curran PTS 20 Jan 20, 1912 Palais de la Jetée-Promenade, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France
99 Win 73–6–9 (11) George Gunther PTS 10 Jan 10, 1912 Salle Wagram, Paris, Paris, France
98 Win 72–6–9 (11) Harry Croxon KO 3 (10) Dec 20, 1911 Salle Wagram, Paris, Paris, France
97 Win 71–6–9 (11) Jim Savage KO 4 (10) Oct 6, 1911 Brown's Gym A.A., Far Rockaway, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
96 Win 70–6–9 (11) Kid Elle KO 1 (10) Sep 22, 1911 Brown's Gym, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
95 Win 69–6–9 (11) Bob Day KO 1 (8) Sep 4, 1911 Island Stadium, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
94 Win 68–6–9 (11) Jack Fitzgerald NWS 6 Mar 20, 1911 American A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
93 Win 68–6–9 (10) Jim Stewart NWS 6 Oct 16, 1908 National A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
92 Win 68–6–9 (9) Peter Maher KO 2 (6) Jul 24, 1908 Sulzer Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
91 Win 67–6–9 (9) Jack Crawford KO 1 (20) Mar 3, 1905 Whittington Park A.C., Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
90 Win 66–6–9 (9) Jack Twin Sullivan PTS 20 Sep 27, 1904 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
89 Draw 65–6–9 (9) Philadelphia Jack O'Brien NWS 6 May 14, 1904 2nd Regiment Armory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
88 Win 65–6–9 (8) Henry Placke TKO 2 (6) Apr 5, 1904 Lenox A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
87 Loss 64–6–9 (8) Jack Root PTS 10 Apr 22, 1903 Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. For inaugural world light-heavyweight title
86 Win 64–5–9 (8) Jack McCormick NWS 6 Feb 23, 1903 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
85 Loss 64–5–9 (7) Kid Carter NWS 6 May 19, 1902 Industrial A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
84 Win 64–5–9 (6) Fred Russell NWS 6 May 2, 1902 Industrial A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
83 Win 64–5–9 (5) David Barry TKO 2 (4) Dec 2, 1901 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England, United Kingdom
82 Win 63–5–9 (5) Jack Scales KO 1 (3) Dec 2, 1901 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England, United Kingdom
81 Win 62–5–9 (5) Sandy Ferguson DQ 4 (4) Dec 2, 1901 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England, United Kingdom
80 Loss 61–5–9 (5) James J. Corbett KO 5 (25) Aug 30, 1900 Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
79 Win 61–4–9 (5) Jack Bonner TKO 13 (25) Jun 1, 1900 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained American and world middleweight titles
78 Draw 60–4–9 (5) Tommy Ryan PTS 6 May 29, 1900 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
77 Win 60–4–8 (5) Dan Creedon TKO 6 (20) May 18, 1900 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
76 Win 59–4–8 (5) Joe Choynski RTD 4 (25) Jan 12, 1900 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
75 Win 58–4–8 (5) Peter Maher KO 5 (25) Jan 1, 1900 Coney Island Stadium, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
