Young Griffo vs. Tommy White (2nd meeting)

Young Griffo lost to Tommy White by RTD in round 1 of 6

• Date: 1904-02-10
• Location: Twenty-second Ward A.C., Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Venue: Twenty-second Ward A.C.


Two fights with Tommy White “framed” Griffo’s career in the United States and took place 10 years apart in Chicago.


George Siler, Chicago Tribune, February 11, 1904:

“Young Griffo’s pugilistic career was punctured beyond repair at the Twenty-second Ward Athletic club’s show last night. He was slated to wind up the entertainment with Tommy White, and as his recent contests with Martin Judge and George Memsic demonstrated he was regaining his old time form an excellent and scientific contest was anticipated. Instead it ended before it had been in progress two minutes. They began with straight lefts, and after a few deliveries dropped into a clinch. A little fiddling followed when White let go left and right, the blow from the latter member landing full on Griffo’s jaw, sending him down for the count of five. This unexpected happening surprised the crowd, and when a moment later Grif walked to his corner as though he had given up the battle the crowd was dumbfounded. He resumed the fray after a short spell, but when Tommy cut loose at him again he turned tall, covered his face with his gloves, and practically quit. When asked what ailed him, he said he was ill, but the opinion of the crowd was he was in no condition to box. This will undoubtedly end Grif’s career as a fighter.

“White announced he would meet Abe Attell at 126 punds or any man in town at that weight. Tommy showed much of his old time skill and if anything appeared to hit harder. His right jolt which sent Griffo down was neatly planted and had much force behind it.”


George Siler, Chicago Tribune, February 14, 1904:

“Unfortunately ‘Grif’ was not in the condition expected and instead of giving the spectators an exhibition of his skill he quit after less than two minutes’ work. He shaped up as of old, but was quickly toppled over with a clip on the chin.

“He backed away when he regained his feet, then walked to his corner, indicating he had enough. He took the center again, however, but after a few exchanges, in which he was the receiver general, he covered up, walked to the ropes, and stopped. Griffo is pugilistically dead in this town, as no club would dare give him another chance.”