Jimmy McLarnin vs. Sammy Mandell (1st meeting)
Jimmy McLarnin 135 lbs lost to Sammy Mandell 135 lbs by UD in round 15 of 15
- Date: 1928-05-21
- Location: Polo Grounds, New York, New York, USA
- Referee: Lou Magnolia
Because of bad weather, this bout was postponed from May 17 to May 18, then to May 21.
"The lightweight division still boasts the same old ruler - dapper Sammy Mandell - but if ever they award titles for raw courage in the prize ring, Irish Jimmy McLarnin must be crowned king of them all. For 15 rounds Mandell slashed and tore Monday night at the body and chin of the McLarnin kid. There was not a dissenting voice in the crowd of less than 25,000 that gathered in the big National League ball park for the most important lightweight battle in the past five years. For every one of those 15 rounds, McLarnin, hoping always to land the smash that stowed away Sid Terris, piled into the champion - and into a storm of punches that battered his features almost beyond recognition. McLarnin fought hardest of all to gain the 14th round and end his title try, almost blind, bleeding profusely from the nose, in a gallant last ditch struggle in the final round." -Associated Press
- Unofficial AP scorecard - 9-3-3 Mandell
- Post fight comment: "Gee, I'm tired. I fought the gamest man I ever faced. I'm still the champion, but the next lightweight king will be Jimmy McLarnin." -Sammy Mandell