74 Win 57–4–8 (5) Jack McDonough KO 4 (?) Nov 9, 1899 Hawthorne A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S.
73 Win 56–4–8 (5) Billy Stift KO 13 (20) Oct 27, 1899 Coliseum, Saint Louis, Minnesota, U.S.
72 Draw 55–4–8 (5) Joe Choynski PTS 6 Oct 6, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
71 Win 55–4–7 (5) Jack McCormick TKO 8 (20) Sep 27, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
70 Win 54–4–7 (5) Steve O'Donnell KO 6 (20) Sep 19, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
69 Win 53–4–7 (5) Geoff Thorne KO 3 (20) Sep 5, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
68 Loss 52–4–7 (5) Jack McCormick KO 1 (6) Aug 18, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
67 Win 52–3–7 (5) Jim Carter KO 5 (10) Aug 14, 1899 Club Theatre, Joplin, Missouri, U.S.
66 Win 51–3–7 (5) Tom Duggan TKO 2 (5) Aug 10, 1899 Saengerfest Hall, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
65 Win 50–3–7 (5) Jack Graham TKO 4 (5) Aug 10, 1899 Saengerfest Hall, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
64 Win 49–3–7 (5) Joe Choynski PTS 20 Mar 24, 1899 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
63 Loss 48–3–7 (5) Tom Sharkey KO 10 (20) Jan 10, 1899 Lenox A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
62 Win 48–2–7 (5) Joe Goddard DQ 5 (6) Dec 16, 1898 Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
61 Win 47–2–7 (5) Gus Ruhlin PTS 20 Mar 20, 1898 Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
60 Win 46–2–7 (5) Jim Bates KO 1 (4) Mar 11, 1898 Princess Rink, Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
59 ND 45–2–7 (5) Vern Hardenbrook ND 4 Mar 11, 1898 Princess Rink, Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
58 Win 45–2–7 (4) Nick Burley KO 2 (?) Mar 4, 1898 Whitington Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
57 Win 44–2–7 (4) Dan Creedon RTD 15 (25) Dec 17, 1897 Long Island City AC Arena, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world middleweight title
56 Win 43–2–7 (4) Australian Billy Smith TKO 2 (6) Nov 15, 1897 2nd Regiment Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
55 Win 42–2–7 (4) George LaBlanche KO 1 (4) Nov 12, 1897 Opera House, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
54 Win 41–2–7 (4) Beech Ruble TKO 2 (4) Nov 12, 1897 Opera House, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
53 ND 40–2–7 (4) Jim Hall NC 5 (6) Oct 18, 1897 Quaker City A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. This bout was scheduled for six rounds but was such a palpable fake the referee stopped it and declared it a no-contest
52 Draw 40–2–7 (3) Tommy Ryan PTS 5 Sep 8, 1897 Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S. Referee George Siler said there was no reason for the police to have intervened in this bout. He ruled the fight a draw
51 Win 40–2–6 (3) Dan Bayliff KO 3 (?) Aug 13, 1897 Casino Hall, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
50 Win 39–2–6 (3) Dick Moore KO 2 (20) Jul 22, 1897 Olympic A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S.
49 Win 38–2–6 (3) Nick Burley KO 3 (20) Jul 5, 1897 Manhattan A.C., Troy, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
48 Win 37–2–6 (3) Jack Bonner NWS 6 May 31, 1897 Quaker City A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
47 Win 37–2–6 (2) Dick O'Brien TKO 10 (25) May 26, 1897 Palace A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
46 Win 36–2–6 (2) Mike Creedon KO 2 (?) May 6, 1897 Bijou Theater, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
45 Win 35–2–6 (2) Mike O`Hara KO 1 (?) May 6, 1897 Bijou Theater, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
44 Win 34–2–6 (2) Jack Graham KO 2 (4) Apr 24, 1897 Grand OPera House, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
43 Win 33–2–6 (2) Bill Doherty KO 9 (20) Dec 26, 1896 The Amphitheatre, Johannesburg, Gauteng, Cape Colony Retained world middleweight title;
Won South African middleweight title
42 ND 32–2–6 (2) Jimmy Fox ND 4 Oct 10, 1896 Art A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
41 Win 32–2–6 (1) Dick Moore PTS 10 May 30, 1896 Empire Theater, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
40 Win 31–2–6 (1) Mysterious Billy Smith DQ 6 (15) May 18, 1896 Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Retained world middleweight title
39 Win 30–2–6 (1) Jim Daly TKO 2 (12) May 7, 1896 New Manhattan A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
38 Win 29–2–6 (1) Frank Bosworth KO 2 (10) Apr 22, 1896 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
37 Win 28–2–6 (1) Tommy Ryan KO 15 (20) Mar 2, 1896 Empire A.C., Maspeth, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant world middleweight title
36 Win 27–2–6 (1) Tommy West KO 2 (10) Jan 31, 1896 New Manhattan A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
35 ND 26–2–6 (1) Charles Johnson ND 4 Jan 8, 1896 Caledonian A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
34 Loss 26–2–6 Ted White PTS 10 Nov 25, 1895 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, United Kingdom
33 Win 26–1–6 Abe Ullman TKO 13 (20) Oct 7, 1895 Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
32 Win 25–1–6 Dick Moore TKO 6 (20) Sep 2, 1895 Buckingham Theater, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
31 Draw 24–1–6 Dick O'Brien PTS 25 May 20, 1895 West Newton Street polo rink, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
30 Win 24–1–5 Jack Wilkes TKO 2 (15) Apr 19, 1895 West Newton Street polo rink, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
