Morrie Sherman

Morrie Sherman
Personal information
NicknameMurray
BornMoshe Sherman
(1909-06-18)June 18, 1909
New York, U.S.
Height5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
WeightWelterweight
Boxing career
Boxing record
Total fights94
Wins63
Win by KO7
Losses17
Draws14

Morrie "Murray" Sherman (born Moshe Sherman) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1927 to 1936. He held the USA Michigan State welterweight title from 1929 to 1931, defending it eight times.

Boxing career

Fighting out of Detroit, Michigan, Sherman went 16–4–4 in his first 24 professional bouts, before defeating Earl Wirth for the vacant USA Michigan State welterweight title on June 25, 1929.

On July 25, 1929, Sherman outpointed Billy Taylor over six rounds. On August 19, Sherman faced former three-time world welterweight champion Jack Britton in Grand Rapids, Michigan, earning a ten-round decision victory. On October 10, he faced former world lightweight champion Jimmy Goodrich, fighting him to a ten-round draw to retain his Michigan State welterweight title.

On May 9, 1930, Sherman faced Billy Light for the second time. After dropping a decision in their first meeting, Sherman reversed the result, earning a decision victory in the rematch.

On March 3, 1931, Sherman successfully defended his Michigan State welterweight title against Jack December, earning a ten-round decision victory.

On February 9, 1932, Sherman made his New York City debut at St. Nicholas Arena against Jimmy Abbott in the co-main event of a card headlined by Benny Leonard and Billy McMahon. Sherman knocked out Abbott one minute and 38 seconds into the sixth round. On March 18, Sherman faced Czech Olympian Franta Nekolny at Madison Square Garden, with the bout ending in a ten-round draw. On April 1, Sherman earned a ten-round decision victory over Phil Rafferty.

On July 17, 1934, Sherman faced future world colored welterweight and middleweight champion Cocoa Kid, who outpointed him over six rounds in a fast-paced contest. On October 29, Sherman fought Izzy Jannazzo to a draw over eight rounds.

On April 6, 1935, Sherman faced reigning Mexican welterweight champion Kid Azteca at the Arena Nacional in Mexico City, losing a one-sided decision after absorbing heavy punishment throughout the bout.

In his final professional bout on June 22, 1936, Sherman faced three-division world champion and reigning world welterweight champion Barney Ross in a non-title bout in Omaha, Nebraska, losing by second-round knockout.

Sherman retired in 1936 with a professional record of 63–17–14 including 7 victories by knockout. Between May 1930 and August 1932, Sherman was ranked as high as the No. 10 welterweight contender in the world by The Ring magazine. He was trained by Detroit boxing manager and promoter Al Werbe in 1930.

Later life

After retiring from boxing, Sherman spent decades as a referee and judge in Detroit, Michigan, officiating bouts involving former world champions Archie Moore, Ike Williams, and Jake LaMotta.

One of the most notable bouts Sherman refereed took place on October 21, 1949, between future world welterweight champion Kid Gavilán and Lester Felton at Olympia Stadium, with Felton earning a controversial split-decision victory. Gavilán later claimed that during the fight he heard Sherman say something to Felton that he believed was an instruction to "make a point." Amid suspicions of gambling surrounding the result, Detroit Police Commissioner Harry S. Toy ordered an investigation. On October 27, the Michigan State Boxing Commission suspended Sherman and judge Sam Pearlstein over their scoring of the bout. The commission ultimately cleared Sherman and Pearlstein of wrongdoing on November 5, although Toy continued the police investigation amid suspicions of a betting scheme.

Personal life

Sherman was Jewish. His younger brother Jackie was also a professional boxer.

