Young Griffo vs. Jack Lewis (1st meeting)

Young Griffo beat Jack Lewis by PTS in round 6 of 6

• Date: 1900-01-06
• Location: Chicago A.C., Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Venue: Chicago A.C.


Griffo’s first fight after his release from the Dunning Insane Asylum. Griffo was committed to the mental institution on March 23, 1899 after being declared insane by a jury of physicians. He was arrested on March 18th in a downtown saloon, while “boxing wildly with the air and screeching demonically.” According to the New York Times (March 19, 1899), “while confined in a cell at the station house, he made several attempts to kill himself by striking his head against the bars and stone walls. His cries could be heard a block away. At times Griffith imagines he is engaged in a pugilistic fight, and the flesh of his hands is lacerated because of attacks he makes on the walls.”


Associated Press, January 7, 1900:

“Chicago, Jan. 6.—‘Young Griffo’ made his reappearance in the ring to-night at the Chicago Athletic Club. His opponent was Jack Lewis, a local lightweight. The bout was for six rounds and Griffo was given the decision, having had the best of it all the way through.”


Brooklyn Eagle, January 8, 1900:

“Young Griffo showed on Saturday night that his incarceration in the insane asylum had in no way interfered with his fighting qualities. In a six round bout with Jack Lewis, a local fighter, he won, simply playing with the local man throughout.”