29 Win 23–1–5 Billy Maber PTS 10 Mar 13, 1895 Pastime A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
28 Win 22–1–5 Al Roberts KO 5 (10) Jan 19, 1895 Highland House, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
27 Draw 21–1–5 Al Roberts PTS 10 Oct 29, 1894 Highland House, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
26 Win 21–1–4 Billy Steffers PTS 10 Aug 29, 1894 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
25 Win 20–1–4 Jack Grace KO 7 (?) Jul 24, 1894 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
24 Win 19–1–4 Billy Steffers PTS 10 Jul 17, 1894 Cleveland A.C., Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
23 Win 18–1–4 Harry O`Connor KO 3 (?) Jul 2, 1894 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
22 Win 17–1–4 Charles Maxwell PTS 6 Jun 1, 1894 Akron, Ohio, U.S.
21 Draw 16–1–4 Jim Barron PTS 10 May 18, 1894 Twin City A.C., Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
20 Loss 16–1–3 Billy Steffers KO 1 (10) May 10, 1894 Cleveland A.C., Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
19 Win 16–0–3 Jim Scully KO 7 (?) Mar 16, 1894 New Bedford A.C., New Bedford, Ohio, U.S.
18 Win 15–0–3 Joe Burke KO 2 (?) Feb 12, 1894 Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
17 Win 14–0–3 Pat Hayden KO 2 (10) Jan 8, 1894 Metropole A.C., Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
16 Win 13–0–3 Deaf Mute KO 4 (?) Oct 22, 1893 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
15 Win 12–0–3 John Welch KO 9 (?) Oct 13, 1893 Belmont Park, Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
14 Draw 11–0–3 George Bennett PTS 8 Sep 26, 1893 Akron, Ohio, U.S.
13 Win 11–0–2 Frank Merritt KO 2 (?) Aug 15, 1893 Parnell Hall, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
12 Win 10–0–2 Dick Harris KO 1 (?) Jul 30, 1893 Marion, Indiana, U.S.
11 Draw 9–0–2 Ike Boone PTS 19 (?) Jul 23, 1893 Muncie, Indiana, U.S. Some sources reported a draw in 22nd round, but the 19th round ones contain more details
10 Win 9–0–1 Charles Bull McCarthy KO 3 (?) Jul 6, 1893 Athletic ball park, Muncie, Indiana, U.S.
9 Win 8–0–1 Frank Murray KO 2 (?) May 4, 1893 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
8 Win 7–0–1 Frank Lamode KO 3 (?) Feb 22, 1893 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
7 Win 6–0–1 Unknown KO 2 (?) Feb 12, 1893 Milan, Tennessee, U.S.
6 Win 5–0–1 Jim Conners KO 3 (?) Jan 27, 1893 Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
5 Win 4–0–1 Jim Dickson KO 5 (?) Jan 11, 1893 Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
4 Draw 3–0–1 Herbert Hale PTS 8 Nov 12, 1892 Third St. Garden, Columbus, Indiana, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Bob Lewis KO 1 (?) Sep 14, 1892 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Billy Barlow PTS 6 Jun 6, 1892 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Peter Jenkins PTS 4 Jun 2, 1891 Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.

Unofficial record

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100 fights 79 wins 7 losses
By knockout 59 4
By decision 17 3
By disqualification 3 0
Draws 10
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
100 Win 79–7–10 (4) P.O. Matthew Curran PTS 20 Jan 20, 1912 Palais de la Jetée-Promenade, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France
99 Win 78–7–10 (4) George Gunther PTS 10 Jan 10, 1912 Salle Wagram, Paris, Paris, France
98 Win 77–7–10 (4) Harry Croxon KO 3 (10) Dec 20, 1911 Salle Wagram, Paris, Paris, France
97 Win 76–7–10 (4) Jim Savage KO 4 (10) Oct 6, 1911 Brown's Gym A.A., Far Rockaway, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.
