Louis 'Kid' Kaplan

Biography

Louis "Kid" Kaplan, born on October 15, 1901, in Kyiv, Ukraine, and raised in Meriden, Connecticut, USA, emerged as one of the most tenacious and skilled featherweights of the roaring 1920s. Standing just 5 feet 2 inches tall with a 62.6-inch reach, Kaplan may have been undersized even for his division. However, he compensated with relentless aggression, remarkable durability, and a sharp boxing brain honed in countless battles across smoky fight halls and bustling arenas.

Kaplan's early life was shaped by adversity. Born in Ukraine, he emigrated to the United States as a child to escape political unrest and growing antisemitism. Boxing became both a refuge and a means of survival. Fighting out of the orthodox stance, Kaplan turned professional on March 7, 1918, in Meriden, Connecticut, scoring a first-round knockout over Young Rocco. From that night onward, it was clear that Kaplan carried not just the will to fight but also the natural instincts of a ring technician.

The young featherweight honed his craft in an era where fighters learned on the job, often fighting multiple times a month. Kaplan was no exception, climbing the ranks through sheer determination and an aggressive, crowd-pleasing style. By the early 1920s, he was already considered one of the most promising contenders in the featherweight division.

His defining moment came on January 2, 1925, when Kaplan faced Danny Kramer for the vacant World Featherweight Title in New York. The fight was a bruising affair, with Kaplan's pressure and volume punching proving too much for Kramer. After 15 rounds, Kaplan was crowned the featherweight champion of the world, etching his name into boxing history. His victory secured him the title and positioned him as one of the most respected champions in the division.

During his reign, Kaplan distinguished himself by defending the featherweight crown, showcasing his relentless work rate and impressive resilience against some of the best contenders of the day. His bouts often became gruelling, with Kaplan absorbing punishment only to outlast and outfight his opponents in the championship rounds. The featherweight division of the 1920s was brimming with talent, and Kaplan's name sat comfortably alongside the era's greats.

Kaplan eventually vacated his title in 1927 after moving up in weight, seeking opportunities in the lightweight division. Although he never recaptured championship glory, he remained a highly respected contender and a formidable opponent for anyone willing to share a ring with him. His later career was marked by battles with rising talents, seasoned veterans, and champions across multiple weight classes.

In his final bout on February 20, 1933, Kaplan faced the highly skilled Cocoa Kid in New Haven. After ten hard rounds, Kaplan dropped a points decision. It was a symbolic end to a career that had seen him rise from obscurity to the pinnacle of boxing's featherweight division. With his gloves hung up, Kaplan stepped away from the sport after nearly 15 years of professional fighting.

Kaplan retired with 108 wins, 17 losses, and 13 draws, including 26 knockouts. His legacy is not merely found in the numbers but in how he fought—with heart, grit, and an unyielding spirit. He was a product of his time, a fighter who endured the harsh realities of early 20th-century boxing, where careers were forged in dimly lit rings and resilience was the greatest asset a boxer could possess.

After retirement, Kaplan lived a relatively quiet life in Connecticut. He passed away on October 26, 1970, at the age of 69. His contributions to the sport remain etched in history, a testament to a fighter who defied the odds, carried the weight of his community and left behind a legacy as one of the greatest featherweights of his era.