Young Griffo vs. Billy Lewis

Young Griffo beat Billy Lewis 160 lbs by PTS in round 10 of 10

• Date: 1898-01-11
• Location: Vallejo, California, USA
• Referee: Tom Sharkey

• Referee: Tom Sharkey

Chicago Tribune, January 13, 1898:

“The fifteen-round glove contest between Young Griffo and Frank McConnell did not take place. Owing to the smallness of the house McConnell refused to enter the ring, saying there was not enough money in sight.

“After a protracted wrangle Billy Lewis was chosen as a substitute for McConnell. Tom Sharkey was accepted as referee. Rough and tumble fighting was the order. Sharkey was kept busy preventing the men from clinching. As the bell sounded both men were on the floor in a clinch. In the second round Griffo landed hard several times on Lewis’ jaw and neck and wind with his left. Lewis was strong, but inclined to fight foul. At the opening of the third round Griffo landed his left three times on the jaw in quick succession. Lewis countered a wicked uppercut with his right. In trying to part them Sharkey got a smash on the ear from Lewis, who promptly apologized. Griffo landed several times in the fourth round, Lewis apparently holding his jaw out to be hit. In the last round Lewis uppercut in a clinch and again hit Sharkey, this time below the belt. Lewis showed a bruised face and red blotches on his chest. Griffo was red but was not punished. At the sound of the gong Sharkey gave the fight to Griffo. Lewis weighed 160 pounds, and was not trained for the contest.”