96 Win 75–7–10 (4) Kid Elle KO 1 (10) Sep 22, 1911 Brown's Gym, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
95 Win 74–7–10 (4) Bob Day KO 1 (8) Sep 4, 1911 Island Stadium, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
94 Win 73–7–10 (4) Jack Fitzgerald NWS 6 Mar 20, 1911 American A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
93 Win 72–7–10 (4) Jim Stewart NWS 6 Oct 16, 1908 National A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
92 Win 71–7–10 (4) Peter Maher KO 2 (6) Jul 24, 1908 Sulzer Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
91 Win 70–7–10 (4) Jack Crawford KO 1 (20) Mar 3, 1905 Whittington Park A.C., Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
90 Win 69–7–10 (4) Jack Twin Sullivan PTS 20 Sep 27, 1904 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
89 Draw 68–7–10 (4) Philadelphia Jack O'Brien NWS 6 May 14, 1904 2nd Regiment Armory, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
88 Win 68–7–9 (4) Henry Placke TKO 2 (6) Apr 5, 1904 Lenox A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
87 Loss 67–7–9 (4) Jack Root PTS 10 Apr 22, 1903 Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. For inaugural world light-heavyweight title
86 Win 67–6–9 (4) Jack McCormick NWS 6 Feb 23, 1903 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
85 Loss 66–6–9 (4) Kid Carter NWS 6 May 19, 1902 Industrial A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
84 Win 66–5–9 (4) Fred Russell NWS 6 May 2, 1902 Industrial A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
83 Win 65–5–9 (4) David Barry TKO 2 (4) Dec 2, 1901 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England, United Kingdom
82 Win 64–5–9 (4) Jack Scales KO 1 (3) Dec 2, 1901 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England, United Kingdom
81 Win 63–5–9 (4) Sandy Ferguson DQ 4 (4) Dec 2, 1901 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England, United Kingdom
80 Loss 62–5–9 (4) James J. Corbett KO 5 (25) Aug 30, 1900 Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
79 Win 62–4–9 (4) Jack Bonner TKO 13 (25) Jun 1, 1900 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained American and world middleweight titles
78 Draw 61–4–9 (4) Tommy Ryan PTS 6 May 29, 1900 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
77 Win 61–4–8 (4) Dan Creedon TKO 6 (20) May 18, 1900 Broadway A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
76 Win 60–4–8 (4) Joe Choynski RTD 4 (25) Jan 12, 1900 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
75 Win 59–4–8 (4) Peter Maher KO 5 (25) Jan 1, 1900 Coney Island Stadium, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
74 Win 58–4–8 (4) Jack McDonough KO 4 (?) Nov 9, 1899 Hawthorne A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S.
73 Win 57–4–8 (4) Billy Stift KO 13 (20) Oct 27, 1899 Coliseum, Saint Louis, Minnesota, U.S.
72 Draw 56–4–8 (4) Joe Choynski PTS 6 Oct 6, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
71 Win 56–4–7 (4) Jack McCormick TKO 8 (20) Sep 27, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
70 Win 55–4–7 (4) Steve O'Donnell KO 6 (20) Sep 19, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
69 Win 54–4–7 (4) Geoff Thorne KO 3 (20) Sep 5, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
68 Loss 53–4–7 (4) Jack McCormick KO 1 (6) Aug 18, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
67 Win 53–3–7 (4) Jim Carter KO 5 (10) Aug 14, 1899 Club Theatre, Joplin, Missouri, U.S.
66 Win 52–3–7 (4) Tom Duggan TKO 2 (5) Aug 10, 1899 Saengerfest Hall, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
65 Win 51–3–7 (4) Jack Graham TKO 4 (5) Aug 10, 1899 Saengerfest Hall, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
64 Win 50–3–7 (4) Joe Choynski PTS 20 Mar 24, 1899 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
63 Loss 49–3–7 (4) Tom Sharkey KO 10 (20) Jan 10, 1899 Lenox A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
62 Win 49–2–7 (4) Joe Goddard DQ 5 (6) Dec 16, 1898 Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
61 Win 48–2–7 (4) Gus Ruhlin PTS 20 Mar 20, 1898 Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
60 Win 47–2–7 (4) Jim Bates KO 1 (4) Mar 11, 1898 Princess Rink, Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
59 ND 46–2–7 (4) Vern Hardenbrook ND 4 Mar 11, 1898 Princess Rink, Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
58 Win 46–2–7 (3) Nick Burley KO 2 (?) Mar 4, 1898 Whitington Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
57 Win 45–2–7 (3) Dan Creedon RTD 15 (25) Dec 17, 1897 Long Island City AC Arena, Long Island City, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world middleweight title
56 Win 44–2–7 (3) Australian Billy Smith TKO 2 (6) Nov 15, 1897 2nd Regiment Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
55 Win 43–2–7 (3) George LaBlanche KO 1 (4) Nov 12, 1897 Opera House, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
54 Win 42–2–7 (3) Beech Ruble TKO 2 (4) Nov 12, 1897 Opera House, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
53 NC 41–2–7 (3) Jim Hall NC 5 (6) Oct 18, 1897 Quaker City A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. This bout was scheduled for six rounds but was
such a palpable fake the referee stopped it and declared it a no-contest
52 Draw 41–2–7 (2) Tommy Ryan PTS 5 Sep 8, 1897 Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, U.S. Referee George Siler said there was no reason for the police to have stopped this bout.