Professional boxing record

94 fights 63 wins 17 losses
By knockout 7 4
By decision 56 13
Draws 14
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
94 Loss 63–17–14 Barney Ross KO 2 (10) Jun 22, 1936 City Auditorium, Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
93 Loss 63–16–14 Frankie Misko PTS 10 Nov 29, 1935 Armory, Bay City, Michigan, U.S.
92 Draw 63–15–14 Johnny Phagan PTS 10 Nov 25, 1935 Marigold Gardens, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
91 Win 63–15–13 Carl Duva TKO 6 (10) Aug 5, 1935 Hinchliffe Stadium, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
90 Win 62–15–13 Thurston McKinney PTS 10 Jun 20, 1935 Armory, Muskegon, Michigan, U.S.
89 Win 61–15–13 Eddie Speaks KO 1 (10) Jun 10, 1935 Arena Gardens Bowl, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
88 Win 60–15–13 Red Speaks KO 1 (10) May 24, 1935 Arena Gardens, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
87 Loss 59–15–13 Kid Azteca PTS 10 Apr 6, 1935 Arena Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
86 Win 59–14–13 Carl Duva PTS 10 Mar 14, 1935 Music Hall, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
85 Draw 58–14–13 Christy Lewis PTS 10 Feb 22, 1935 Music Hall, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
84 Win 58–14–12 Pedro Nieves KO 6 Feb 12, 1935 Orpheum Theatre, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
83 Draw 57–14–12 Christy Lewis PTS 10 Jan 31, 1935 Music Hall, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
82 Draw 57–14–11 Ray Napolitano PTS 10 Jan 15, 1935 Armory, Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S.
81 Win 57–14–10 Frankie Hughes PTS 10 Dec 3, 1934 Riding & Hunting Club, Washington, D.C., U.S.
80 Win 56–14–10 Antonio Dominguez SD 8 Nov 12, 1934 Riding & Hunting Club, Washington, D.C., U.S.
79 Draw 55–14–10 Izzy Jannazzo PTS 8 Oct 29, 1934 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
78 Win 55–14–9 Johnny O'Keefe PTS 10 Oct 25, 1934 Passaic, New Jersey, U.S.
77 Win 54–14–9 Eddie Moore PTS 10 Sep 21, 1934 Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
76 Win 53–14–9 Matty Mario PTS 10 Aug 30, 1934 Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
75 Win 52–14–9 Mickey Salem TKO 4 (8) Aug 20, 1934 Meadowbrook Bowl, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
74 Loss 51–14–9 Cocoa Kid PTS 6 Jul 17, 1934 Coney Island Velodrome, Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
73 Win 51–13–9 Jay Macedon PTS 10 Jul 12, 1934 Convention Hall, Asbury Park, New Jersey, U.S.
72 Win 50–13–9 Mickey Salem KO Jun 28, 1934 Armory, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
71 Draw 49–13–9 Johnny O'Keefe PTS 10 May 31, 1934 Market Street Arena, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
70 Win 49–13–8 Tony Rock PTS 10 May 8, 1934 Municipal Auditorium, Kingston, New York, U.S.
69 Draw 48–13–8 Johnny Phagan PTS 10 Oct 27, 1933 Cicero Stadium, Cicero, Illinois, U.S.
68 Loss 48–13–7 Billy Holt SD 10 Feb 24, 1933 Northside Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
67 Loss 48–12–7 Frankie Misko PTS 10 Jan 23, 1933 Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
66 Loss 48–11–7 Jack December PTS 10 Dec 14, 1932 Arena Gardens, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
65 Loss 48–10–7 Paulie Walker PTS 10 Dec 9, 1932 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
64 Win 48–9–7 Eddie McKenna PTS 8 Nov 14, 1932 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
63 Win 47–9–7 Lew Schaffer PTS 10 Sep 29, 1932 Baseball Stadium, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
62 Win 46–9–7 Frankie Petrolle PTS 10 Aug 19, 1932 Beach Casino, Asbury Park, New Jersey, U.S.
61 Loss 45–9–7 King Tut PTS 10 May 13, 1932 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
60 Win 45–8–7 Charley Johnson PTS 10 May 2, 1932 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
59 Win 44–8–7 Phil Rafferty PTS 10 Apr 1, 1932 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
58 Draw 43–8–7 Franta Nekolny PTS 10 Mar 18, 1932 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
57 Win 43–8–6 Jimmy Abbott KO 6 (8) Feb 29, 1932 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
56 Win 42–8–6 Jimmy Hill PTS 10 Feb 1, 1932 Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
55 Win 41–8–6 Pee Wee Jarrell PTS 10 Dec 18, 1931 Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
54 Loss 40–8–6 Jimmy Hill KO 2 (10) Nov 10, 1931 Armory, Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
53 Win 40–7–6 Billy Brophy PTS ? Nov 2, 1931 Ypsilanti, Michigan, U.S.
52 Win 39–7–6 Tug Phillips PTS 10 Oct 14, 1931 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
51 Win 38–7–6 My Sullivan PTS 10 Jul 31, 1931 Amphitheatre Rink, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
50 Win 37–7–6 Pete Petroskey PTS 10 Jun 25, 1931 Muskegon, Michigan, U.S.
49 Win 36–7–6 Johnny Clancy PTS 10 May 28, 1931 Thumb Arena, Port Huron, Michigan, U.S. Retained USA Michigan State welterweight title
48 Win 35–7–6 Harry Fine PTS 10 Apr 28, 1931 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
