81 years ago

Date: 21st May 1943

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA

Title: NYSAC World Lightweight Title

Promoter: Mike Jacobs

Beau Jack
( 53 - 6 - 2 )
Weight: 135 lbs

Bob Montgomery
( 50 - 6 - 3 )
Weight: 134 lbs

On May 21, 1943, Madison Square Garden in New York City hosted a pivotal lightweight championship bout between Beau Jack and Bob Montgomery. This match marked their first professional encounter and was contested for the NYSAC World Lightweight Title.

Jack, the defending champion, weighed 135 pounds, while challenger Montgomery was slightly lighter at 134 pounds. The fight was scheduled for 15 rounds, a standard championship distance for the era.

From the opening bell, the bout showcased contrasting styles. Jack, known for his aggressive, swarming tactics, started strong, winning the first round decisively with a flurry of uppercuts and his signature free-wheeling punching style. However, Montgomery quickly adapted to Jack's onslaught.

As the fight progressed, Montgomery's superior technical skills, particularly his straight right hand, became the dominant factor. He found consistent success countering Jack's attacks, often catching the champion coming in. Jack struggled to find an effective defence against Montgomery's precise punching.

The bout's intensity peaked in the eleventh round when Montgomery landed a powerful right to Jack's chin, briefly sending the champion to his knees. This knockdown seemed to solidify Montgomery's control over the fight.

Jack showed tremendous heart and conditioning in the later rounds, continuing to press forward despite taking significant punishment. However, Montgomery's more measured approach and accurate punching maintained his lead on the scorecards.

After 15 gruelling rounds, the decision went to the judges. All three officials scored the bout in Montgomery's favour by wide margins. Judge Marty Monroe saw it 9-6, while Judge Bill Healy had it 10-5. The third scorecard was even more decisive at 10-3-2, all for Montgomery.

Referee Arthur Donovan oversaw the action, ensuring a fair contest between these lightweight elites. The bout showcased Montgomery's ability to neutralize Jack's aggressive style, marking a changing of the guard in the lightweight division.

This fight not only crowned a new champion but also set the stage for a memorable rivalry between Jack and Montgomery, who would face each other thrice in their careers. The bout exemplified the high level of competition in the 1940s lightweight division and remained a significant chapter in both fighters' storied careers.