He ruled the fight a draw
51 Win 41–2–6 (2) Dan Bayliff KO 3 (?) Aug 13, 1897 Casino Hall, Dayton, Ohio, U.S.
50 Win 40–2–6 (2) Dick Moore KO 2 (20) Jul 22, 1897 Olympic A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S.
49 Win 39–2–6 (2) Nick Burley KO 3 (20) Jul 5, 1897 Manhattan A.C., Troy, Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
48 Win 38–2–6 (2) Jack Bonner NWS 6 May 31, 1897 Quaker City A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
47 Win 37–2–6 (2) Dick O'Brien TKO 10 (25) May 26, 1897 Palace A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
46 Win 36–2–6 (2) Mike Creedon KO 2 (?) May 6, 1897 Bijou Theater, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
45 Win 35–2–6 (2) Mike O`Hara KO 1 (?) May 6, 1897 Bijou Theater, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
44 Win 34–2–6 (2) Jack Graham KO 2 (4) Apr 24, 1897 Grand OPera House, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
43 Win 33–2–6 (2) Bill Doherty KO 9 (20) Dec 26, 1896 The Amphitheatre, Johannesburg, Gauteng, Cape Colony Retained world middleweight title;
Won South African middleweight title
42 ND 32–2–6 (2) Jimmy Fox ND 4 Oct 10, 1896 Art A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
41 Win 32–2–6 (1) Dick Moore PTS 10 May 30, 1896 Empire Theater, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
40 Win 31–2–6 (1) Mysterious Billy Smith DQ 6 (15) May 18, 1896 Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Retained world middleweight title
39 Win 30–2–6 (1) Jim Daly TKO 2 (12) May 7, 1896 New Manhattan A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
38 Win 29–2–6 (1) Frank Bosworth KO 2 (10) Apr 22, 1896 Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
37 Win 28–2–6 (1) Tommy Ryan KO 15 (20) Mar 2, 1896 Empire A.C., Maspeth, Queens, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant world middleweight title
36 Win 27–2–6 (1) Tommy West KO 2 (10) Jan 31, 1896 New Manhattan A.C., Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.
35 ND 26–2–6 (1) Charles Johnson ND 4 Jan 8, 1896 Caledonian A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
34 Loss 26–2–6 Ted White PTS 10 Nov 25, 1895 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, United Kingdom
33 Win 26–1–6 Abe Ullman TKO 13 (20) Oct 7, 1895 Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
32 Win 25–1–6 Dick Moore TKO 6 (20) Sep 2, 1895 Buckingham Theater, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
31 Draw 24–1–6 Dick O'Brien PTS 25 May 20, 1895 West Newton Street polo rink, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
30 Win 24–1–5 Jack Wilkes TKO 2 (15) Apr 19, 1895 West Newton Street polo rink, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
29 Win 23–1–5 Billy Maber PTS 10 Mar 13, 1895 Pastime A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
28 Win 22–1–5 Al Roberts KO 5 (10) Jan 19, 1895 Highland House, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
27 Draw 21–1–5 Al Roberts PTS 10 Oct 29, 1894 Highland House, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
26 Win 21–1–4 Billy Steffers PTS 10 Aug 29, 1894 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
25 Win 20–1–4 Jack Grace KO 7 (?) Jul 24, 1894 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
24 Win 19–1–4 Billy Steffers PTS 10 Jul 17, 1894 Cleveland A.C., Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
23 Win 18–1–4 Harry O`Connor KO 3 (?) Jul 2, 1894 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
22 Win 17–1–4 Charles Maxwell PTS 6 Jun 1, 1894 Akron, Ohio, U.S.
21 Draw 16–1–4 Jim Barron PTS 10 May 18, 1894 Twin City A.C., Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
20 Loss 16–1–3 Billy Steffers KO 1 (10) May 10, 1894 Cleveland A.C., Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