47 Win 34–7–6 Billy Bulley PTS 8 Apr 7, 1931 Mount Clemens, Michigan, U.S.
46 Win 33–7–6 Jack December PTS 10 Mar 3, 1931 Mount Clemens, Michigan, U.S. Retained USA Michigan State welterweight title
45 Win 32–7–6 Frankie White PTS 6 Jan 26, 1931 Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
44 Loss 31–7–6 Tug Phillips KO 8 (10) Oct 9, 1930 Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
43 Win 31–6–6 Freddie Fitzgerald PTS 10 Sep 29, 1930 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
42 Win 30–6–6 Freddie Fitzgerald PTS 10 Aug 26, 1930 Hamtramck Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
41 Draw 29–6–6 Howard McLain PTS 10 Jul 24, 1930 Lansing, Michigan, U.S. Retained USA Michigan State welterweight title
40 Win 29–6–5 Mel Tipton PTS 10 May 15, 1930 Saginaw, Michigan, U.S. Retained USA Michigan State welterweight title
39 Win 28–6–5 Billy Light PTS 8 May 9, 1930 Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
38 Win 27–6–5 Billy Alger PTS 10 Apr 23, 1930 Dreamland, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
37 Win 26–6–5 Giuseppe Reguzzoni PTS 10 Apr 2, 1930 Danceland Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Retained USA Michigan State welterweight title
36 Loss 25–6–5 Giuseppe Reguzzoni PTS 10 Feb 26, 1930 Danceland Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
35 Loss 25–5–5 Billy Light PTS 10 Feb 12, 1930 Danceland Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
34 Win 25–4–5 Freddie Bernard PTS 6 Jan 31, 1930 Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
33 Win 24–4–5 Twain Marks PTS 10 Dec 11, 1929 Westside Athletic Club, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
32 Win 23–4–5 Sammy Caruso PTS 10 Nov 22, 1929 Lansing, Michigan, U.S. Retained USA Michigan State welterweight title
31 Draw 22–4–5 Jimmy Goodrich PTS 10 Oct 10, 1929 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Retained USA Michigan State welterweight title
30 Win 22–4–4 Billy Stob DQ 5 (10) Oct 2, 1929 Danceland Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Retained USA Michigan State welterweight title
29 Win 21–4–4 Billy Stob PTS 10 Sep 3, 1929 Mack Park, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Retained USA Michigan State welterweight title
28 Win 20–4–4 Jack Britton PTS 10 Aug 19, 1929 Ramona Baseball Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
27 Win 19–4–4 Billy Taylor PTS 6 Jul 25, 1929 State Fairgrounds Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
26 Win 18–4–4 Butch Otto PTS 10 Jul 9, 1929 Saginaw, Michigan, U.S. Retained USA Michigan State welterweight title
25 Win 17–4–4 Earl Wirth PTS 10 Jun 25, 1929 Lansing, Michigan, U.S. Won vacant USA Michigan State welterweight title
24 Win 16–4–4 Doty Turner PTS 10 Jun 10, 1929 Bay City, Michigan, U.S.
23 Win 15–4–4 Frank Grover NWS 10 May 24, 1929 Armory, Bay City, Michigan, U.S.
22 Draw 14–4–4 Johnny Bangert PTS 10 Mar 22, 1929 Bay City, Michigan, U.S.
21 Win 14–4–3 Butch Otto PTS 6 Mar 11, 1929 Fairview A.C., Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
20 Win 13–4–3 Joe Sharkey NWS 10 Feb 13, 1929 Elks Temple, Niles, Michigan, U.S.
19 Draw 12–4–3 Fritz Anderson PTS 8 Feb 5, 1929 Mount Clemens, Michigan, U.S.
18 Win 12–4–2 Doty Turner PTS 10 Jan 25, 1929 Bay City, Michigan, U.S.
17 Win 11–4–2 Morrie Baker PTS 8 Jan 12, 1929 Westside Athletic Club, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
16 Win 10–4–2 Ben Lozich PTS 6 Dec 5, 1928 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
15 Draw 9–4–2 Jack Storey PTS 8 Nov 26, 1928 Fairview A.C., Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
14 Loss 9–4–1 Freddy Middaugh NWS 6 Nov 16, 1928 Armory, Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
13 Win 9–3–1 Joey Oliver KO 6 Nov 1, 1928 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
12 Win 8–3–1 Frank Grover PTS 6 Oct 10, 1928 Danceland Arena, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
11 Win 7–3–1 Freddy Middaugh PTS 6 Sep 5, 1928 Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
10 Draw 6–3–1 Frank Grover NWS 8 Aug 30, 1928 Jackson, Michigan, U.S.
9 Loss 6–3–0 Jack Bentley TKO 5 (8) Jul 23, 1928 Broadway Bowl, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
8 Loss 6–2–0 Tommy Red Bragan PTS 4 Jul 11, 1928 Fairview A.C., Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
7 Win 6–1–0 Walter Majeske PTS 6 Jun 26, 1928 Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
6 Win 5–1–0 Mel Tipton PTS 6 Jun 19, 1928 Flint, Michigan, U.S.
5 Loss 4–1–0 Freddie Bernard PTS 6 May 17, 1928 Olympia Stadium, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
4 Win 4–0–0 Lorne Ayling PTS 6 Apr 9, 1928 Fairview A.C., Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
3 Win 3–0–0 Ben Lozich PTS 4 Mar 28, 1928 Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
2 Win 2–0–0 Harry Shervic PTS 4 Oct 3, 1927 Fairview A.C., Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
1 Win 1–0–0 Matt Priez PTS 4 Sep 26, 1927 Fairview A.C., Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

