Goldie Hess

Goldie Hess (born Golden William Hess; September 14, 1909 – November 7, 1994) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1926 to 1934. He held the Pacific Coast lightweight title in 1930. Hess also challenged Jack Kid Berg for the NBA light welterweight title in 1931.

Boxing career

Fighting out of Ocean Park, Santa Monica, Hess compiled a 34–3–3 record over his first 40 professional bouts, all of which took place in California, including victories over Al Carreon and George Savage.

In April 1929, Hess debuted in The Ring magazine's divisional rankings as the world's No. 4-ranked featherweight contender. After outpointing Santiago Zorrilla over ten rounds, Hess was scheduled to face former NBA bantamweight champion Bud Taylor on June 4, 1929. However, a hand injury suffered by Taylor forced the bout to be postponed until June 11, when the two fought to a ten-round draw. That same month, Hess made his first appearance in The Ring's super featherweight rankings at No. 8.

On July 9, 1929, Hess faced reigning world super featherweight champion Tod Morgan in a non-title bout, earning a ten-round decision victory. Morgan suffered bruised ribs during the fight that left him sore for several weeks afterward. Following the victory, Hess rose to a career-high No. 1 ranking among the world's super featherweight contenders.

Hess was scheduled to face former world featherweight champion and future three-division world champion Tony Canzoneri in a ten-round bout on February 7, 1930. However, Canzoneri was forced to withdraw due to cuts above his eyes sustained in his recent bout with Jack Kid Berg. On July 1, 1930, Hess faced Johnny Lamar, who had recently been presented with the Pacific Coast lightweight championship belt by the Hollywood Legion. Hess dropped Lamar with a right to the jaw in the seventh round and floored him again in the eighth en route to a decision victory, wresting the title from Lamar. Three fights later on August 26, Hess finally met Canzoneri in a ten round bout at Queensboro Stadium in Long Island City, Queens. Aside from a cut over Canzoneri's right eye caused by an accidental clash of heads in the sixth round, Hess was thoroughly outclassed throughout the bout. Despite absorbing a sustained barrage of punches, Hess managed to remain on his feet for the full ten rounds before losing by decision.

On January 23, 1931, Hess entered as a 3-to-1 underdog when he challenged Jack Kid Berg for the NBA light welterweight title in a ten-round bout at Chicago Stadium. The two engaged in a fiercely contested battle, but Berg ultimately prevailed by decision to retain his title. Hess was scheduled to face Tony Canzoneri in a rematch on February 4, but the bout was canceled after Hess contracted influenza. Hess next fought Tod Morgan in a rematch for the California State Athletic Commission lightweight title. Entering as a slight underdog, Hess lost by decision over ten rounds. Hess next fought Bobby Pacho to a draw on May 8 before losing their rematch three weeks later. On July 1, he faced Tod Morgan in a rubber match at the Civic Ice Arena in Seattle, Washington, where he was outpointed over eight rounds. On July 13, Hess faced Pacho for the third and final time at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles, losing by decision over ten rounds.

On February 25, 1932, Hess faced Young Peter Jackson for the California State Athletic Commission lightweight title, losing by decision over ten rounds. On April 5, Hess defeated Roy Ockley in a close decision. On May 23, Hess faced Tommy Grogan at the Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, knocking him out just 17 seconds into the first round with a right hook followed by a left jab to the jaw. However, Grogan avenged the loss ten weeks later, outpointing Hess over ten rounds in a rematch. On November 11, Hess faced lightweight title contender and future three-division world champion Barney Ross at Chicago Stadium. Ross dominated the bout, landing punches at will with machine-gun-like speed and repeatedly staggering Hess, who managed to remain on his feet despite appearing close to being knocked down several times. Hess ultimately lost by unanimous decision, having been outpointed in every round.

After a layoff of more than two years, Hess returned to the ring on December 14, 1934, challenging Hubert Kid Dennis for the Montana State lightweight title. Having previously boasted that he had never been knocked off his feet, Hess was knocked out in the second round, suffering the only knockout loss of his career in what proved to be his final professional fight.

Hess retired with a professional record of 47–22–8, including 15 wins by knockout. From April 1929 through March 1930, he spent nine months ranked among the top eight contenders in his division by The Ring.

Later life

Hess resided in Redondo Beach, California. Following his retirement from boxing, he remained involved in the sport as a manager, working with fighters such as Georgie Crouch.

Personal life

Hess was Jewish. His brother Charlie was also a professional boxer. Hess was married to his wife, Helen, with whom he had a daughter, Diane, born in 1935.

Professional boxing record

See also

• List of male boxers

References

External links

• Goldie Hess at BoxRec (registration required)