Mysterious Billy Smith, Jr.

Post Reply
Ric
Editor
Editor
Posts: 2964
Joined: 28 Dec 2001, 20:00

Mysterious Billy Smith, Jr.

Post by Ric »

Record:
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=136720

Per the May 5, 1922 Tacoma News Tribune. Fort Lewis, Washington lightweight soldier Bernard Barde is the son of Mysterious Billy Smith, Sr.

Barde's record, so far:
http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=209572

Are these two different sons?
Or, Mysterious Billy Smith, Jr., could actually be Bernard Barde.
Matt
Editor
Editor
Posts: 2290
Joined: 28 Dec 2001, 20:00

Post by Matt »

According to the January 14, 1923 Oregonian Smith who was 21 was to be making his "first public appearance" at the next Armory show (January 19). According to the article "Smith (Sr.) has been keeping the boy's light hidden under a bushel to date, until he should become strong and confident and absorb of his dad's ring tactics."

Of course that last little bit could lead one to believe that Billy Smith Sr. was having him fight under an alias in Tacoma so he wouldn't draw attention back home as the son of the former champ.

Let me know if you have a photo, I can probably confirm it for sure then.
Post Reply