19 Win 16–0–3 Jim Scully KO 7 (?) Mar 16, 1894 New Bedford A.C., New Bedford, Ohio, U.S.
18 Win 15–0–3 Joe Burke KO 2 (?) Feb 12, 1894 Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
17 Win 14–0–3 Pat Hayden KO 2 (10) Jan 8, 1894 Metropole A.C., Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.
16 Win 13–0–3 Deaf Mute KO 4 (?) Oct 22, 1893 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
15 Win 12–0–3 John Welch KO 9 (?) Oct 13, 1893 Belmont Park, Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
14 Draw 11–0–3 George Bennett PTS 8 Sep 26, 1893 Akron, Ohio, U.S.
13 Win 11–0–2 Frank Merritt KO 2 (?) Aug 15, 1893 Parnell Hall, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
12 Win 10–0–2 Dick Harris KO 1 (?) Jul 30, 1893 Marion, Indiana, U.S.
11 Draw 9–0–2 Ike Boone PTS 19 (?) Jul 23, 1893 Muncie, Indiana, U.S. Some sources reported a draw in 22nd round, but the 19th round ones contain more details
10 Win 9–0–1 Charles Bull McCarthy KO 3 (?) Jul 6, 1893 Athletic ball park, Muncie, Indiana, U.S.
9 Win 8–0–1 Frank Murray KO 2 (?) May 4, 1893 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
8 Win 7–0–1 Frank Lamode KO 3 (?) Feb 22, 1893 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
7 Win 6–0–1 Unknown KO 2 (?) Feb 12, 1893 Milan, Tennessee, U.S.
6 Win 5–0–1 Jim Conners KO 3 (?) Jan 27, 1893 Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
5 Win 4–0–1 Jim Dickson KO 5 (?) Jan 11, 1893 Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S.
4 Draw 3–0–1 Herbert Hale PTS 8 Nov 12, 1892 Third St. Garden, Columbus, Indiana, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Bob Lewis KO 1 (?) Sep 14, 1892 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Billy Barlow PTS 6 Jun 6, 1892 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Peter Jenkins PTS 4 Jun 2, 1891 Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ The corkscrew punch, in boxing, is a blow delivered with a twisting of the wrist. Kid McCoy is often credited for inventing it. It was believed, in McCoy's era, that the technique added power to a punch and sometimes cut the skin of opponents. In that era, boxers had much less hand protection. Other boxers known for using the technique include Harry Harris (1880–1959). Muhammed Ali (1942–2016) used a similar technique, but different enough to claim he invented it.
  2. ^ The etymology of the expression, "the real McCoy," has also been attributed to Elijah McCoy (1844–1929), a Canadian-born African-American inventor and engineer.

References

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  1. ^ The Rise and Fall of the "Union Club!" or, Boy Life in Canada; by James S. Bond; Yorkville: Royal Publishing Company (1881); Chapter 1 (of 14): "The Curtain Rises," p. 1; OCLC 78839694, 894251375
  2. ^ "Did the phrase 'the real McCoy' derive from boxer Kid McCoy?" by Brian Cronin, Los Angeles Times, October 4, 2012
  3. ^ "Photo Storiettes: Wallace Reid" in The World's Champion, Film Fun (New York: Leslie-Judge Company), Vol. 35, p. 396, April 1922, p. 60; OCLC 7227261
  4. ^ "Throng at Mors Funeral - The Curious Swarm at Services for Woman Murdered in Los Angeles". New York Times. August 28, 1924. p. 17. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  5. ^ "The Many Lives of Norman Selby, the "Real McCoy"". 18 May 2020.
  6. ^ "Cupid, Love's Referee, Counts Nine on Kid McCoy, But He's Not Out, Yet!" (Press Publishing Co.), by Marguerite Mooers Marshall (1887–1964), Billings Gazette, August 22, 1920, p. 2 (2nd ed.) (accessible via Newspapers.com, subscription required)
  7. ^ Kid McCoy … Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Cyber Boxing Zone)
  8. ^ "Kid McCoy," Encyclopædia Britannica Online (retrieved June 3, 2009)
  9. ^ Mitchell, Dawn (February 27, 2014). "The tragic life of Charles "Kid" McCoy". The Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original on July 17, 2015. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
  10. ^ Casselman, William Gordon (2006). "The Real McCoy". Bill Casselman’s Canadian Word of the Day. Archived from the original on April 27, 2011. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
  11. ^ British Lightweight Championship - Wrestling-Titles.com - Accessed 14 August 2017
  12. ^ "BoxRec: Charles Kid McCoy".
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