See also

Notes and references

Notes

  1. 1 2 Also spelled Morris.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "BoxRec: Morrie Sherman". BoxRec. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Morrie Sherman – Boxing". jewsinsports.org. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  3. 1 2 "LaMotta Showing Strain". virginiachronicle.com. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Masculino Box-pro USA Michigan State Titles - welter". BoxRec. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  5. ↑ "May Fine Dundee". newspaperhub.mnhs.org. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Sherman, Goodrich Draw". newspapers.library.in.gov. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Michigan Fighter Beats Billy Light". newspaperhub.mnhs.org. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  8. ↑ "Van Hook-Milski To Go At Arena". digmichnews.cmich.edu. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Leonard Defeats M'Mahon On Points". New York Times. March 1, 1932. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Friday Night Results". newspapers.library.in.gov. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Fight Results". cdnc.ucr.edu. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  12. ↑ "Cocoa Kid Best". newspapers.library.in.gov. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Izzy Jannazzo" (PDF). ibroresearch.com. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Kid Azteca Vencio Anoche A Sherman". cdnc.ucr.edu. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  15. ↑ "Boxing". cdnc.ucr.edu. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  16. ↑ "Barney Ross". trove.nla.gov.au. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  17. ↑ "BoxerList: Morrie Sherman". boxerlist.com. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Morrie Sherman Boxing Rankings History". box-rank.com. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  19. ↑ "Marwood Apartments, page 18" (PDF). detroitmi.gov. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  20. ↑ "Lester Felton vs. Kid Gavilan". BoxRec. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  21. ↑ "BoxRec: Morrie Sherman - Judge". BoxRec. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  22. ↑ "BoxRec: Morrie Sherman - Referee". BoxRec. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  23. ↑ "Lester Felton vs. Kid Gavilan". BoxRec. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  24. ↑ "Gavilan Charges "Fix" in Detroit Bout with Felton". oregonnews.uoregon.edu. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  25. ↑ "Fight Probe Still Proceeds". oregonnews.uoregon.edu. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  26. ↑ "Jewish Fighters" (PDF). library.brooklyn.cuny.edu. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  27. ↑ "Category:Jewish Boxers". BoxRec. Retrieved November 1, 2026.
  28. ↑ "Jackie Sherman - BoxRec". BoxRec. Retrieved November 1, 2026.