Freddie Steele vs. Babe Risko (3rd meeting)
Babe Risko 158 lbs lost to Freddie Steele 157 lbs by UD in round 15 of 15
- Date: 1937-02-19
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, USA
- Referee: Arthur Donovan 4-11
- Judge: 4-11
"Freddie Steele of Tacoma, Wash., Friday night retained his middleweight title by scoring a smashing 15-round decision victory over former champion Eddie (Babe) Risko of Syracuse, N.Y., in MSG. The young veteran from the Pacific Northwest won the unanimous decision of referee Artie Donovan and two judges as he scored his 3rd straight victory over Risko whom he won the title last July. Steele did nothing more than give the stocky challenger a fine boxing lesson. Only once - in the 6th round - did the champion's vaunted right flash home. It staggered Babe momentarily, but it came almost at the bell and Steele couldn't follow up. Steele was unable to connect more than once with his slashing right because Risko, when in trouble, kept dancing back out of danger. There were no knockdowns." -United Press
- Unofficial UP scorecard - 9-5-1 Steele
- Steele's best round - the 6th - was given to Risko due to a low blow by Steele. Steele, however, was given the 12th due to an infraction by Risko.
- In order to secure this match, Risko had to guarantee Steele $25,000 from the proceeds of the gate. However, the gate only realized $17,802.23. Not only did Risko not earn a purse, but he was on the hook for the balance owed Steele.
- Attendance - 11,665