Remembering Bob Godwin from USA
Hello Boxing enthusiasts, its actually been awhile I write about one of my favourite sport, and this time will be talking about Bob Godwin of United States of America, not so famous as his name was Robert Godwin later changed to Bob which I believe that's due to personal reasons best known to him.
He was born on May 5, 1911, in Moultree, Georgia, USA. He was an American professional boxer, who became the world light heavyweight champion in 1933. His boxing career spans from 1926 to 1941. Godwin fought against Mike McTigue on April 7, 1930, it was a 10-round fight where Godwin won by PTS. Although Godwin remained more aggressive, McTigue seemed to land more shots throughout the evening and the decision was not well received by the crowd. The boxers were criticized for showing little effort in combat.
Godwin won the National Boxing Association (NBA) light heavyweight world title against Joe Knight on March 1, 1933. Godwin won a 10-round PTS fight. Godwin employed an excellent block early in the fight. Although he took a lot of hard shots, he stayed aggressive and won the infight, particularly after Knight tired midway through the fight. With remarkable stamina, Godwin took a beating in the fight, ending up with both eyes badly swollen. It was a primitive match that required limited boxing skills or leadership in the ring.
Three weeks later, on March 24, 1933, before a crowd of 11,000 people at Madison Square Garden. Godwin fought Maxie Rosenbloom for the world light heavyweight title. Godwin was defeated in the fourth round via TKO, thus losing the belt in a unification match. Many reporters believed that the young Godwin had injuries from his previous fight with Knight. Suspicions were confirmed when Godwin entered the ring with white tape near both eyes. Rosenbloom immediately began hammering at Godwin's injured eyes, which were bleeding profusely. Many in the ring felt the fight was a disgrace.
On March 22, 1934 Godwin fought Johnny Risko in a 10 round match, where Godwin won by PTS. Godwin scored a clear margin over his older and heavier opponent, though Risko rallied to take the seventh and eighth rounds. Pounding with straight left and right jabs, he had his opponent stunned in the third. Godwin put on the biggest display of him in that round, already leading by a wide margin by round six. Godwin retired after a series of defeats in 1941. He died on August 1, 1980 at the age of 69, in Daytona Beach, Florida, USA.